1. First steps before moving to Colorado
Finding a job
Colorado’s allure as a destination for employment is intricately tied to the breathtaking natural landscapes that envelop residents. This unique feature often prompts individuals to relish refreshing walks during their work breaks, embracing the picturesque surroundings. Colorado boasts an illustrious reputation as it has maintained one of the most robust and steady job markets since the mid-1990s.
Within this flourishing job market, certain professions remain particularly sought after. Registered nurses, customer service representatives, accountants, auditors, and construction workers find themselves in high demand. The availability of such positions and the chance to revel in Colorado’s stunning scenery make it a compelling choice for those seeking both career opportunities and a deep connection with nature.
Getting there
How Far Is Colorado From Texas?
If you’ve finally decided to move to Colorado from Texas, you need to analyze your travel options. If you wish to travel by plane, the cheapest month to travel from Texas to Colorado is August, whereas November and December will cost you the highest. If you’re looking for a road trip, traveling by bus or car is also another option to go to Colorado. The bus timings might include a layover time of two hours.
The time difference between Colorado and Texas is 1 hour. The distance between Texas and Colorado is 730 miles. Driving from Texas to Colorado will take you 12 hours whereas the flight time is around 2 hours. The flight from Texas to Colorado will cost you around $200.
If you’re taking a flight for your move from Texas to Colorado and don’t know how to transport your belongings, check out the best long-distance moving companies.
Must dos before your arrival
- Update Your Address: Changing your address is a crucial step when relocating. You can easily set up mail forwarding either online or in person before your move. Remember to update your address with various organizations, including the SSA, DMV, and home services. To ensure you don’t miss any important notifications, refer to our comprehensive change of address checklist, which covers all the places you need to update when moving.
- Weather Preparedness: Be ready for Colorado’s diverse weather like the heavy snowfall in the winter. Check local forecasts and pack accordingly, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the region’s climate variations.
- Apartment Hunting: Plan ahead by researching and scheduling apartment visits before your arrival. This proactive approach will help streamline your housing search process and ensure a smoother transition.
2.Upon your arrival in Colorado
Must dos right upon your arrival
- Get familiar with your neighborhood, and make sure to take note of the important emergency numbers.
- Locate the essential facilities like the nearest hospital, police station, and fire department for your safety and in case of emergency.
- Roaming around the city for work or just simply checking on it, it would be great to purchase a daily transit pass to save money.
How much does local transportation cost
Public transport in Colorado is widely available. For example, Colorado’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers bus, rail, and light rail services to Denver, Boulder, and nearby cities.
|
Type of fare |
Rate |
|
Single ticket |
$3.00 |
|
10-Ride Ticket Book |
$28.00 |
|
Weekly pass |
$47.00 |
|
Monthly pass |
$114.00 |
Exchanging your driver’s license
Colorado DMV Change of Address
It’s important to notify the Colorado DMV of your change of address so that you can legally drive a vehicle in Colorado. When moving to Colorado from Texas, you’ll have 30 days to apply for a new driver’s license and 90 days to register your vehicle at the Colorado DMV.
- You don’t have to notify the Texas DMV of your move. Your Texas license and vehicle registration are valid until you get Colorado ones.
- You can only apply for a driver’s license and register your vehicle in-person at a Colorado DMV office.
- Bring your ID number, date of birth and SSN.
- A vision test may be required.
- You’ll pay a fee of around $30.
- You’ll need to surrender your Texas driver’s license to the Colorado DMV.
For more information, check out our article on how to notify the Colorado DMV of an address change.
Car Insurance in Texas vs Colorado
If you’re planning to move to Colorado from Texas, you might want to think about the big expenses and costs involved. You can expect to pay less for car insurance in Colorado than in Texas. The average yearly car insurance in Texas is $2125 whereas in Colorado it is $1416.
Setting up a bank account
When moving to Colorado from Texas, it’s essential to establish a local presence by setting up a bank account. This state follows the same procedures and regulations as in other states. Wells Fargo Bank has more than 100 branch locations in Colorado, and it is convenient for every local because it is accessible.
Getting health insurance
Getting health insurance is an excellent way to get peace of mind when it comes to your health. With health insurance, you will not have to worry about spending a ton of money in case of a health-related emergency. Healthcare is regulated by the state in the US and so the state of Colorado proposes a website to help you with your health insurance search. Simply choose Colorado as your state and create an account.
3.Best places to live in Colorado
Choosing to move to Colorado often means considering Denver. It is the fourth-best city in the United States for business and careers with a vibrant economy. It has so many high-paying jobs and a low unemployment rate.
The city has something for everyone to enjoy, from arts and entertainment to sports and food. As one of the most livable cities in Colorado, Denver features unique neighborhoods offering exceptional qualities such as a low crime rate, affordable housing, top-notch education, and access to public transit. If you are planning to live in Denver, here are the 8 best neighborhoods in Denver.
|
Neighborhood |
Characteristics |
|
Capitol Hill |
Best for walkability |
|
City Park |
80% of the area is a park |
|
North Park Hill |
Best for families |
|
Wellshire |
Best for safety |
|
Washington Park |
Best for the outdoorsy families |
|
Cherry Creek |
Best for a sophisticated & luxurious lifestyle |
|
South Park Hill |
Best for large families |
|
LoDo (Lower Downtown) |
Best for downtown living |
Denver vs Houston
Houston and Denver are both great cities with some noticeable differences. Houston is actually 4 times bigger than Denver in terms of land. The high altitude in Denver makes it colder than in Houston. Denver has a very strong and booming job market whereas Houston has a regular job market.
Denver vs Austin
Denver and Austin share some similarities such as fantastic weather, a strong economy, and a vibrant lifestyle. Denver is a great place if you’re someone who loves outdoor activities. In addition, Denver has a lot of diversity. If we talk about the cost of living, Denver is more expensive as compared to Austin. Austin has a low cost of living comparatively. The cost of transportation is almost the same for both Austin and Denver.
Setting up home services
To set up electricity, you can either contact or visit the website of Xcel Energy. It’s a reliable option for setting up electricity when you move to Colorado. To set up a water supply, you can contact Tri-County Water. For natural gas supply, you can contact Colorado Natural Gas by submitting a request on their website.
The best internet providers in Colorado will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.
Should you rent or buy?
In Colorado, the cost of owning a house averages around $562,400. When it comes to renting, a 1-bedroom apartment typically goes for approximately $1,645.50 in the state. Colorado has more than 2.5 million housing units, so the state offers plenty of options. For the beauty that Colorado offers, the housing costs are relatively fair. The property tax rate in Colorado is 6.765% of market value in 2024.
Learn more below.
Cost of rent in Colorado
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Denver (Outside of Center) |
$1,645.50 |
$2,964.00 |
Cost of buying a property in Colorado
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
Colorado |
$562,400 |
Home Insurance in Colorado
When getting a home insurance plan, the main thing that you need to check is coverage for natural disasters. In Colorado, tornadoes, avalanches and flooding can cause damage to a home. So, it is crucial to obtain an insurance plan which will cover the costs of any damage. Also, people who buy a home in Colorado may be required by their mortgage lender to acquire home insurance.
Pros and Cons of Living in Colorado
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
Why people regret moving to Colorado
While Colorado is great for its breathtaking sceneries and booming economy, some people actually regret moving there for the following reasons.
Regret #1
Homes are built too close to each other. The lack of space is the cause of smaller homes built too close to each other.
Regret #2
It mostly looks brown. While there are amazing views, there isn’t much greenery.
Regret #3
Many people who have moved to Colorado complain about the effects of high elevation. Indeed, Colorado is the highest American state, therefore some residents deal with altitude sickness.
Regret #4
Some people just can’t afford it anymore. With the cost of living in Colorado going up every year, some people have to leave because it’s not affordable anymore.#
4.Cost of living in Colorado vs Texas
Cost of living in Denver, Colorado
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$1,645.50 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($69.28 multiplied by 4) |
$277.12 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$183.72 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$77.34 |
|
Transit pass |
$114.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$77.75 |
|
Gym membership |
$57.00 |
|
Total |
$2,432.43 |
Cost of living in Houston, Texas
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$1,418.88 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($66.38 multiplied by 4) |
$265.52 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$237.45 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$84.70 |
|
Transit pass |
$80.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$105.00 |
|
Gym membership |
$71.28 |
|
Total |
$2,262.83 |
5. The weather in Colorado
On average, there are 300 sunny days per year in Denver, Colorado.
- Summer High: the July high is around 86°F
- Winter Low: the January low is around 16°F
- Precipitation: averages at 8-15 inches per year.
6. What to do as a local in Colorado
The breathtaking landscapes of Colorado offer a myriad of outdoor activities that cater to the diverse interests of its residents. From skiing and hiking the majestic 14,000-foot peaks to rock climbing and fishing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque state. Mountain biking is a common pastime among the locals, allowing them to embrace the serene beauty of the mountains.
For the more adventurous spirits, hunting and camping are easily accessible, providing ample opportunities to embrace the great outdoors. Additionally, the people of Colorado are passionate sports enthusiasts, particularly when it comes to supporting the Broncos.
7. Fun facts about Colorado
Fun Fact #1
The mountainous areas in Colorado are so vast that they are six times the size of Switzerland.
Fun Fact #2
Colorado is given the nickname “Centennial State” because it became a state after 100 years of independence.
Fun Fact #3
You can find the largest flat-top mountain in the world in Colorado.
Conclusion
Transitioning from Texas to Colorado holds numerous opportunities. Colorado’s thriving job market, captivating landscapes, and a wealth of outdoor activities make it an enticing prospect. Nonetheless, be ready for Colorado’s variable weather, including heavy winter snowfall.
Denver, with its strong economy and diverse neighborhoods, often ranks as a prime choice. While Colorado’s cost of living may slightly surpass that of Texas, the state’s advantages, like its scenic beauty and active lifestyle, render it an appealing destination. Notably, Colorado’s sales tax stands at a modest 2.9%, a notable contrast to Texas’s higher 6.25%.
Moving soon? Discover the best movers for your move from Texas to Colorado.
