Known as the "Mile High City" due to its elevation of exactly one mile above sea level, Denver is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Denver is located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains, just east of the Rocky Mountains. The area is a hub for outdoor recreation, with easy access to skiing, hiking, and other mountain activities.
If being on the spectator side of sports is more your speed, you’ll find plenty to do in Denver. The city is home to several professional sports teams, including the Denver Broncos (NFL), Colorado Rockies (MLB), Denver Nuggets (NBA), and Colorado Avalanche (NHL).
And if you need a little art and culture to break up the activity, check out Denver’s numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues. The Denver Art Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts are all world-class spots worth a trip or two (or more).
Although the city has quite the reputation as a craft beer hotspot, it isn’t all hackey-sack and cornhole tournaments. Denver has emerged in recent years as a growing tech hub, attracting both startups and established tech companies. The city's vibrant economy, highly educated workforce, and quality of life have contributed to its appeal for tech professionals and entrepreneurs.
Denver is a unique city with a great mix of sports, outdoor recreation, culture, and job opportunities, making it a fantastic place to live or visit.
Denver has a semi-arid climate, but like much of the state, the area does have four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are warm with low humidity, thanks to lots of sun. In fact, Denver is one of the sunniest cities in the United States, receiving about 300 days of sunshine per year on average.
The semi-arid conditions mean that precipitation in the Denver area is relatively low compared to other parts of the country. Most of the precipitation falls as snow during the winter months. Springtime can be windy, which takes getting used to if you’re new to the area. Sometimes winds are high enough to cause low visibility.
Denver’s real estate market is hot and typically stays that way. The median home price in the Denver metro area is higher than the national average, but home prices through the metro area do vary quite a bit based on property location and size.
Denver is known for its close-knit neighborhoods. From the historic Victorian homes of Capitol Hill to the trendy bars and restaurants of LoDo (Lower Downtown), there's something for everyone in Denver's vibrant communities. And don’t immediately turn up your nose at the suburbs. Aurora, Lakewood, and Littleton have plenty to offer.
Whether you need straightforward maintenance or guidance on a large-scale renovation, you’ll find plenty of qualified, experienced contractors and home service providers in Denver.
Mechanical contractors can help with routine service, emergency repairs, and everything in between when it comes to your home’s electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. For remodeling and renovation projects, be sure to work with a design/build firm or general contractor. These pros know how to take your vision and turn it into reality.
Since high winds are part of life in Denver, have the phone number of a roofing company on hand if you need an inspection or repair. And make sure you enjoy Denver’s beautiful, sunny weather by working with pest and mosquito control, landscaping, and outdoor living companies to turn your backyard into a comfy extension of your living room.
No matter what type of work you have in mind, interviewing several contractors is always a good idea. Ask for proof of their insurance coverage and licensure, too. A good contractor will be happy to reassure you.
Any contractor or service provider working at your house needs to have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. This is for your protection as well as theirs. All Best Pick companies are fully vetted for valid, active insurance policies and licenses to ensure that your outcome is a good one.
Colorado does not require state-level licensure for most house-related work. The state leaves most licensing up to individual counties and cities. The exceptions are electrical and plumbing work and jobs that involve pesticides and other controlled chemicals.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that some home improvement projects do require permits from the city of Denver before work can begin. City permits are typically required for projects that involve structural changes, electrical work, plumbing alterations, and additions to the property.
Good contractors will know exactly what your job requires when it comes to licensing and permits, but it’s always a good idea to do your due diligence. Check out the City of Denver website for more information. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies is another great resource.