Leaving Denver and the surrounding suburban areas and moving to the mountains is quite an adventure.
These kinds of journeys pay off for many with the crisp mountain air and a slower-paced type of life.
No matter why you are planning a move to the hills, it is a significant transition.
Preparing for the upcoming transition involves locating the right movers, prepping the house, and understanding mountain life.
There is much to know for a comfortable transition from the change in altitude to the overall environment.
Let’s review all that you need to know before heading out to Colorado’s mountain towns.
Embracing Mountain Life When Moving Up from the City
If you are heading from Denver to mountain towns, you will encounter a massive difference in the environment and potentially a positive boost in quality of life.
You suddenly have the chance to leave the city’s noise behind you and embrace the heart of nature.
Things are calmer, tranquil, and beautiful.
You can only indeed find this kind of peace in the Rocky Mountains.
With that being said, there is still an adjustment period.
You will notice a change in everything, from your daily tasks to general communal amenities.
Things are smaller and more intimate, making connecting with people and the world around you easier.
Developing that network is all apart from embracing the beauty you will be surrounded with daily.
The Overall Appeal of Moving to the Mountains
Whether you are booking cross-country movers to make your way to the mountains or don’t have to travel as far, you are in for a life-changing experience.
Pushing outside the boundaries of typical city life unveils a whole new world of experiences.
There is such a wide variety of benefits to mountain living:
- The scenery. There is no question that no matter where you look, you will see beautiful aspen trees, high mountain peaks, and gorgeous skies.
- Recreation opportunities. You will always have easy access to everything, from hiking to skiing, biking, or rock climbing!
- There is peace and quiet. There is no added noise, such as loud ambulances, trains, or planes. You can relax in your surroundings and listen to the sounds of nature.
- Privacy. You will have access to more land, more significant properties, and space between them. You will have total freedom to enjoy your surroundings.
- Close communities. These communities are not as big as those in Denver and its suburbs. This allows you to interact more with the people you meet and enjoy your surroundings.
Finding the Perfect Location in Colorado
Colorado is well known for being the home to lovely mountain landscapes accessible throughout the state.
Finding a home in the area requires residents to look closely at their options.
There are so many fabulous places, but finding one that suits the lifestyle of your dreams is essential.
You will need to consider everything from community size to access to urban areas and continued options for outdoor activities.
Set your priorities and search for a mountain town that will fit your needs!
Evergreen
Many Coloradans are moving to Evergreen, as its balance between urban and more rural living is hard to ignore.
Those looking to make a mountain retreat their home will find it here.
Evergreen has so much to offer residents.
- Denver is nearby, perfect for those who still work in the city or have friends and family there. You can easily access Denver whenever you need to.
- Amazing schools. Evergreen is a part of Jefferson County School District, one of the best in Colorado!
- There are many options for outdoor activities. From Red Rocks being your neighbor to the tremendous hiking trails, there is never a dull moment.
- Health and wellness focus. The Evergreen community has a strange bond, with most members strongly focusing on exercise, outdoor activities, and overall wellness.
Breckenridge
It is hard to pass up the opportunity to move to Breckenridge, as it offers access to some of the best winter sports in the country.
Beyond that, it is a charming place to live, with Frisco and Dillon nearby.
From world-class skiing and snowboarding to the general vibes, this is an excellent place for those interested in winter sports or working in the hospitality industry.
There are events year-round, a massive arts and cultural scene, and tons of unique living places!
Telluride
Telluride, Colorado, is something straight out of a movie.
There is an intricate blend of the natural world that effortlessly coincides with its vibrant community.
If you are moving to Telluride, you can expect another amazing skiing and snowboarding community.
This sets the town apart from others.
Telluride offers the following benefits for living:
- Laid-back lifestyle. Everyone is moving at a more relaxed pace. This is a drastic difference from what city residents are used to.
- Close proximity to the outdoors. From Bear Creek Falls to the epic skiing available here. You will always be in search of a new adventure.
- There is an outstanding real estate market. There are great real estate investment options and unique properties throughout the community.
- Gorgeous everyday scenery. You really cannot beat it. From waterfalls to mountain peaks, everything is beautiful in Telluride!
Estes Park
Right within the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, you will find the historic Estes Park.
This is widely known as a great place to vacation, but moving to Estes Park is a dream come true.
The natural beauty is unbeatable.
There is broad open access to the great outdoors every day of the year.
It has a relatively small-town feel, making it a popular destination for families and those looking to retire.
You can spend your days watching wildlife in the morning and gazing at the stars every evening!
Preparing for the Altitude and Elements
Moving to the mountains comes with a plethora of perks, but there are elements that you must be prepared for.
This includes the change in altitude and weather alike!
If you are preparing for a big relocation project, brace yourself for the following:
- Altitude sickness. It can take a bit to become acclimated, even if you are moving from another region of Colorado. It is best to stay hydrated along the way.
- Sunburns. You will be closer to the sun, so UV protection is necessary! This is not solely for the Summertime but also pertains to winter weather.
- Serious weather conditions. When you move to the mountains, everything from severe snow and ice to wildfires can happen. It is important to stay current on what is happening and be mindful of those conditions.
Developing a Community After Moving to the Mountains
One of the most amazing parts of Colorado mountain moving is the community of people that awaits.
It is not just about the external environment but also about the people you will meet there.
This is crucial to settling into your new place and making it home.
It is the complete opposite of the city.
However, it brings closer connections.
This can feel like a pretty massive transition for some.
You may feel more isolated initially.
This is why it is so critical for you to get outside, head to the local farmers market, and get involved with your neighbors.
You won’t find these kinds of relationships in the city or anywhere else in Colorado.
Tips When Moving to the Mountains of Colorado
Whether moving to Vail or heading closer to the foothills in Golden, there are breathtaking views and beautiful memories to make.
Heading into this next chapter, it is crucial to have some tips and tricks up your sleeve.
You can put some in your back pocket before the big move.
Prepare Your Vehicle Before You Go
Prepping your car is very important before heading up to the mountains.
Especially those moving to Steamboat Springs or more remote areas in the region.
If you do not already have an all-wheel or 4WD vehicle, it may be time to consider one.
However, if you are not ready to make that change, getting your car in for a tune-up is best.
Make sure a professional can review all the basics and check the tires, brakes, and other essentials.
Mountain driving can be treacherous and hard on your vehicle, so it is vital to be proactive before relocating.
Pack Appropriately for the Weather
When making a long-distance move to a new place, it is pertinent to set aside some essentials.
These should be things you keep on your person that are easy to get to as you begin the unpacking process.
The mountain weather will be different than what you experience in the city.
Without the right kind of preparation, you might find yourself on a hiking trail in the rain without a coat!
As you pack up, consider having some of the following:
- Jacket and layers. This is great for snow and rain. You may even want to consider waterproof gear.
- Gloves and hats. This is a must to insulate your body heat. You will also need hats to shade yourself from the sun, as you are much closer to the mountains.
- Sunglasses. Since you are closer to the sun, investing in a good pair of shades is best!
- Specialty boots or hiking shoes. One of the best parts of moving to the mountains is the access to the outdoors. A solid, comfortable pair of hiking boots or trail running sneakers is necessary for every outing.
Understand the Wildlife in Your Area
Plenty of wildlife has already made the place their home for those moving to Grand Junction and other more remote areas of the hills.
There will most likely be animals that live around your new place.
They are lovely to observe, but some can pose potential risks.
In order to coexist, you will need to know what kind of animals you may see.
Generally, there are the ones you will come across in the Rockies:
- Bears.
- Deer.
- Elk.
- Mountain lions.
- Mountain goats.
- Snakes.
- Raccoons.
- Squirrels.
Research Utilities & Other Local Services
A huge part of moving is all the logistics of running a household.
This means canceling all your old utilities and booking new ones.
It is best to stick with locals when looking for reliable and cost-effective mountain options.
You aren’t going to find that Xcel is going to handle everything like it would in Denver.
Things are a bit more complicated as mountain residents are used to experiencing power outages, poor internet connections, etc.
Look locally and ask your future neighbors about local options with which they have had good experiences.
FAQS About Moving to the Mountains & Mountain Living
Whether you are moving to Aspen or Frisco, things can come with their own challenges.
There are a lot of adjustments to make and things to get used to.
It is inevitable to be left with questions about the matter.
We have tried to gather some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about moving to the mountains.
What are the best job opportunities in mountain communities?
The communities amongst the Rocky Mountains are unique from other areas in the Centennial State.
You won’t see the same kind of jobs contributing to the local economy as you would in Denver.
For instance, moving to Pagosa Springs offers plenty of construction, retail, and healthcare opportunities.
However, if you are moving to Gunnison, residents will find options in education, public lands, and ski and recreation.
There are often options available through the Parks departments, hospitality, government, and other local organizations.
This is a good thing to look into beforehand if you haven’t found the perfect position yet.
Will my body naturally adjust to the altitude?
Coloradans are used to living at a higher altitude, but not everyone who moves to the mountains is entirely prepared.
Your body will take some time to adjust and will do so over time.
However, the process is going to vary greatly from person to person.
Acclimatization can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks as your body begins to produce additional red blood cells to do so.
While your body is doing its work, ensure that you stay hydrated and well-rested, and give yourself breaks if you plan on engaging in physical activities.
Should I invest in a 4WD vehicle for mountain living?
This is something that most people will consider before moving to the mountains.
It is the wisest decision for those heading to these regions, as the roadways aren’t the same as those in the suburbs and cities.
You will often encounter winding, steep, and unpaved roads.
This is very challenging for the average vehicle without all-wheel or 4-wheel drive.
Investing in a 4WD car provides better traction, stability, and security for you and your family while on the road.
This is especially true once the snow begins to hit the hills!
Are there significant fire concerns?
Unfortunately, fires are a prevalent concern throughout the Colorado mountains.
This is always a significant concern as things are relatively dry and windy.
Those are the best conditions for fires to flourish.
Fire season extends from the spring through the fall and exists throughout most of the year.
This is something that every mountain resident should educate themselves on before moving.
Keep websites like the Colorado fire risk map on hand to stay current on potential hazards in your area.
Contact a Moving Company that Knows Its Way Through the Hills
Relocating to the mountains without long distance moving companies to help with the process.
It is crucial to stick with a reliable business to help with the move and ensure that you do not experience stress throughout the transition.
Rocky Movers is a local company in Colorado that helps households transition from the city to the mountains and those traveling from out of state.
Our movers are committed to creating the most comfortable experience for your mountain move.
Focus on settling in with ease with our team of experts.
Give us a call to get started on your free moving quote!
