Video summary

MY top 5 Cons I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Denver, CO

Main summary

Key takeaways

Lifestyle

Key “cons” of moving to Denver, CO (per the video)

  • Congestion / heavy population growth

    • Denver metro can feel much more crowded than some other areas (the speaker compares it to Phoenix).
    • More people means more traffic build-up over time.
    • The speaker notes that some nearby areas may feel less congested while still being close to Denver (e.g., Elizabeth, Roxborough Park).

  • Housing costs (major affordability issue)

    • Cost of living is framed as the biggest con.
    • The speaker cites a major price jump from the Phoenix area (around $300k average) to Denver (around $600k average).
    • Rent can also be extremely expensive:
      • Mentions ~$2,000/month for a basic 1-bedroom, even on the outskirts (not downtown).
    • Implied advice: plan ahead to avoid ending up “house poor” or unable to buy a home if that’s a goal.

  • Limited public transit

    • Even living downtown doesn’t mean you’ll have “quick access to anywhere and everywhere” without a car.
    • Suggested alternatives:
      • Bike (especially downtown)
      • Uber
    • Overall takeaway: you’ll likely need a car, particularly for easy trips to the mountains/outdoor areas.

  • Weather can be a downside

    • Denver weather is described as generally mild, but with notable issues:
      • Cloudiness and shorter winter days (darker earlier, around ~5 PM)
      • Gray/dark winter conditions
      • Seasonal depression may be harder for some
      • Winter can get cold, despite common claims otherwise
    • Practical clothing tip: wear layers and puffers.
    • Summer consideration: summer rain (and associated wind).

  • Natural disasters / climate risks (less discussed but still relevant)

    • The speaker says Colorado has risks even if typically less extreme than some other states.
    • Examples mentioned:
      • Tornadoes (especially more on the Eastern side; described as rare)
      • Wildfires during dry summer months (dry conditions plus winds)
    • Advice: do research based on your background (e.g., if tornadoes or earthquakes aren’t common where you’re from).

Notable locations/products/speakers mentioned

  • Locations/areas: Denver metro, Elizabeth, Roxborough Park, Phoenix, Colorado mountains
  • Speaker: Nicole Baker (host)
  • Other mention: Colorado Living (channel/segment branding)

Original video