The population of Colorado is booming, as is their economy. As a result, Colorado is becoming one of the most popular places to move to.
Before you move, however, here are 9 things you need to know about the Centennial State.
1. Rocky Mountain High is a real thing
Unless you live under a rock, there’s a good chance you know weed is legal in Colorado. Before you light up, however, make sure you are familiar with all the rules and regulations regarding when it is legal and when it is not. For instance, smoking outdoors is still illegal as is smoking in most hotel rooms.
2. It’s not called the “Mile High City” for nothing
Denver, CO is located 5,280 feet, or one mile above sea level and the mountain towns are even higher. The higher the altitude, the thinner the oxygen. Thinner oxygen can not only make it harder to breathe when working out, but it can also get you drunk a lot faster.
Be sure and be extra careful when doing either of those two things when you first arrive.
3. Don’t pack away your golf clubs
When people think of Colorado, they think of snow and winter sports. But most of Colorado actually enjoys roughly 300 days of sunshine a year. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a round of golf in Colorado.
4. Hydration is essential
Another thing that often gets overlooked about the Colorado climate is that it is actually a high desert. In spite of the snow, Colorado actually enjoys a very dry climate. This can be great for asthma sufferers, but it also means you need to remember to drink a great deal more water in order to stay hydrated.
When combined with the high altitude, dehydration is a major issue for many tourists.
5. Two words: Craft Beer
Weed is not the only thing Colorado is well known for. Home to more than 200 breweries, Colorado is also a craft beer lover’s paradise. In fact, more than 10% of the nation’s breweries are located in Colorado which is surprising, since Colorado is only home to roughly 2% of the US population.
6. Colorado gives new meaning to the term ” dog-friendly.”
It’s not unusual to see dogs strolling through malls, grocery stores and laying under the table on restaurant patios.
Coloradans love their dogs and also take them everywhere. From paddle boarding to hiking, there are few places Coloradans don’t take their canine companions.
7. Skiing and snowboarding are not the only outdoor sports
Coloradans are constantly surrounded by outdoor majesty, which they just can’t seem to get enough of. Yes, the spend the winter hitting the slopes, but the spring run-off brings camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, and world-class whitewater rafting.
8. Outdoor activities aren’t the only fitnesses Coloradans enjoy
Colorado (and Boulder in particular) is frequently ranked as one of the healthiest states in the nation. From eating clean to working out, Colorado is on a non-stop fitness craze. Don’t be surprised if your car ends up mostly garaged in favor of a bike or scooter.
9. Coloradans protect the outdoors they love so much
From littering to recycling to reducing carbon emissions, Coloradans are somewhat religious about protecting the environment. Which just stands to reason seeing as they are surrounded by such beauty.
Almost everywhere you go in Colorado is nearly picture perfect, and Coloradans are pretty determined to keep it that way.