Denver Tops Top Ten Places to Move in US

There are hundreds of reasons why Denver is such a great city to live. Some may love it because of the 300+ days of sunshine and easy access to the great outdoors, while others may be fans of the growing art, music, and food scene. Whatever your reasons may be, you are not alone in your recognition of why this city is so great. In a recent article on HomeownersInsurance.com, Denver claims the spot as the top place to move in the United States.

This list compiles a variety of criteria to judge the ten cities that made the cut. This judgment was made up of five different factors: rent prices, home values, living costs, transportation, and amounts of activities, or fun. Each of the city’s criteria was given a number from 1-10 and the total was tallied. Denver reigned supreme.

Out of the possible ten, both transportation and living costs scored a perfect 10. Those who drive I-25 during rush hour may question this, but compared to Los Angeles or New York traffic (who scored a one and five respectively), we have it easy. Rent prices scored a four, home values scored a five, while fun rounded out the survey with six points. Denver’s total points came in at 35, higher than any other city in the United States. It beat out cities like Charlotte, North Carolina (a close second), Austin, San Diego, and Phoenix.

With the recent news rolling in as overly positive for Denver, those of us who already call it home can sit back and enjoy its rising popularity!

Introducing the New Ballpark Neighborhood

For years, the Coors Field area was known for just that, Coors Field. To the west and southwest of the ballpark is the famous LoDo; consisting of shops, restaurants, and trendy lofts. But what was to the north and northeast of Coors Field? Well, the answer is simple: parking lots. But all of that is slowly changing. The Ballpark neighborhood has seen a dramatic makeover with new residential complexes springing up, accompanied by bars and restaurants. The residents and developers in this area are keen on reclaiming and revitalizing it, and this movement has no end in sight. The newest project, Legacy 22nd, is a 6-story, 212 unit apartment complex, developed by Legacy Partners. A trendy façade, innovative design, and a great location is all this complex needs to be the next big living place in downtown Denver. The Denver Infill blog offers complete renderings from the project’s architect, KTGY. The project is in the final stages of city approval and is expected to break grounds in late 2012 or early 2013.

Denver’s Strong Economy Profiled in New Report

The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation recently published its Metro Denver Economic Profile report, a publication that highlights Metro Denver’s accomplishments in business development and key economic factors. The report is often used as a marketing tool to persuade companies to locate business operations here, but it also reminds us that Denver’s economic conditions continue to grow and prosper when compared to other markets across the country.

Some of the important, and optimistic, highlights mentioned in the report include:
• In 2012, major company headquarters such as Coleman Company (outdoor products) and TriZetto Group (healthcare technology) decided to relocate their headquarters in Metro Denver.
• Forbes ranked Metro Denver fifth among the 25 “Best Places for Business and Careers” in 2012. Criteria for the ranking included costs of doing business, educational attainment, and projected economic growth.
• Metro Denver is a magnet for young, smart, and diverse workers. In fact, the region of 2.9 million people is one of the fastest growing in the country and is the top location for relocating adults ages 25 to 34.
• The City of Denver has one of the largest public parks system of any U.S. city.
• Metro Denver was listed among the Brookings Institution’s nine “Next Frontiers,” or metro areas with the highly educated and diverse population needed to support future growth in a technology and diversity-driven economy.
• Metro Denver students have access to a wide range of higher education options including world-class research institutions, graduate and professional schools, and a broad spectrum of undergraduate programs.
• Metro Denver ranked third among 116 metro areas for smallest decline in median home price between 2010 and 2011.

“Metro Denver has a national reputation as a place that stimulates business. There is continued interest in our region from international and national C-level executives, thanks to our pro-business environment, highly educated workforce, and status as a high-tech hub,” said Tom Clark, CEO of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation.

Around the corner: The 7 highs of Denver's Highlands neighborhood

The Highlands are hot. Just ask your Realtor friend, Liz Richards. Highland and West Highland are some of the city's most walkable neighborhoods, with wide sidewalks along tree-lined streets and a fancy pedestrian bridge connecting them to downtown.

Of Denver's many vibrant neighborhoods, few have the posh, old-city appeal of the Highlands. With their bountiful restaurants, boutiques, bars and shops, the northwest Denver neighborhoods have grown into a commercial behemoth — and some of the most-desired places for young professionals to hang their purses after a long night of bar-hopping.

here's a short list of seven favorite corners in the Highlands:

1. West 32nd Avenue and Zuni StreetSignature business: Pasquini's Highlands, a flashy north Denver location of the venerable local pizzeria. (2400 W. 32nd Ave.)

Local aesthetic: Once a sleepy intersection, this crossroads is now hopping. The mixture of the old (dilapidated Geno's Liquor) and new (renovated Zio Romolo's Alley Bar, attached to Pasquini's) is likable, but something tells us it won't be long before this is one of the hottest corners in all of Denver.

Don't miss: The excellent Duo, a lovely and intimate fine-dining experience. (2413 W. 32nd Ave.)

2. West 36th Avenue and Tejon Street
Signature business: Lechuga's Italian Restaurant, an old-Denver staple with legendary cannolis called "Devils" and a back lounge straight out of "The Sopranos." (3609 Tejon St.)

Local aesthetic: Nestled amid this quiet residential block are a couple of hot spots for take-out — but don't overlook the 100-year-old red-brick Fire House No. 7 on the corner. Dubbed the Firehaus, the old structure is now a stylish hair salon. (3600 Tejon St.)

Don't miss: Tamales by La Casita's dining room has zero personality, but its food — namely its namesake dish — is among the best in town. (3561 Tejon St.)

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