Moving to Colorado?
Colorado is a state with a distinctive splendor and it is the only state in history to turn
down the Olympics. The rugged mountainous terrain is the most prevalent feature of the state and its most prominent distinction
is the Mile High city of Denver, named as such because it sits one mile above sea level. In addition, the world’s largest
flat top mountain is located in Grand Mesa, Colorado.
The earliest inhabitants of Colorado were the ancient
Pueblo who settled in the region approximately 700 years ago. Colorado joined the union as the 38th state in 1876, and
Colorado currently stands as the 8th largest state in terms of the land mass in America. The state is located near the
Rocky Mountains and has n abundance of varied natural resources.
If you’re moving to Colorado, there are a
lot of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to Colorado
Colorado Climate
The climate of Colorado is mostly cool and invigorating, and can commonly be referred to as a highland or mountain
climate. Summers are often hot in the plains, but are followed by afternoon thundershowers. The mountain regions
are cool with low humidity. The climate is favorable for rapid, evapotranspiration, and even during the hotter
days of the year, it can still feel quite comfortable. You can often find pleasant daytime conditions even during
the winter. The skiers of Colorado are seen in light clothing in spite of having heavy snow, due to the pleasant
daytime conditions.
Registering your Car
Upon your arrival in the state of Colorado as a new resident, you have a total time
period of 30 days to register your vehicle. In order to register your vehicle in the state of Colorado,
you must provide proof of insurance. You can register your car at any DMV location throughout the state.
Obtaining a Colorado Driver's License
A Colorado Driver’s License can be obtained at any Colorado DMV location.
The state requires new Colorado residents to update their license from their previous state to a Colorado driver’s
license after moving. In order to do so, you must first provide proof of insurance and have your car registered
and titled in the state.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, Colorado was ranked 26th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of less than 30
violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
Most of the economy of Colorado is based on the service industries. More than 80% of the state’s economy
and revenue is generated from the service industry. Colorado’s urban areas are home to almost 80% of the state’s economy.
The Rocky Mountains in the western parts of the state also have numerous petroleum and coal deposits. There are various
recreation areas in state as well, and agricultural production is the predominant form of production in the state of
Colorado, followed by manufacture of scientific instruments.
Employment Statistics
As of early 2012, the state of Colorado had an unemployment rate of 7.8 percent, which is relatively low compared
to the national average of 8.2 percent.
Average Income
The median household income in the state of Colorado is $56,456, while the average per capita income
for the state is $42,802.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything,
you should check to make sure the company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation or
with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in Colorado is $534,532, while the median sales price is
just over $240,000. The Colorado Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of
Colorado.
Major landmarks and attractions
Colorado Gators Reptile Park; May Natural History Museum of the Tropics;
Casa Bonita Cano's Castle ; Beer Can Folk Art; UFO Watchtower; Dragon Man's Military Museum; Swetsville Zoo;
Mile High Stadium; Coors Field
Largest Cities: Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood, Thornton, Pueblo
Schools
The Colorado Department of Education has accountability to the state’s 178 schools. It also provides leadership,
resources and support to 1,780 schools with over 130,000 educators. There are also services to support the board
of cooperative educational services such as early learning centers, state correctional schools, facility schools,
the state’s libraries, and family literacy centers. The Department of Education of Colorado is also responsible
for implementing state and federal education laws; the vision statement of the Colorado Department of Education
is to see that all students of Colorado become educated and productive citizens. There are many opportunities
for every individual who wants to study at Colorado, and there are a number of great collegiate institutions
located within the state, including the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, Air Force Academy,
the University of Northern Colorado, and the University of Colorado-Denver.
National Parks
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Mesa Verde National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
State park System
The state of Colorado has many forests and wildlife areas to enjoy the sprawling scenery
of the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding wilderness. Some of the state parks in Colorado are Chipeta State
Park, Eldorado Canyon State Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Lathrop State Park, Lory State Park, Pearl Lake
State Park, and Steamboat Lake State Park, which provides many opportunities to appreciate the natural wonders
of Colorado by hiking, fishing, biking and hunting.
Major Airports
Denver International Airport
Colorado Springs Airport
Denver-Centennial Airport
Telluride Regional Airport
Yampa Valley Regional Airport