Would you love it if loads of people suddenly decided to relocate to Denver? If not, we have some bad news for you: The folks at the real estate website Movoto have just published "30 Reasons You Need to Move to Denver," which lays out a pretty damn good argument for heading this way immediately.
Continue to start counting down all thirty, complete with our photos supplementing headlines and text by Movoto contributor Jennifer Eakins. Check them out below.
30. There's a Demon Blue Horse to Welcome You While some call the blue horse statue located outside of Denver International Airport art, others are calling for its destruction. It has fiery red eyes and, to be honest, is kinda creepy. There was even a grassroots Facebook campaign to remove it, stating that it brings bad luck to the city. 29. Altitude Television Denver has its very own local sports television station, Altitude Sports & Entertainment. It is actually owned by the same person as the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and the Colorado Rapids, the major league soccer team in town. Therefore, you get the best local coverage of all the teams. 28. My Brother's Bar This Denver staple is so popular and has been around for so long that it doesn't even need a sign to let people know what it is. The food is incredible and so is the patio in the summertime. Beatniks like Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady used this bar as a hangout and it is known as the oldest bar in Denver. 27. Denver Nature and Science Museum This fun and highly educational museum covers everything from dinosaurs to the human body. It has an in house IMAX theater with rotating films as well. You will also find a kids zone where your little ones can experiment and play. 26. Rocky Mountain National Park America's national parks are truly awe inspiring and are a must-see. The beauty of the topography and animals in their natural habitat bring tourists from all over the world. Rocky Mountain National Park is a few short hours by car from Denver and can be accessed from either Estes Park or Grand Lake. Continue to keep counting down Movoto's thirty reasons to move to Denver. 25. If You Don't Like the Weather, Wait 10 Minutes The weather can change extremely quickly in Denver so you must always be prepared. Besides sunglasses, a long sleeve layer is never a bad thing to have on hand because you never know what will happen. 24. A Bike Rider's Dream The Cherry Creek Bike Path is a 40-mile picturesque route that begins in Downtown Denver and continues into many area suburbs including, Parker, Centennial and Aurora. It's a great way to get to work or just ride for recreation. 23. Denver Zoo Denver's Zoo is a great place to see animals from all over the globe. A unique event that takes place every year is Zoo Light's. Each winter for a few weeks, the grounds are transformed into a beautiful lighted exhibit that is a blast to grab a hot chocolate and meander through. 22. Casa Bonita This gimmicky Denver restaurant makes this list for the unique attractions alone. It is equipped with indoor cliff divers, musicians and an amusement arcade. Casa Bonita was even featured on the cartoon South Park as a primo Mile High tourist destination. Be prepared though, the food is pretty awful. 21. Love Great Modern Comfort Food? Then Steuben's is your kind of place. They serve yummy versions of the stuff we grew up eating, with a foodie twist. The happy hour and brunch are super popular and draw big crowds. Steuben's also has a mobile food truck so folks can get their fix around town. Continue to keep counting down Movoto's thirty reasons to move to Denver. 20. Being a Raider Hater Comes With the Address Denver Bronco fans are passionate about their team and take their rivals seriously. The distaste for all teams in the AFC West is strong but there is a special place of hatred reserved for the Oakland Raiders. Nobody like fans that dress up like the Insane Clown Posse to watch a game, am I right? 19. Denver Art Museum They are often free days at the museum where entry fees are completely waived for the general public. It's a great way to check out all the Denver Art Museum has to offer and take part in the changing exhibits. 18. Sixteenth Street Mall A fun part of the downtown experience is the 16th Street Mall. It's a pedestrian-only street that contains shops, restaurants, bars, and office buildings. You can catch a ride on the free mall shuttle, listen to the music of the street performers or even take a carriage ride. 17. There are 300 Days of Sunshine a Year Colorado folks don't really like to share this information since the general perception is that it is always cold. However, the Denver area enjoys more days of sunshine than any other city, making it a phenomenal place to play. Some good advice; invest in a good pair of sunglasses. 16. There's an Amusement and Waterpark in One Elitch Gardens is distinguished from most amusement parks in that it is actually located in the heart of the city. It has the standard carnival side as well as a huge water park for tons of fun. They sell season passes which are very convenient for the locals. It beats an average amusement park like Six Flags any day of the week. Continue to keep counting down Movoto's thirty reasons to move to Denver. 15. Washington Park Whether you prefer to run around the park or just simply take in the scenery for a picnic, this is great spot to do it all. Weekends are packed with volleyball players, bike riders and there are even two different playgrounds for the kiddos. Plus, young singles have plenty of eye candy during prime time workout hours. 14. Beware of the Street Sweepers If you reside in the city and county of Denver, it would behoove you to learn the street sweeping schedule. Or at least know how to read the street signs when parking your vehicle. From November through April if you don't pay attention you will be forced to battle the parking gods. 13. Denver is a Craft Beer Mecca Although initially known for Coors, the Mile High City has been a huge player in the craft brewery revolution. There are micro breweries located all over Colorado and many within the Denver city limits. You can't go wrong with any of them but I am partial to Great Divide Brewery located in Downtown Denver. They have amazing beer, a brewery tour and a tap room. 12. Money is Made in Denver: Literally Denver's branch of the U.S. Mint first started producing coins in 1906. The general public can swing by, take a tour of the facility and see currency still being made for circulation. 11. RockyGrass Music Festival Summertime in Colorado is laden with amazing music festivals. From bluegrass and blues to rock and roll, there is something for all festivarians. Rockygrass takes place in Lyons, just 45 minutes from Denver at the end of July and is a total blast. Folks can set up camp for the four day festival, play in the grounds and tube the river while rocking out to some tunes. Continue to keep counting down Movoto's thirty reasons to move to Denver. 10. The Denver Chop House Meat is king in Denver, and the Chop House is always a good place to go to satisfy that urge. Located just a few blocks away from Coors Field, they offer all the yumminess of a traditional steakhouse and have solid happy hour offerings as well. 9. There's Gambling Just 30 Minutes Away Just head about 30 miles West on I-70 into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and you will find two small adjacent towns where gambling is legal. Blackhawk and Central City have everything Las Vegas has to offer. Well, except the Super Star Celebrity acts and shopping. However, if you like to gamble and eat at buffets there are plenty of places to choose from. 8. Don't Have a Bike? No Problem. Denver B Cycle is a city-wide bike sharing system. People can purchase varying packages depending on their needs. Options include an annual pass, 30 day card, 7 day card or one that's good for just 24 hours. Stations are located all around town and bikes can be accessed and returned at all of them. 7. Cows and Horses Are All the Rage at the National Western Stock Show This two week event takes place every January just north of Downtown Denver. It includes everything from a full-on rodeo to prized livestock auctions to dancing horses. Western fans come from all over the globe to take in the cow parade or perhaps even buy a pig. Future little ropers can even test out their skills at the kids challenge. 6. The Cherry Cricket Located in Cherry Creek North, a higher end and snooty neighborhood lined with shops and restaurants, the Cherry Cricket is nothing like its surroundings. This down-to-earth, laid back bar and restaurant is a staple among Denver residents. Locals love the upside down hockey rink that adorns the Cricket's ceiling along with the solid food and beer menu. Continue to keep counting down Movoto's thirty reasons to move to Denver. 5. Work and Play Downtown? Yes, Please! Lower Downtown or "Lodo" is a true living and working part of the city. Many people that enjoy loft and apartment living with everything at their fingertips flock to live down there. The nightlife downtown is incredible and the ability to walk home after dinner and a show or just to be able to get to work without transportation is a huge plus. . 4. Our Chili is Green This Denver staple is made using Hatch Chiles from New Mexico. You will find it both simmered with pork, chicken or completely vegetarian, and is usually smothering a burrito or tamale. Other states brag about their "chili" but it has nothing on the Colorado green. 3. Red Rocks is the Home Venue There are many folks out there whose bucket list contains a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater. This geological gem is a mere 20 minutes from the city and serves as the go-to venue for concerts, movies and even church services. . 2. The REI Flagship Store Colorado is an outdoor lover's dream and this amazing store has everything you need to get out there. With the ability to test ride mountain bikes, boots and even cold weather gear you can't help but be prepared for all things outdoors. 1. Denver Has Every Major Sports Team and Then Some If professional sports are your thing, there are plenty of options in the Mile High City. Denver is home to all of the big four major sports teams with the Broncos, Avalanche, Nuggets and Rockies. For the non-traditionalists, there are also two professional lacrosse teams as well.
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