Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Denver From the UK

Denver, Colorado, is a vibrant city known for its booming economy, stunning mountain views, and unbeatable outdoor lifestyle. Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, the “Mile High City” offers residents easy access to world-class skiing, hiking, and some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Moving to Denver from the UK is a popular choice for many. With 300 days of sunshine per year, a thriving job market, and a vibrant social scene, we can see why. Around 12,000 British expats live in Colorado, drawn to its laid-back lifestyle, outdoor adventures, and bustling food and drink scene. 

However, no city is without its challenges. Denver’s high altitude can take some getting used to, the cost of living is on the rise, and winter weather can be unpredictable. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about relocating to Denver, including the benefits and potential drawbacks. 

Is It a Good Idea to Move to Denver, Colorado?

Moving to Denver opens up many opportunities, personally and professionally. Like most big cities, Denver does face its challenges. Here we weigh up the pros and cons of moving to Denver from the UK to give you the full picture.

Pros of Moving to Denver From the UK:

• Outdoor Paradise: Almost year-round sunshine and beauty spots like the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a great place to explore. Denver locals and expats can enjoy world-class hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and camping nearby.
• Lots of Sunshine: One of the main draws for many living in Denver is the 300 days of sunshine the city gets each year. It helps to improve the quality of life, especially compared to other big cities. 
• Strong Economy: The tech industry is thriving in Denver, with the aerospace, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors doing well too. The unemployment rate is also lower than the national average.

Cons of Moving to Denver From the UK:

• Increasing Cost of Living: The cost of housing in Denver has shot up over recent years, now making it one of the more expensive places to live in the U.S. The average house price is $620,000, whilst rent costs $1,925 per month on average.
• High Altitude: Denver is 5,280 feet above sea level, so many newcomers find it difficult at first to adjust to the high altitude. Altitude sickness and dehydration can be common, but many people find it easy to adjust to eventually. 
• Unpredictable Weather: Denver’s unpredictable weather can be frustrating. It could be warm and sunny in the morning and change rapidly to snow and hail by the afternoon.

Competitive Property Market in Denver

House prices are rising quickly in Denver, and rent is catching up, too. We’ve explored 2025 property market trends and prices in Denver so you don’t have to.

Buying Outlook for 2025

The property market in Denver can be considered competitive, with homes generally receiving 2 offers before selling. They typically take around 45 days to sell once on the market, which has increased by 12 days from last year. The average house price in Denver in 2025 is $620,000, seeing an 8.6% rise from the previous year. Condos are more affordable at an average price of $352,250, and single-family homes cost around $678,000. Townhouses have seen the biggest growth in price in the last year, averaging at $639,995, an 8.5% increase.

How is the Rental Market?

The average rent in Denver per month is $1,925, which has decreased slightly in recent times. Areas like Athmar Park have one of the lowest rent prices in Denver, averaging around $1,228. Cherry Creek is the most expensive place to rent property in the city, with monthly rent costing $3,085. The most popular place to rent in Denver is Capitol Hill, where there are currently 105 listings with an average rent of $1,599. You can get a one-bedroom apartment for around $1,645 per month and a two-bed for $2,153 per month.

2025 Market Trends

Although rent prices have seen a slight decrease, property experts suggest there may be an increase in costs soon because of the stable economy, rising housing prices, and a slowdown in new apartment constructions. ​Overall, Denver’s property and rental markets in 2025 present a mix of opportunities and challenges, with varying affordability across neighborhoods and evolving market dynamics. 

Finding the Right Place to Live in Denver

Choosing the right area to live in takes research, so we’ve saved you some valuable time.

Athmar Park

The up-and-coming neighbourhood of Athmar Park is popular due to affordable housing. Located in southwest Denver, Athmar Park is only a 10-minute drive to downtown Denver, offering affordability and a central location. House prices have gone down slightly in the last year by 0.9%, making the average price $454,698. Rent is slightly more expensive than Denver’s average, with monthly costs typically at $1,980.

The area is residential and renowned for its friendly community feel. With plenty of local businesses and eateries along Federal Blvd and four local parks, Huston Lake Park, Aspgren Park, Vanderbilt Park, and Habitat Park, Athmar Park is an ideal location for first-time buyers and families alike. There‘s a good range of elementary, charter, and private schools in the area, with Goldrick Elementary School and KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy being some notable ones. Athmar Park is known for its Asian food scene, including some of the best markets and restaurants like Pho Duy, New Saigon, and Pacific Ocean Marketplace.

Mar Lee

Located in southwest Denver, Mar Lee is a residential neighbourhood with a diverse population. Around 57% of the population is Hispanic and 31% white, with an asian community also. The average house price has fallen by 1.4% over the last year, averaging $434,119 and remaining one of the more affordable areas in Denver. The median monthly rent is $1,742, although the majority of residents own their homes. 

The neighbourhood is family-friendly, offering quiet streets, local restaurants, and coffee shops. Offering a slower pace of life than downtown and central Denver, Mar Lee is made up of mainly modest single-family homes built mid-20th century. Mar Lee is a walkable area with an excellent amount of green space, including Garfield Lake Park. Bear Creek Trail is also not far away from Mar Lee for access to bike trails and outdoor space.

Mar Lee residents rely on their cars and public transport, with good bus coverage via the Federal Blvd and Sheridan bus corridors. Force Elementary School, STRIVE Prep, and Excel Academy are some decent public schools in Mar Lee.

Lakewood

Offering stunning Rocky Mountain views, Lakewood is located just west of Denver. Boasting the perfect mix of urban amenities and suburban tranquility, the area is well connected with highways I-25, I-70, and US-6 and public transport options like the RTD W Line light rail. House prices are slightly higher than the other neighbourhoods mentioned, but the average price remains lower than Denver’s at $579,588. You can buy a condo for $315,854, while townhouses are slightly higher at $609,049.

Lakewood is a haven for outdoor lovers, with 80 parks such as Bear Creek Lake Park and William Frederick Hayden Park on Green Mountain. Residents can enjoy an array of activities from hiking to fishing. The Belmar area is a hub for shops, restaurants, art galleries, and entertainment venues in Lakewood.

The area is served by the Jefferson County School District, boasting some excellent schools. Public school, Dennison Elementary, is ranked 5th in Colorado, and Lakewood High School scores highly in the area. 

Capitol Hill

One of Denver’s oldest neighbourhoods, Capitol Hill, holds historic significance in the city. Home to stunning architecture and the Colorado State Capitol, Capitol Hill is a vibrant area with lots of attractions. House prices remain affordable and have seen a 5.8% dip in the last year, making the average price $330,066. The average monthly rent in the neighbourhood is $1,821, with 3-bedroom apartments ranging between $1,085 and $4,950.

Many residents and newcomers like to gather at Capitol Hill’s Civic Center Park, where you’ll find food trucks and live music events. Capitol Hill is also known for its walkability, scoring almost 100 for its ‘walk’ and ‘bike’ scores, making it an ideal location to easily get around. Public transport is also good in the area, with plenty of bus routes and light rail stations. 

Capitol Hill offers a vibrant mix of dining and drinking options, ranging from high-end restaurants to dive bars. Home to the famous The Denver Biscuit Company, Capitol Hill also boasts great dining spots like Carmines on Penn, Vesper Lounge, and Bastien’s Restaurant.

Denver’s Cost of Living 

Denver’s cost of living is 9% higher than the national average, although higher salaries in Denver make up for higher living costs. The average salary in the U.S. is $53,490 (£47,382) per year, whilst in Denver it averages at $71,960 (£55,609). To help you compare this with the UK, the average salary is £34,963.

It’s estimated that a family of four in Denver need around $4,735 (£3,669) per month in living costs, not including housing, to live comfortably. Housing costs are 28% more expensive in Denver than the national average, but utilities are 12% more affordable at $173.96 per month. A monthly public transport pass costs around $88 or $2.90 for a one-way ticket, which is on par with the UK.

Groceries are around 4% higher, but 12.8% cheaper than in Aspen, Colorado. For example, a kilo of chicken fillets in Aspen costs $19.40, 46% more expensive than in Denver. As a comparison, we’ve listed some common grocery items and compared the prices between Denver, Aspen, and the UK.

Grocery Item	Denver	Aspen	UK
1 litre of milk	$1.06 (£0.85)	$1.18 (£0.94)	£1.24 ($1.55)
A loaf of white bread	$4.13 (£3.30)	$5.51 (£4.41)	£1.24 ($1.55)
1kg of rice	$5.77 (£4.62)	$6.61 (£5.29)	£1.64 ($2.05)
Eggs	$4.90 (£3.92)	$4.87 (£3.90)	£2.97 ($3.71)
1kg of local cheese	$14.36 (£11.49)	$11.76 (£9.41)	£7.18 ($8.98)
1kg of chicken fillets	$13.29 (£10.63)	$19.40 (£15.52)	£6.61 ($8.26)
1kg of beef	$17.84 (£14.27)	$14.64 (£11.71)	£10.39 ($12.99)

Economy and Job Market in Denver

Denver’s job market in 2025 is resilient, experiencing growth in sectors like technology and healthcare. The unemployment rate has risen to 5.2% at the start of 2025. Here we’ll explore some popular industries and salaries in Denver to help you understand the job market. 

Quick-Growing Sectors

Technology – Often called Silicon Mountain, Denver is a fast-growing tech hub, with big tech names like Google, Amazon, and Oracle expanding their presence here. The number of people in tech roles in the city has increased by 12.6% since 2018, making 129,040 in positions in the technology sector. It’s fast becoming a popular place for cybersecurity and financial technology companies to set up. Software engineers and developers in AI, fintech, and SaaS are popular roles in Denver.

Healthcare –  There are over 240,000 people employed in the healthcare sector in Denver, with predictions of a 1.2% increase in 2025. The demand is high for registered nurses in Denver, particularly in specialised areas like ICU, pediatrics, and emergency care. UCHealth, Denver Health, and Children’s Hospital Colorado are some of the top employers in the healthcare industry. 

Aerospace – Ranking in the top 5 states for aerospace vacancies, Denver is home to Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, Raytheon, and Sierra Space. Growing by 26.3% in the last 5 years, the aerospace industry in Colorado employs over 55,000 people directly and 184,000 indirectly. Aerospace engineers, systems engineers, software engineers, and avionics engineers are among the most in-demand roles in the industry.

Construction – Urban expansion combined with a growing population in Denver means the construction and real estate industry is growing. There are many ongoing developments in the area, including residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Green construction specialists, building information modeling specialists, construction project managers, and civil engineers (with specialisation in smart infrastructure) are roles that are in demand.

Average Salaries in Denver vs the UK

Salaries for in-demand roles in Denver:

• Software engineers in AI – $112,070 (£90,776.70)
• ICU registered nurses – $88,300 (£71,523.00)
• Avionics engineer – $192,005 (£155,524.05)
• Construction project managers – $126,121 (£102,158.01)

Denver salaries for popular roles in the UK:

• Public school teacher – $60,196 (£48,758.76)
• Administrator – $55,695 (£45,112.95)
• Graphic designer – $73,357 (£59,419.17)
• Account manager – $66,394 (£53,779.14)

Finding a Job in Denver

You’ll first need to ensure you have the correct visa if you are planning on working in Denver as a UK expat. The H-1B Visa is for jobs in specialised fields like IT, engineering, and healthcare. You’ll need the L-1 Visa if you are transferring to your employer’s U.S. office. 

Online job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and CareerBuilder are great places to begin your job search. Alternatively, you can look for current openings on top Denver employers’ websites like Lockheed Martin, UCHealth, and Comcast. There are also local networking events in Denver, like the 2nd Annual Denver Networking Social, the Professional Women’s Network, and the Speed Networking @ Miller & Rossi, that bring professionals together to share opportunities. 

How Does Healthcare Work in Denver

The healthcare system in Denver is well-developed, with plenty of public and private healthcare facilities and services available. 

Accessing Healthcare in Denver 

Private Health Insurance – There is a range of private health insurance options in Denver, and they vary by how much you want to pay as a premium. Major providers include Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, and UnitedHealthcare. Many residents have employer-sponsored insurance plans, which see their employer paying towards the premium.

Colorado’s Medicaid Programme – The state and federally funded healthcare programme, Medicaid, ensures low-income families and individuals have access to healthcare in Denver. Medicaid typically includes hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health, and dental services for free, with some services requiring a small fee paid.

Colorado Health Insurance Marketplace – Also known as Connect for Health Colorado, residents can compare prices and apply for plans on the marketplace. It offers a lifeline for those seeking affordable plans for themselves or their family. 

Best Hospitals and Health Providers in Denver

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital – The University of Colorado Hospital is one of the best in the U.S., particularly known for its excellent care in cancer care, cardiology, pulmonology, and orthopedics.

Denver Health Medical Center – Known for excellent services in trauma care, emergency services, and primary care, the Denver Health Medical Center also offers health services to uninsured and underinsured populations to ensure everyone can access healthcare.

Children’s Hospital Colorado – Ranked as one of the best children’s hospitals in the U.S., the Children’s Hospital Colorado is often praised for its cardiology, neurology, and oncology care.

Tips for Accessing Healthcare as a UK Expat

• Make sure you are covered with health insurance as soon as you arrive.
• If you know you’ll need regular prescriptions, make sure this is covered in your health insurance plan.
• Find a Primary Care Physician in Denver that is in-network with your insurance plan.
• Look into Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program if you are on a low income.

Education in Denver

Denver Public Schools is the largest district in Colorado and serves over 90,000 students. There are also private schools and an excellent range of higher education options. 

Denver Public Schools 

There is a range of public schools in Denver, including typical public schools, charter, and magnet schools. The district is known for offering schools with excellent programs, including advanced academic programs, special education, bilingual programs, and career and technical education. Some notable public schools in Denver are Denver School of the Arts, Denver Center for International Studies, and East High School.

Private and International Schools

There is Colorado Academy in southwest Denver, known for its high SAT scores and liberal arts focus. It costs $38,000 per year to attend and teaches pre-K to Grade 12. 

There are no British schools or schools offering a British curriculum in Denver, but there are international schools like the International School of Denver and Denver International Schoolhouse that offer either the International Baccalaureate or a global curriculum. 

How to Enrol in a School

• Gather the essential documents, which are typically proof of residence, passport, vaccination records, previous UK school report cards, and a student visa if necessary. 
• You can then register with Denver Public Schools, typically during January and February, for the following academic year. 
• Use the DPS School Finder to figure out the schools you can apply for, similar to a catchment zone in the UK. 

Higher Education Options

The University of Denver is a private university known for its efforts in global engagement and research. It offers a range of courses including law, engineering, and business. Tuition fees are expensive, with annual costs around $56,000 per year, not including accommodation. 

Public university, Metropolitan State University of Denver, offers affordable undergraduate courses, with some popular programmes being aviation and aerospace science, education, and criminal justice. Average tuition fees are around $11,000 per year for in-state students, rising to $26,000 for out-of-state students. 

Transport in Denver

Denver locals prefer to rely on a mix of public transport and their own vehicles to get around the city.

Driving

Many people in Denver prefer using their personal cars to get to work and travel around the city, despite a well-connected public transport system. Parking in the city centre can be tricky and often expensive, but many residents and workers prefer the flexibility that driving offers. 

RTD Denver Light Rail

The Denver Light Rail is run by the Regional Transportation District and covers Denver and surrounding areas. Covered by several lines, it connects neighbourhoods with popular areas like downtown and the airport. You can buy tickets via the RTD mobile app or from station machines, and they cost around $3-$5 for a single.

RTD Bus

There are over 100 bus routes on the RTD bus line, covering Denver, the suburbs, and even the more remote mountain towns not served by the Light Rail. Buses typically run every 10-15 minutes, but are less frequent at night.

Walking

The city is walkable, especially with pedestrian-friendly areas and bike lanes in areas like LoDo, Union Station, Capitol Hill, and Cherry Creek. There are also certain streets that are car-free, such as 16th Street Mall, making it safer and easier for people to walk freely. 

Car Shipping and Sorting a Driver’s License in Denver

You will need to apply for a Denver driver’s license after 90 days of becoming a resident, if you wish to drive. Your UK license will no longer be valid. You will need to complete a written, vision, and driving test to ensure you’re up to scratch with the local driving laws and rules in Colorado, which differ from the UK.

When you feel ready to apply, you’ll need your UK driver’s license, proof of identity, proof of visa/green card, Social Security number, and two proofs of Colorado address.

We can also help you to safely ship your vehicle to Denver via our sister company, Autoshippers. They can get your car safely packaged and sent to Denver from all across the UK. It’ll cost roughly £1,377 to ship a standard saloon car from the UK, and we will need a few important documents to do this, such as the vehicle’s V5 and your passport. You can find the full list of documents for car shipping to the U.S. in this handy guide.

Denver’s Weather and Climate

The climate in Denver is classified as semi-arid, which is a mix of low humidity, sunshine, and experiencing all four seasons. 

Altitude Awareness

Known as the ‘Mile High City’, Denver is 5,280 ft above sea level, which can make newcomers feel altitude sickness when they first arrive. Symptoms typically include shortness of breath, nausea, headaches, and dry skin, but many adjust to this fairly quickly. It’s recommended to keep hydrated and to ease into any physical activity to avoid any altitude sickness symptoms. 

Snow

Denver sees around 60 inches of snow per year, with heavier snow falling between March and April. Snow season typically runs from late October through to April. The snow in Denver is light and powder-like due to the low humidity mixed with elevation. Due to year-round sunshine, the snow often melts quickly, avoiding days of disruption. Snow can often appear at random times, often when the day has been sunny and warm.

Mix of Seasons in One Week

The city sees over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it sunnier than Miami. Winter temperatures are as low as -8°C with highs of 10°C. When Spring comes around, the weather can be unpredictable, with a typical week often consisting of snow, sunshine, and wind. Summers are hot, with temperatures as high as 27–35°C, often leading to afternoon thunderstorms. 

Cultural Attractions and Things to Do in Denver

Denver is packed with fun things to do, offering a good mix of cultural experiences, historical attractions, and endless outdoor adventures.

Historical Attractions

Larimer Square, the oldest block in Denver, is filled with historic charm and vibrant nightlife. It’s filled with Victorian buildings that have been turned into boutique shops, art galleries, and bars. Denver is also home to the iconic Colorado State Capitol, where you can see the gold marker indicating that you are 5,280 feet above sea level. You can enjoy free tours to take in the stunning architecture, the historic legislative chambers, and 360-degree views of Denver and the Rockies. The historic train station, Union Station, was built in 1881 and was renovated in 2014 to offer entertainment and dining options for residents.

Sports and Entertainment 

The Empower Field at Mile High is home to the world-famous Denver Broncos NFL team. Winners of three Super Bowls, the Denver Broncos are loved by their passionate fans. You can catch them playing between September and January, with playoffs in the winter. MLB team Colorado Rockies play at the iconic Coors Field, offering stunning Rocky Mountain and downtown views. The atmosphere is always fun and family-friendly. The Sports Column, Blake Street Tavern, and Cherry Cricket are some of the best sports bars in Denver to catch a game.

Nature and Outdoors

Denver’s year-round sunshine makes it a haven for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. You can browse desert plants and gardens in the Denver Botanic Gardens, or catch a concert or light show there. City Park is home to lakes, plenty of green space, and even the Denver Zoo. You can also visit the Denver Museum of Nature and Science via the park. Washington Park spans 165 acres, offering stunning tree-lined streets, two lakes, and two flower gardens to explore.

Dining and Social Scene

Denver offers an exciting and vibrant dining and social scene, featuring craft breweries, food halls, and cocktail bars. The food takes inspiration from Western flavours, so you’ll find lots of meats like beef, bison, and game, as well as mountain-grown vegetables like potatoes, corn, and root vegetables on the menu. The Union Station Area is home to Mercantile Dining and Provision, a fancy restaurant and market offering seasonal food and quirky cocktails. Denver’s LoDo District offers a mix of upscale and casual restaurants, including the Kitchen American Bistro, which offers organic, locally-sourced food and craft beers. 

How Much Will It Cost to Move My Personal Belongings to Denver?

To ship your household goods and personal effects to Denver, your final bill will depend on the size of your move and final destination.

Here are the average costs for moving from the UK to Denver:

• Small Move: £1,129
• 1 bed flat: £1,208
• 2 bed flat: £2,139
• 3 bed house (20 ft container): £5,656
• 4+ bed house (40 ft container): £7,453

About our international moving services to Denver

At 1st Move International, we safely ship your household and personal belongings from the UK with our international removals to Denver service. We offer a guaranteed weekly shipping service that ships directly to multiple ports in the U.S. Our safe packing and shipping techniques provide full protection for your items. 

Visit our International Removals page and find out more about our great range of packing, shipping, and insurance options, or you can get a moving overseas quote, tailored to your individual moving requirements.

You can also check out our online international moving costs calculator here.

For more details on our packing process and the benefits of shipping with commercial co-loaders, see our Faster Shipping, Safer Packing and Smarter Billing pages. We can get you moving to Denver from the UK in no time!