For the sake of public service, here are seven very serious reasons you should absolutely not move to Denver.

1. The Mountains Will Ruin Every Other View for You

At first, the mountains seem cool. You drive around, glance west, and think, “Wow, those are nice.” But give it a few weeks.

Pretty soon you’re judging every skyline you see anywhere else in the country. Flat horizons start to feel suspicious. Visiting relatives in the Midwest? You catch yourself staring out the window thinking, “Wait… where are the mountains?”

I remember flying back from a trip to Florida once. As the plane descended and the Rockies appeared, half the passengers leaned toward the windows like kids at an aquarium. Someone behind me actually whispered, “There they are.”

Now imagine living with that every day. Dangerous levels of scenic beauty. Hard pass.

2. The Weather Is Suspiciously Nice

Denver has around 300 days of sunshine a year. Which sounds great until you realize what that does to your lifestyle.

You wake up on a random Tuesday in February expecting gloom. Instead, the sky is bright blue and it’s 55 degrees. Suddenly you feel guilty staying inside.

One time I planned an entire Saturday around doing nothing. Coffee, couch, maybe a movie. But the sun came out and ruined everything. I ended up walking around Wash Park for two hours like some kind of healthy person.

Even the snow refuses to stick around properly. It dumps a foot overnight, everyone freaks out, and by the afternoon the sun melts half of it. Your dramatic winter day becomes a slushy inconvenience.

If you enjoy complaining about bad weather for months at a time, Denver is not the place for you.

3. You Might Accidentally Become Outdoorsy

Moving to Denver can trigger unexpected personality changes.

Maybe you start out normal. You like a casual walk. Nothing extreme. Then a coworker says something like, “You should try a short hike. It’s easy.”

Next thing you know you’re Googling trail conditions, buying a hydration pack, and discussing elevation gain like it actually matters.

I once watched a friend move here from Chicago. Within six months he owned hiking poles, a roof rack, and three different types of trail snacks. He now uses phrases like “sunrise summit.”

This can happen to anyone. Stay vigilant.

4. Your Dog Will Have a Better Social Life Than You

Denver might be the most dog-obsessed city in America.

Every park is full of dogs. Every patio has dogs. Some offices have dogs wandering around like they pay rent. It’s normal here.

I once met someone’s golden retriever before I met the person. The dog had a name tag, a bandana, and what looked like a better haircut than mine.

Dog parks are basically social clubs. People stand around discussing hiking trails while their dogs sprint in chaotic circles like furry tornadoes.

And heaven help you if your dog is particularly friendly. You will spend half your day making small talk with strangers because your dog decided everyone within 100 feet is their new best friend.

Honestly, I’m pretty sure my neighbor’s lab has more friends in this city than I do.

5. You Will Develop Strong Opinions About Green Chile

Before moving to Denver, green chile is just a food topping. After moving here, it becomes a personality trait.

People have intense loyalty to their favorite spots. One restaurant’s green chile is “perfectly balanced.” Another one is “too thick.” Someone else insists the best version is served in a place that looks like it hasn’t been updated since 1987.

I once made the mistake of asking a group of locals where the best green chile was. The conversation turned into a 30 minute debate that included maps, hand gestures, and at least one person claiming their grandma made the only authentic version.

By the end of it I still didn’t know the answer, but I had six restaurant recommendations and a mild headache.

If you’re not ready for spicy culinary arguments, Denver might not be your city.

6. Everyone Is Weirdly Friendly

You know that thing in big cities where nobody makes eye contact and everyone pretends other humans don’t exist?

Yeah, that doesn’t really work in Denver.

People smile at you on the sidewalk. They say hello on hiking trails. Cashiers ask what you’re doing this weekend and actually seem interested in the answer.

The first time it happened to me I thought the guy was trying to sell me something. Nope. He just wanted to talk about the weather and recommend a breakfast burrito place.

Even drivers sometimes let you merge in traffic. I know. It’s unsettling.

After a while you start doing it too. One day you catch yourself chatting with a stranger about ski conditions in a grocery store line. That’s when you realize the transformation is complete.

7. Leaving Denver Becomes the Real Problem

Here’s the biggest reason you shouldn’t move to Denver.

Once you’re here for a while, it gets really hard to leave.

Maybe it’s the mountains glowing pink at sunset. Maybe it’s the random Tuesday patio lunches in October. Maybe it’s the fact that you can go from downtown coffee shops to alpine lakes in a couple of hours.

Whatever it is, the place kind of sneaks up on you.

I know several people who moved here “for a year.” That was a decade ago. They’re still here, still hiking, still arguing about green chile.

So if you’re considering moving to Denver, just be careful. Because the real risk isn’t that you won’t like it.

The real risk is that you will.

Bonus reasons NOT to move to Denver:

• We have only one of the best football team in the country. (Probably best for you to move to Seattle?)
• Being one of the happiest cities in the country gets truly annoying.
• Lazy folks get easily irritated living in one of the most active cities in the U.S.
• You will need to adjust your baking recipes due to the altitude.

But really…

Why IS Denver such a great place to live?

Our weather is basically 365 days of sunshine.  But it’s not just that, we also get all four seasons.  Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall are beautiful.  In fact, we often get all four in just one week.  You can start off on Monday jogging in shorts under a hot sun, spend Tuesday feeling the cool breeze of fall, get a foot of snow on Wednesday, and then Thursday it will melt and feel just like Spring.

If you want a change of climate for any reason you can just head up to the mountains.  Denver doesn’t have just any backyard, we have one of the most beautiful spots on earth within an hours drive to go skiing, hiking, biking, or just pause and reflect on the beauty of nature.

And of course the city, our wonderful Denver Urban living environment.  We have great restaurants, shopping, sports teams, bars, bistros, festivals, events, transit, bike paths, green space, and more.

If you read the headline and thought we were going to tell you why you shouldn’t move to Denver you have the wrong website. Denver is the best.

Contact us to learn more about how you can live here!

The post 7 Reasons You Should Not Move to Denver appeared first on Denver Urban Living.

For most of us, we visit the grocery store or a restaurant, choose what we want, pay, and leave—and think little about where the food that we consumed or that’s stashed in our kitchen comes from. But the local food movement is trying to change all that, by getting us to think, even just a little bit, about some of the food that we’re eating, how far it took to get to us, and who grew it—using what add-ons, too.

Why Go Local with Food?

In general, there are several advantages to trying to make more local food decisions. For example, you can cut down on the use of fossil fuels in general: Food that’s produced closer to you takes fewer resources to get to you. And by supporting local food, you’re supporting your neighbors, too. What else is important? This graphic explains it.

The post How To Make More Local Food Choices appeared first on Denver Urban Living.

As the days warm up, Denver residents give more and more thought to their lawns. One of the luxuries of home ownership is sculpting a landscape to your specific personality and wants. Ready to lay down some sod, but have no idea where to start? A great place for most Denver homeowners to collect ideas is the Colorado Garden & Home Show which is going on right now! It is the oldest garden show in the Rocky Mountain area. You can learn about the latest trends in landscaping and gardening, as there are actually 11 professionally landscaped gardens for you to replicate if you so choose.

The vendor list is pretty impressive. No matter what the Denver home owner’s desire is for their lawn, there are hundreds of companies waiting to answer all your questions and provide professional suggestions to make it the best lawn ever. Definitely make time to make it to the Colorado Garden & Home Show.

More about the Home and Garden show…

Explore the premier garden and home showcase in the Rocky Mountain region—a captivating nine-day affair held at the Colorado Convention Center. Immerse yourself in a world of innovation as you glean inspiration from cutting-edge concepts and trends in landscaping, gardening, and home enhancement. Wander through over an acre of meticulously crafted gardens, indulging your senses with a myriad of captivating fragrances. Engage in enlightening conversations with representatives from over 500 companies spanning 25 states and Canada. Connect with esteemed gardening mavens and home improvement aficionados to gain invaluable insights on advancing your home and garden endeavors.

One of the most inspiring exhibits is the “Outward Bound” entry garden presented. With 5,000 square feet of flowers, surely you will find inspiration for your Denver landscape. This garden even has other distinctly Coloradan elements (lest your younger attendees grow bored) like mountain climbing, hiking and kayaking!

When You’re a Water Sign

One of the most stunning additions to a Denver landscape are waterfalls; but let’s face it, they can be complicated. That’s why Rocky Mountain Ponds & Waterfalls made sure to present Rocky Mountain Waterfall Oasis to instruct Denver homeowners on tips and tricks for having beautiful waterfalls without the headaches.

An Experience that Enriches your Home

For the price and the convenient downtown Denver location, this show is a must-see. It has places to relax, engage the kids and most of all give you the tools and information you will need to fill your Denver neighbors with pride in your home!

The post Planning Your Summer Landscape appeared first on Denver Urban Living.

And Denver is in the top rankings for this category.

In fact, according to a most recent New York Times article “Where Young College Graduates are Choosing to Live” Denver is ranked 3rd in this category behind only Houston and Nashville.   This is benefit that creates jobs exponentially.  According to the article..

“It’s a type of growth that feeds on itself — the more young workers you have, the more companies are interested in locating their operations in that area and the more young people are going to move there”

Which helps explain the growth we are already seeing in such thriving neighborhoods as Lower Highlands, Riverfront Park, the Ball Park, Rino, and more.  Their growth helps support new restaurants, shops, bars, and bistros… which in turns creates more reasons for people to want to live there.  This in turn creates more opportunities for developers to come in and help build new higher density housing or improve existing housing. It helps turn empty lots into thriving restaurants, apartment buildings, and businesses.

It’s a positive cycle of growth.  One that Denver looks to be positioned to enjoy for the foreseeable future.  In fact Denver is a clear leader for many reasons such as….

Denver has become one of the most powerful magnets. Its population of the young and educated is up 47 percent since 2000, nearly double the percentage increase in the New York metro area. And 7.5 percent of Denver’s population is in this group, more than the national average of 5.2 percent and more than anywhere but Washington, the Bay Area and Boston.

Denver has many of the tangible things young people want, economists say, including mountains, sunshine and jobs in booming industries like tech. Perhaps more important, it also has the ones that give cities the perception of cultural cool, like microbreweries and bike-sharing and an acceptance of marijuana and same-sex marriage.

So our city is cool and drawing in the next generation of business leaders.  Pretty cool.

To learn more about how the Denver market is growing contact anyone on the Denver Urban team today.

The post Denver is Where College Grads Want to Live appeared first on Denver Urban Living.

Despite the advantages of owning a property in this opportune time, many people still remain reluctant about buying, especially as it involves years of paying a mortgage every month — even though in the current market it may just be a hair more (or even less!) than they have to pay when they choose to rent.

Why not start investing and making those payment go towards setting yourself up for the future. Consider these advantages of owning a home compared to renting an apartment.

Invest in your future, not your landlords!

When you rent, you pay the mortgage for a property that will never be yours. On the other hand, buying a home means you invest in a property that can be passed on to your family to give them a more secured life or sold when you need to move. It is yours. All your sacrifices will pay off after several years, so you can look forward to a more peaceful retirement.

Your plans and preferences can be realized

Everyone has a dream house, and you can own yours—or something close to it—when you buy a home instead of renting one. You can follow your plans to suit your preferences. You can renovate, remodel, and expand to your heart’s content, and even have the whole family pitch in with their ideas that can make them feel more at home.

Mortgage rates rise slower compared to rent

You may find it hard to believe, but the average mortgage rate in the US rises slower than the average price of rent, especially in Denver. As a matter of fact, mortgage rates drop down more often than rents do. If you are lucky enough, you might even get a property that you can mortgage for the price of rent in the area.

Moreover, the period of bank computation is typically longer than a lease contract. You can maintain a convenient interest rate much longer (an average of five years) than a convenient rental fee (an average of one year) because rates go up after the initial contracts. Most banks even offer fixed interest rates, so you do not have to worry about your mortgage going up any time in the future.

Owned homes build equity

Investing in a property is like saving in a bank. You can sell your asset in case of an emergency or when you have already decided to move.

Owning a home entitles you to tax benefits

The interest of mortgage is tax deductible while the rent is not. The actual mortgage that you pay is not really the money you lose because you get to save on tax by the end of the year anyway. The same cannot be said for paying rent since housing expenses are your actual expenses.

You can generate income from your own home

If for whatever reason you decide to move or own a second house, you can have your first house rented, from which you can get the money to purchase your next house.

So, the next time you write that rent check ask yourself, “Am I ready to own what I’m paying for, or do I want to keep giving my money to someone else?”

Start your search for a home you can own today!

The post Why Rent When You Could Own? appeared first on Denver Urban Living.

Thank you Veterans

Thank you Veterans, to all those who serve and who have served.

There have been a number of posts going around talking about the great Veterans Day sales around town.

Instead, we want to talk about how you can thank your veterans, not just today, but every day.

• Donate to Military Families.  Out veterans who serve are away from home, away from their families, away from their children for months at a time.  There are several organizations that help provide support to military families.  One such organization is the National Military Family Organization at https://www.militaryfamily.org/.  As their site describes “Military families struggle with frequent uprooting and wartime stress, separations, wounds, and loss. Since 1969, the National Military Family Association, a 501(c)3 charity, has offered uplifting programs to heal, strengthen, and comfort them.”
• Invest in Veterans.  According to the CNN article “Five Ways to Honor Veterans beyond Veterans Day” “About 77% of veterans have struggled through unemployment and more than a quarter have searched for more than a year for a job”.    For business owners you may want to look at the Returning Heroes Tax Credit as just one more of the many reasons this is a great thing to do.
• Volunteer your time.  Whether you want to donate time to a Veterans organization or simply share an afternoon with a veteran there are so many ways you can enrich the life of our Veterans.  Visit a retirement home or a VA Hospital and thank them for their service.
• Donate to the Wounded Warriors Project.   The Wounded Warrior Project works to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history.
• Thank a Veteran any day of the year.  It doesn’t have to just be on Veterans Day that we say thank you.

Cheers Denver!

The post Thank you Veterans appeared first on Denver Urban Living.

What To Do in Denver in July

We have gathered a list of great things going on this weekend and into the month around the city for you and the family to enjoy.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival – July 3rd – 5th

This is an art festival for the books and we mean that! A world-class and award-winning celebration of visual, culinary and performing arts, this art festival has around 350,000 attendees over the span of 3 days. This year marks their 25th anniversary so make sure to make it down there for some artist demonstrations, fine cuisine sampling and interactive activities for the whole gang.

Colorado Irish Festival – July 10th – 12th – Clement Park, Littleton

Grab your green attire and head out to Littleton to the largest Irish celebration in the Rocky Mountains with traditional Irish music and dancing, drama and storytelling, crafts, games and of course food and brews.

Biennial of the Americas – July 14-18 – Various locations

Some of the brightest minds in politics, arts, business and education gather from all over the Western Hemisphere to discuss and envision a brighter future. Enjoy a week of exhibits, conversations and cultural events with these creative minds.

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival – July 18-19 – Sloan’s Lake Park

Founded back in 2001 to celebrate Colorado’s rich Asian Pacific American culture, this festival has become the region’s fastest growing family-friendly summer festival in Denver. Explore performances, arts and crafts, shopping, dining and the ever exciting athletic competition of dragon boat racing.

Denver Post Underground Music Showcase (UMS) July 23-26 – S. Broadway

You may have heard of Austin’s South By Southwest but what about Denver’s Underground Music Showcase? Much like South, this music festival takes over the streets and stages of South Broadway for a multi-night extravaganza featuring some of the best of the best of Denver’s underground music scene. There will be over 400 local and national bands playing in 20 venues for more than 5,000 music lovers of all ages, something not to be missed.

There are many more activities beyond the ones listed above so be sure to grab the family and head out to one of these great adventures!

From all of us at Denver Urban / New Era Group, have a happy and safe 4th of July weekend! And if you are looking for a new home or looking to sell your current home, come talk to us! Don’t worry, we don’t bite

The post May, June… It is already July! appeared first on Denver Urban Living.

Denver’s robust farmers markets are so popular that there’s one in nearly every neighborhood and suburb. And if you’re heading out to explore outside the city this weekend, not to worry—there’s an app for that! Colorado Farm Fresh is a free app from the Colorado Department of Agriculture, available for both Apple and Android, and it’ll point you to every farmers’ market, roadside stand, and corn maze in the state.

Whether you’re heading just around the corner or making a day of exploring what the city—or state—has to offer, it’s guaranteed to be worth the trip.

Denver Farmers’ Markets: Bringing the Farm to Your Neighborhood

Union Station Farmers’ Market (Union Station Plaza, 1701 Wynkoop St)

Right in the heart of the city at the historic Union Station Plaza is the farmers’ market boasting some of the greatest variety of offerings in the city. From farm-fresh produce to meats and dairy to artisanal goods, you’ll find everything you’re looking for here.
Saturdays, June 3-Oct 28, 2017, 9am-2pm

Cherry Creek Fresh Market (E 1st Ave & University Blvd)

This award-winning market is Denver’s largest, and for good reason! The Cherry Creek Fresh Market boasts one of the best mixes of Colorado-grown produce and Colorado-made specialty foods. Pick up your produce for the week and stay for lunch—you won’t be disappointed!
Saturdays, May 6-Oct 28, 2017, 8am-1pm
Wednesdays, June 14-Sept 27, 2017, 9am-1pm

City Park Esplanade Fresh Market (E Colfax Ave & Columbine St)

This market at historic Sullivan Fountain is right next to City Park and East High School, making it easily accessible with lots of parking. Known for hosting some of the best local growers, make sure to reserve part of your Sunday to pick up some of the highest-quality produce in Denver.
Sundays, June 4-Oct 29, 2017, 9am-1pm

Old South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market (S Pearl St & Florida Ave)

The market in the historic South Pearl neighborhood is well worth a visit. Near DU, this market boasts an impressive mix of fresh produce, fresh baked goods, and artisan cheeses.
Sundays, May 21-Nov 19, 2017, 9am-1pm

The Farmers’ Market at Highlands Square (32nd Ave & Lowell Blvd)

In the heart of the Highlands, this market has the usual mix of fresh produce and artisanal goods—while adding in live music, craft brews, and mimosas. This may just be the hottest brunch in town.
Sundays, June 11-Sept 24, 2017, 9am-1pm

Stapleton Fresh Market (E 29th Ave & Roslyn St)

The Stapleton Fresh Market, held on the Founders’ Green, is sure to impress. Healthy snacks like fresh-popped kettle corn will keep you satisfied while you browse the fresh produce.
Sundays, June 18–Oct 15, 2017, 8:30am-12:30pm

The post It’s Farmers’ Market Season in Denver appeared first on Denver Urban Living.

What Should We Be Worried About?

The true danger isn’t the candy, but the streets. More than twice as many children are killed in pedestrian/vehicle incidents on Halloween between 4:00 pm and 10:00 pm, compared to those same hours for the rest of the year, according to research conducted by the Safe Kids Halloween Research Study.

Talking to your kids is key

It’s not just good enough to tell your child about safety in one briefing. Their attention spans are too short. Engage in repeated discussions, and make safety a common theme throughout the week. In short, drill them over and over so that they remember. And what you need to remember is that twice as many children are killed walking on Halloween, so street safety is most important. Staying in groups and staying together is also important. Many costumes are dark and hard to see at night. Use reflective tape, glow sticks, and flashing lights, not only for drivers to spot your kids but for adults to keep an eye on them.

But before you send them out, parents should be on guard about unsafe costumes. According to the study, many parents allow unsafe costumes to be worn with unsafe masks, loose clothing, sharp objects, and dark costumes that can’t be seen on unlit streets.

Twelve percent of children five years of age or younger are permitted to trick-or-treat alone. NEVER let your child under 12 navigate Halloween night alone. There should always be one (even better, a few) parents escorting them. And parents should keep the walks on sidewalks or lit paths and cross at corners using traffic signals and crosswalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

Still Worried about Tainted Candy?

While many pot treats do resemble commercial candies, by following some commonsense rules your kids and their candy can remain safe. Make sure the candy is in its original packaging, instead of a sandwich bag filled with gummy bears. Check treats for signs of tampering before children eat them. Candy should be thrown away if the wrapper is faded, torn, or unwrapped. Many of the marijuana edible wrappings do resemble typical goodies. If you’re suspicious of any candy, through it out. Parents should talk to their kids about not eating anything until inspected by an adult.

Be Safe and have a Great Halloween!

Halloween is intended to be spooky, but don’t let it end with a frightful mishap.

The post Don’t Let Phantom Facts Haunt Your Kids’ Halloween Safety appeared first on Denver Urban Living.

However, a few aisles away lay a potentially toxic mixture of chemicals, sprays and wipes destined for our kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. Now before you roll your eyes and start to wonder if perhaps I’m going a bit too far, I’m not saying you have to give up all your normal cleaning products or that you have to radically change your life. However, I have found that most of us already have the ingredients for safe, environmentally friendly cleaners that work just as well, if not better, than the more caustic store bought varieties. In addition, you might be surprised how simple they are to make.

No Chemistry Degree Required

What I find most amazing and exciting is that some of the best natural cleaners are items we have in our homes on a regular basis and they are simple to create. Here are a few of my favorites. Hopefully you will not only find these helpful for your home but will pass on to your friends.

#1 Ultimate Tub Cleaner – Smells Good Too

All this requires is 1-2 grapefruits and about ¼ cup kosher salt. The acid in the grapefruit helps eliminate stains and combined with the salt it makes a great cleanser. If you have a high gloss surface you should test first. Cut the grapefruits in half and add salt. Scrub away. Remember to squeeze to get a little extra juice. Not only will this clean your tub, but it smells great and you don’t have to worry about standing in bleach the next time you shower.

#2 Toilet Cleaning… Ew! Gross!

I have found the average negotiated teen rate for cleaning toilets is approximately $12 million. I have also noticed that when it is time to be done, I somehow manage to be the only person on the planet left with the skills to accomplish the task. I discovered a cleaning solution that makes it “more fun” and lowers the pay rate. It’s simple, use ¼ cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar.

First of all the vinegar is great at removing odors and, while it is a bit strong at first, it dissipates and takes the smell from the room. The cool thing is the chemical reaction from baking soda and vinegar. Pour the baking soda and vinegar into the toilet. It bubbles up and looks really cool, which the kids like. While they are still amazed hand them the toilet brush.

Incidentally, the vinegar – baking soda combination is also great at clearing slow drains. Pour the baking soda down the drain and then add the vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse with hot water. Works on most clogs and once again is far more cost effective and less harmful.

#3 A Spray For All Around Goodness

One last little recipe that I call “The Wonder Solution.” It too contains vinegar and is another one of my favorites. Fill a spray bottle with ½ water and ½ vinegar. It is the perfect cleanser because it doesn’t leave a residue and does a fantastic job cleaning up grease, soap scum and mildew. In addition, the vinegar removes the unwanted odors. If you want, add some drops of tea tree oil for a little extra boost. No harsh chemicals and it works on almost everything, be careful on marble and stone. Here’s a great video about the wonders of vinegar:

Keep It Clean and Safe

Just because you use safe cleaners doesn’t mean you have to start growing your own food and have chickens in the backyard, although that would be cool as well. However, studies continue to show that the harsh chemicals we use so much can cause very serious health issues. From allergies to burns and even some lung and breathing issues. Start small and try using some healthier and natural alternatives and throw in a few of your own special touches. Not only will you save money, your house will be a healthier environment for the whole family.

The post 3 Easy Tips For Cleaning Your Home Organically appeared first on Denver Urban Living.