Moving to Denver from Out of State: A Practical Timeline
Written by Holly Van Keuren — Denver's Apartment Aunt, licensed Colorado Real Estate Broker, and Colorado native who has helped hundreds of out-of-state transplants make Denver home.
Every week, I get a message that goes something like this:
"Holly, I just accepted a job in Denver. I've never lived there. I don't know anyone. I have 45 days to find an apartment in a city I've visited exactly once for a bachelorette party in 2023. Help."
First: breathe. Second: you're in the right place. Third: Denver is going to be one of the best decisions you've ever made — but only if you approach the move strategically. I've helped people relocate from California, New York, Chicago, Texas, and pretty much everywhere in between. Here's the survival guide I wish someone had given every single one of them.
1. Start Your Apartment Search 45–60 Days Out
Denver's rental market has a rhythm, and understanding it will save you stress and money. Most apartment communities know their availability 30–60 days out. That means:
60 days out: Start building your wishlist — neighborhoods, must-haves, budget range. This is research mode.
45 days out: Start touring (virtually or in person) and comparing total monthly costs
30 days out: Apply and lock in your unit with the best available move-in special
Move week: Set up utilities, confirm internet installation, do your final walkthrough
If you start looking too early (90+ days), you'll find that most buildings can't show you actual available units yet and you'll get frustrated. Too late (under 3 weeks), and you're panic-choosing from whatever's left. The sweet spot is 45–60 days. I cover this in more detail in my apartment hunting timeline guide.
2. Budget for Denver's "Hidden" Costs
Beyond base rent (one-bedrooms start at $1,700+ in premium buildings), plan for these Denver-specific costs:
Parking: $75–$150/month at most newer apartment communities. This is rarely included, even at upscale buildings. Budget for it.
Utilities + Internet: Most premium rentals do not include utilities or internet. Expect $150–$250/month for electricity, gas, water/sewer/trash back-billing, and high-speed internet.
Altitude adjustment costs: This sounds silly, but it's real. Your first two weeks at 5,280 feet, you'll probably eat out more (cooking feels exhausting when you can't breathe), buy a humidifier ($30–$60), stock up on lip balm and lotion, and drink more water than you've ever consumed.
Winter utilities: January and February Xcel Energy bills spike. Budget an extra $50–$100/month during those months.
Pet rent: $25–$75/month plus a one-time deposit if you're bringing a furry companion
Auntie Advice: Add a $300–$500/month buffer to your estimated housing costs for the first 3 months. It always costs more to get settled than you expect.
For a complete breakdown of Denver rental costs, check out the Denver Renter's Guide.
3. Choose Your Neighborhood Based on Your Actual Life
I cannot stress this enough: pick your neighborhood based on your commute and lifestyle, not Instagram aesthetics. Here's my quick-reference guide:
If you want walkability + social energy:
RiNo — Murals, food halls, brewery patios, creative energy. Denver's "cool" factor lives here.
LoHi/Highlands — Denver's best dining scene, stunning skyline views, upscale but approachable.
Capitol Hill — Eclectic, walkable, welcoming to all, the most "urban neighborhood" feel in Denver.
If you want quiet + polished:
Cherry Creek — Upscale shopping, refined dining, premium apartment finishes. The Buckhead of Denver.
Washington Park — Tree-lined streets, gorgeous park, neighborhood-y feel with great restaurants.
Lowry — Community-centered, great local spots, newer builds with excellent amenities.
If you want value + space:
Aurora — Diverse, convenient to east-side hospitals, newer communities with competitive pricing.
Arvada — Charming Olde Town, mountain access, strong value for the quality.
Central Park — Family-friendly, gorgeous newer builds, easy airport access.
Glendale — Tiny, centrally located, surprisingly affordable. A hidden gem.
Moving from Out of State? Share Your Wishlist
4. Car or No Car?
If you're coming without a car: You can make it work, but be strategic. Prioritize neighborhoods with RTD light rail access (Union Station, Capitol Hill, parts of Aurora) or high walkability (LoHi/Highlands, RiNo, Capitol Hill). Grocery delivery and rideshare help, but Denver is ultimately more car-friendly than transit-friendly once you leave the core.
If you're bringing a car: Confirm your apartment building has parking and understand the cost. Street parking in popular neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and LoHi/Highlands is competitive and sometimes permit-restricted. Don't assume you can "just find street parking" — that's a fast track to frustration.
5. The Altitude Is Real — Prep for It
Denver sits at 5,280 feet above sea level, and if you're moving from a coastal or low-elevation city, the first two weeks will humble you. Here's what to expect and how to handle it:
Drink absurd amounts of water. Double your normal intake. I'm not exaggerating.
Get a humidifier immediately. Colorado's air is incredibly dry. Your skin, sinuses, and lips will feel it within 24 hours.
Go easy on alcohol. It hits harder and faster at altitude. One drink at 5,280 feet feels like two at sea level. You've been warned.
Don't overdo exercise in week one. You'll be winded faster than expected. Give your body 2–3 weeks to acclimate.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. You're closer to the sun. UV exposure is stronger. Wear it year-round.
6. Work with a Local Apartment Locator (Yes, I'm Biased, But Hear Me Out)
Trying to find a Denver apartment from another state is objectively hard. You can't easily tour buildings, you don't know which neighborhoods match your lifestyle, you can't tell from photos whether a building is well-managed, and online reviews are all over the place.
Here's what I do for out-of-state clients:
Build a curated shortlist based on your budget, commute, and lifestyle preferences
Tour specific units on your behalf and send you detailed video walkthroughs
Track real-time move-in specials so you get the best deal available
Walk you through the application process so nothing falls through the cracks
Answer your "is this neighborhood actually safe?" and "will I hate this commute?" questions honestly
And my service is completely free to you. Check the FAQ for full details on how the process works.
Welcome to Denver. The sunshine, the mountains, the green chile, and the inexplicable dry air are waiting for you. You're going to love it here. ☀️🏔️
Holly Van Keuren is a licensed Colorado Real Estate Broker, Colorado native, and the founder of Holly The Locator — Denver's boutique apartment locating service for out-of-state relocators.