Native here 🖐 Colorado USED to be a place that a regular working class person/family could actually buy a house in. Not anymore! CA and other states residents/investment companies moved in at a record pace and bought houses most likely in cash.... and yeah we are now left with about a 40- 50% housing increase for no freaking good reason! Colorado is a very transient state.... they won't stay here very long.... they'll just move in disrupt, raise prices and move on. Our rainbow Gov who was supposedly born/raised in Boulder.... became Califonicated in college and moved back "home" to CO . So yeah... that pretty much says it all right there.... Californication.
I will be more direct, lol. The state of Colorado is fantastic; however, the city of Denver is now terrible. The cost of living is not worth it, and there’s not much to do in Denver. Between 2014 and 2019, Denver suffered from an identity crisis. Denver did not know if it wanted to be a college, hippie, middle-class, upscale, dangerous, or safe city. However, Denver is now officially an extended progressive version of Downtown Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, and LA. Denver's high cost of living and skyrocketing crime rate are not worth it for a boring city.
I, lived rented in all. 15 year's by Skyland-City Park.June-September ideal. October Nuggets Basketball and Avalanche , Rapids etc. and I can confirm ✓ like crypt 💙 🦷 said. ☝🏻
This "city" REALLY SUCKS!!! People are incredibly rude! I tried to be friendly and optimistic, but nearly everyone just gives me crap. Crime is growing and police don't do anything about it as they are too damn lazy to get out of their cars. Unless you are wealthy, then they help.
Tons of people move to Denver and are like “it’s not all it’s cracked up to be” but anyone from CO knows that it’s a flat, treeless polluted brown plain with overburdened infrastructure. Front range just generally sucks these days
I've been living in Denver for 3 years and yes it sucks the people are unbelievably boring . It's like watching paint dry here. It's like the city has no soul. It's just dead
I moved to CO from Pittsburgh in March 2020, peak COVID. My brother's friend owned a home in the nicer part of Arvada and we stayed in their 2 bedroom ranch style basement. My brother got let go within the first month and for his bday in June 2024, left me and didnt come back for a year. He paid his half of rent, but it was super uncomfortable living in someones basement when the connection of us moved. Fast forward, I met a girl and because she lived in Castle Rock, after about 6 months dating we decided to move in. December 2020 I moved to Littleton in a small 2 bedroom apartment with no AC that was owned by Grey Star. What a nightmare. We made it our own, got engaged about 2 years into dating, and wedding 3 years in. After the honeymoon we moved to Thornton and though the traffic DOES SUCK pretty bad, I absolutely love our area. There's cornfields, its pretty quiet if assholes arent drag racing on the main strip a block away, and we have non crowded parks and open spaces, plus we are pretty close to Boulder. So my take, yes its expensive owning a townhome in Thornton, but our mortgage is the cost of what rent became after 3 years in Littleton and is now locked in. Snow hits, but melts immediately. Sun is shining. And AC is a must, so its much more enjoyable. I would say that CO is pretty progressive and woke, alot of homeless, alot of illegal immigrants, alot of TERRIBLE drivers who constantly think theyre in Fast & Furious causing accidents, thus making traffic worse, but I myself so far do not necessarily see myself moving back. This is peaceful if you block out the noise and surround yourself with the right people and take it a day at a time.
Moved here from Pittsburgh in 2022. Man. The differences in those two cities. Pittsburgh is a city with life and people are fun. It's walkable. There's a soul there whereas Dencer has no soul. People are dead. Everyone is extremely depressed, it's just horrible
@deleteduser121 I would agree with "Denver" being that of what you described but otherwise CO "Denver Metro Surrounding Areas" is decent. Pittsburgh night life is definitely fun, public transport is way better to get around safely, but it's always gray and miserable most days.
I'm both a native and a transplant. I grew up and was raised in colorado until I was 20, then I moved to Hawaii for 13 years and moved back to Colorado last year. I can't believe how much has changed in the 13 years i was gone. (I had not visited co since moving to hawaii) I've only lived here for a year now and I am already planning my escape asap. There is still so much beauty in CO but a lot has changed and kind of ruined it for me. It's also almost nearly impossible to find a decent paying job here, which is wild for me to say, coming from HAWAII. I had a better chance finding a job on an island than this state. Who woulda thought!!
I used to visit Denver and loved it and had no intention of ever moving here but here I am. I moved here for a job and once I get my time in (3 years I’m gonna transfer to Florida) this has created a why make friends thing. Denver is depressing for me. I don’t want to stay in a city that values others over people who pay the tax’s.
Yeah, I feel ya. I think something I've learned is it's always worth it to try and make friends. I've done the why make friends thing before, it's not a great feeling. I don't love denver obviously, but hopefully you find more joy in the rest of your time there.
Almost a 14 year transplant now. It's insanely expensive here. I'm an aerospace mechanical engineer and my wife has been unemployed for a year. I'm pretty much living paycheck to paycheck and I think the only way out is somewhere else. But the mountain biking and skiing anchors me here.
I chose Colorado Springs as a cheaper option to live in compared to Denver. Now by 2035-2040 the median housing price is expected to hit 1 Million ! If you’re not working remotely or making very good money you’re going to be screwed anywhere you go in this country.
I enjoy the perspective although I find it hilarious. I’m from Florida and had several friends move to Denver. They were pretty “normal” and then they moved to Denver and they’re definitely not “normal” anymore lol. I’ve been there several times and never understood the hype. AT ALL. Reminded me of a landlocked, sunnier Seattle.
Native here ;). I thought I’d hate your video but you’re totally right. The real crisis in Denver is the lack of identity due to the enormous transplant population. The entire city is a revolving a door of 20 something’s all wanting to move to a new city for 1-2 years to “find themselves”. A few of them plant roots, but the majority of them rent for 1-2 years then go back to where they came from. Thus, that has become the culture. “A place you go for a few years in your 20s”. Then they all stare at each other expecting the others to produce the “culture” that they’re craving, without realizing that they are the culture. Most people climb Greys and Torrey’s, get a ski pass for one season, then get bored and go home. It’s closer to studying abroad for a semester than it is committing to a new city.
@@toadmuscle5084 lol no worries. I'm just ranting. Plenty of growing pains across other major cities too. Denver is just one of those cities that produces a high churn rate, which it makes hard for any sort of culture to persist. The "Native" bumper stickers have been around since the 1970s, and I think they're a cool throwback. To me, it's more about sporting some sort of cultural continuity in a place that is constantly changing and "belongs to no one" as you've said. (There's even one on the truck Red Dawn from 1984). I see how some could view them as anti-transplant, but ultimately I think they're a cool relic or a kind of vestige of "simpler" times before Denver and Colorado were really "on the map". (Note: I don't have a native sticker). Just my additional two cents. Edit: Before someone points out Denver's growth really exploded in the 1970's, I meant more of pre-2014 era where it was still a mid-major city, but people just called Colorado a flyover state and didn't give it much thought.
Pretty spot on my dude. I celebrating my 10th year here in Colorado. I am getting annoyed all the good local spots are getting pushing out these for high rise apartments. Looking at you Blake Street Tavern we had a lot of memories playing bar games there. I am only saying Black Street because it’s the latest victim. But a lot of them can not even afford rent and are having to move. Denver has had massive growth starting when they build Coors Field. Downtown was sketchy and had a lot of parking lots because they torn down a lot of the old building in the 70’s and 80’s from my understanding from my native friends. I am hoping we get. Good snowy year like the 82 and 83 to ward off the people who can’t hang. As long as I got a 6 pack of beer and a bottle of whiskey I will be fine for a few days snowed in
I have been here for 15 years, and the first thing I noticed is the construction cones throughout the city. In 15 years they have not moved. Constant Construction and potholes.
i moved from Albuquerque NM to Denver CO and my quality of life improved drastically 😂 i think it's all perspective because i get paid more for the same work i did in New Mexico except i have access to more amenities, cheaper travel, quality healthcare, safer in alot of areas in and around the denver metro (i come from the breaking bad city so i guess i have a worse outlook on crime). The other logic impacting alot of normal people is the cost of living in most cities and even small towns have became so bad that Denver is honestly still a good deal. A nice apartment in Albuquerque is roughly $1500 to $2200 for a one bedroom in the good part of the city and Denver is literally the same at the moment. Most one bedrooms in the Denver Metro are around the $1600 to $2300 dollar range. I always have to remind people and bring them back to reality NO PLACE iS PERFECT you simply need to make the best decision for yourself and financial situation. Hopefully wherever you moved is better for you but i bet money i could find a whole list of issues in the new town or city you just moved to. There are alot of good nearby communities that are not expensive that is worth a look for anyone interested in Denver that is still somewhat affordable (Renting only) for example Englewood, Lakewood and maybe lone tree if you don't mind being a little further outside the Denver inner city. There are still good deals in the Denver metro you just have to look. If you sign up for the first luxury apartment you tour than thats a you problem.
Denver has been transplants for 40-50 years. The difference these days is that the newcomers are looking for instance gratification. As others have said, if you want a culture, you have to commit to the place. That means stick around for at least five years, develop a framily. Dont spend every day texting your high school and college friends that live somewhere else. It aint easy, but thats how its done. Raised two kids, with no immediate family around. But we had our framily to lean on.
One of the many reasons I left. As a Native of Colorado growing up in Greeley and graduating H.S. in Aurora back when Fitzsimmons and Lowry were still in operation, and Aurora was labeled as one of the cleanest cities in America, and we curised 16th street on Friday and Saturday nights. Now I consider it all as the local landfill.
I am a native, I feel like a stranger in my own state. It's not all the hype...expect for mountain skyline...that gives me joy everyday. A lot of stuck up ppl who have no reason to be, like they are from Kansas and think they are the CRAP because they bought a home in the highlands, go snowboarding, hiking, and brag about going to secret bars...barf!!!
The comparison about Denver being like that really hot person you are dating but things aren't really clicking and you know it's not going to be a long term thing, is spot on! I've been in the Metro for almost 6 years. I lived in Boulder for 1 year. Then moved to Thornton and work in Denver. There are so many things I love about living in Colorado (skiing, hiking, rockhounding, paddleboarding, super dog friendly, hot springs, cute mountain towns, etc). Yet, the cons are starting to get to me! Although the cost of living is high, my biggest complaint is that something is really off with the people that live here. The vibe is just really hostile!!! I just can't handle it anymore. The vibe has made me loss faith in humanity a little bit. I'm just not vibing with the community here at all!
People in Colorado are either rude stuck up ass holes, or there non English speaking thieves and criminals, it has its upsides but the people are the worst
How’s life in Thornton? I’ve lived in Denver (and don’t want to move back), and I’m currently in Louisville, but buying a home here just isn’t realistic. I love Louisville because it’s a small town that’s close to everything, but I’m considering North Thornton since the housing market there is a bit more affordable. That said, it seems like Thornton doesn’t really have much “personality.” Any thoughts?
I moved from the south east and ended up buying a home in a CO suburb. Outdoors are nice, traffic isn’t bad as LA or other major cities unless you go on I70 to hit the slopes, the city has potential but it’s run by idiots that siphon money from tax payers and give it to illegal immigrants. Idk what the mayor has done to the homeless but he did sort of clean it up I guess but made the city way more dangerous with illegal immigrants. Like literally the liberal run government values illegals over those who came legally like I did. The food scene I initially thought did suck but it’s really just hidden and you have to explore and find these places as the video said. If I was in charge of Denver and CO as a whole, I would probably make it more conservative in terms of economy, migration(make it easier for those who follow the rules and punish those that don’t) and also reduce the amount of slush funds that exist in government
Native here - I agree with many of your comments, especially about our city government. My property taxes have gone up by 20% in the last year alone as we repealed the Gallagher Amendment which let the city raise taxes even more than they already had done. Now I am paying for trash, paying for sidewalks and paying a crazy high sewer tax. All of this money is not necessarily going to migrants, it is just being wasted and used to enrich people who are well connected, but siphon is the right word. At the Federal level conservatives have not been fiscally responsible, i.e. Dubya who ran up huge deficits, but Colorado Springs had and maybe still has a Republican mayor and it is a very well run city. it is pretty boring, but well run. To be fair, most of the problems we have are because of possibly the worst mayor in our history, Michael Hancock and a corrupt city council, but Mike Johnston seems to be more interested in picking a fight with Trump than lowering sky high taxes.
As a native my desire to interact with people had been destroyed by the revolving door dynamic. You meet people, you get close, you love them like they're family and they move. Next thing you know you haven't heard from them in over a year, they've moved on and they have new lives. It's cool the first couple times. I get it. People move, make lives, get new friends. But after three, four, five times? I went from being a fairly extroverted person to being pretty guarded. Not really making that much effort to get to know people. It's changed me, and I don't always like how.
I live in Longmont. I lived in Wichita, Kansas for a few months in the spring of 2014. I think Longmont is much better than Denver. And I like your point about I-25 traffic and how people drive around like they have nothing to lose. What do these people do to occupy their time???? Other than driving that is lol. Also where do you live now?
I laughed my butt off on the Ohio hate. Moved to Denver 10 years ago and will not go back and have a family here now. But you left out the second most hated group besides the Californian’s…. It’s the Texans
The Texans are funny, didn’t have as much experience with em and they were also a little harder to put in a box. There’s the rich Texans on the slopes and the woke ones trying to find other progressives, never had too much trouble with them myself lol 🤷♂️
Part 1 (the Bad): Alien Transplant (from Europe) ... I agree with most of what you're saying. It started to really change when Colorado decided to run the experiment with cannabis. I'm actually for Federal deregulation (so people just stay in their home state and do their thang), but I wasn't for turning Colorado into a petri dish in 2012 because of the transient influx. It doesn't help that Denver is at a crossroads for drug distribution from down south. Cartels move their merch up I-25 (from and thru Texas and New Mexico), and then can hit St. Louis and Chicago, Kansas City, Indianapolis to the east, and Las Vegas, LA, San Fran, and the North West cities including those in British Columbia, Canada, to the west eh? The availability of all these substances has supercharged our homeless problems (and yes, it has gotten better than it was four years ago). Traffic and road-rage has gotten out of control ... it's always been there - but now, people drive like they don't care. Turn signals? nah ... cutting up, fine ... lifted trucks from the Exurbs doing 90+ racing Nissan Altimas from the hood, all day long ... firearm incidents on the road have received national attention. It's really gotten "dee you em bee"
Part 2 (the Good): This will be TLDR ... Stay if you can make it work $$$. If you take the time to explore, Denver-and Colorado as a whole-offers a rich blend of history, sports traditions, and vibrant nightlife. The Denver Theatre District and the Denver Art Museum provide some of the best live entertainment and cultural exhibits, while the city’s arenas and stadiums draw crowds from across the region for major concerts and sporting events. 16th Street Mall used to be our little NYC 5th Avenue (until it bacame homeless paradise ... but that's changing). Denver also received a unique infusion of French culture when the Quebec Nordiques relocated and became the Colorado Avalanche. We even got some transplant news anchors from Canada at the time. Interestingly, the French were the second group of Europeans to visit Colorado, after the Spanish, as part of the Louisiana Territory that overlapped with Mexico's (New Spain's) claims. There's a huge Latino community and a (waning) South-East Asian community that offers authentic restaurants and food trucks. The food scene is "vibrant", however many people say it's nothing like California - but there's a reason for that ... the altitude reduces retro-nasal olfaction, which means foods need to be over-spiced for the flavor to get through. Every time I go to So-Cal, I think "why can't taste this good back home?!" For raising kids, the communities up against the foothills and Southeast of town (from Broomfield in the north, Golden in the center, to Roxborough in the South, Highlands Ranch in South-Central Metro and Parker to the East) offer some of the best schools, trails and open space for kids to grow up. The Denver area also has some world-class medical facilities albeit that falls on death ears when, admittedly, retiring in Denver has become way too expensive for many. For history buffs, a trip to the Four Corners area offers a chance to explore the ancient Anasazi ruins (but patches of Native American history are everywhere). If gambling is your vice, Central City is less than 45 minutes from Denver. For winter sports enthusiasts, Colorado’s slopes are world-class and you can find affordable options like limited-season ski passes or ~free cross-country trails. Denver’s architecture reflects an eclectic mix of old and new styles. The city’s mineral wealth, along with ranching and farming prosperity, brought an influx of wealthy individuals who built impressive mansions in Capitol Hill and other neighborhoods. There were also many wealthy Europeans who made their homes in the Front Range during the late 19th century. Finally, for car enthusiasts, the roads west of Denver are among the most thrilling in the country, with scenery and technical driving challenges that can be breathtaking (if you can afford the speeding tickets!)
I should note ... it's interesting that many Latino's in the front range don't consider themselves Latino as much as they claim Spanish heritage. Many came from Spanish families who were herding cattle and sheep, and tilling the soil around Buena Vista, San Louis and Pueblo areas (San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo Range) long before Anglo settlers made their way up the tributaries of the Mississippi. Most are Mestizo, but :)
Also, forgot to include - IF you're a traveler, as a home-base, Denver is a great place to catch direct flights to Europe, Asia, the Middle East (Turkey) and Central America and to all 50 states.
While there are safer neighborhoods in the south part, I find Denver overall to be quite segregated. There aren't many diverse neighborhoods or cities in the Denver area. There seems to be way too many areas with a dominant ethnicity. I went to Total Wines in Centennial a year ago, and I felt like I was the only black person in the store. Compare Denver to Seattle, I lived southeast of Seattle for many years, and there were more neighborhoods that were diverse with whites, blacks, asians and hispanics/latinos. It's puzzling that a city like Denver loves to boast about its diversity, yet there's barely that many areas that are actually diverse.
Colorado is awesome. However, I can agree that the actual city of Denver is terrible. Really bad food scene, overall dark/unappealing/aesthetically lacking. A lot of the areas of Denver that 27-33 y/o people swear by (16th Street, Wash Park, RiNo, LoDo) are absolutely horrible and crimeridden. Unless you like coffee shops/urban art exhibits, I don’t know why everyone loves those areas. Aurora being our most prevalent suburb is also a joke, total dump. Places like Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and Cherry Creek are genuinely amazing and have a strong sense of local community & are why we love Colorado.
Lmao littleton, HR, and CC have community? That’s news to me. Aurora has better food than any other part of the state. Most of the CC school district is in Aurora. It’s such a basic take to crap on Aurora. South Aurora is no different than the suburbs you mentioned and North Aurora is the same crap as Northeast Denver.
"Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and Cherry Creek" Soulless suburban hellholes full of bland white people all trying to keep up with the Joneses, hard pass
I live like an hour north of Denver, I used to want to move there so bad but there's like no culture there and the prices to rent anything are just unreal, especially compared year over year.
So, I'm getting old now/retired, moved to Denver in 1983 from the midwest. Lived in Den. for 37 years, still in CO in an undisclosed, lovely location. I saw massive changes in the city, in the entire front range and on up the mountains. Growth! Change in culture via a change in values. Poor government leadership & legalizing marijuana started the real downfall. Of course country wide the covid mess and inflation has taken a toll. Then there is the travesty of illegal aliens. I don't think your complaints about Denver are any different from living in any other large city. Things change and not always for the good. Our country needs a ton of work. Don't keep looking for extended adolescent experiences. Build your life. Save, save, save and then invest.
Well, a little late to the party, but better late than never. I lived in the Denver area from 1998 to 2003. And I didn't want to leave at the time, but I got caught at the tail end of the internet bubble bursting, lost my job, and had to move back to Omaha (yuck!). But no, I'm not from Omaha, just ended up living there. Not sure what it's like in the 20-odd years since I left, but your analysis sounds about right from what I remember. Now that I'm retired, I'd consider moving back to Colorado (though not Denver) except for the economics of it. Too expensive and I think CO taxes social security. I'd be better off living in west Texas and driving to CO during the summer to hit the mountains (I'm a hiker, not a skier).
What I've found that skiing is the only thing that CO offers that is second to none. Everything else can generally be found better or equal somewhere else, and Colorado can be enjoyed as a state to visit once of twice a year
@@toadmuscle5084 Well, I have to respectfully disagree. As a hiker and peakbagger, the mountains there (especially the high 13ers and 14ers) are more accessible than other states. You don't need to go expedition style as you would in the Pacific Northwest or Alaska, and you don't need a permit. They're quite accessible to mere mortals without a lot of fuss or a multi-day trip. And there are just so many of them. Nothing against skiing, whatever floats your boat, but don't discount the hiking and climbing.
@@jimschaffner1 yep, 14ers forsure is another one. I spent most of my time of the trails in the foothills which is more what I was referring to, but 55 14ers is definitely better than anywhere else in the country
I've lived here since 2009 (before the huge influx).I have noticed far more folks from back east (Illinois, Missouri, etc.) moving here. I have known very few Californians that wanted to move here. When I go back to Oregon, my hometown of Portland is full of transplants now just like Denver. That was not the case in the 2000s when I left. Natives love to complain about it, but Denver is not a unique city for having an influx of transplants moving there. It is much more common than it was decades ago for young people to leave their home states.
Young native here (20). I genuinely thought this video would be terrible, but it's okay and truthful. Colorado is very strange. I've never lived in the heart of Denver, but I've moved many times from Aurora, Lakewood, Thorton, and Litteton. Then, as I got older, my family moved farther and farther away from Denver. We moved to weld country close to longmont, then even further into the boonies. One thing I have noticed is, ironically, almost every "native" I've met doesn't live in Denver. I know there is probably some, but usually, natives live in the mountains or around Denver, but they will not touch it, myself included. Denver has always had an identity crisis. Denver is like someone in their 20s trying to find who they are, which ironically Denver does. However, people eventually find out what they like, Denver is a city, and it never grows out of the "many career changes, style differences, and ideology changes" phase. To me, personally, Colorado as a whole, not just Denver, is an old, fashoined western rooted, good ol' time of a place. You can see reminisce of it if you look. But like in Rango, gone is the times of cowboys and gunslingers, its time to be businesses people. Most natives at least, that I've met are either of the conservative or old school liberal mindset. Which Denver didn't always fit into, but very much doesn't anymore. Denver has chosen to be the liberal intersection. Natives tend to know what they want already. They dont need to find out which way to go. I've also noticed that almost all natives are super duper amazing people when they can go to sleep at night knowing there is only x amount of people around them. As soon as it's one over what their number is, they are pissed forever, myself included. I think Denver would be a good city like it was in the mid 2000s-about 2012. If it went to purple again and the population was 500k. Natives really, really love when stuff is the sweet spot. It's not super dense but dense enough not to feel lonely, not a crowded restaurant with all new faces, but also not a dead one. They want a restaurant with moslty old faces, maybe a few new ones, medium full. To natives, more is not better. We all have a tipping point in that we're just going past the point, which is worse than just before it. Also, the housing has gone balistic. The front range is flat for fucks sake, but the progessive policies, really only let two kinds housing to be developed. High-end single family and high-end, high density. Then keep the old shit around, charge just as much until it goes to shit, then let the city reclaim it. Denver is very hollow, in terms of everything, vibe, businesses, relationships, restaurants. Colorado is also a big state, so natives and non natives all know that if where they are sucks, there is a different type of Colorado that doesn't suck, somewhere else. The Government of Colorado is a professional scammer. They understand how Colorado operates, they purposely don't do anything for affordability, they keep the prices high and only cater to the rich. They know that people like Colorado so much, their philosophy is "its so good, what are they gonna do, leave?". They scam tf out of transplants with apartments and condos, and then with natives they go, "we know you want houses, but fuck you, here, how's 600k sound?" I don't ever plan on leaving, But by God All Mighty. I hope it changes, I hope Denver figures out a new identity that doesn't suck and sticks to it for at least a long time. I've sadly come to the conclusion that I'll probably never afford to buy a house, even though not that long ago, it didn't seem to far fetched. Colorado was a sellout to everyone. I hope it changes for the better. I'll be waiting. Long Rant Over.
Lol I wanted to hate this because I am going to be working back in Denver for the next 5 months and tried talking myself into it again. I do love Colorado, to an extent, but everything you said is so spot on I held a smirk the whole time. Glad others see it. That said, where the heck are you from? You look suspiciously Iowan It's definitely 'the hot girlfriend'. It seems super appealing, but ultimately is kinda a fling and temporary. I love Colorado, and Denver really, but would never plan to stay there longterm ever Actually I'm going Wisconsin with you
Good talk. I was moved here as a kid from NY/Philly like 25 years ago. Denver was never cool. I hated it tbh but It was better that way. Denver was way worse in the 80s and 90s with regards to crime,drugs, terrible infrastructure etc. It had a sweet spot from like 2005-2014 when you could get a solid 1 BR for $800/month in a good neighborhood. For whatever reason there was no massive wave of transients in that era. People say it’s boring but there are tons of live events. You mention Red Rocks but the live events here are so much more and massive relative to the population size. Problem is now it’s become ridiculously expensive to go to any live event. I miss Red Rocks pre-social media. I have to fight the whole world for tickets and parking thanks to IG. Nobody wants to make friends with tourists. I knew you were midwest pretty early on lol. I used to think the "native" stuff was cringe 20 years ago but I get it now. If people treated your house like how you described Denver as a party, then it’s a pretty harmless response all things considered.
This was how I felt about Austin, now I'm grown and could never live there at this age. People are growing up and realizing these places are unlivable and overpriced let California have it...
For a STEM state that just surpassed Massachusetts as the most highly educated state, we have the DUMBEST highway interchanges, exits and on ramps. Having a bunch of amped up IT people and pickup truck bros from Texas isn't helping. The little racing crews are the worst but getting better. It's crazy expensive, but a lot of rental units are going unrented, so maybe that's going to get better too. Bottom line: really, anyone who wants to leave, please, by all means, go. The rest of us are super fortunate to be in this gorgeous place where you can pretty much just do your thing if you can afford it. Denver absolutely does not suck.
lol. You are stating experiences in almost every major cities these days. Even Austin…. Believe or not. In some cases, houses in Austin are about the same if not more expansive than Denver.
Some of these things can be found elsewhere, but I've spent a lot of time in major cities over the past few years and haven't seen it like this. I would assume Austin is the closest thing, given how much of a hotspot it's become in the past few years.
I loved colorado when i moved here, actually bought a house here too.... i dont want to live here anymore mainly because of failed relationships and legal troubles. Hopefully i can get out of colorado soon.
As a native, I do have to say the native license plates are kind of ridiculous - I mean, what makes people need to tell everyone else that they are originally from Colorado. I have never even thought about getting a Native license plate or sticker. So - apologies to the transplants for that. Having lived in Boston, Philly and Kansas, and having traveled to cities around the world and around the country, I still think Denver is pretty awesome. I do agree that we’ve had a less than stellar city government for the last 15 years or so. Michael Hancock was probably the worst mayor in the city’s 166 year history - mismanaging the airport and raising taxes by an insane amount. The city’s budget is now a staggering $4.4 billion. The government has been hijacked and residents are getting crushed by taxes. We need to fix this. What city is better, Atlanta? It is crazy hot in the summer and humid AF - and the smugness combined with the racism - no thanks. Dallas? It’s hot AF and is in Texas. Seattle - expensive AF and cloudy? Boston? The weather there is terrible, 120 inches of snow one winter I lived there - and it doesn’t melt like here. I do like Philly the best for cities outside of Denver, or I should say the Philly suburbs. You can get to the Jersey Shore in under 90 minutes and prices are reasonable. We have had an identity crisis, but I do think this city, unlike L.A. or SFO or DC, has a soul.
what's the soul of Denver? Compared to Seattle, there is not much of a culture in Denver, other than mountains and outdoor activities. I used to live in Seattle, both Seattle and Denver are trash. But Seattle has a culture, a soul. There's good music and art, people dress up a certain way, and there's the Seattle freeze, which can be good and bad. Denver doesn't really have anything outside the mountains. What is the distinctive culture in Denver?
You didn’t live here long enough to find out. Seattle is really pretty damn remote and the weather there sucks. There are things that are unique about Colorado - there’s a blend of midwestern niceness and California laid back that makes this place unique. Colorado has a unique history - first state to legalize abortion after Roe v. Wade, first state ever to turn down the olympics, one of the first states to give women the right to vote, and the first state to legalize marijuana and elect an openly gay governor. I think it takes 3 years, maybe 5, to really learn a place and appreciate it. Did you go to a Broncos game? I hated Philly when I transferred to Penn years ago, but over time I learned to love it. I lived there for 8 years. There’s a ton of good live music here, and not just at Red Rocks - but we like what we like. Bill Burr was saying today that everyone should take a vacation in a place they’ve heard bad things about, and try to have a good time. I will say our politics here - City politics, it’s pretty lame.
@@bernarddouthit4647 I would contend that the music we get at Red Rocks is mostly by established artists, good and bad. But does Denver have a thriving music scene of its own? Doesn't seem like it, in contrast to other cities like LA, Chicago, NYC, Seattle, just to name a few. I went to KU for college, and even Lawrence, KS has a bustling music scene. I agree about the mixture of Cali and midwestern vibes though, one thing I like about Denver there are more friendly people here than Seattle, although I sense it used to be more friendly in the past. Within the first year living in Seattle I already knew something is different about it. Denver, again, mostly has the mountains to lean on, other than that, there's decent food and beer, and that's it. But many big cities have been losing their uniqueness because of over-commercialization unfortunately.
Downtown Denver was a blast when you could be working-poor, but that's long gone...if you're not rich, may as well be homeless and smoke fenty. Normal humans welcome to the Doomscape.
Bad Governor and Senators. Downfall began once weed was legalized. Left in 2019. Wont be back. Crime, homeless, illegals, bad traffic...even in the mountians. Horrible to see how it has declined.
🤣🤣🤣 "The Airport is just a short drive away to Kansas" got me! I am also a native and keep making these videos talking ish on Denver please so people leave my state or don't come here.
You know I grew up in Cali and I seen this place become trash but I still would never move to Denver. I’d visit Colorado. But a major city in the middle of no where with nothing to do…. You’re better off in Vegas
Nah, I do some stuff, that takes me to cities during the football season. Like you said Denver was that hot chick, but it gets old real fast.. DENVER SUCKS
People are vagabonding all over the place looking for something that doesn't exist. I live in New Orleans, and a lot of things can be said about this city. But i didn't move here in search of a better life or in the hopes that things would just magically sort themselves out and I would be a magnet for amazing experiences. I moved here cause i actually liked the city. I like the essence of it. It's not for everybody, but it's for me. I'm pretty sure theres people that LOVE Denver. And Denver is for them. A lot of people are looking for spiritual evolution and think that changing cities is gonna accomplish that. But wherever you go, there you are. If you're hopping from city to city, you're not looking for a better place. You're running from yourself. Or you're just an energy vampire and exist to suck the soul out of anywhere with life in it. These Californians and Yankees really know how to gentrify a city and dilute the very thing that made it special in the first place. Thats the ONLY thing I don't like about this city, too many expats...but thats not even the city's fault. Im not a native, but I've lived here for most of my life and survived Katrina, so i feel like I've earned the right to say I'm "from here". I totally understand the bitterness that Denver natives feel.
You are why the “natives” don’t want transplants especially from cali, Charleston sc is full of transplants I live in a city where it’s changed the last 20 years from people moving here but we’re not ruined yet like Denver and those other city’s like that but if you come here you’d probably love it if you don’t talk about politics
Native here 🖐 Colorado USED to be a place that a regular working class person/family could actually buy a house in. Not anymore! CA and other states residents/investment companies moved in at a record pace and bought houses most likely in cash.... and yeah we are now left with about a 40- 50% housing increase for no freaking good reason! Colorado is a very transient state.... they won't stay here very long.... they'll just move in disrupt, raise prices and move on. Our rainbow Gov who was supposedly born/raised in Boulder.... became Califonicated in college and moved back "home" to CO . So yeah... that pretty much says it all right there.... Californication.
I will be more direct, lol. The state of Colorado is fantastic; however, the city of Denver is now terrible. The cost of living is not worth it, and there’s not much to do in Denver. Between 2014 and 2019, Denver suffered from an identity crisis. Denver did not know if it wanted to be a college, hippie, middle-class, upscale, dangerous, or safe city. However, Denver is now officially an extended progressive version of Downtown Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, and LA. Denver's high cost of living and skyrocketing crime rate are not worth it for a boring city.
that certainly is abridged, but seemingly accurate. I didn't make it til late 2017, so I missed the early context, but definitely an identity crisis.
Denver sucked in the 80s 90s 2000s. Colorado is beautiful denver is a joke
Facts!!
I, lived rented in all. 15 year's by Skyland-City Park.June-September ideal. October Nuggets Basketball and Avalanche , Rapids etc. and I can confirm ✓ like crypt 💙 🦷 said. ☝🏻
SF born 🛣️
This "city" REALLY SUCKS!!!
People are incredibly rude! I tried to be friendly and optimistic, but nearly everyone just gives me crap.
Crime is growing and police don't do anything about it as they are too damn lazy to get out of their cars. Unless you are wealthy, then they help.
Lib run cities…sheesh!
having lived all over the U.S., your 'vibe' is in you...not in the streets.
Same and exactly.
Tons of people move to Denver and are like “it’s not all it’s cracked up to be” but anyone from CO knows that it’s a flat, treeless polluted brown plain with overburdened infrastructure. Front range just generally sucks these days
FoCo is the only good city in the front range. For now anyways
sounds like every city in America
Anywhere east of the Mississippi is civilization.
I live in Golden CO, and so if you're watching this from anywhere else and are thinking of moving here, please don't move to Golden.
I've been living in Denver for 3 years and yes it sucks the people are unbelievably boring . It's like watching paint dry here. It's like the city has no soul. It's just dead
I moved to CO from Pittsburgh in March 2020, peak COVID. My brother's friend owned a home in the nicer part of Arvada and we stayed in their 2 bedroom ranch style basement. My brother got let go within the first month and for his bday in June 2024, left me and didnt come back for a year. He paid his half of rent, but it was super uncomfortable living in someones basement when the connection of us moved.
Fast forward, I met a girl and because she lived in Castle Rock, after about 6 months dating we decided to move in. December 2020 I moved to Littleton in a small 2 bedroom apartment with no AC that was owned by Grey Star. What a nightmare. We made it our own, got engaged about 2 years into dating, and wedding 3 years in.
After the honeymoon we moved to Thornton and though the traffic DOES SUCK pretty bad, I absolutely love our area. There's cornfields, its pretty quiet if assholes arent drag racing on the main strip a block away, and we have non crowded parks and open spaces, plus we are pretty close to Boulder.
So my take, yes its expensive owning a townhome in Thornton, but our mortgage is the cost of what rent became after 3 years in Littleton and is now locked in. Snow hits, but melts immediately. Sun is shining. And AC is a must, so its much more enjoyable. I would say that CO is pretty progressive and woke, alot of homeless, alot of illegal immigrants, alot of TERRIBLE drivers who constantly think theyre in Fast & Furious causing accidents, thus making traffic worse, but I myself so far do not necessarily see myself moving back. This is peaceful if you block out the noise and surround yourself with the right people and take it a day at a time.
Moved here from Pittsburgh in 2022. Man. The differences in those two cities. Pittsburgh is a city with life and people are fun. It's walkable. There's a soul there whereas Dencer has no soul. People are dead. Everyone is extremely depressed, it's just horrible
@deleteduser121 I would agree with "Denver" being that of what you described but otherwise CO "Denver Metro Surrounding Areas" is decent. Pittsburgh night life is definitely fun, public transport is way better to get around safely, but it's always gray and miserable most days.
@@harrisonlevicky411 true lots of rain. But Cheerleaders on. Sat night is awesome!! 😎
@@deleteduser121 Denver is not a real city. New York is the only real city in the United States.
@silkscreenart5515 New York is just a suburb of Philly
I'm both a native and a transplant. I grew up and was raised in colorado until I was 20, then I moved to Hawaii for 13 years and moved back to Colorado last year. I can't believe how much has changed in the 13 years i was gone. (I had not visited co since moving to hawaii) I've only lived here for a year now and I am already planning my escape asap. There is still so much beauty in CO but a lot has changed and kind of ruined it for me. It's also almost nearly impossible to find a decent paying job here, which is wild for me to say, coming from HAWAII. I had a better chance finding a job on an island than this state. Who woulda thought!!
I used to visit Denver and loved it and had no intention of ever moving here but here I am. I moved here for a job and once I get my time in (3 years I’m gonna transfer to Florida) this has created a why make friends thing. Denver is depressing for me. I don’t want to stay in a city that values others over people who pay the tax’s.
Yeah, I feel ya. I think something I've learned is it's always worth it to try and make friends. I've done the why make friends thing before, it's not a great feeling. I don't love denver obviously, but hopefully you find more joy in the rest of your time there.
Almost a 14 year transplant now. It's insanely expensive here. I'm an aerospace mechanical engineer and my wife has been unemployed for a year. I'm pretty much living paycheck to paycheck and I think the only way out is somewhere else. But the mountain biking and skiing anchors me here.
@@jradonabike There are many aerospace companies out here in AZ. Come on down
I chose Colorado Springs as a cheaper option to live in compared to Denver. Now by 2035-2040 the median housing price is expected to hit 1 Million !
If you’re not working remotely or making very good money you’re going to be screwed anywhere you go in this country.
really??? by 2035? i am in centennial, homes here are going for $2m now
I enjoy the perspective although I find it hilarious. I’m from Florida and had several friends move to Denver. They were pretty “normal” and then they moved to Denver and they’re definitely not “normal” anymore lol. I’ve been there several times and never understood the hype. AT ALL. Reminded me of a landlocked, sunnier Seattle.
Native here ;). I thought I’d hate your video but you’re totally right. The real crisis in Denver is the lack of identity due to the enormous transplant population. The entire city is a revolving a door of 20 something’s all wanting to move to a new city for 1-2 years to “find themselves”. A few of them plant roots, but the majority of them rent for 1-2 years then go back to where they came from.
Thus, that has become the culture. “A place you go for a few years in your 20s”. Then they all stare at each other expecting the others to produce the “culture” that they’re craving, without realizing that they are the culture.
Most people climb Greys and Torrey’s, get a ski pass for one season, then get bored and go home.
It’s closer to studying abroad for a semester than it is committing to a new city.
lol honored to have one of the OGs hear me out, sorry for what we did to your city
@@toadmuscle5084 lol no worries. I'm just ranting. Plenty of growing pains across other major cities too. Denver is just one of those cities that produces a high churn rate, which it makes hard for any sort of culture to persist.
The "Native" bumper stickers have been around since the 1970s, and I think they're a cool throwback. To me, it's more about sporting some sort of cultural continuity in a place that is constantly changing and "belongs to no one" as you've said. (There's even one on the truck Red Dawn from 1984).
I see how some could view them as anti-transplant, but ultimately I think they're a cool relic or a kind of vestige of "simpler" times before Denver and Colorado were really "on the map". (Note: I don't have a native sticker).
Just my additional two cents.
Edit: Before someone points out Denver's growth really exploded in the 1970's, I meant more of pre-2014 era where it was still a mid-major city, but people just called Colorado a flyover state and didn't give it much thought.
Pretty spot on my dude. I celebrating my 10th year here in Colorado. I am getting annoyed all the good local spots are getting pushing out these for high rise apartments. Looking at you Blake Street Tavern we had a lot of memories playing bar games there. I am only saying Black Street because it’s the latest victim. But a lot of them can not even afford rent and are having to move. Denver has had massive growth starting when they build Coors Field. Downtown was sketchy and had a lot of parking lots because they torn down a lot of the old building in the 70’s and 80’s from my understanding from my native friends. I am hoping we get. Good snowy year like the 82 and 83 to ward off the people who can’t hang. As long as I got a 6 pack of beer and a bottle of whiskey I will be fine for a few days snowed in
Nope…the real crisis is liberal leadership.
Denver is like Terminus from the Walking Dead… you make it out to be this oasis and you get there and you’re immediately trying to escape
I have been here for 15 years, and the first thing I noticed is the construction cones throughout the city. In 15 years they have not moved. Constant Construction and potholes.
i moved from Albuquerque NM to Denver CO and my quality of life improved drastically 😂 i think it's all perspective because i get paid more for the same work i did in New Mexico except i have access to more amenities, cheaper travel, quality healthcare, safer in alot of areas in and around the denver metro (i come from the breaking bad city so i guess i have a worse outlook on crime). The other logic impacting alot of normal people is the cost of living in most cities and even small towns have became so bad that Denver is honestly still a good deal. A nice apartment in Albuquerque is roughly $1500 to $2200 for a one bedroom in the good part of the city and Denver is literally the same at the moment. Most one bedrooms in the Denver Metro are around the $1600 to $2300 dollar range. I always have to remind people and bring them back to reality NO PLACE iS PERFECT you simply need to make the best decision for yourself and financial situation. Hopefully wherever you moved is better for you but i bet money i could find a whole list of issues in the new town or city you just moved to. There are alot of good nearby communities that are not expensive that is worth a look for anyone interested in Denver that is still somewhat affordable (Renting only) for example Englewood, Lakewood and maybe lone tree if you don't mind being a little further outside the Denver inner city. There are still good deals in the Denver metro you just have to look. If you sign up for the first luxury apartment you tour than thats a you problem.
Denver has been transplants for 40-50 years. The difference these days is that the newcomers are looking for instance gratification. As others have said, if you want a culture, you have to commit to the place. That means stick around for at least five years, develop a framily. Dont spend every day texting your high school and college friends that live somewhere else. It aint easy, but thats how its done. Raised two kids, with no immediate family around. But we had our framily to lean on.
Family is everything. and yeah, I think deep down, denver was originally built on passerthroughs, never really grew out of that like some cities do.
Facts
One nice thing about Denver is that it's not Aurora.
sometimes its hard to tell🤷♂
One of the many reasons I left. As a Native of Colorado growing up in Greeley and graduating H.S. in Aurora back when Fitzsimmons and Lowry were still in operation, and Aurora was labeled as one of the cleanest cities in America, and we curised 16th street on Friday and Saturday nights. Now I consider it all as the local landfill.
I am a native, I feel like a stranger in my own state. It's not all the hype...expect for mountain skyline...that gives me joy everyday. A lot of stuck up ppl who have no reason to be, like they are from Kansas and think they are the CRAP because they bought a home in the highlands, go snowboarding, hiking, and brag about going to secret bars...barf!!!
The comparison about Denver being like that really hot person you are dating but things aren't really clicking and you know it's not going to be a long term thing, is spot on!
I've been in the Metro for almost 6 years. I lived in Boulder for 1 year. Then moved to Thornton and work in Denver.
There are so many things I love about living in Colorado (skiing, hiking, rockhounding, paddleboarding, super dog friendly, hot springs, cute mountain towns, etc).
Yet, the cons are starting to get to me!
Although the cost of living is high, my biggest complaint is that something is really off with the people that live here. The vibe is just really hostile!!! I just can't handle it anymore. The vibe has made me loss faith in humanity a little bit.
I'm just not vibing with the community here at all!
People in Colorado are either rude stuck up ass holes, or there non English speaking thieves and criminals, it has its upsides but the people are the worst
You’re right. Denver is hostile. I moved to Weld County a few years ago. I got tired of the predatory feel in Denver.
How’s life in Thornton? I’ve lived in Denver (and don’t want to move back), and I’m currently in Louisville, but buying a home here just isn’t realistic. I love Louisville because it’s a small town that’s close to everything, but I’m considering North Thornton since the housing market there is a bit more affordable. That said, it seems like Thornton doesn’t really have much “personality.” Any thoughts?
I moved from the south east and ended up buying a home in a CO suburb.
Outdoors are nice, traffic isn’t bad as LA or other major cities unless you go on I70 to hit the slopes, the city has potential but it’s run by idiots that siphon money from tax payers and give it to illegal immigrants.
Idk what the mayor has done to the homeless but he did sort of clean it up I guess but made the city way more dangerous with illegal immigrants. Like literally the liberal run government values illegals over those who came legally like I did.
The food scene I initially thought did suck but it’s really just hidden and you have to explore and find these places as the video said.
If I was in charge of Denver and CO as a whole, I would probably make it more conservative in terms of economy, migration(make it easier for those who follow the rules and punish those that don’t) and also reduce the amount of slush funds that exist in government
Native here - I agree with many of your comments, especially about our city government. My property taxes have gone up by 20% in the last year alone as we repealed the Gallagher Amendment which let the city raise taxes even more than they already had done. Now I am paying for trash, paying for sidewalks and paying a crazy high sewer tax. All of this money is not necessarily going to migrants, it is just being wasted and used to enrich people who are well connected, but siphon is the right word. At the Federal level conservatives have not been fiscally responsible, i.e. Dubya who ran up huge deficits, but Colorado Springs had and maybe still has a Republican mayor and it is a very well run city. it is pretty boring, but well run. To be fair, most of the problems we have are because of possibly the worst mayor in our history, Michael Hancock and a corrupt city council, but Mike Johnston seems to be more interested in picking a fight with Trump than lowering sky high taxes.
As a native my desire to interact with people had been destroyed by the revolving door dynamic. You meet people, you get close, you love them like they're family and they move. Next thing you know you haven't heard from them in over a year, they've moved on and they have new lives. It's cool the first couple times. I get it. People move, make lives, get new friends. But after three, four, five times? I went from being a fairly extroverted person to being pretty guarded. Not really making that much effort to get to know people. It's changed me, and I don't always like how.
Lived there 15 years sold and left. Ruined. Peace out. Took the money and ran. We loved it when it wasn’t overrun by junkies and homeless tents.
From Denver and in the springs now…. It’s so much better
I live in Longmont. I lived in Wichita, Kansas for a few months in the spring of 2014. I think Longmont is much better than Denver. And I like your point about I-25 traffic and how people drive around like they have nothing to lose. What do these people do to occupy their time???? Other than driving that is lol. Also where do you live now?
I’m over in Firestone and it’s much better than Denver. I commute to Denver but it’s worth it to not live there.
@@BenJohnston1993 I lived around Rhino District and moved to suburbs Des Moines IA. 🌆. Timberwolves Kingdom.
Near Johnston
I laughed my butt off on the Ohio hate. Moved to Denver 10 years ago and will not go back and have a family here now. But you left out the second most hated group besides the Californian’s…. It’s the Texans
The Texans are funny, didn’t have as much experience with em and they were also a little harder to put in a box. There’s the rich Texans on the slopes and the woke ones trying to find other progressives, never had too much trouble with them myself lol 🤷♂️
Part 1 (the Bad): Alien Transplant (from Europe) ... I agree with most of what you're saying. It started to really change when Colorado decided to run the experiment with cannabis. I'm actually for Federal deregulation (so people just stay in their home state and do their thang), but I wasn't for turning Colorado into a petri dish in 2012 because of the transient influx.
It doesn't help that Denver is at a crossroads for drug distribution from down south. Cartels move their merch up I-25 (from and thru Texas and New Mexico), and then can hit St. Louis and Chicago, Kansas City, Indianapolis to the east, and Las Vegas, LA, San Fran, and the North West cities including those in British Columbia, Canada, to the west eh? The availability of all these substances has supercharged our homeless problems (and yes, it has gotten better than it was four years ago).
Traffic and road-rage has gotten out of control ... it's always been there - but now, people drive like they don't care. Turn signals? nah ... cutting up, fine ... lifted trucks from the Exurbs doing 90+ racing Nissan Altimas from the hood, all day long ... firearm incidents on the road have received national attention. It's really gotten "dee you em bee"
Part 2 (the Good): This will be TLDR ... Stay if you can make it work $$$. If you take the time to explore, Denver-and Colorado as a whole-offers a rich blend of history, sports traditions, and vibrant nightlife. The Denver Theatre District and the Denver Art Museum provide some of the best live entertainment and cultural exhibits, while the city’s arenas and stadiums draw crowds from across the region for major concerts and sporting events. 16th Street Mall used to be our little NYC 5th Avenue (until it bacame homeless paradise ... but that's changing).
Denver also received a unique infusion of French culture when the Quebec Nordiques relocated and became the Colorado Avalanche. We even got some transplant news anchors from Canada at the time. Interestingly, the French were the second group of Europeans to visit Colorado, after the Spanish, as part of the Louisiana Territory that overlapped with Mexico's (New Spain's) claims. There's a huge Latino community and a (waning) South-East Asian community that offers authentic restaurants and food trucks. The food scene is "vibrant", however many people say it's nothing like California - but there's a reason for that ... the altitude reduces retro-nasal olfaction, which means foods need to be over-spiced for the flavor to get through. Every time I go to So-Cal, I think "why can't taste this good back home?!"
For raising kids, the communities up against the foothills and Southeast of town (from Broomfield in the north, Golden in the center, to Roxborough in the South, Highlands Ranch in South-Central Metro and Parker to the East) offer some of the best schools, trails and open space for kids to grow up. The Denver area also has some world-class medical facilities albeit that falls on death ears when, admittedly, retiring in Denver has become way too expensive for many.
For history buffs, a trip to the Four Corners area offers a chance to explore the ancient Anasazi ruins (but patches of Native American history are everywhere). If gambling is your vice, Central City is less than 45 minutes from Denver. For winter sports enthusiasts, Colorado’s slopes are world-class and you can find affordable options like limited-season ski passes or ~free cross-country trails.
Denver’s architecture reflects an eclectic mix of old and new styles. The city’s mineral wealth, along with ranching and farming prosperity, brought an influx of wealthy individuals who built impressive mansions in Capitol Hill and other neighborhoods. There were also many wealthy Europeans who made their homes in the Front Range during the late 19th century.
Finally, for car enthusiasts, the roads west of Denver are among the most thrilling in the country, with scenery and technical driving challenges that can be breathtaking (if you can afford the speeding tickets!)
I should note ... it's interesting that many Latino's in the front range don't consider themselves Latino as much as they claim Spanish heritage. Many came from Spanish families who were herding cattle and sheep, and tilling the soil around Buena Vista, San Louis and Pueblo areas (San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo Range) long before Anglo settlers made their way up the tributaries of the Mississippi. Most are Mestizo, but :)
Also, forgot to include - IF you're a traveler, as a home-base, Denver is a great place to catch direct flights to Europe, Asia, the Middle East (Turkey) and Central America and to all 50 states.
While there are safer neighborhoods in the south part, I find Denver overall to be quite segregated. There aren't many diverse neighborhoods or cities in the Denver area. There seems to be way too many areas with a dominant ethnicity. I went to Total Wines in Centennial a year ago, and I felt like I was the only black person in the store. Compare Denver to Seattle, I lived southeast of Seattle for many years, and there were more neighborhoods that were diverse with whites, blacks, asians and hispanics/latinos. It's puzzling that a city like Denver loves to boast about its diversity, yet there's barely that many areas that are actually diverse.
I left when I had to start being careful when walking through grass or any obstructed ground because of needles
thats fair, a closed toe shoe city
This is so true
rent is too expensive now, i'm thinking about leaving too
Colorado is awesome. However, I can agree that the actual city of Denver is terrible. Really bad food scene, overall dark/unappealing/aesthetically lacking. A lot of the areas of Denver that 27-33 y/o people swear by (16th Street, Wash Park, RiNo, LoDo) are absolutely horrible and crimeridden. Unless you like coffee shops/urban art exhibits, I don’t know why everyone loves those areas.
Aurora being our most prevalent suburb is also a joke, total dump. Places like Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and Cherry Creek are genuinely amazing and have a strong sense of local community & are why we love Colorado.
Highlands Ranch is like the Truman Show of the Mountains... Cherry Creek isn't far off. Idk, try Golden or something
Lmao littleton, HR, and CC have community? That’s news to me. Aurora has better food than any other part of the state. Most of the CC school district is in Aurora. It’s such a basic take to crap on Aurora. South Aurora is no different than the suburbs you mentioned and North Aurora is the same crap as Northeast Denver.
"Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and Cherry Creek" Soulless suburban hellholes full of bland white people all trying to keep up with the Joneses, hard pass
I live like an hour north of Denver, I used to want to move there so bad but there's like no culture there and the prices to rent anything are just unreal, especially compared year over year.
I’m a big Fort Collins fan, didn’t spend a ton of time there but loved the down town area. Some other good spots up north too 💪
Me too. I’m in Firestone and I love it.
Denver has culture if you are Hispanic.
So, I'm getting old now/retired, moved to Denver in 1983 from the midwest. Lived in Den. for 37 years, still in CO in an undisclosed, lovely location. I saw massive changes
in the city, in the entire front range and on up the mountains. Growth! Change in culture via a change in values. Poor government leadership & legalizing marijuana started the real downfall. Of course country wide the covid mess and inflation has taken a toll. Then there is the travesty of illegal aliens. I don't think your complaints about
Denver are any different from living in any other large city. Things change and not always for the good. Our country needs a ton of work. Don't keep looking for
extended adolescent experiences. Build your life. Save, save, save and then invest.
Whoa….don’t forget half of Denver’s population is Mexican
Well, a little late to the party, but better late than never.
I lived in the Denver area from 1998 to 2003. And I didn't want to leave at the time, but I got caught at the tail end of the internet bubble bursting, lost my job, and had to move back to Omaha (yuck!). But no, I'm not from Omaha, just ended up living there. Not sure what it's like in the 20-odd years since I left, but your analysis sounds about right from what I remember. Now that I'm retired, I'd consider moving back to Colorado (though not Denver) except for the economics of it. Too expensive and I think CO taxes social security. I'd be better off living in west Texas and driving to CO during the summer to hit the mountains (I'm a hiker, not a skier).
What I've found that skiing is the only thing that CO offers that is second to none. Everything else can generally be found better or equal somewhere else, and Colorado can be enjoyed as a state to visit once of twice a year
@@toadmuscle5084 Well, I have to respectfully disagree. As a hiker and peakbagger, the mountains there (especially the high 13ers and 14ers) are more accessible than other states. You don't need to go expedition style as you would in the Pacific Northwest or Alaska, and you don't need a permit. They're quite accessible to mere mortals without a lot of fuss or a multi-day trip. And there are just so many of them. Nothing against skiing, whatever floats your boat, but don't discount the hiking and climbing.
@@jimschaffner1 yep, 14ers forsure is another one. I spent most of my time of the trails in the foothills which is more what I was referring to, but 55 14ers is definitely better than anywhere else in the country
I've lived here since 2009 (before the huge influx).I have noticed far more folks from back east (Illinois, Missouri, etc.) moving here. I have known very few Californians that wanted to move here. When I go back to Oregon, my hometown of Portland is full of transplants now just like Denver. That was not the case in the 2000s when I left. Natives love to complain about it, but Denver is not a unique city for having an influx of transplants moving there. It is much more common than it was decades ago for young people to leave their home states.
Young native here (20). I genuinely thought this video would be terrible, but it's okay and truthful. Colorado is very strange. I've never lived in the heart of Denver, but I've moved many times from Aurora, Lakewood, Thorton, and Litteton. Then, as I got older, my family moved farther and farther away from Denver. We moved to weld country close to longmont, then even further into the boonies. One thing I have noticed is, ironically, almost every "native" I've met doesn't live in Denver. I know there is probably some, but usually, natives live in the mountains or around Denver, but they will not touch it, myself included. Denver has always had an identity crisis. Denver is like someone in their 20s trying to find who they are, which ironically Denver does. However, people eventually find out what they like, Denver is a city, and it never grows out of the "many career changes, style differences, and ideology changes" phase. To me, personally, Colorado as a whole, not just Denver, is an old, fashoined western rooted, good ol' time of a place. You can see reminisce of it if you look. But like in Rango, gone is the times of cowboys and gunslingers, its time to be businesses people. Most natives at least, that I've met are either of the conservative or old school liberal mindset. Which Denver didn't always fit into, but very much doesn't anymore. Denver has chosen to be the liberal intersection. Natives tend to know what they want already. They dont need to find out which way to go. I've also noticed that almost all natives are super duper amazing people when they can go to sleep at night knowing there is only x amount of people around them. As soon as it's one over what their number is, they are pissed forever, myself included. I think Denver would be a good city like it was in the mid 2000s-about 2012. If it went to purple again and the population was 500k. Natives really, really love when stuff is the sweet spot. It's not super dense but dense enough not to feel lonely, not a crowded restaurant with all new faces, but also not a dead one. They want a restaurant with moslty old faces, maybe a few new ones, medium full. To natives, more is not better. We all have a tipping point in that we're just going past the point, which is worse than just before it. Also, the housing has gone balistic. The front range is flat for fucks sake, but the progessive policies, really only let two kinds housing to be developed. High-end single family and high-end, high density. Then keep the old shit around, charge just as much until it goes to shit, then let the city reclaim it. Denver is very hollow, in terms of everything, vibe, businesses, relationships, restaurants. Colorado is also a big state, so natives and non natives all know that if where they are sucks, there is a different type of Colorado that doesn't suck, somewhere else. The Government of Colorado is a professional scammer. They understand how Colorado operates, they purposely don't do anything for affordability, they keep the prices high and only cater to the rich. They know that people like Colorado so much, their philosophy is "its so good, what are they gonna do, leave?". They scam tf out of transplants with apartments and condos, and then with natives they go, "we know you want houses, but fuck you, here, how's 600k sound?" I don't ever plan on leaving, But by God All Mighty. I hope it changes, I hope Denver figures out a new identity that doesn't suck and sticks to it for at least a long time. I've sadly come to the conclusion that I'll probably never afford to buy a house, even though not that long ago, it didn't seem to far fetched. Colorado was a sellout to everyone. I hope it changes for the better. I'll be waiting. Long Rant Over.
Lol I wanted to hate this because I am going to be working back in Denver for the next 5 months and tried talking myself into it again. I do love Colorado, to an extent, but everything you said is so spot on I held a smirk the whole time. Glad others see it. That said, where the heck are you from? You look suspiciously Iowan
It's definitely 'the hot girlfriend'. It seems super appealing, but ultimately is kinda a fling and temporary. I love Colorado, and Denver really, but would never plan to stay there longterm ever
Actually I'm going Wisconsin with you
Good talk. I was moved here as a kid from NY/Philly like 25 years ago. Denver was never cool. I hated it tbh but It was better that way. Denver was way worse in the 80s and 90s with regards to crime,drugs, terrible infrastructure etc. It had a sweet spot from like 2005-2014 when you could get a solid 1 BR for $800/month in a good neighborhood. For whatever reason there was no massive wave of transients in that era. People say it’s boring but there are tons of live events. You mention Red Rocks but the live events here are so much more and massive relative to the population size. Problem is now it’s become ridiculously expensive to go to any live event. I miss Red Rocks pre-social media. I have to fight the whole world for tickets and parking thanks to IG. Nobody wants to make friends with tourists. I knew you were midwest pretty early on lol. I used to think the "native" stuff was cringe 20 years ago but I get it now. If people treated your house like how you described Denver as a party, then it’s a pretty harmless response all things considered.
Glad you are happy now.
This was how I felt about Austin, now I'm grown and could never live there at this age. People are growing up and realizing these places are unlivable and overpriced let California have it...
For a STEM state that just surpassed Massachusetts as the most highly educated state, we have the DUMBEST highway interchanges, exits and on ramps. Having a bunch of amped up IT people and pickup truck bros from Texas isn't helping. The little racing crews are the worst but getting better. It's crazy expensive, but a lot of rental units are going unrented, so maybe that's going to get better too. Bottom line: really, anyone who wants to leave, please, by all means, go. The rest of us are super fortunate to be in this gorgeous place where you can pretty much just do your thing if you can afford it. Denver absolutely does not suck.
Denver is getting there but still needs that pazzazz, also politically I haven’t liked alot of the recent moves or trends.
lol. You are stating experiences in almost every major cities these days. Even Austin…. Believe or not.
In some cases, houses in Austin are about the same if not more expansive than Denver.
Some of these things can be found elsewhere, but I've spent a lot of time in major cities over the past few years and haven't seen it like this. I would assume Austin is the closest thing, given how much of a hotspot it's become in the past few years.
I loved colorado when i moved here, actually bought a house here too.... i dont want to live here anymore mainly because of failed relationships and legal troubles. Hopefully i can get out of colorado soon.
As a native, I do have to say the native license plates are kind of ridiculous - I mean, what makes people need to tell everyone else that they are originally from Colorado. I have never even thought about getting a Native license plate or sticker. So - apologies to the transplants for that. Having lived in Boston, Philly and Kansas, and having traveled to cities around the world and around the country, I still think Denver is pretty awesome. I do agree that we’ve had a less than stellar city government for the last 15 years or so. Michael Hancock was probably the worst mayor in the city’s 166 year history - mismanaging the airport and raising taxes by an insane amount. The city’s budget is now a staggering $4.4 billion. The government has been hijacked and residents are getting crushed by taxes. We need to fix this. What city is better, Atlanta? It is crazy hot in the summer and humid AF - and the smugness combined with the racism - no thanks. Dallas? It’s hot AF and is in Texas. Seattle - expensive AF and cloudy? Boston? The weather there is terrible, 120 inches of snow one winter I lived there - and it doesn’t melt like here. I do like Philly the best for cities outside of Denver, or I should say the Philly suburbs. You can get to the Jersey Shore in under 90 minutes and prices are reasonable. We have had an identity crisis, but I do think this city, unlike L.A. or SFO or DC, has a soul.
what's the soul of Denver? Compared to Seattle, there is not much of a culture in Denver, other than mountains and outdoor activities. I used to live in Seattle, both Seattle and Denver are trash. But Seattle has a culture, a soul. There's good music and art, people dress up a certain way, and there's the Seattle freeze, which can be good and bad. Denver doesn't really have anything outside the mountains. What is the distinctive culture in Denver?
You didn’t live here long enough to find out. Seattle is really pretty damn remote and the weather there sucks. There are things that are unique about Colorado - there’s a blend of midwestern niceness and California laid back that makes this place unique. Colorado has a unique history - first state to legalize abortion after Roe v. Wade, first state ever to turn down the olympics, one of the first states to give women the right to vote, and the first state to legalize marijuana and elect an openly gay governor. I think it takes 3 years, maybe 5, to really learn a place and appreciate it. Did you go to a Broncos game? I hated Philly when I transferred to Penn years ago, but over time I learned to love it. I lived there for 8 years. There’s a ton of good live music here, and not just at Red Rocks - but we like what we like. Bill Burr was saying today that everyone should take a vacation in a place they’ve heard bad things about, and try to have a good time.
I will say our politics here - City politics, it’s pretty lame.
@@bernarddouthit4647 I would contend that the music we get at Red Rocks is mostly by established artists, good and bad. But does Denver have a thriving music scene of its own? Doesn't seem like it, in contrast to other cities like LA, Chicago, NYC, Seattle, just to name a few. I went to KU for college, and even Lawrence, KS has a bustling music scene. I agree about the mixture of Cali and midwestern vibes though, one thing I like about Denver there are more friendly people here than Seattle, although I sense it used to be more friendly in the past. Within the first year living in Seattle I already knew something is different about it. Denver, again, mostly has the mountains to lean on, other than that, there's decent food and beer, and that's it. But many big cities have been losing their uniqueness because of over-commercialization unfortunately.
I really want to move to denver!! that's my goal for now
Downtown Denver was a blast when you could be working-poor, but that's long gone...if you're not rich, may as well be homeless and smoke fenty. Normal humans welcome to the Doomscape.
Bad Governor and Senators. Downfall began once weed was legalized. Left in 2019. Wont be back. Crime, homeless, illegals, bad traffic...even in the mountians. Horrible to see how it has declined.
🤣🤣🤣 "The Airport is just a short drive away to Kansas" got me!
I am also a native and keep making these videos talking ish on Denver please so people leave my state or don't come here.
Lol I'll get to work
The people in Denver are probably thrilled this guy left. He’s ruin any place.
You know I grew up in Cali and I seen this place become trash but I still would never move to Denver. I’d visit Colorado. But a major city in the middle of no where with nothing to do…. You’re better off in Vegas
Nah, I do some stuff, that takes me to cities during the football season. Like you said Denver was that hot chick, but it gets old real fast.. DENVER SUCKS
A studio downtown for $500? Lol! I wish! Yeah, that doesn't happen anywhere in the midwest, either. Not even close
try Sacramento and you'll love denver
Glad you left 🤷♀️
People are vagabonding all over the place looking for something that doesn't exist. I live in New Orleans, and a lot of things can be said about this city. But i didn't move here in search of a better life or in the hopes that things would just magically sort themselves out and I would be a magnet for amazing experiences. I moved here cause i actually liked the city. I like the essence of it. It's not for everybody, but it's for me. I'm pretty sure theres people that LOVE Denver. And Denver is for them. A lot of people are looking for spiritual evolution and think that changing cities is gonna accomplish that. But wherever you go, there you are. If you're hopping from city to city, you're not looking for a better place. You're running from yourself. Or you're just an energy vampire and exist to suck the soul out of anywhere with life in it. These Californians and Yankees really know how to gentrify a city and dilute the very thing that made it special in the first place. Thats the ONLY thing I don't like about this city, too many expats...but thats not even the city's fault. Im not a native, but I've lived here for most of my life and survived Katrina, so i feel like I've earned the right to say I'm "from here". I totally understand the bitterness that Denver natives feel.
Knock knock. New Orleans sucks. LA sucks.
You also have the New Yorkers
Real New Yorkers move to upstate New York.
You are why the “natives” don’t want transplants especially from cali, Charleston sc is full of transplants I live in a city where it’s changed the last 20 years from people moving here but we’re not ruined yet like Denver and those other city’s like that but if you come here you’d probably love it if you don’t talk about politics
dont know much about denver and have never been but it sucks
“Colofornia here we come” ex-native here.
Cornelius
@03:29 the ones from dallas and san antonio the biggest aholes worst drivers ever
this is the realest shit ever. The midwestern people usually last a couple years and bounce... after a couple years of complaining
This could be a stand up bit
We, here in Fairplay, request that ALL libertards from D and CS stay the eff out of Park County!!
😂😊😂
No offense but your hat/weird bangs thing is not working for ya😆
Is this video satire
lame….
Too Liberal, Too Woke, Too Progressive, too much too.
Interesting LoL
good analysis
i grew up in denver. used to be so proud of my city. not now. it's dead. mayor hancock destroyed denver