Moving from Dallas to Denver: Reddit and Professionals Give Top Tips
Many Dallas-area residents are drawn to Denver for its cooler climate, mountain access, and outdoorsy lifestyle. If you’re one of them, welcome to Colorful Colorado! We know you’ll love your new home on Colorado’s Front Range.
While moving from Dallas to Denver can certainly be exciting, it will come with both expected and unexpected challenges. It may only be a 12-hour drive between the two cities, but culture-wise, they’re a world apart. With a little preparation, though, we know you’ll have a smooth transition.
This blog will combine two valuable sources of advice: Reddit users who have firsthand experience moving from Dallas to Denver and insights from Elizabeth Berkowitz, a local property management expert.
Are you ready to learn how to navigate your move from Dallas to Denver with ease? Let’s dive in!
Moving from Dallas to Denver: Reddit Tips
Don’t Underestimate the Dryness and Elevation
Moving from the Texas heat and humidity to one of the driest cities in the country will be a significant change — and Colorado’s elevation is no joke, either. Denver sits at 5,280 feet, giving it the nickname the Mile High City.
“Unless you’re from El Paso, it’ll take some getting used to the dry air,” one Reddit user writes. “Elevation means you may get winded easier and have less tolerance for booze if you drink for a little bit while you acclimate.”
Redditors who have first-hand experience moving Dallas to Denver offered recommendations for transplants who aren’t used to the lack of humidity.
One Reddit user wrote that the best purchase they made after moving to Denver was a large evaporative humidifier.
“Keep chapstick on you, hydrate more than you think you need to, wear sunscreen,” another user advised. (The sun’s rays are more intense at high elevation, which can cause Coloradans to burn more quickly if they aren’t careful.)
Don’t Worry Too Much About Winter Driving
Yes, it’s true that for lifelong Texans unaccustomed to driving in the snow, navigating Denver roads in the winter can be a challenge — but several Redditors reassured potential transplants that it’s not as difficult as it seems, especially if you aren’t planning to drive on treacherous mountain roads.
In short: Be smart and practice, but don’t stress yourself out unnecessarily.
“Snow tires are a great investment if you've got some place to store them and someone to change them out for you,” one Reddit user advised. “They're not necessary, though — especially if you WFH and/or you're not planning on going into the mountains on the regular.”
Another user shared that they expected to be driving in snow all day, every day in the winter, but that’s not the case. The Colorado sunshine typically melts snow away within a few days of a winter storm.
“It snowed here Monday. By Tuesday at noon the roads were 100% clear,” the Redditor wrote. “There have been a few times where it snows a few days in a row and the temps don’t rise to melt it. But not many.”
Look into Denver Suburbs
Are you hoping to live within Denver city limits, or are you considering one of the dozens of suburbs that make up the surrounding metro area? Several Redditors recommend exploring the suburbs to find your fit.
One Reddit user recommends Aurora, but only the city’s southeast side — specifically, the Tallyn’s Reach, Southlands and Southshore neighborhoods.
“Nice amenities, Cherry Creek Schools, reservoir, E-470 toll road will get you to other parts of the city (for a cost),” they wrote. “There are definitely older/rougher parts of Aurora but that specific area is nice.”
Another user breaks down the suburbs by their amenities and general vibe. For example, the suburbs west of Denver, including Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and Morrison, have “better views and ‘better access to mountains’, with a lot of homes built in the 70s-80s. Some nice spots but it’s ultimately a suburban, residential lifestyle.”
Typically overlooked suburbs that are worth considering include Aurora and Arvada, the user wrote. Denver neighborhoods worth a look include Sunnyside, Berkeley, Central Park, and Sloan’s Lake.
However, if you’re committed to settling down within Denver city limits, check out our Denver neighborhood map, which will help you find your perfect place among the city’s many neighborhoods.
Moving from Dallas to Denver: Expert Tips
Prepare for Every Kind of Weather
Denver residents like to boast that the city sees more than 300 days of sunshine per year, but there’s plenty of rain and snow, too. The Denver metro area gets an average of 15.6 inches of rain and 57.1 inches of snow each year.
On a typical day, you might need to prepare for several seasons, with temperatures that quickly jump from warm to freezing or a snowy morning that makes way for a bright, sunny afternoon.
“Colorado is known for its unpredictable weather,” Berkowitz says. “You can experience sunshine, rain, snow, and wind — all in the same day. Pack a variety of clothing and outdoor gear, and be ready to layer up or down. It’s part of the adventure, but being prepared makes it a lot more comfortable.”
Know Your Home’s Direction
In Colorado, where even local governments rely on the sun, not snowplows, to clear residential streets, the direction your home faces is important.
“In Colorado, the direction your home faces actually matters — especially your driveway,” Berkowitz says. “A south-facing driveway gets more sun, which helps melt snow and ice faster. A north-facing one? You’ll be spending more time (and money) on snow and ice removal.”
While we don’t recommend making a north-facing driveway a dealbreaker, you might have your work cut out for you the morning after a snowstorm.
Also, since you’re moving from Texas, take the time to learn how to handle Colorado’s winter weather and stock up on necessary supplies, including a quality shovel.
Embrace the Culture
People are often drawn to Denver because they love the Colorado lifestyle. Denverites’ interests range from sipping a local craft beer to hiking, biking, or skiing on the weekends. If that’s you, lean into it and embrace the city’s culture! It will make finding community and making friends much easier.
“Colorado is home to a diverse, welcoming community of people who love the outdoors, enjoy good craft beer, appreciate art, and value inclusivity,” Berkowitz says. “Whether you're hitting the slopes, visiting a local brewery, or attending a community event, you’re bound to meet like-minded adventurers.”
Once you arrive in Denver, seek out people and spaces that align with your interests. You’ll feel like a local in no time.
Wrapping Up: Moving from Dallas to Denver
Colorado is a breathtakingly beautiful place to call home, but it’s not without its quirks. That’s why it’s so important to heed the advice of people who know what it’s like to transition to life as a Denverite, whether they’ve made the move themselves or helped others settle in successfully
We recommend combining Reddit’s lived experience with professional foresight for best results when moving from Dallas to Denver!
As Reddit users recommended, make sure you don’t underestimate Colorado’s dryness and elevation, and although you should prepare to drive in winter weather, you don’t need to worry too much. Also, as you decide where to settle down, consider whether the Denver suburbs are the right fit for you. And don’t forget about Berkowitz’s advice: If you prepare for every kind of weather, know your home’s direction, and embrace the local culture, you’ll be ready to make Denver your home.
Looking for homes to rent in Denver? Visit Evernest’s website to see the exciting properties available across the city.
