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Life in Denver – The Mile High City

Students who grew up in the front range area and those who come from other cities, states, and countries may not know all the perks of living in Denver. From sunny weather to winter sports, beautiful architecture to extensive parks, high-tech startups to farm-to-table restaurants, the city offers something for everyone. It offers great music too, including concerts at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater, an outdoor venue built of rock. This explains why it is one of the fastest growing cities in the country.

Since CU Denver is located in downtown Denver, the campus has a very urban feel. University buildings are within walking distance to retail shops, restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, and performing arts venues. The CU Denver neighborhood includes historic brick Victorian storefronts alongside gleaming high-rise buildings. It’s a bustling, diverse, walkable environment.

Denver Quick Facts

Sunshine

Denver boasts 300 days of sunshine a year. That’s more annual sunny weather than San Diego or Miami Beach.

Altitude

Denver is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level. The high altitude makes the air thinner and the sky bluer.

Sports

Denver has seven professional sports teams. These include baseball, football, hockey, soccer, basketball, rugby, and lacrosse.

Sustainability

Denver is emerging as a model for sustainable cities—with LEED-certified buildings, renewable energy companies, and citywide composting.

Food

Denver grows fresh produce throughout the city, including at the Colorado Convention Center’s Blue Bear Farm.

Mountains

Denver is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The city enjoys a panoramic view of the mountains, which include 53 fourteeners (peaks exceeding 14,000 feet).

Transportation

Denver has convenient public transportation, including bus, rail, and light rail. It is a top-five cycling city, with more than 196 on-street bike lanes. Denver also offers car, bike, and electric scooter rentals. 

Arts

From large museums like the Denver Art Museum to small galleries and creative districts, Denver supports the arts. There is also a thriving music scene with a notable summer concert season. 

Parks

Denver has more than 200 parks within the city, including nearby City Park, home to 330 acres of green spaces and the Denver Zoo. There are also more than 20,000 acres of parks in the nearby mountains.
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