🌍 Overview
As a seasoned digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Denver, Colorado, my home for several months. This vibrant city has a lot to offer, from its stunning natural scenery to its thriving cultural scene. With a population of 729,019, Denver has a small-town feel with big-city amenities, making it an attractive destination for remote workers. The city’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains, with over 80 parks and green spaces, makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. As a Denver digital nomad, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to hike, ski, and explore the great outdoors.
Denver’s city vibe is laid-back and welcoming, with a strong sense of community. The city is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and performance venues. The food scene is also noteworthy, with a mix of traditional American cuisine, Mexican, and Asian fusion. As a remote worker, you’ll find that Denver has a great balance of work and play, making it an ideal location for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live and work in Denver, there are several options to consider. Here are three neighborhoods that are popular among digital nomads:
- LoDo (Lower Downtown): This historic neighborhood is located in the heart of Denver and is known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and shops. LoDo is home to many coworking spaces, including the popular WeWork LoDo, and has a vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for remote workers. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in LoDo can range from $1,800 to $2,500 per month (approximately $1,400 to $2,000 USD).
- RiNo (River North Arts District): This up-and-coming neighborhood is located just north of downtown Denver and is known for its street art, galleries, and trendy restaurants. RiNo is a popular spot for creatives and remote workers, with plenty of coworking spaces and cafes to choose from. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in RiNo can range from $1,500 to $2,200 per month (approximately $1,200 to $1,800 USD).
- Capitol Hill: This charming neighborhood is located just east of downtown Denver and is known for its historic homes, trendy bars, and restaurants. Capitol Hill is a popular spot for remote workers, with plenty of coworking spaces and cafes to choose from. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Capitol Hill can range from $1,400 to $2,000 per month (approximately $1,100 to $1,600 USD).
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Denver is relatively high, but it’s still affordable compared to other major cities in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of some typical expenses:
- Rent: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Denver is $1,695 per month (approximately $1,300 USD).
- Food: Eating out in Denver can range from $10 to $20 per meal (approximately $8 to $16 USD). Groceries can cost around $50 to $75 per week (approximately $40 to $60 USD) for basic items.
- Transportation: A monthly public transportation pass can cost around $90 (approximately $70 USD). A gallon of gasoline can cost around $2.50 (approximately $2.00 USD).
- Coworking: Coworking spaces in Denver can range from $200 to $500 per month (approximately $160 to $400 USD) for a dedicated desk.
Internet & Coworking
Denver has a strong internet infrastructure, with average speeds of 43 Mbps. There are many coworking spaces and cafes throughout the city that offer reliable and fast internet. Some popular coworking spaces include:
- WeWork LoDo: This coworking space is located in the heart of LoDo and offers a range of membership options, including dedicated desks and private offices.
- Galvanize: This coworking space is located in the RiNo neighborhood and offers a range of membership options, including dedicated desks and private offices.
- The Commons: This coworking space is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and offers a range of membership options, including dedicated desks and private offices.
Some popular cafes for remote work include:
- Avanti Coffee: This cafe is located in the LoDo neighborhood and offers a range of coffee and food options, as well as reliable internet.
- Huckleberry Roasters: This cafe is located in the RiNo neighborhood and offers a range of coffee and food options, as well as reliable internet.
- Pablo’s Coffee: This cafe is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and offers a range of coffee and food options, as well as reliable internet.
Denver has a thriving digital nomad community, with many meetups and events throughout the city. Some popular groups include:
- Denver Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is for remote workers and digital nomads living in Denver, with regular meetups and events.
- Remote Workers Denver: This meetup group is for remote workers and digital nomads living in Denver, with regular meetups and events.
- Nomad List Denver: This Facebook group is for digital nomads living in Denver, with regular meetups and events.
Culture & Lifestyle
Denver has a unique culture that’s a mix of Western and urban influences. The city is known for its love of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and biking. The food scene is also noteworthy, with a mix of traditional American cuisine, Mexican, and Asian fusion. Some popular local customs include:
- First Friday Art Walks: On the first Friday of every month, many galleries and studios in the city open their doors to the public, offering free admission and live music.
- Denver March Powwow: This annual event celebrates Native American culture, with traditional dancing, music, and food.
- Great American Beer Festival: This annual event celebrates craft beer, with over 4,000 beers from over 800 breweries.
The dating scene in Denver is also vibrant, with many singles and a range of bars and restaurants to choose from. Some popular spots for dating include:
- The 1up Arcade Bar: This bar is located in the LoDo neighborhood and offers a range of arcade games and craft beers.
- The Populist: This bar is located in the RiNo neighborhood and offers a range of craft cocktails and small plates.
- The Lobby: This bar is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and offers a range of craft cocktails and small plates.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to obtain a tourist visa to enter the United States. The visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin, but most nationalities can enter the country on a visa waiver program. There is no specific digital nomad visa for the United States, but you can apply for a work visa if you have a job offer from a US-based company.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for living and working in Denver as a digital nomad:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a range of providers, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Prices start from around $30 per month (approximately $24 USD).
- Transportation: Denver has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and light rail. You can purchase a monthly pass for around $90 (approximately $70 USD).
- Safety: Denver is generally a safe city, but as with any city, there are areas that are safer than others. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas.
- Weather: Denver has a semi-arid climate, with low humidity and moderate temperatures. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, especially during the spring and fall.