United States / Colorado / 19740 / Denver County / Cities / Zip Codes

Review of Denver, Colorado


What a horrible city?
Star Rating - 12/27/2007
I lived in this city for two years. Before coming out here, I thought this was going to be a dream city in the US. So close to the mountains, the Forbes #1 city for singles, the 6th best city to live in the US...my expectations were quite high. Well come to figure, other than the mountains (which are ok, but not worth it) could not be so wrong ever. This has been the absolute worst city I've ever lived in. I lived all across Europe, the East Coast, ,the South East, the South West, and I have never had the biggest problem meeting people. Everyone lacks class. Girls are slim (that's why they call it Menver) and even if they did want to go on a date with you, apparently my bachelors degree, the fact that I'm trilingual (I'm fluent in German and French), and my southern hospitality (I'm originally from South Carolina) just doesn't do it for them (never had this problem anywhere I've been). The people are rude, keep to themselves and just do not like relocates. Apparently, foreigners and southerners need not apply (I grew up in Germany and South Carolina). The place is filled with Californians and Mid-Westerners that actually believe this place is nice. And the Broncos obsession is another story in itself. I just relocated to Seoul, Korea...and wow...I'm loving life. I left Denver and never looked back. Good Bye, Auf Wiedersehen, and/und/et Bon Voyage Denver.
John | Walla Walla, WA
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12 Replies


This guy hit the nail on the head. I have never met so many stuck up, snobby, closed minded people. For what? Denver is completely overrated! Overpriced! The weather is a joke too. Constant thunderstorms in the Spring and Summer. If you enjoy cracked skin and lips, bloody noses, wrinkled skin, you'll love it here. No wonder every has such cowfaces. Go take the light rail or walk downtown sometime and people look sad, pissed or constipated. The night life is a joke! The women even more! I guess if you like skiiing, you'll love Denver! but thats about it.
Michael | Colorado Springs, CO | Report Abuse

LOL! I had to reply to this thread and it took myself 2 years to realize this condition, partly from living in Denver and working in the local government collecting data/demographics and interviewing people and working with several local politicians, academics, businessmen, etc. But the fact is Denver consists of 2/3 of CO population. However an astounding figure is that 50% of Denver residents are transplants, this isn't much different from any city. The difference however is the folks that relocate here and reading from this thread confers this is often the "passive-aggressive" type. I bet none of you would bash the OP in person but would jump to take a crack on it online or behind his back. Next time you walk into a bar on a busy Friday night, say the Wynkoop try and observe and see how many bald engineer/scientists type you can find and try and observe the men in one corner and the women in the other. Reminds me of a bar in LODO once I went where there was 50 guys and 5 women ratio, still NO guys went and talked to the women! I had a one lady in each arm by the end of the night LOL! It is true that many engineers/scientists relocate here creating more men than women ratio often the term "Menver" as the term used "Man Diego" to describe the military bases in San Diego. Hey nothing wrong with scientists/engineers/P-A type. People are people and we need more respect right? True but the main problem persists that the locals here do not like transplants, they won't tell you either, they rather put a bumper sticker that says "No Vacancy" LOL (what does that accomplish?)! For the most part Colorado is very "live and let live". More so in an aspect that is I can care less about you "live and let live" than truely caring about the community "live and let live". Along with the laidback lazy vibe, the transplants then take over most of the politics/business/educational scene and try and subdue the "cowtown" natives. This end result creates a sharp division and a sense of distrust in the community between locals and transplants and furthermore transplants and transplants from so many different places. As any other city people come and go, the transiency level is exceptionally high in Denver (notice how many of you just recently moved in or recently moved out?). There is then a lack of commitment to the community. When SHAITE hits the fan, those transplants are the first to leave, also taking the capital with them needed to affect positive change in the community. In conclusion I would say, Denver is a good place to live because the proximity to the mountains and is a growing city, not as chaotic as L.A. or N.Y. and not as depressed as the Rust Belt. The city for the most part is clean and safe and well-planned. Few cities are like this, however a word of caution, CO is growing rapidly (3rd fastest according to porportion in 2008) estimated to reach about 9 million in 25 years (with 90% of this in the Front Range - Fort Collins to Springs). Many relocate here from California to "escape" and don't realize we are only following the exact same trend and that this heavenly bubble will likely burst when congestion, poverty, illegals, disparity and crime overtakes Denver like any major city. If you want a more with more opportunities, economicall and socially I would recommend L.A., Chicago, N.Y. anyday. If you want a more pleasant, quiet small town I would recommend Fayettville, AR or Missoula, MT or an artsy city Austin, TX or Portland, OR. I would highly recommend Denver but only if you have money, relocating here with family and are the type that doesn't really want to be bothered. Whatever is true, my opinion is good as any others and you have to see it for yourself in order to make a good decision, as for myself I had fun and a good experience here but the world has so much more to see, with so little time to do so, peace out.
Carlos W. | Denver, CO | Report Abuse

Wow John, I am sorry you feel that way. Then again that’s your verdict and everybody is entitle to their opinion. However I think you are a little bit harsh. Then again I am no one to talk because I did not live there before, but do believe in the aspect that 50% of what a place is, is what you make of it. I also lift around the world, Born and raised in South Africa, then moved on to live around the world, London, Germany, Spain, Florida in the States, Texas, San Francisco, San Diego, New York, Boston, and now Gulfport, Mississippi. Yes I hope to leave soon, not because the human environment, no, the weather is getting the better of me. The 80-100% humidity is not fun, but I’ve made some wonderful friends that are dear to me and would be for life. I also speak 3 other languages beside English but realize the more I learn the more I come to realize my enormous shortcomings and that I really doesn’t know jack…. Funny how live works. But I do love the U.S.A, this saddens me to see a huge part of the youth that takes everything for granted. I am no republican and neither a democrat, I guess the clothes thing that I might be is a Tony Blair van (the U.K Democratic Party). It just gets me to think this wonderful nation with all its choices has but only 2 major players in your elections….. and how some people state that they won’t vote for someone if they don’t think that candidate mite win. I understand you have your choice but never thought of it as a horse raise. Wow way of discussion but back to you John hope you find what you looking for seem‘s you did. Take Care.
Johan | Gulfport, MS | Report Abuse

I disagree having lived all over the state of Colorado, the people are not rude. The people in CO are very friendly. Your logic makes no sense, you accuse Colorado women of being manly because many elect to stay in shape. That's ok you can go chubby chasing somewhere else, I'm sure the women in Denver will get over your loss. You and the poster Michael below should be roomies, you can spend your days telling each other how supposedly Denver is the biggest hell hole on earth. I'm not saying Denver is perfect, but it's not horrible like you make it out to be.
DF | Topeka, KS | Report Abuse

you are so cool!!! have fun in Korea - you must be one of those asshole southern 'gentlemen'. There is probably a reason you have lived all over - no friends.
Hunter | Denver, CO | Report Abuse

half my family lives in denver, and the other half lives in south carolina. we love each other and we love where we live but find there is a great culture clash between the two. i think you are quick to judge the town i love. people here are friendly, but not in the same way. they are very independent and not given to the same pleasantries that south carolinians are used to. when we first moved here, my sister was in 8th grade, and she got sent to the principal's office for saying "yes sir" to her teacher. he thought she was being a smartass when she was just speaking to an authority figure in the southern manner in which she was raised. perhaps you misinterpret our laid back independence as apathy and snobbishness, and maybe they have interpreted your southern politeness as self-perceived superiority. at any rate, have fun in korea. thanks for making room for someone who wants to join us in denver.
Rebecca | Denver, CO | Report Abuse

I lived in CO for 10 years and loved it. I agree that there are a lot of Californians in the Denver area. Many of them relocated to CO to escape the high cost of CA life and ended up jacking up the cost of housing in CO b/c they purchased higher priced real estate w/their full wallets (remember: the buyer sets fair market value). I found CA people to be materialistic, snobbish and unfriendly. IMO I think they are ruining the wonderful communities in CO.
Susan | Redmond, WA | Report Abuse

Wow, i just got pummeled by a nonstop stream of negativity from your post. Seriously John, i don't think your statements come from heart, you may simply be a bitter man for your own reasons venting out in heat of your insecurities in a blog where Denver (maybe because of a few bad times you had that you are reflecting on while you lived in the Mile High City) became a nice target of your distraught. But your blog is a façade, it’s a sad, unconscious attempt to feel superior so that the sting of your perceived self worth can go numb. I am sure that Denver isn't the only city whose character you have completely annihilated with your words because I am sure that Denver isn’t the only place where your social flaws have presented complications in your relationships with people. I would love to know why you, a person who has a diverse migration history and who speaks three languages wound up in Clovis, New Mexico? Denver is a fantastic city. I lived in Denver for seven years six of those seven I spent in a little 450 square foot studio apartment in Uptown and I loved it.
Nick | Canon City, CO | Report Abuse

I lived in Denver for 5 years, and I lived in the mountains in Vail for 15, and I grew up in the Hamptons in New York. Currently I live in Maine. I have news for you - people are rude everywhere, and if you go in with an attitude, you get one back. The mountains are a joke? Guess you don't ski or snowboard, or mountain bike or do any other outdoor activities. Some of the best restaurants are in the Vail and Aspen areas, not that Denver doesn't have its fair share. The city - and a lot of the state - is full of people who have relocated there, which you actually mention later in your post, and from other countries as well, and you're the first person I've ever heard even mention anything about people who have relocated to Denver being treated poorly. The place is a bit of melting pot, so it's ludicrous that you think it's anti-foreigner or anyone else. There's the U. of Colorado's Denver campus there, the Denver Art Museum added an addition and it's a great place to visit, not to mention all the galleries and other museums. If you're anti-sports there are these other options. Additionally the Buell Theater and the other small theaters have some wonderful performances, including national shows of excellent quality. Yes, Denver likes its sports, both individual and team. Not only do people love the Broncos, but the Avalanche, Rockies and Nuggets all reside there, so for those who wish to go to a professional game in any of those four sports certainly have the opportunity. There's also an amusement park and an aquarium in Denver, and so much more. I think it's more expensive than what Sperlings lists as the median home price if you want to live in a nicer area of Denver, but Sperlings home prices are not correct for ski resorts or other areas, so that would be the biggest difference. If you're young it's fun to be near downtown/Cherry Creek areas for the nightlife, the shopping and the festivals/events. Denver may not be full of the snobby clubs, but there is everything from trashy to upscale out there. It's also pretty warm there, so it's not like living in the mountains. You may get an occasional big snow, but for the most part snow doesn't last long in the winters and you can get some pretty warm days. It sounds like you're an elitist snob who doesn't relate well to women - or anyone, in general - unless you're in the company of those just like you.
MB | Edwards, CO | Report Abuse

John you're obviously a very depressed person with little self-esteem. I've traveled all over the planet, I AM ALSO TRILINGUAL, and I have yet to encounter a place where people are as friendly as Denver. The Southern "friendliness" you speak of is a very forced kind of friendliness that comes off as insincere, whereas the friendliness (although not as overt as the south) in Denver is more out of respectful decency. And maybe its not Denver's fault that girls don't like you, maybe you're just not that cool of a guy. But we all appreciate you leaving, there's no room for negative Nancies and complainers like you.
Alex | Boulder, CO | Report Abuse

The original poster is probably in the Air Force. In response to one poster's question regarding why he wound up in Clovis, New Mexico? Because there's an Air Force Base there. There's an Air Force Base in Korea too. No matter what city I've lived in I've met friends for life--natives or not. You'll wind up meeting people you have things in common with--especially if you're kind of eclectic. I have good friends I met in armpit ultra-conservative towns.
Scott | Fayetteville, AR | Report Abuse

Denver is high crime, smog, horrible traffic with road rage, low wages & super high rent, rude drivers, cashiers & sales clerks, trashy people putting on airs, food & gas expensive, skiing & snowboarding too expensive & hours driving can be in dangerous conditions, gyms & yoga studios too expensive, greedy state govt legalized cannabis for profit at the expense of human beings, bad karma, bad place.
nova scotia | Littleton, CO | Report Abuse
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