What do you love about where you live?

I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Yet, I was not apart of my generation that left, looking for something better. I appreciated that it was quiet and slow.

While things have definitely changed since my younger twenties, I still can’t find any reasons to up and leave.

The Government

During 2008, The Recession, Colorado suffered lesser versions of what played out elsewhere. Greater impacts happened out east and out west, in more populous cities. Almost everywhere else, rent was nearly two times as high, food was expensive…and gas as well.

Even though the national average has risen with previous mentioned topics…we are still on the lower end of things.

I recently found out, a lot was done to keep Colorado out of the thicket of issues that arose during those times. If you see any homeless, I can assure you they’re homeless due to drug issues brought from another state. I used to drive for Lyft and I’m from here.

You should know we can all make choices, blaming a group of people for your down fall is counterproductive.

Smoking Ban

While we’re known as the Mile High City, a sly joke in representation of legalizing marijuana, we’re also known for public health and cleanliness. Between 1995-1998, smoking cigarettes had been banned in all sitting restaurants. There were originally designated areas to smoke, but those are gone as well. Most signs indicate that smoking within a building limit can incur a fine, and if someone sees you trashing your cigarette butt anywhere you shouldn’t, believe they’ll tell you.

What’s more is people willingly pick up litter and trash if they see it. That includes around bus stops, parks or on busy streets. Denver allocates to call if you see illegal dumping…and will ticket anyone if they are caught littering. We still have litter, but we also have people who care.

Healthcare

It is easier to get health insurance here through various programs, including for low income families. Extra strides are taken on behalf of an individuals health.

I have systemic lupus, and I can concur that most every single doctor I came across did what they could. I was treated with kindness and respect. And because of how my health was handled, I am still here today.

Sanctuary City

Although we have accumulated migrants, and most are pretty disparaging, Denver offers programs for people needing a fresh start. From free rent (up to 6 months) to funds, as well as food and education programs.

However, Denver doesn’t allow people to destroy this great city. And they will do everything in their power to keep peace. Many believe they have been treated harshly. But you do not bite the hand that feeds you…

Community

People here are generally kind. Even if they’ve moved here from somewhere else. We don’t have droves of high rises covering every inch of land here. There are views, venues, and valuable land within walking distance in some cases. Government bills help protect wildlife preservations. And people within the community and outside do their best to keep Colorado beautiful. (Even despite people who don’t care much for their existence).

Growth

It’s harrowing, some don’t like it…but Denver is slowly growing. However, there are still plains, void of human destruction. Mountains too majestic to be moved. You could try as hard as you’d like, but Denver will always have its western charm.

Most everyone is fairly laid back, even at grand events. And most here love to talk, are kind and are open to change.

Mayor Johnson (D) immediately took action with the homelessness issue when he made office. He used a lot of our historic buildings that were just sitting around, and opened them up FREE OF CHARGE and mindless hoops to jump through. He also used empty hotels and other similar buildings to help. I have seen a huge improvement, and I’m happy someone finally cares.

We still have homeless, but it isn’t near to what it once was.

There are also stations meant for people with drug addictions to get smaller doses of their drugs or to shoot up. This idea came from Sweden and Finland, who have almost eliminated their drug and homelessness problems. Denver also decriminalized shrooms as well. The idea is that if you tell someone they can’t, they’ll simply kill to find a way in doing it anyway.

*I do not support any political party, I am stating facts*

Lastly, The Weather

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Winter is beautiful here, even in Denver. The mountains make it that more magical. We do have dry spells, but when it snows it’s beautiful.

Most of the winter, we stay above 40 degrees. We get a few cold spells, and then it warms back up.

A blizzard can come through…yet it melts away in about a week. The snow doesn’t last long in the city, it certainly does in the high country.

Fall in the mountains is beautiful as well. The aspen trees begin to turn and I can assure you…it is the greatest sight to behold. If you love autumn, it will definitely take your breath away.

Denver, and Colorado are worth visiting and living in! I absolutely love it here.