Moving from Portland, OR to Denver, CO

Find yourself in a hip new home a mile high! 

On the surface, Portland and Denver appear to have much in common. The cities are relatively the same size geographically, are similar in population and share a comparable cost of living. Both are scenic, progressive, economically strong and rated among the top 15 Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report. 

But what about the differences? Let’s explore life in Denver — the ninth-fastest growing city in the U.S. — and how the Mile High City might look for a Portland transplant! We’ll start with arguably the biggest factor, which is … 

Don’t overlook the elevation change 

With Portland sitting at just 50 feet above sea level, it’s easy to forget that the air is thinner and drier Denver (which actually is a mile high). Altitude sickness can be dangerous, and symptoms include drowsiness, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, loss of coordination and confusion. But some simple precautions can help you safely adjust to your new city. Learn more about preparing to move to a higher elevation.  

Prepare for lots of sun and snow 

If you’re one of the many Pacific Northwest residents affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), moving from Portland to Denver may boost your mood. And even if you’re not, a little more Vitamin D can’t hurt. Yes, Denver’s winters are colder with much more snowfall, but the area is drier and sunnier than Portland. Fun fact: despite averaging more than 60 inches of snow per year, Denver also gets 245 sunny days. 

Don’t resist the pull of the outdoors 

Like Portlanders, Denverites love being outside. Though landlocked and 1,000 miles from the nearest ocean, Denver offers more than 5,000 acres of parks, golf courses, playgrounds and trails. Plus, its location at the foot of the Rocky Mountains allows easy access to some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the world. 

Embrace your chance to get in the game 

Denver’s food scene is growing along with its reputation for excellent craft beverages. This blends well with a city that has teams in five professional sports leagues along with the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which hosts some of the world’s top musical acts.  

Looking to explore a new hobby (or rediscover your passion for it) while making new friends? You can do both because Denver is a hotbed for board games! Dozens of specialty stores have sprung up around the city and regular gatherings like this one provide an opportunity for like-minded people to play a variety of games and socialize. 

Simplify your long-distance move with U-Pack 

Many new and exciting changes await you in Denver, but the first step is getting there. Driving 1,200 miles from Portland in a rental truck can be stressful, costly and time-consuming. Make it easier with U-Pack®! With 240 service centers nationwide, our long-distance relocation experts can customize your move, handle the driving and get your stuff to your new home in less than a week. 

Contact us to learn more and to get your free quote.