Are you looking to live in one of the best places in Colorado? If so, Golden might be the ideal place for you. Where the Old West meets the New Frontier, the friendly city of Golden is nestled within the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
But why move to Golden, CO? It’s easy! Golden offers its residents a dense suburban feel with plenty of restaurants, cafes, parks, and employment opportunities. It’s the best place to live, work, and play.
Don’t believe us? Discover everything Golden, CO has to offer and why you should make the move!
Why Move to Golden, CO?
If you enjoy running, hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing, and eating, you should move to Golden. As proud Coloradans, we love nothing more than getting outside, living a healthy lifestyle, and enjoying the warm, unique vibe.
If you still don’t believe us, maybe a list will help. Here are the seven top reasons to live in Golden.
1. Community
Did you know the friendliest people in the world are from Colorado? Don’t fact-check us; we know it’s *true*.
Golden has a warm vibe and welcoming nature that makes it a city that is impossible to ignore. The City of Golden runs year-round events to bring the community together and enjoy what makes Golden great.
The Movies & Music in the Park series is a major hit on Friday nights in August at Parfet Park in downtown Golden. The series features free music and family-friendly movies.
Other events throughout the year include the Olde Golden Christmas Parade, Easter Egg Hunt, and the National Night Out.
We can’t deny it; the community spirit is strong in Golden!
2. Location
Location, location, location is still the most crucial consideration for moving. Many people who choose to relocate want to have the best of both worlds – be close to nature but within driving distance of big city life.
Does it sound impossible? The residents of Golden don’t believe so.
Golden is a suburb of Denver, but you wouldn’t know it with its spectacular mountainous backdrop and the extremely popular Clear Creek that runs through the town.
Move to Golden and be within driving distance of:
- Downtown Denver (24 mins, 16.2 miles)
- Boulder, CO (28 mins, 20.3 miles)
- Denver International Airport (34 mins, 34.7 miles)
- Colorado Springs (1 hr 18 mins, 81 miles)
- Rocky Mountain National Park (1 hr 25 mins, 59.9 miles)
Spend a weekend away skiing in the Rocky Mountains or bar hopping in Denver.
But don’t be fooled; Golden isn’t the kind of place you want to escape from. We guarantee once you move here, you won’t want to leave!
3. Lifestyle and Culture
Golden is known for its outdoorsy, laidback, and friendly vibe. Golden residents love nothing more than hanging out at Lions Park, buying delicious produce at Golden Farmers’ Market, and dining at one of the many dining establishments.
It’s a place of history mixed with contemporary fun. If you enjoy being outside in nature, Golden is for you. If you enjoy live music and theatre, Golden is also for you.
That’s what’s so great about a place like Golden. It doesn’t matter what your interests are. As long as you’re easy-going and friendly, the Golden lifestyle will suit you.
4. Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun in Golden is endless. Whether you’re a nature lover or a thrill-seeker, there’s an outdoor activity for you. The best part is you can get outside any time of the year.
When it’s sunny, spend your days hiking, fishing, or kayaking along Clear Creek. During winter, go snowshoeing, skiing, or snowmobiling.
Don’t worry about moving to Golden without the proper gear; plenty of retail stores sell everything you need to hit the slopes and tube down the creek.
We may be biased, but here are some of the best Golden, Colorado activities you should try once you arrive:
- Hike the scenic trails of North Table Mountain
- Horseback ride to the top of Lookout Mountain
- Paddle and splash at Clear Creek Trail & Water Park
- Toss your line in at the local watering hole
- Play a round of golf at Fossil Trace Golf Club
- Go geocaching across Golden
Tourists who visit Golden find it hard to return home to the daily grind. You’ll never have to worry about leaving Golden again when you’re a local.
5. History
Golden has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the 19th century. Founded in 1859, Golden was named after a gold rush located between the North and South Table Mountains.
Golden was initially named “Golden City” in honor of Thomas L. Golden. From 1860 to 1861, Golden City served as the capital of the federally recognized Colorado Territory.
In 1876, Golden City lost its capital crown to Denver, but nothing could dampen the spirit of its residents who were dedicated to building its economic prosperity.
Today, Golden flourishes with a healthy network of resources to support existing and growing businesses.
Visit the Golden History Museum to find out who built Golden, how it became a beer lovers’ paradise, and check out exciting artifacts about the history of the mining-supply town.
6. Great Food
Unsurprisingly, Golden is also a haven for food lovers. The city offers a range of foods, from fine dining to casual eateries. But choosing the best restaurant is more complicated than it looks.
From Mexican to Thai, Italian, Middle Eastern, and American barbecue, the food options are as delicious as they are endless.
Here are a handful of first-rate dining experiences:
- D’deli
- Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza
- Sherpa House Restaurant and Culture Center
- Abejas Restaurant
- Indulge Bistro & Wine Bar
Start with a few of these foodie gems and eat your way through the rest during your time here in Golden.
7. Safe and Clean
Feeling safe in a new city or town is linked to lower rates of mental illness, greater social interaction, and neighborhood trust. When you move with children, ensuring their safety is very important.
One way to tell if an area is safe or not is by how many amenities you can access and how clean it is. Nicer areas have increased access to amenities and plenty of things to do. At the same time, when locals take pride in their city’s appearance, that is also a sign of its safety.
Golden ticks both those boxes. There is no shortage of fun events, and they like to keep it clean. Golden has a waste and recycling program with a goal to reduce landfill contribution by 40% by 2030.
Living in Golden
Living in Golden combines all the best aspects of life in Colorado; views of the Rocky Mountains, proximity to downtown Denver, and enough outdoor activities to last a lifetime.
In Denver, you might never come across the same person twice. But cities like Golden make you feel like a real local.
As of 2020, 20,399 residents enjoyed the laidback lifestyle, a slight rise of 1,532 since 2010. While it’s not the biggest town, it packs a big punch in amenities, activities, and employment opportunities.
Weather in Golden
Golden experiences a relatively dry climate thanks to its position far inland. In Golden, the summers are warm, and the winters are frigid and snowy.
From June to September, you can expect an average daily high of 77°F and a low of 59°F. From November to March, expect average daily highs of below 50°F and lows between 30°F and 23°F.
Golden experiences partly cloudy conditions year-round, with March being the cloudiest month of the year.
As we mentioned earlier, it doesn’t matter what time of the year it is; the “Golden, Colorado things-to-do list” doesn’t get any shorter.
Best Things to Do in Golden
With so many things to see and do in Golden, it would be remiss of us not to mention our top picks. Here are our top five things to do when you move to Golden.
1. Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The 7,377-foot peak is located in Lookout Mountain Park, about 6 miles from downtown Golden. The road up to the mountain is twisty with enough viewpoints to wow visitors and locals alike.
Lookout Mountain Park is the burial site of famous western frontiersman William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody.
2. Coors Brewery
Golden has a rich brewing legacy starting back in 1873 with Coors Brewery. Coors Brewery is the largest single brewing facility operating in the world. And it’s located right here in Golden!
Coors Brewery operates free tours on selected days, as well as tastings, and a fun gift shop.
3. Clear Creek Whitewater Park
There is never a dull moment when you enter the waters of Clear Creek Whitewater Park. It’s also one of the unique attractions Golden has to offer.
The creek is built for recreational canoeing and kayaking and is divided into sections. Golden’s section of Clear Creek is one of the best tubing areas in Colorado.
On a hot, sunny day, you can lazily float along the water without a care in the world. There are plenty of exciting waves and drops for the more adventurous tubers to keep you entertained.
Tubing is free as long as you BYO tube.
4. Golden History Park
Golden History Park (previously Clear Creek History Park) is located near Clear Creek and offers a slice of Golden’s history. Relive Golden’s pioneer life and explore the blacksmith shop, log cabins, and an old hay barn.
On select days, performers recreate old Golden life with cooking and blacksmithing demonstrations. Golden History Park is free and opens seven days a week.
5. Miners Alley Playhouse
Do you want to see award-winning professional theatre at an affordable price?
You can get it all at Miners Alley Playhouse. Hidden on a side street, the Miners Alley Playhouse is a cozy little space seating 150 playgoers at a time.
Perfect for an evening night on the town with plenty of dining options within walking distance. Current mainstage shows include “Moon Over Buffalo” and “Goldilocks and the 3 Bears.”
If you have the acting bug, why not audition or volunteer your services to keep theatre alive and well in Golden!
Employment Opportunities in Golden
Golden isn’t only a great place to play; it’s also a great place to work.
If you’re lucky enough to have been offered employment in Golden, congratulations! Even if you weren’t expecting to relocate here, you’ll be glad you did!
For those who are yet to secure a job, don’t despair. In Golden, there are plenty of job opportunities thanks to major employers such as MillerCoors, CoorsTek, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Jefferson County is a premier business environment with unmatched quality of life. If you’re willing to step just outside of Golden, you will find abundant employment opportunities.
The largest industry employers in the county include:
- Lockheed Martin (Aerospace and Defense)
- Terumo BCT (Medical Technology)
- Lutheran Medical Center (Medical Services)
- Molson Coors Beverage Company (Beverages)
- Firstbank Holding Co. of Colorado (Financial Services)
- Angi Homeservices Inc. (Home Improvement and Repair)
- Encore Electric Inc. (Electrical Services)
The City of Golden can also help companies relocating here to find land and space, access financial incentives, and obtain proper licensing and permits.
Education in Golden
Education is essential to the residents of Golden. The city prides itself on providing many education options, from elementary schools to four-year public college programs.
Several Jefferson County School District high schools were ranked among the best in America in previous years. If you’re moving with children or for higher education, here is a quick snapshot of some of the best schooling options in Golden.
Elementary:
- Coal Creek Canyon K–8
- Kyffin Elementary
- Mitchell Elementary
- Ralston Elementary
- Fairmount Elementary
- Maple Grove Elementary
- Pleasant View Elementary
- Shelton Elementary
Middle School:
- Bell Middle School
- The Manning School (Charter School)
High School:
- Golden High School
Vocational Education:
- Warren Tech
College:
- Red Rocks Community College
- Colorado School of Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public research university focused on science and engineering. Students and faculty work together to address challenges affecting modern society, including issues related to the Earth, energy, and the environment.
Cost of Living in Golden
Depending on where you’re moving from, Golden might be more or less expensive. Creating a budget is a great way to keep on top of your spending whenever you make a big move.
According to the City of Golden, the median yearly income is $70,092, with 47% of households earning over the national average.
The median household expenditure is $69,483, with most residents spending their money on:
- Housing
- Transportation
- Food and beverages
- Healthcare
- Utilities
Living in Golden can be an incredibly affordable place to live. With many free outdoor recreation activities, you can spend more time in nature and less money on things you don’t need.
Getting Around in Golden
No car? No problem! Getting around in Golden is easy with the city’s 12.1-mile light rail.
The rail line connects Denver Union Station to the Jefferson County campus, with stops in Denver and Lakewood. Ideal for people commuting into Denver for work.
You can purchase a one-way fare for between $3.00 to $4.00. However, if you use transport often, different passes are available to reduce the cost.
You can also take the FlexRide bus (previously called the Golden Community Call-n-Ride) for $4.00 a fare. The service operates every 15 minutes on the weekdays and makes regularly scheduled stops along the 25-minutes loop.
Call a few hours ahead of your scheduled trip for a guaranteed ride.
Cycling is another popular mode of transport for getting around Golden. There is secure bike parking adjacent to the Golden end-of-line station at the Jefferson County campus.
Real Estate in Golden
In Golden, 56.14% of residents are homeowners, while 43.86% are renters.
Because of the popular location, house prices in Golden are higher than the state average. When it comes down to it, housing will always be the biggest wallet buster.
The median house price is currently between $750,000 to $850,000 for a 4-bed, 2-bath, single-family home. Keep in mind house prices fluctuate depending on many factors, including interest rates, home size, location, and economic indicators.
If you’re in no rush to buy, renting is an affordable option while saving for a deposit or waiting for the market to change. Some people prefer to rent to avoid major expenses, have access to amenities, and enjoy no maintenance costs or repair bills.
In Golden, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is currently around $1,700 per month. Keep in mind the cost of rent varies depending on many factors, including location, size, and quality.
Whether you rent or buy, Golden is home to some beautiful properties close to amenities and breathtaking scenic views. And in all honesty, Golden is an outdoorsy town; what are you doing inside anyway?
Tips for Moving to Golden
We’ve finally convinced you to move to Golden, have we? Congratulations! Trust us, moving to Golden will be one of the best decisions you make.
We’ve put together some useful tips to help you prepare for your move.
1. Schedule Your Movers Early
Book your movers as soon as you know your move date. When you book movers early, you’ll get the company you want, and the process will go a lot smoother.
Better yet, you’ll get your desired date, and you can begin to concentrate on other aspects of your move, such as packing. Avoid moving on weekends, during spring, and around the holiday season for a hassle-free move.
2. Create a Moving Checklist
When you first find out you’re moving, it can feel overwhelming. A moving checklist can take some of that initial stress away and help you plan your move. Your checklist should include what to pack, who to contact, and how much time you have for each.
Itemize your to-do list and create subsections like “two months before” and “day of” to help you know what needs to be done in order of importance. Print it out and check every item off week by week.
3. Pack Early (Or Hire Us)
If possible, start planning your packing at least six weeks before moving. This is especially true if you have a large house and an even larger family. First, you should go room to room and list what is coming and what is going (or getting donated).
To save time, opt to hire your moving company’s packing services. They can pack your items using top-quality packing supplies to ensure your belongings will get to your destination in one piece.
4. Pack an Essentials Bag
An essentials bag should contain shared household items and necessities. It should include food, drink, spare clothes, and medications.
When you get your new home, it might be late, and the last thing you want to do is unpack. After a long and tiring trip, a pre-packed essentials bag might be your saving grace.
5. Contact Everyone!
Don’t forget to notify the right people and places when you move. Create a change of address checklist of who you need to give a heads up about your move.
Your list might include:
- Post office
- Tax agencies
- Social Security Administration
- Gas and electric
- Phones, cable, and internet
- Other utilities
- Home or renters’ insurance
- Your employer
- Bank and credit card company
- Loan providers
- Insurance providers
Other contacts include magazine and subscription services, online shopping sites, clubs and organizations, and service providers like your doctor, dentist, and veterinarian.
Phew! Oh, and don’t forget your friends and family. They’re important, too!
Are You Ready to Move to Golden, Colorado?
Why move to Golden, CO? Why not move to Golden, CO!
Golden has everything you need: scenic mountains, a friendly community, a perfect location, and a laidback lifestyle.
Whether it’s for work, school, or a lifestyle change, moving to this mountain town might be the best decision you ever make.
Before you enjoy all Golden has to offer, you have to get there first! Moving can be a sucky experience if you don’t hire the right moving company.
Moving Proz is a family-owned moving company serving Denver and surrounding areas (i.e., Golden). We provide fast and hassle-free moves of all sizes at very affordable prices.
We will pack, move and deliver your precious goods safely and efficiently. After all, moving is a big deal; let’s help you get there!
Book your moving proz today. The land of outdoorsy people awaits!
