Why I Chose to Live in Golden Instead of Denver

Are you thinking about moving to Colorado and not sure where to live? Or maybe you already live in the state, but are thinking of relocating. I’ve been in your shoes. I’m here to share some insight into how I made the decision to live in Golden instead of Denver, which was where my partner and I were planning to live originally.

Here are some of the primary factors that drew us to Golden:

Close to the Mountains

*Pictured: View from South Table Mountain*

Like a lot of people moving out west to Colorado, we were seeking an adventurous, outdoorsy lifestyle and I wanted to be as close to the mountains as possible. In Golden, you can’t really get any closer to the mountains since the town is wedged between the Front Range and both North and South Table mountain. You’re quite literally surrounded by outdoor opportunities and trailheads, perfect for adventure seekers. You can find trails less than 10 minutes away! It also doesn’t take that long to get to I-70 if you’re wanting to travel further into the mountains on the weekend for 14-er hikes or for skiing.

Small Town - Easy to Get Around

Honestly, one of the main reason why I was drawn to Golden was it’s size. Everything you need is within 5 minutes away and you don’t have to worry about street parking or getting stuck in traffic (unlike Denver). Getting around is super easy and it’s never a hassle running errands. Even parking in downtown Golden is easy, there’s always been space in the parking garage on Jackson St. and it’s a very walkable downtown. I personally love going downtown on a Saturday morning and walking down Washington St. to the farmers market and then hanging out at Clear Creek afterward.

Close to Denver

*Pictured: Free summer concert series in Denver*

I wanted to be close to the mountains, but I didn’t want to be completely removed from city life either. Golden is only 25 minutes away from downtown Denver meaning you’re a quick drive away from all the city things Denver has to offer like sports, museums, entertainment, and fine dining. Golden is perfect because you don’t have to choose between the city or mountains, you can have both! However, if you’re someone who prefers city activities over outdoorsy things, then living in the heart of Denver might be the move for you.

Safety

Golden is considered one of the safest suburbs around Denver. We haven’t had any issues with theft or anything. I also feel comfortable walking around downtown Golden by myself which is something that is important to me. I’m sure we would be perfectly safe living in Denver too (I know plenty of people who live in Denver and love it), but Golden just had a vibe that made me feel more comfortable.

Charming Downtown

As one of the closest mountain towns to Denver, Golden gives residents and tourists a taste of the wild west. Golden has a rich mining history that can still be felt as you walk down Washington St. (Golden’s main street). The street is dotted with local shops and iconic restaurants like Buffalo Rose, Woody’s, and the Table Mountain Cantina, that have preserved the western ambiance and make you feel like you’re stepping back in time, something that you can’t really find in downtown Denver. In addition to the old timey feel of the town, Golden offers a sense of peace as well. The flowing waters of Clear Creek bring a sense of calm to the area along with the mountains that are everywhere you look. I have absolutely fallen in love with the small town vibes Golden radiates.

Need food recommendations?

10 of My Favorite Restaurants in Golden

Best Post-Hike Restaurants in Golden

Easy Access to Outdoor Activities

Golden has pretty much every possible outdoor activity you could think of: hiking trails, mountain biking trails, rock climbing areas, even white water kayaking. If any (or all) of these activities resonate with you, Golden is the place to be. You really don’t have to drive that far at all to access any of these things which is crazy to me. You can find some of the best rock climbing in the Clear Creek Canyon or on North Table Mountain. Hiking and biking trails are pretty much everywhere, I usually rely on AllTrails to help me find the right trails, but here is a blog post on Easy Hiking Trails in Golden to help you get started.

All Things Clear Creek

Clear Creek in the summer time is one of my favorite things about Golden. Tubing down Clear Creek is an absolute blast, especially on a hot, 90 degree day. Here is everything you need to know about tubing Clear Creek if you’re interested in learning more. But you don’t have to tube to experience the natural beauty of the creek. Most locals spend their summers hanging out on the river bank sun bathing, swimming, and having a great time in the company of their friends and family. You can even spend the afternoon walking the trail along the creek that goes all the way into Clear Creek Canyon.

Why I Chose to Live in Golden Instead of Denver

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