Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is a land of breathtaking landscapes and boundless opportunities for adventure. From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the sweeping plains of the Eastern Plains, the diversity of Colorado’s terrain never fails to captivate visitors. Picture-perfect alpine meadows, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and dense pine forests beckon outdoor enthusiasts to hike, bike, ski, and explore to their heart’s content.
But Colorado isn’t just for nature lovers – its vibrant cities and towns offer a rich tapestry of culture, people, history, and culinary delights. Whether you’re exploring the charming streets of Boulder, immersing yourself in the art scene of Denver, or soaking up the Old West charm of Colorado Springs, there’s something for everyone in the Centennial State. So pack your bags, hit the trails, and prepare to be enchanted by the beauty and wonder of Colorado.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Denver and Colorado Springs are two of the largest and most well-known cities in Colorado, often viewed as rivals due to their differences in culture, economy, and geography. Located less than 70 miles apart in central Colorado, both Denver and Colorado Springs have developed distinct identities and attractions over the years.
Denver is Colorado’s capital and largest city, situated on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. With its lively urban vibe, thriving arts scene, and proximity to outdoor recreation, Denver attracts young professionals, families, and tourists from around the world. Just south along Interstate 25 lies Colorado Springs, nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak.
More conservative and military-centered than Denver, Colorado Springs is beloved for its natural beauty and abundance of hiking trails. While the two cities have contrasting personalities and appeal to different lifestyles, they both offer fantastic opportunities for dining, nightlife, entertainment, and access to Colorado’s stunning natural landscapes. Whether you prefer an energetic urban experience or a more laidback mountain town, Denver and Colorado Springs make for an unforgettable Colorado vacation.
History
Denver was founded in 1858 as a mining town during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. It was named after Kansas Territorial Governor James W. Denver and quickly grew into an important rail and supply hub for the surrounding mining camps. Some key events in Denver’s early history include the founding of Auraria (which later merged with Denver) in 1859 and the arrival of the railroad in 1870.
Colorado Springs was founded in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer as a resort town and supply point for nearby gold mining sites like Cripple Creek. The town was named for the springs at the foot of Pikes Peak and marketed as a health retreat. Early landmarks include the Broadmoor Hotel built in 1918 and the Pikes Peak Highway completed in 1916. While Denver grew rapidly with the mining industry, Colorado Springs catered to tourists seeking the mountain air.
Geography
Denver and Colorado Springs are both located along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado. Denver sits on the western edge of the Great Plains, while Colorado Springs rests at the base of Pikes Peak, one of Colorado’s famous 14,000 foot peaks.
Both cities enjoy a mild, dry climate with abundant sunshine and four distinct seasons. Winters are cold but sunny, while summers are warm and pleasant. The elevation of Denver is around 5,280 feet above sea level, giving it a cool semi-arid climate. Colorado Springs sits at a slightly higher elevation of 6,035 feet. Its location against the foothills of the Rockies means it can experience more snow in winter but also warmer temperatures in summer compared to Denver.
The close proximity to the mountains provides plenty of recreational opportunities like hiking, biking, camping, skiing and snowboarding. Within an hour’s drive are numerous national forests, state parks, mountain towns and ski resorts. The unique geography also contributes to the cities’ laidback outdoor lifestyle and sunny dispositions.
Demographics
Denver and Colorado Springs have some notable differences when it comes to demographics. Denver has a much larger population, with over 700,000 residents compared to around 470,000 in Colorado Springs.
The age distribution also varies between the two cities. Denver skews younger, with a median age of 34.7 years old. Colorado Springs has an older population, with a median age of 38.5 years old. More than 13% of Colorado Springs residents are over the age of 65, while that number is around 10% for Denver.
Income levels are higher in Denver compared to Colorado Springs. The median household income in Denver is around $68,000. In Colorado Springs, it’s roughly $59,000. The poverty rate is lower in Denver at 14% versus nearly 15% in Colorado Springs.
So in summary, Denver is larger, younger, and wealthier overall based on population demographics. Colorado Springs has an older population more heavily distributed in the middle age ranges and lower average incomes. These demographic differences likely influence the culture, amenities, cost of living and other aspects that distinguish the two cities.
Economy
Denver and Colorado Springs have thriving economies centered around different industries.
Denver is the economic center of Colorado with a diverse mix of industries. The city’s economy was historically dependent on energy, mining, and agriculture. Today, Denver has a robust service economy focused on financial services, healthcare, telecommunications, and technology. Major employers include financial firms like Wells Fargo, healthcare networks like HealthONE, and tech companies like Dish Network.
Denver has seen strong job growth in recent years across sectors like professional services, construction, and hospitality. The economic outlook remains positive, with projected growth of over 2% annually. The city’s educated workforce, business-friendly policies, and desirable location continue attracting companies and talent.
Colorado Springs has an economy historically rooted in military and defense spending. Major military bases like Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and the U.S. Air Force Academy are located here. Defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin have major regional offices in the area.
While the military remains a top employer, Colorado Springs has worked to diversify its economy around sectors like tourism, healthcare, and technology. Top private employers include hospitals like UCHealth and high-tech manufacturers like Atmel. The city has also attracted major tech companies like Amazon, Oracle, and Apple to open offices.
Economic growth is projected around 2-3% annually, led by construction, professional services, and technology. The area is working to support startups and small businesses to foster further diversification.
Culture
Denver and Colorado Springs both have vibrant cultural scenes, though Denver’s tends to be a bit more diverse and lively given its size.
Arts
Denver has a thriving arts scene, with over 30 museums and numerous galleries located primarily in the Golden Triangle and Santa Fe Arts districts downtown. Some of the top museums include the Denver Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, and the Clyfford Still Museum. The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art is also a must-see. Colorado Springs also has a solid arts scene anchored by the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, with its excellent art museum.
Music
Denver has an eclectic live music scene spanning rock, jazz, blues, country, and more. Top venues include the Fillmore Auditorium, Ogden Theatre, Bluebird Theater, and Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom. Red Rocks Amphitheatre just outside the city hosts concerts in a breathtaking natural setting. Colorado Springs has a smaller but still vibrant music scene, with venues like the Black Sheep and Stargazers Theatre bringing in national acts.
Food
As a major city, Denver offers an incredibly diverse dining scene with chef-driven restaurants and cuisines from around the world. Popular neighborhoods for dining include Lower Downtown (LoDo), RiNo, and South Pearl Street. Colorado Springs also has some great restaurants, though with fewer options. Focus on local ingredients at places like The Margarita at Pine Creek, Marigold Cafe, and Shuga’s.
Nightlife
Denver has an energetic nightlife, especially in LoDo which is packed with clubs, bars, and live music venues that stay open late. Major nightlife strips include Larimer Street and Broadway. Colorado Springs nightlife tends to be more low-key, with some fun bars and pubs located downtown near Tejon Street.
Festivals
Denver hosts huge festivals like the Great American Beer Festival and Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks. Food festivals like the A Taste of Colorado are also popular. Colorado Springs has great festivals too like the Colorado Balloon Classic and the Territory Days Old West Celebration.
Sports & Outdoors
Denver and Colorado Springs both offer ample opportunities for sports and outdoor recreation.
Major Sports Teams
The Denver metropolitan area is home to several professional and college sports teams. The Denver Broncos of the NFL play at Empower Field at Mile High. The Colorado Rockies MLB team plays at Coors Field in downtown Denver. The NBA’s Denver Nuggets and NHL’s Colorado Avalanche both play home games at Ball Arena. Denver is also home to the University of Denver Pioneers hockey team.
The Colorado Springs area has fewer major league professional sports teams, but is home to the Colorado College Tigers hockey team, which plays at Ed Robson Arena. The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC soccer team plays at Weidner Field.
Outdoor Activities
With the Rocky Mountains nearby, both cities offer plenty of outdoor recreation. Popular activities near Denver include hiking in the foothills west of the city, mountain biking at places like White Ranch Park, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter at resorts like Winter Park and Vail.
Colorado Springs is situated right against the eastern edge of the Rockies. Popular outdoor activities include hiking and biking in places like Garden of the Gods Park, Seven Falls, and Red Rock Canyon. The Pikes Peak Cog Railway takes visitors to the summit of Pikes Peak. There’s great skiing nearby at resorts like Breckenridge. The Arkansas River runs through town, providing rafting and kayaking opportunities.
Transportation
Transportation options in Denver and Colorado Springs differ in some key ways.
Airports
Denver is served by Denver International Airport (DEN), the largest airport in the US by land size. DEN offers nonstop flights to over 200 destinations worldwide. It’s located about 25 miles northeast of downtown Denver. Getting to and from DEN is easy via the RTD A Line commuter rail, taxi, shuttle, or rideshare.
The primary airport for Colorado Springs is Colorado Springs Airport (COS), with nonstop service to over a dozen major US cities. COS is just a few miles southeast of downtown. Options for getting to COS include taxi, shuttle, or rideshare.
So DEN provides more flight options and global connections, while COS is more convenient for getting around Colorado Springs.
Public Transit
Denver has an extensive public transportation system called RTD, with light rail, commuter rail, bus routes, and a free MallRide through downtown. RTD makes it easy to navigate Denver without a car.
Colorado Springs has a bus system called Mountain Metropolitan Transit, but no light rail. Buses can take you around Colorado Springs, but the system isn’t as robust as Denver’s RTD.
Walkability
Both downtown Denver and downtown Colorado Springs are quite walkable, with shops, restaurants, and attractions in a compact area. But Denver has more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like Lower Downtown, River North Art District, and Capitol Hill.
Parking
Parking in downtown Denver can be tricky and expensive, while downtown Colorado Springs has cheaper and more abundant parking lots and garages. Outside the city centers, both Denver and Colorado Springs have ample free parking.
So getting around without a car is much simpler in Denver than Colorado Springs. But Colorado Springs provides easier parking options for visitors with their own vehicle.
Housing
Housing costs and availability can vary quite a bit between Denver and Colorado Springs. Here’s a closer look at some of the key differences:
Cost of Living
- Overall, Denver is more expensive than Colorado Springs when it comes to housing costs. According to BestPlaces.net, the cost of living index for housing in Denver is around 145, compared to 95 for Colorado Springs.
- The median home price in Denver is over $575,000, while in Colorado Springs it’s around $385,000. Rent for a 1 bedroom apartment averages around $1,500 in Denver versus $1,100 in Colorado Springs.
Neighborhoods
- In Denver, popular neighborhoods include Downtown, Highlands, Congress Park, Washington Park, and Cherry Creek. There’s a mix of urban condos, single family homes, and apartments.
- Colorado Springs neighborhoods like Old North End, Downtown, and Northgate offer historic charm and amenities. Briargate, Broadmoor, and Flying Horse have newer large homes.
- Suburbs around both cities, like Aurora and Arvada near Denver and Fountain and Monument near Colorado Springs, offer more affordable single family homes.
So in summary, those looking for relative affordability may find better options in Colorado Springs, while Denver offers more neighborhoods with urban amenities despite higher costs. Homebuyers should research locations carefully in both cities to find the right fit.
Accomodation
Denver
When choosing a neighborhood to stay in Denver, there are several fantastic options, each with its own unique charm and amenities. Here are a few neighborhoods that are popular among travelers for accommodations:
- LoDo (Lower Downtown): LoDo is Denver’s historic district known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy restaurants, and proximity to attractions like Coors Field and Union Station. It offers a mix of upscale hotels, boutique accommodations, and vacation rentals, making it a great choice for those who want to be in the heart of the action.
- RiNo (River North Art District): RiNo is Denver’s hippest neighborhood, known for its thriving arts scene, colorful murals, and eclectic mix of galleries, breweries, and restaurants. Accommodation options in RiNo range from boutique hotels to chic loft apartments, offering a trendy and unique stay experience.
- Capitol Hill: Capitol Hill is one of Denver’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods, known for its beautiful Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to attractions like the Colorado State Capitol and Denver Art Museum. Accommodations in Capitol Hill include charming bed and breakfasts, historic hotels, and boutique guesthouses.
- Cherry Creek: Cherry Creek is Denver’s upscale shopping and dining district, known for its luxury boutiques, high-end restaurants, and beautiful Cherry Creek Trail. Accommodations in Cherry Creek range from luxury hotels to boutique inns, offering a luxurious and convenient stay experience.
- Highlands: The Highlands neighborhood offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, with trendy boutiques, cozy cafes, and scenic views of downtown Denver. Accommodations in the Highlands include boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals, offering a laid-back and eclectic stay experience.
Colorado Springs
When visiting Colorado Springs, there are several neighborhoods that offer great accommodations and unique experiences. Here are some popular neighborhoods and places to stay in Colorado Springs:
- Downtown Colorado Springs: Downtown Colorado Springs is a vibrant area with a mix of historic buildings, trendy restaurants, and cultural attractions. Staying downtown puts you within walking distance of attractions like the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Acacia Park, and the historic Antlers Hotel. Accommodations range from boutique hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, offering a convenient and lively stay experience.
- Old Colorado City: Located just west of downtown, Old Colorado City is a historic district with charming brick storefronts, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Staying in Old Colorado City gives you easy access to attractions like the Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs, as well as the shops and restaurants along Colorado Avenue. Accommodations in Old Colorado City include boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and quaint bed and breakfasts, offering a charming and relaxed stay experience.
- Manitou Springs: Nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs is a quirky and eclectic town known for its mineral springs, arts scene, and historic charm. Staying in Manitou Springs puts you close to attractions like the Manitou Incline, Cave of the Winds, and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. Accommodations in Manitou Springs range from cozy bed and breakfasts to unique boutique hotels, offering a laid-back and scenic stay experience.
- Broadmoor: For a luxurious stay in Colorado Springs, consider the Broadmoor neighborhood. Home to the historic Broadmoor Hotel and Resort, this upscale area offers world-class amenities, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Accommodations at the Broadmoor range from elegant hotel rooms to spacious suites and cottages, offering a luxurious and indulgent stay experience.
Conclusion
Denver or Colorado Springs? Both have their unique charm and appeal for travelers. Denver offers a vibrant urban city experience with diverse neighborhoods, a thriving craft beer scene, and an artistic culture. The city is very walkable downtown with shopping, dining, and entertainment. Colorado Springs provides magnificent natural scenery with Pikes Peak as the backdrop. It has a more laidback vibe and plenty of outdoor recreation like Garden of the Gods Park.
For travelers looking for an energetic city getaway with great nightlife and cultural attractions, Denver is likely the better choice. If you prefer being surrounded by nature and spending time hiking, biking, or exploring the mountains, then Colorado Springs is ideal. You really can’t go wrong visiting either destination. They both have fantastic restaurants, breweries, museums, and friendly local communities.
Ultimately it comes down to the type of vacation you want. Denver for an urban adventure, Colorado Springs for an outdoor escape. With the cities less than 2 hours apart, you could even consider splitting your time between both areas. No matter what you decide, you’ll discover the beautiful state of Colorado has something for everyone.
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