Denver, CO is a vibrant and friendly city that’s by no means small, with a whopping 716,000 people living here. There’s plenty to do and see in Denver and the surrounding area, whether you enjoy outdoor recreation like hiking and skiing, are a sports enthusiast, or are a foodie. With its gorgeous scenery, affordable cost of living, and diversity, it’s no wonder why so many people enjoy living in Denver.
But while 69% of Denver homebuyers searched to stay within the Denver metropolitan area, plenty of people are still searching to leave this lively city. If you’re curious about where to move from Denver, here are the top 10 cities people leaving Denver are considering relocating to.
1) Chicago, IL
For Denver residents, the top destination locals are considering moving to is Chicago, IL. For homebuyers searching to relocate to the Windy City, consider that the median home sale price is $325,000.
Home to 2.7 million people, Chicago is a city with a lot to offer. From deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs to the Willis Tower and other architectural marvels, there is something for everyone in Chicago. The city is also home to several museums and cultural attractions, making it a popular tourist destination. And, of course, Chicago is also famous for its professional sports teams. No matter what season it is, there is always a spectator sport to enjoy in the Windy City.
Homes for sale in Chicago, IL
Apartments for rent in Chicago, IL
2) Fort Collins, CO
The second city that homebuyers looking to move out of Denver are considering moving to is Fort Collins, CO. The median home sale price here is $527,100.
The home of Colorado State University, Fort Collins is a thriving city in Colorado known for its many craft breweries, outdoor recreation, and access to Rocky Mountain National Park. With 166,000 residents, the city’s strong economy and social scene make it a popular destination for tourists and residents alike.
Homes for sale in Fort Collins, CO
Apartments for rent in Fort Collins, CO
3) Colorado Springs, CO
People leaving Denver are looking to move to Colorado Springs, CO, where the median sale price is $449,000.
Pikes Peak is the backdrop for Colorado Springs and the inspiration for the song “America the Beautiful.” The city has a great variety of outdoor activities, walkable neighborhoods, and temperate weather, making it an attractive place for its 472,000 residents.
Homes for sale in Colorado Springs, CO
Apartments for rent in Colorado Springs, CO
4) Los Angeles, CA
For Denver residents, the fourth most popular destination that they are considering moving to is Los Angeles, CA. Hundreds of Denver homebuyers searched to relocate to LA, where the median home sale price is $975,000.
Los Angeles is known for its Mediterranean climate, cultural diversity, thriving Hollywood film industry, and sprawling metropolitan area of 4 million residents. It is also a city of many different neighborhoods, each with its unique atmosphere.
Homes for sale in Los Angeles, CA
Apartments for rent in Los Angeles, CA
5) Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ was the fifth most searched-for destination by people looking to move out of Denver. Homebuyers will find that the median sale price in Phoenix is $430,000.
Home to 1.7 million residents, Phoenix experiences over 300 days of sunshine each year, so it makes sense why it’s called the Valley of the Sun. Even though it’s located in a desert, the location in the Sonoran desert makes it one of the greenest and wettest deserts in North America. People may know Phoenix for its year-round sun, stunning scenery, and world-class resorts and golf, but it also offers a vibrant downtown area, lots of outdoor adventure, and an excellent food scene.
Homes for sale in Phoenix, AZ
Apartments for rent in Phoenix, AZ
6) Seattle, WA
If you’ve considered calling Seattle, WA home, you’re not alone. Many Denver residents have searched to move to the Seattle, WA area too, where the median home sale price is $840,000.
Seattle is a beautiful port city 100 miles south of the Canadian border. The area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with easy access to water, mountains, skiing and snowboarding, and numerous national parks. Seattle is also home to renowned corporations such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks, which bolsters the local job market. The city is currently home to 741,500 residents, with many more moving to the area every day.
Homes for sale in Seattle, WA
Apartments for rent in Seattle, WA
7) Dallas, TX
People leaving Denver are also looking to move to Dallas, TX, which has a median sale price of $405,000.
Home to 1.34 million people, the long-standing appeal of Dallas is due to its economy, culture, and entertainment. Dallas is one of the quickest-growing tech hubs in the US, which Forbes has attributed to its lower housing costs and lower cost of living compared to Silicon Valley.
Homes for sale in Dallas, TX
Apartments for rent in Dallas, TX
8) Tampa, FL
For Denver residents, another top destination they’re considering relocating to is Tampa, FL. Many homebuyers currently living in Denver searched to move here, where the median home sale price is $325,000.
Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is a highly sought-after place to live. The wonderful weather and hospitable people are just some of the reasons why 396,000 people call this city home. With plenty of beaches to choose from, new restaurants popping up all the time, and professional sports teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s no wonder that more and more people are looking to move to Tampa.
Homes for sale in Tampa, FL
Apartments for rent in Tampa, FL
9) San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA is another location that people leaving Denver are considering moving to. Homes here are selling for a median price of $850,000.
Home to 1.4 million people, San Diego, is renowned for its temperate climate, gorgeous beaches, and first-rate family attractions. The metropolis is home to the much-loved San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, SeaWorld San Diego, and LEGOLAND California. Whether you love surfing, discovering new restaurants, or strolling through farmer’s markets, there are plenty of things to do in San Diego.
Homes for sale in San Diego, CA
Apartments for rent in San Diego, CA
10) Breckenridge, CO
Last, but certainly not least, is Breckenridge, CO. For people leaving Denver, keep in mind that the median home sale price here is $1,650,000.
Breckenridge is a small town of 5,000 residents located in a U-shaped valley on the western slope of the Continental Divide. It’s recognized globally as one of the largest and best ski destinations and is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and vibrant community.
Homes for sale in Breckenridge, CO
Apartments for rent in Breckenridge, CO
Methodology: Median home sale price from Redfin Housing Market data and migration figures from Denver Migration & Relocation Trends, October 2022.
This post first appeared on Redfin.com. To see the original, click here.