LOCAL TERMS - If You Know

If You Know, You Know

Colorado particulars that locals know and you’ll come to experience soon enough.

#Elevation

With the capital city of Denver being nicknamed the Mile High City, elevation is a big deal in Colorado. Denver sits at 5,280 feet above sea level. Leadville, CO, sits nearly 2 miles above sea level at 10,152 feet. You’ll see elevation signs on restaurants, towns, parks, and even Denver’s city magazine named 5280. Be aware of altitude sickness!

#Get Used to Disappointment

Even with an estimated 300 days of beautiful sunshine per year in our area, the weather can be very contrary. Events are often cancelled due to snow in the winter or lightning in the summer. The strong sun melts snow quickly, so do your sledding soon after it falls. Dress for daily weather changes and check for bans before starting a fire. One of the welcome local weather patterns is afternoon showers on many hot summer days.

#Culture

Coloradans take casual to a whole new level with T-shirts and joggers or workout clothes being the norm seen in public. Jeans and a “nice” T-shirt is considered dressing up for dinner. Even at the symphony or fancy event you will see a huge range in formality. Colorado casual usually means wear whatever you want. If you like to dress up, that’s accepted too!

Colorado is known for its legalization of cannabis in 2012, but Douglas County residents voted not to adopt the legalization. It is illegal in Douglas County to sell or distribute marijuana, to use it in public places, and to grow it outdoors.

Many neighborhoods in our area are organized by HOAs (Home Owners Associations). Members pay monthly dues toward garbage and snow removal as well as access to their clubhouse or rec center. The fees also cover amenities like a pool, tennis court, or golf course. HOAs can also fine you for infractions to their codes.

Being part of the old wild west, Colorado maintains a strong western and riding culture. The Colorado Horse Park, Denver Stock Show, Elizabeth Rodeo and Douglas County Fair and Rodeo help foster the cowboy culture. Yee haw!

#Worth it

Being the 5th wealthiest county in America (Kiplinger.com), Douglas County residents’ median income is nearly double that of the country. Living here, you’ll be paying some of the highest mortgages and rental fees in the country. But there’s so much to enjoy. Taking part in the great outdoors on the Cherry Creek Trails is a local perk, and seeing rabbits, deer, and hawks is a regular occurrence. Our gorgeous natural setting along with tidy sidewalks and roads, well-done public places, and safe, friendly neighbors make for a great place to live. Others agree! Castle Rock has been on the Money.com Best 100 Places to Live in America list 5 times in the last decade and the town of Parker was ranked No. 2 on the list in 2020. We are also the 2nd healthiest county in America, according to the 2021 Healthy Communities rankings by U.S. News and World Report.