Colorado is the 38th state of the United States of America and is located in the mid-southwest of the country. It is bordered by six other states: Wyoming, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico and Utah. It is also one of the ‘Four Corner’ states. The state capital of Colorado is Denver; it is also the largest city in the state in terms of population. Other major cities within the state are Colorado Springs and Boulder. Colorado is one of just three states in the US that has no natural borders.

Colorado is popular with skiers due to its Rocky Mountain landscape. The highest peaks of the Rockies are located within the state making it perfect for world famous ski resorts such as Aspen, Vail and Breckenridge. Colorado is not just about the skiing; there are plenty of other things to do in the state, such as strolling in the national parks and taking in the music festivals.

Colorado – Employment

The US government is one of the largest employers in the state of Colorado, with many military and federal institutions in the area. Unless you have sought after specialist skills or are prepared to take on a position for an unskilled worker, it is unlikely that a foreign national will be offered a position over a local worker. In the event that you do manage to find work in this area, you will need to be prepared to undergo background checks.

For both skilled and unskilled workers there are positions in a number of sectors. These include manufacturing, mining and tourism. The state is known for food processing and the production of machinery and chemical products. Gold and silver mining is still part of the Colorado economy and there are vacancies in the tourism sector, although many of them are seasonal. The state also has the distinction of being one of the largest producers of beer in the country, so there are work opportunities in this sector. The state has an unemployment rate of around 8%, which is lower than many other states.

Colorado – Property

Many expats who head to Colorado will be drawn to one of the main metropolitan areas. The state capital is Denver and home to the largest concentration of residents in the state. There is a variety of districts to choose from and each has their advantages and disadvantages. The Central Business District, for example, is fairly self explanatory. It is home to high rise buildings, numerous businesses and many shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Property is mainly apartments which are occupied by young professionals and property in the area is available to buy as well as rent.

In contrast, the Capitol Hill district has many family homes which date back to the 19th century as well as modern apartment developments. There are restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and the area has all the amenities needed for daily life. The Five Points district is home to a large community of African-Americans and there are jazz clubs and Caribbean restaurants. Homes in the area are reasonably priced and range from studio apartments to town houses. This area is has a lively nightlife, so may not be the best area if you are looking for a quiet life.

The Lower Downtown area of Denver is one of the oldest sections of the city and has undergone a redevelopment in recent years. Alongside original architecture there are modern developments although high rise developments are not permitted. The property prices in the area are not the cheapest, but prices are only slightly higher than average. The Washington Park district is filled with Victorian style family homes. It is an increasingly popular area and the demand is helping to keep the prices higher than average.

Another part of the state that is popular with new residents is the city of Aurora. The subdivision of Mission Viejo is a development dating from the 1970s and named after the town of the same name in California. The homes in the area are of different styles, including apartments and condominiums, town houses and single family homes. The area was designed to incorporate recreational areas such as parks and there are shops for all basic needs. The property prices in the area are very reasonable and properties are also available to rent.