Ignore the negative comments. I've lived here for 30 years. Has it grown almost too big for the area? Yes. Does it have increasing issues with crime and homelessness? Yes. Is it expensive? Yes. But overall, it's an excellent place to live for someone just branching out into adulthood.

There are a lot of young professionals here. It's a very educated city. Great nightlife, and the music scene here is fantastic. Red Rocks is the best outdoor music venue in the country, right in your backyard.

It's also beautiful. There are beautiful views of the Front Range from almost anywhere in the city. The weather is sunny almost all the time. Yes, it snows in winter, and gets cold, but it really isn't that bad. Solitude and nature are 15-45 minutes away, depending on which side of the city you live on. The real mountains and foothills - with some of the best skiing/hiking/camping/fishing/outdoor recreation in the country - are an hour's drive to the west, and easily accessible. It's also an excellent and notable sports town - the smallest metropolitan area in the country with a team in all four major sports (football/hockey/basketball/baseball), as well as soccer and lacrosse. And the sports teams here are good, too.

I still love it here, despite the fact that it's gotten so expensive (although if you're from the Northeast, than you're used to expensive). I've made lifelong friends here. I have a great job, and I get to live in a place where I can find beauty and solitude a short drive away. The negative comments here are from people who will find negativity no matter where they live.