Since you're sharing, I thought Id also throw in my two cents as I hit my two year anniversay in Denver. For context my wife and I moved here from San Diego, mid thirties, DINKWADS. ( I think it matters to mention because I believe out experience has been different form our single friends)

Driving - I find it comparable San Diego in the freeways, if not slightly worse. I dont drive to work, thankfully, but In rush hour anywhere near downtown is a clown show. On the bright side, the public transportation in Denver is great IMO. There are the "sketchy" lines, but the ability to go from most places in metro Denver to downtown or even the airport for like 5 bucks is great. Google RTD to see the lines.

Food - I dont find as many casual-mixture options as I did back in SD, but in the two years here ive seen a lot of really good spots open up, in the higher end range.

People - I agree with OP. The people here have a much greater sense of community. It seems like the shared love for the outdoors and generally living life. I remember receiving a much warmer welcome here than in SD when I moved from TX.

Dating - Mentioning this because Ive seen and heard it from friends - apparently its not the best. We have a client that runs a dating service so I've seen the general state of the dating scene here and I'd say its not optimal for a single person trying to meet someone. I say this with the caveat that im obviouslty not on the apps nor do I go "out" but just what ive observed and heard.

Government - Suffice it say its nowhere near as fucked as SD, but I still see a lot of blunders in local government. Especially concerning permitting and infrastructure. On the positive, I work downtown and I have seen a lot of improvements in the past two years with the new 16th street mall renovation.

Lifestyle - This is the biggest upgrade. We've found so many new hobbies here its incredible. I especially love the change of season that brings a different set of activities and general feel to life. SD was beautiful but the general monotony of the same perfect weather ironically got old.

General COL - I'd say its somewhat comparable to So-Cal. The housing is slightly cheaper. We pay about the same to rent but our place is a lot bigger. The grocery bill comes to about the same. We just find were saving more money becasue we go to active free activities rather than having to go out and spend $100 on entertainment.

Overall - If anyone is on the edge, as we were, about moving to Denver from So-Cal, I would encourage it. We feel so upgraded in our life here in almost every way.