Meet the EF Denver Office: The top things to know about living and working in Denver
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Between the plains of America’s Midwest and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains is Colorado’s state capital, Denver — a city where metropolitan meets wilderness. The atmosphere may be thin at one mile above sea level, but it’s filled with a passion for exploration. Known as “the City of Doers,” Denver’s adventurous spirit and sense of community make it a perfect home for EF Education First.
Denver was founded during the gold rush of the 1800s, as people across the United States traveled to the region hoping to find fortune in the mountain’s minerals. The city has hosted millions of travelers by horseback, train, or car. Though it has outgrown its “Old West” origins, remnants of the era are still found in its downtown architecture and famous railroad station, Union Station.
Modern-day Denver is known for its museums, food scene, and, more recently, love for community-organized sports. The socially focused sports leagues provide great opportunities to meet new people and grow a sense of community. And for those looking for professional teams to root for, there’s the Denver Broncos football team, Denver Nuggets basketball team, or Denver Rockies baseball team.
The nature museum, art museum, and historical center offer visitors educational information about the city. Before the first settlers arrived, the Cheyenne, Arapahoe, and Ute tribes lived on the land that Denver now occupies. Indigenous art and more about tribe history in the region can be found at the Denver Art Museum and History Colorado Museum.
Beyond the city limits, Rocky Mountain National Park offers hiking, kayaking, and camping in the summer months. Those that don’t mind the high altitude can try doing a “14er,” which means hiking to an elevation of 14,000 feet. When the first snowstorm arrives, the outdoor fun continues with world-renowned skiing in the towns of Aspen and Breckenridge.
For music fans, Red Rocks Amphitheater is also a short trip away and is loved for its unique outdoor concert venue. The venue is the “only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world.”* The famous acts that have performed here include U2, the Roots, and Stevie Nicks. But, as is the case for most things in Denver, even the music scene has something for everyone.
If you’re searching for companies in Denver that provide a fusion of city life and the outdoors even within the office, EF has you covered. EF first opened in Denver in 2007 and moved to a newly renovated space in the downtown area in 2020. The office was designed to highlight the city’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The main staircase mimics the trees in a forest, and the brown, green, and terra cotta color scheme reflects the earthy Colorado environment. Large floor-to-ceiling windows fill the open lounge spaces with Colorado sunshine (which Denver gets 300 days a year) – making for a cozy start or end to the day with a cup of espresso from the cantina. For after-work activities, EFers can take in the Rocky Mountain views from the office rooftop, lounge by the nearby South Platte River, or grab dinner with friends at restaurants next door.
At an elevation of 5,279 feet, Denver is a mile-high metropolis that embraces the surrounding environment and those who want to experience it. Whether you’re moving to Denver or just visiting, check out these tips from Denver EFers on what to expect from the “City of Doers.”
Tom, EF Go Ahead Tours
Neighborhood recommendations:
I recommend Lower Highland (LoHi), Five Points, and River North Art District (RiNo). Capitol Hill (referred to as “Cap Hill” by locals) is a good neighborhood if you don’t have a car. If you’re looking for roommates, try searching for “Denver Housing/Subleasing” pages on Facebook!
What is the commute like?
I live close to the office, which gives me options for my commute. If I walk, it will take 25-35 minutes. If I drive, it takes me about 25 minutes. But if I bike, it only takes 20 minutes as I live close to the Cherry Creek River Trail, which makes the ride easy! Another great option is scootering, which takes about 15 minutes and usually costs $5 roundtrip.
Favorite things about Denver?
It is impossible to be bored here – there are millions of things that Denver and the surrounding areas have to offer.
What do you love about your EF office?
I love the people and the rooftop!
Allie, EF Educational Tours
Neighborhood recommendations:
LoHi is popular with young millennials and Gen Z – it’s trendy, and you can walk to work. The Highlands are more residential but close to restaurants and shops. If you’re looking for the most affordable neighborhood, I’d recommend Cap Hill — it’s charming with older buildings, but there’s no parking if you have a car. Try to move in January as some apartment complexes will give you discounts. I used Craigslist to find my roommates.
What is the commute like?
You can walk, bike, bus, or drive. If you take the Denver Regional Transportation District bus (known as RTD), you can pay for tickets on your phone with the RTD app in advance.
Favorite things about Denver?
It’s accessible to the mountains, and the city has a good sense of community. There are many transplants working in Denver that are open to meeting new people and making new friends. I also feel safe!
What do you love about your EF office?
I love the rooftop, the espresso machine, and how bright it is. It’s a cool space, with private conference rooms for one person if they need to take a call. The office is close to a lot of great restaurants, too.
Isabella, EF Go Ahead Tours
Neighborhood recommendations:
If you’re looking for houses in the summer, be aware that this is a very popular time to move. However, you might have better luck finding an apartment since so many are being built! Also, you don’t need to live in the Lower Downtown area to be part of the action –many great neighborhoods are nearby. Facebook is helpful when looking for places to live. Try groups like “Denver Professionals/Creatives Apartments,” “Roommates & Sublets,” or the “Denver Creative Housing – Rentals, Rooms, Roommates, Sublets.”
What is the commute like?
Most commutes are under 20 minutes! I lived in Baker for a bit, and my drive was 12 minutes. I now live in the West Highlands, and my drive is barely 7 minutes.
Favorite things about Denver?
There are outdoorsy things to do, a great music scene, fun nightlife, and yummy restaurants. I also LOVE that the second it gets warm out, people want to be outside. Whether it’s volleyball at Washington Park, hanging out at Cheesman Park, or driving under two hours for a mountain getaway – the biggest problem in Denver is saying yes to too many things.
What do you love about your EF office?
I love the espresso machine, AMAZING rooftop views, the plants, and most of all, the people. This is the best place to work in Denver!
Kieran, EF Go Ahead Tours
Neighborhood recommendations:
Cap Hill and LoHi have great food and are walkable to nearby activities. If you’re looking to live outside the city, Lakewood has lots of options. And if restaurants and art are more your scene, you’ll like RiNo!
What is the commute like?
My typical commute from Cap Hill is a 10-minute drive through downtown, but there are many ways to get to the office. So many people walk, bike, scooter, skateboard, or even take the train — we’re just a short walk from Union Station.
Favorite things about Denver?
Living in Denver is a combination of natural beauty meeting city life. You’ll be driving downtown, turning a corner, and be greeted by a stunning view of the mountains. The city offers so many outdoor spaces to visit, even for those who don’t participate in winter sports (like myself). Also, don’t forget your reusable bags! There’s a 10-cent surcharge per plastic bag in stores.
What do you love about your EF office?
I love the natural elements incorporated into the space – the front desk is a curated collection of earth from across Colorado. The big windows that let in tons of natural light and the rooftop deck are among my favorite spaces. Of course, the espresso machine doesn’t hurt, either!
Sources:
* “Red Rocks History.” Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Arts and Venues, 28 June 2022, https://www.redrocksonline.com/our-story/history/.