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I have lived in both places. Denver is nice and is more urban than Charlotte but not drastically in comparison to a large northeastern city. Denver has the 16th mall, that's what puts it over the top with respect to city vibrancy, retail, etc.
Charlotte is definitely more diverse (Black folk) and not as isolated in terms of regional access to a lot places. I shouldn't say more diverse because instead of Black folk being the largest minority, it is Hispanics which is common amongst cities out west. Charlotte has much better topography and landscape, Denver is flat and not so scenic. The Rockies are right there so skiing, etc are top notch in Denver.
The other thing that kicked by ass for months was the altitude adjustment since Denver is a mile above sea level.
You can't go wrong in either place, good choices. I would choose Charlotte. One of the reasons I left Denver is lack of diversity, especially social events, etc tailored for African Americans. Denver does get cold and snows quite a bit, consolation is the snow is extremely flaky due to lack of humility. Imo, the weather is a wash, but I dig humidity which is only a few months. I actually missed the summer humidity...how the hell else do you know it's summer?
These forums are a trip, a lot people are just regurgitating what the hear, not actually experienced.
The "active/health conscious/outdoorsy/foodie" criterion alone would put Denver ahead of Charlotte. Denver is tops for that. Plus the OP isn't Black so your reasons for picking Charlotte over Denver wouldn't really be as relevant (and for the record, I'd pick Charlotte over Denver for largely the same reasons).
Based on the people in each area, Charlotte winds hands down. We recently visited Charlotte and my 10 year old daughter said "I wish we lived here. Everyone in Colorado is so arrogant." It's a bit of an exaggeration, but if you're not into the elitist lifestyle, go for Charlotte. I wish I had.
We are moving to Charlotte in a few months. Considering your question, our conclusion is that we would rather move to Denver!
You will like it here. Everything everyone is mentioning is available close by. You'll have play dates and/or double dates lined up in no time.
Side Note: I'm single in CLT and enjoy myself... sometimes too much. With all of the company/ job expansions I'm looking forward to the new crop of people to meet coming in soon.
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