Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Denver's main issue is social. The skrocketing crime rates, the amount of rampant open-air drug use, the terrible infrastructure and congested roads, the pollution which is especially bad during winter inversion, now it has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. The tremendous amount of homelessness with no effort on the part of the city.
There is a pandemic that’s majorly effecting most cities. Some of these aren’t a Denver specific issue. Don’t see why people try to make it one.
This is my opinion, as someone who lived in Orlando and has deep ties to Denver (visits multiple times a year). Both are fast growing cities with big future potential.
COL- Orlando, there is an affordable housing shortage in Denver and huge homeless crisis that has gotten worse lately. Tents all over the downtown area. Although Orlandos housing is more affordable, rent rates have exploded recently.
Economy- Denver. It’s economy is more robust and diverse. Orlando has come a long way in leaning off of just tourism industries. Healthcare, technology and aerospace is establishing a heavy presence in the area.
Climate- Toss up. Both have a moderate half of the year and an extreme half. Pick your poison.
Crime- Denver population of about 700,000 had 94 homicides in 2020. Orlando/Orange county population of about 1.3 million had 66 homicides in 2020. Other non violent crimes declined in Orlando in 2020 and increased in Denver.
Education- Tie. Both have solid public education and university offerings
Food/Cuisine- Orlando due to the global cuisine representation from a diverse population of residents.
Housing- Orlando because more obtainable
Downtown areas- Denver. It has a well developed, established downtown with all the amenities you would find in other major cities and has more density than Orlando’s. Denver’s downtown is rustic and not as appealing on street level. Orlando’s downtown is highly underrated. It’s central business district is clean modern and new. The surrounding core areas are scattered with quirky historic main streets, bungalows, bike paths and a north/south commuter rail connection. Though I still have to give the edge to Denver as it’s a real major downtown with more amenities and accessibility.
History- Denver’s history is more interesting in my opinion. Orlando doesn’t even have a proven theory of how it got its name. There are 3 theories that are disputed.
Transportation- Denver. More widespread and efficient public transit, including a rail line from the airport to its downtown. Though this could change when The Miami Orlando high speed rail link opens up next year, it’s nearly completed. Current plans have it connecting from Orlando int. Airport to Orlando’s commuter rail system and on to Disney. This will vastly expand public transit accessibility to the majority of the region. As for now it’s Denver hands down. Although they desperately need a rail line out to the mountains. Traffic in and out of the mountains especially during ski season can be horrendous. The mountains to Denver are like the theme parks to Orlando. Both need some kind of airport connection to prevent tourist traffic back ups.
Livability- toss up. Apples to oranges
Culture- Orlando seems to be more diverse ethnicity wise. Both cities have pleasant residents and are respectful with the live and let live mentality.
Location- Orlando is more conveniently located to other major cities and offers better flights out (domestic and international)
Shopping- Orlando
Sports- Denver
Things to Do- Orlando
Scenery- Denver. Hands down with the mountains and seasons
Outdoor Activities- Denver IMO. Orlando offers a lot obviously but Denver has the edge.
Better Future/Potential- Orlando is really setting itself up for big growth with the public transit projects stated above, underway. It’s proximity to the Kennedy space center (45 mins to the east) and all the money being invested from
Elon musk and space X is also huge. Poised to be the major space port region of the US. Orlando’s economy has grown away from tourism substantially in the past 20 years and is only continuing despite the pandemic.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
