There are plenty of pros and cons to living at high altitude. Most population centers at high altitude are really small towns. Denver, Colorado is a mile high (5280 feet), but most other places above a mile in altitude are small. There are a few middle-size cities, such as Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Flagstaff, Arizona, but it’s generally hard for a large group of people to settle into mountainous areas, which means fewer jobs, and fewer people settling there. (Note: Denver is on the plains.)
When I first moved to Colorado back in 1994 from sea level Virginia, I got lightheaded climbing the stairs for a couple of weeks. My body quickly adapted, though, as I had youth on my side. But when you first visit or move to high altitude no matter what your age, go easy. Drink plenty of water, and don’t overdo it with physical activities. Once you’re acclimated to high altitude, you’ll notice some distinct pros and cons to living there.
Pros:
- The thinner air means an increase in red blood cells, once you’re acclimated. So any trips to Disney World or to participate in that Boston Marathon will give you an advantage over your sea level-living competition.
- Thinner air also usually means cleaner air. Bluer skies. Glorious days.
- High altitudes often afford gorgeous views, depending on your location. In Colorado, living a mile high means you live on the plains and look up to the mountains. In my part of Arizona, living a mile high means you live in the mountains with views of other mountains.
- There are fewer people. Other than Denver, you’re looking at living in a town of less than 100,000 people, and often less than 25,000. For those of us who prefer to live outside the hustle and bustle of a metropolis, that’s a real plus.
Cons:
- If you go from very low altitude to very high altitude, you are at risk for altitude sickness. Take it easy and drink plenty of water. Do move around, but take it slow. Don’t sleep during the day if you feel tired. Apparently sleeping can make your symptoms worse. If you want to do high altitude training for a bicycle or running event, don’t go full speed right away. And realize your earned advantage will be short lived. You’ll be back to sea level blood cell count in a week or two.
- Most of your food packages seem hyper-inflated. The lower air pressure at high altitude causes potato chip bags to be close to bursting. Ice cream lids dome outward. Everything with air in it expands.
- The sun is very strong. Since the sun’s rays have less atmosphere to go through, you are much more likely to get a sunburn. Like, even after 10 or 15 minutes. Wear sunscreen and a sun hat when you’re outside, even on a cloudy day.
- You become dehydrated more quickly, so drink plenty of fluids, especially when you’re outside or active. Even in winter.
- You need to adjust your cooking and baking. Where I live (5550 feet), water boils at about 200 degrees F, a whole 12 degrees lower than at sea level. This means boiling pasta longer, adjusting temperatures when making fudge, etc. The differing air pressure also means you need to add less leavening and more flour to baked goods, like brownies. This isn’t as much trouble as it sounds, however.
In addition, other health effects seem to be a mixed bag. Some pros, some cons. YMMV. But I enjoy the clean air, stark blue skies, and mountain views of living over a mile high. What about you? If you live at high altitude, do you prefer it? Or do you miss the thicker air of sea level?
Hey Jenny – Your “Cons” seem more like minor/temporary adjustments and awareness of some differences than negatives. What is your definition of “con”?
I think the baking is definitely a CON. I live 1300′ higher than Denver (northern part of Colorado Springs) and the baking is constantly challenging my baking. And candy-making skills (such as homemade fudge and pecan pie).
Thanks for the list, I think you did a great job. I just moved here http://www.drhorton.com/Colorado/Boulder.aspx and found your information to be very helpful. I am grateful that you wrote it.
I lived in Colorado for a year and a half, and never adjusted to the altitude or the high desert climate of the Front Range. I was in my 30’s, very physically fit (a triathlete and marathoner), but this did not matter. I was constantly battling health issues related to the climate, and always felt dehydrated, no matter how much water I drank. I had lived at sea level all my life, and never thought it would be an issue to be at elevation. Some people never adjust. If you are someone having trouble and you can’t figure out what it is, it may just be the environment (climate + elevation). I’ve been back at sea level for several months, and I feel fantastic.
I have to agree with Jane. I have lived in Boulder,Colorado for the last 11 years and I moved here from sea level. I have had soft tissue injury after another for the past 8 years. Staying hydrated in Colorado is a part-time job and completely annoying. You must carry your water bottle like a wallet or driver’s license. Oil is to a car as water is to your body and with less than optimal absorption (which I must suffer from) it is a recipe for disaster in the arid climate of Colorado if you intend to be active. This is a very real predicament that not many suffer from – but trust me, moving to Colorado will mean a serious relationship with your water bottle – to the point of disgust.
Can anyone tell me what the living expenses are? Even if you’re renting a place. Like how much is the utilities monthly? Gas prices? Food? Shopping outlets?
Food tends to be more expensive because it’s harder to get things here because of the mountains, right now the prices of rent and housing have gone up but I expect that to change. As for gas prices and shopping outlets, I have no idea
To dads and moms.
QUIT OVER BREEDING!!
You do not need more than 3 kids.
If you have to older children you do not need to have a 3rd.
If you are over 40 then do not have any more babies or take some drug so you end up with multiple larvae. You had your time to breed so don’t do it later in life grandma / grampa.
I have been really happy living in New Mexico! I live in Los Lunas and find that the location is ideal for many activities. You cannot compete with the scenery here, deserts have the most stunning sunsets! love it here.
It’s gotten warmer here in northern Arizona over the past 16 years, unfortunately, but it’s still nice most of the year.