If you’ve experienced these 10 things, it’s safe to say you’ve lived in Colorado for a long time! Here’s a list that combines local humor and classic Centennial State quirks:
Signs You’ve Truly Lived in Colorado
Thought every out-of-stater assumes you’re a “ski bum.”
Not everyone skis, and not all locals spend their winters on the slopes—though you definitely know someone who does.
Own more flannel shirts or Birkenstocks than dress shoes.
The flannel-and-comfy-footwear look is everywhere, but business attire and yoga pants are just as common.
You can handle (or complain about) sudden, dramatic weather changes—sunny mornings, afternoon hail, and a snowstorm at night, and you always keep a jacket in the car just in case.
You’ve fielded endless weed jokes from out-of-state friends.
Marijuana is legal, but it’s not every Coloradan’s main hobby.
Considered a leisurely hike or outdoor BBQ a perfect Saturday.
While not everyone is an extreme outdoorsperson, most enjoy at least some time outside—from urban parks to actual mountain hiking.
Argued about the fastest way to escape I-70 traffic to the mountains.
Living in Colorado means you either accept it, plan around it, or avoid it—to each their own.
Experienced altitude adjustment—whether you admit it or not.
Visitors get dizzy—locals just take it in stride (and probably drink lots of water).
Know that “Denver is not in the mountains.”
Denver sits on the Front Range with easy mountain access, but isn’t nestled in the Rockies as many believe.
Had spirited debates about craft beer, local foods, or which neighborhood has the best tacos or pho.
Colorado’s food and drink scenes are heated topics—and much better than the naysayers claim.
You never trust the weather forecast…and you’re fine with that.
A snow day in May, 60-degree days in February, and always prepping for anything means you’ve adjusted to classic Colorado unpredictability.
Colorado Life in a Nutshell
If these experiences sound familiar, you’re not just passing through—you’ve embraced the quirks, highs (and highs), debates, and undeniable charm of living in Colorado for far too long.
SOURCES
(https://wheninyourstate.com/colorado/12-stereotypes-about-colorado-that-need-to-be-put-to-rest-right-now/)(https://kool1079.com/myths-coloradans-hate/)(https://www.reddit.com/r/SameGrassButGreener/comments/17yjjrx/debunking_this_subreddits_strange/)(https://www.youtube.com/shorts/W17f11kTmpw)(https://progress.colostate.edu/popular-misconceptions/)
