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DENVER — There is a lot of appeal to living in Colorado. In fact, a recent report from Wallet Hub put Denver at 12 of 62 for best large cities to live.
But there are skeptics to the growth we see every day.
The population in Colorado is soaring like a 14'er.
According to Census data, we're 8TH on the top 10 list of states seeing numeric growth.
The state's population jumped by more than 77,000 people between 2016 and 2017.
"I'm a Denver native, and I think that the city is really fun nowadays,” said Jennifer Clampert. "Look around. I mean Union Station used to be a place you didn't want to go, and now it's vibrant — life, kids in the fountain."
The growth in the city and the state has led to more places to shop and eat and an explosion of culture as well as interest from companies big and small.
There is a flip side to all of this, and you can see it every day. Rising home prices, high rent and traffic congestion are all issues confronting our state.
"I don't think our roads were ever made for this population. But I mean they're doing things to improve it, but then you deal with construction and all of that as well," said metro resident Riane Carmosino.
"A frustration for my fiancé and I is the G Line that hasn't opened yet. So, as soon as that opens we no longer have to sit in the same traffic," she said.
Here's something else to keep in mind with the population growth: Colorado could have an even bigger say in Washington, with the potential to gain a seat in Congress.
In fact, researchers with Election Data Services suggest several other nearby states could stand to gain a seat: Arizona, Oregon and possibly Montana.
A decision will be made after the 2020 census.
It's evidence of the growing the political power center here in the West.
