Get the most out of living in Denver for 2019.
The most popular New Year's resolutions in Colorado for 2019 were saving money and traveling, according to Offers.com. With housing costs on the rise in Denver and other parts of the state, it's no wonder Coloradans are looking to pull back on spending for the new year. The top resolution in the nation was exercising more/losing weight, and other popular choices included making new friends and getting a new job or hobby.
If you're looking to make a positive change for 2019, focusing on any of those resolutions would be beneficial for you. But you may also want to choose a resolution that people don't typically think about to add to your list. We're here to help: Here are our picks for a healthier, happier 2019, designed specifically for Denverites.
Recycle.
Denver has one of the worst recycling rates in the nation, despite the city's eco-conscious vibe. Depending on where you live, that may not be your fault -- larger apartment buildings with more than eight units aren't required to provide recycling services to residents. But if you've gotten lax about recycling, it might be time to step up your game. You can also pay a monthly charge of $10 per month for compost pickup.
Be patient on the road.
We're all pissed about the traffic in Denver. It's not nearly as abysmal as some larger cities, but it always seems to be getting worse. Still, that's no excuse to drive aggressively, cut people off, steal their parking spots, etc. ... make a point of not being one of those drivers.
Attend more meetups or neighborhood meetings.
Listen, there are bad apples everywhere, but overall, Denver has some pretty great people. If your social life is lacking, it's time to put yourself out there and meet some of them. The city has a list of registered neighborhood organizations, and you can also check out our guide to meetup groups for finding folks with similar interests.
Ditch your car.
There are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives to driving in Denver, and most will also help you avoid traffic. You can now plan and pay for your RTD trip with a convenient app, and there are also bike sharing programs and plenty of scooters to snag.
Plan a staycation or road trip.
If your goal is to travel and to save money, consider exploring within Colorado. There are countless festivals throughout the year that you can visit, and the great outdoors are always there for you, from hot springs to hiking.
Take advantage of Denver's thriving art scene.
From First Friday art walks to Free First Saturdays at the Denver Art Museum to murals and street art, there's plenty of art to enjoy in Denver without spending a cent. And if you've seen enough art, check out local theater or Denver-based musicians.
Try out restaurants you've never been to.
It's easy to return to old favorites, but Denver has a ton of great restaurants, with new ones popping up all the time, so don't limit yourself. If you're not sure where to start, check out these six classic Colorado restaurants that should be on everybody's to-do list!
Get (and use) a Denver Public Library card.
Having a Denver Public Library card is incredibly useful. You can use it to check out books at any location, gain free or discounted entry to museums, create all sorts of projects at ideaLABs, and even stream free movies through Kanopy. And now that the library has eliminated fines and fees, it's all the more reason to get a library card.
What are your New Year's resolutions for 2019? Let us know in the comments below.
