I'm a Texas native, born and raised in Houston, and a proud Texas A&M Aggie, Class of '05. When my family and I came to Colorado, we loved it so much that we decided to stay. So when a Texas buyer tells me they're nervous about the move, I understand. I've made it myself, and I know what's different and what you'll miss.
A lot of the buyers I work with are moving to Denver from Texas, usually because of a job transfer. Most of them are trying to buy a home in a city they've visited once or twice, on a deadline set by their employer, while selling a house a thousand miles away. This article covers the questions I hear most and how I help Texas buyers land in the right neighborhood without guessing.
I'm Juan Munoz, a Realtor and Team Lead with NOW Properties powered by Premiere at Real Broker, LLC DBA REAL. Before real estate, I was a NASA engineer on the International Space Station program, which is why I run every move like a project plan: clear dates, clear numbers, no surprises. Se habla español.
Taxes: Texas vs. Colorado
The first thing most Texans ask is, "Doesn't Colorado have an income tax?" It does. But for many homeowners, the property tax difference changes the math.
State income tax: Colorado has a flat 4.4%. Texas has none.
State sales tax: Colorado is 2.9%. Texas is 6.25%. Local taxes are added on top in both states.
Typical effective property tax rate: about 0.5% of home value in Colorado, compared with roughly 1.4% to 1.8% in Texas.
Here's a simple example. On a $650,000 home, a 0.5% effective rate is about $3,250 a year in property tax. At 1.4% to 1.8%, the same home would run roughly $9,100 to $11,700 a year. Colorado's 4.4% income tax comes back into play on the other side, so the right answer depends on your income and the home you buy.
Two honest caveats. First, many newer Colorado neighborhoods are in a metro district, which adds to the property tax bill, similar to a MUD in Texas. I check this on every home before you write an offer. Second, these are statewide estimates. I'll pull the actual tax history for any home you're serious about, and you should run your own numbers with a CPA.
Where Texas buyers tend to land
I focus on the north side of the Denver metro, where buyers get newer homes, reasonable commutes to downtown and the Boulder corridor, and easy access to the mountains.
Midtown at Clear Creek: a newer, walkable master-planned neighborhood just north of Denver, close to the Clear Creek Trail and a G Line commuter rail station.
Arvada: Olde Town Arvada has a historic main street and G Line rail to Union Station. West Arvada has newer neighborhoods near the foothills.
Westminster: Standley Lake, established neighborhoods, and the B Line commuter rail at Westminster Station.
Thornton: newer construction along the I-25 corridor and a lot of home for the money.
Denver: established neighborhoods close to downtown for buyers who want an urban lifestyle.
Tell me where you'll be working, your commute limit, your school priorities, and your budget. I'll narrow it to two or three areas before you ever get on a plane.
How buying from Texas actually works
Strategy call. We talk through your timeline, budget, work location, and must-haves. If you're selling in Texas, we line up the timing on both sides.
Financing. Get pre-approved with a lender who closes loans in Colorado. I can introduce you to lenders I trust.
Remote preview. I tour homes live on video, point out what photos hide, and pull the comparable sales so you know what a fair price is.
One focused trip. When you're ready, we plan one or two days of in-person showings in your top neighborhoods.
Offer and contract. Colorado uses state-approved contract forms with strict deadlines. I track every one and explain each step before it happens.
Inspection. Colorado inspections commonly include a radon test and a sewer scope in addition to the general inspection. I'll tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Closing. Closings happen at a title company. Many out-of-state buyers can sign some or all documents remotely, depending on the lender.
A typical financed purchase takes about 30 to 45 days from accepted contract to closing.
Things Texans are surprised by
Altitude. Denver sits about 5,280 feet above sea level. Drink more water than you think you need for your first few weeks.
Hail. Roofs matter here. I look at roof age and condition on every home, and you should ask your insurance agent about hail coverage and deductibles.
Radon. It's common in Colorado and very fixable. A mitigation system is a normal request after inspection.
Basements. Unlike most of Texas, many Colorado homes have basements, which can add a lot of usable space.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Texas?
It depends on your income and your home. Texas has no state income tax, but Colorado's property taxes are generally much lower. For many homeowners, the two come out closer than expected. I'll help you compare using real tax records for the homes you're considering.
Can I buy a home in Denver without seeing it in person?
Yes. Many of my relocation buyers tour by live video first, then visit once to confirm their top choices. Some buy entirely remotely when their timeline requires it.
What is a metro district in Colorado?
A metro district is a special taxing district that funds roads, parks, and infrastructure in many newer neighborhoods. It adds to your property tax bill, similar to a MUD in Texas. I check for one on every home before you make an offer.
How long does it take to buy a home in Denver?
Once your offer is accepted, a financed purchase usually closes in about 30 to 45 days. Finding the right home can take longer, depending on your price range and area.
Do you work with Spanish-speaking families?
Yes. I work fully in English and Spanish.
Planning a move from Texas?
Call or text me at (720) 926-0204, or email juan@homesindenvernow.com. Tell me where you're moving from, where you'll be working, and when you need to be here. I'll put together a short plan with neighborhoods to consider and a realistic timeline.
Tax figures as of November 2026. Colorado income and sales tax rates from the Tax Foundation. Property tax rates are statewide estimates and vary by county and neighborhood.
