Denver, Colorado

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Altitude Awareness

  With the entire state being a mile or more above sea level, the altitude can take some getting use to. For the first couple of months, some people may find they lose their breath with little exertion. Other common symptoms include frequent nose bleeds, dry skin, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. It’s important to give yourself time to acclimate.
  
  Tips for High-Altitude:

  • HYDRATION! Drinking plenty of water is the number one way to adjust to higher altitudes.
  • Take it easy. Avoid strenuous exercise within the first couple of weeks and don’t attempt to go up into the mountains until you are well-adjusted. 
  • Expect dryness. Pack your lip balm, body lotion, and sunscreen.
  • Click here for additional tips!
• Weather & Natural Disasters

  The weather in Denver is as diverse as its landscape. It is not unusual to encounter thunderstorms, lightning, flash floods, forest fire smoke, or hail during your time in Colorado. 
  
  Spring is especially unpredictable, often bringing brief afternoon storms or hail, while summers are typically warm, with average highs around 86°F (30°C). Winters are mild but can see temperatures dropping to an average low of 17°F (-8°C). And any snow that does fall, tends to melt just as quickly as it got here (esspecially if you have a south facing driveway). 
  
  With the unpredictable weather, it’s important to be prepared for all kinds of conditions when you're outdoors.

  • Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment: Situational Awareness Resources

  • For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters.

• Getting Around
  The Regional Transportation District (RTD) operates both bus and light rail services throughout the Denver area, providing convenient public transportation options. Major highways, including I-25, I-70, and I-225, connect the region, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Denver and its surrounding areas are also bike-friendly, featuring numerous trails and bike lanes for cycling enthusiasts.
• Neighbourhoods

  Many families choose to live in Aurora, Centennial, and Parker because of their close proximity to Buckley Space Force Base, excellent schools, and family-friendly amenities. These areas provide shorter commutes to the base, a wide range of school options, and a variety of housing choices.
  
  Use this tool to help you learn more about a community. You can get information on schools, home values, weather, population and more > Access the Military One Source Neighbourhood Navigator.

  
   
• Buckley Space Force Base

  Buckley Space Force Base offers a wide range of amenities and services for both military members and their families—including:

  • Commissary
  • Base Exchange (BX)
  • Military & Family Resource Center
  • Fitness Center
  • Recreational Facilities
  • Child & Youth Programs
  • School Liaison Services
  • Outdoor Recreation & Information, Tickets, & Travel (ITT)
  • Education & Training Programs
  • Professional Development Programs

  Buckley SFB Visitor Center
  1140 Aspen St, Aurora, CO 80017
  Hours: Monday to Friday; 7am to 3pm; closed on weekends.

  For more detailed information, visit the 460th Force Support Squadron website, your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about Buckley Space Force Base and the resources available to you on base.
  
   

  Get to know Buckley Space Force Base better with these go-to links:

  • Military One Source: Buckley SFB
    Your official guide to US Military Installations; Here you’ll find essential information about the base, check-in procedures, and the local community.
  • 460th Force Support Squadron
    Here you'll find all of the incredible services you can access, including family support, child care, youth activities, entertainment, recreation and adventure resources, fitness, and more! 
• On-Base Medical Treatment Facilities

  460th Medical Group
  275 S. Aspen St., Buckley SFB, CO 80011

  Hours of Operation:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Closed on weekends

  Members and their families have access to a variety of services at the Military Treatment Facility (MTF), including:

  • Family Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Dental Care (members only)
  • Mental Health Services
  • And more

  For general healthcare guidance while OUTCAN, please visit www.cfmws.ca/us-healthcare.
• Vehicle Registration & Driver's License

  All of the following information can be found at dmv.colorado.gov/

  Vehicle Registration

  Once your vehicle is in Colorado, you must register it with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Depending on the county, your vehicle may need to pass an emissions test before registration.
  
  To register a car in Colorado from out of the country, you'll need: 

  • Green "Special Passport" and NATO-2 Visa
  • I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
  • Proof of insurance
  • Proof of residency in the form of a lease, registered bill, etc. (less than a year old)
  • Verification of the vehicle's identification number (VIN)
  • The out-of-state title or current registration
  • A security agreement if the lender requires it
  • Payment for any applicable duties

  Drivers License

  Colorado has a reciprocal agreement with Canada, meaning that adults holding a valid Canadian driver's license do not need to take a permit or driving test. Simply schedule an appointment to obtain your Colorado driver's license. 
  
  Documentation Required:

  • Green "Special Passport" and NATO-2 Visa
  • I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
  • Posting Message (orders)
  • Proof of residency in the form of a lease, registered bill, etc. (less than a year old)
  • Optional: Copy of your driving record from Canada 

  Note: Some government offices may have separate lines for "Active Duty Military Personnel" in uniform, which could significantly reduce your wait time.

  Additional Tidbits

  • Colorado doesn't require an in-state license to register a vehicle. 
  • You can use an international driver's license for up to 90 days. 
  • After becoming a Colorado resident, you must: 
    • Transfer your driver's license within 30 days 
    • Register your vehicle within 90 days 
• Children's Education
  The city offers a variety of school options, including public, private, and Catholic schools. Notable school districts in the area include Cherry Creek and Douglas County. Some schools also offer French as a second language. The Public Schools of Choice law in Colorado, also known as Open Enrollment, allows resident students to enroll (based on space availability) at schools that are outside of their neighborhood districts.

  Contact Buckley's School Liaison Officer at 720-847-6694 or [email protected] for more information on school districts, enrollment timelines and processes, and district POCs.

  Registration Requirements

  Only a parent or guardian may enroll a student in Denver School Districts. Along with a completed enrollment form for each student, you will need to bring:

  1. Verification of child's birth date (birth certificate, passport, or military ID)
  2. Immunization records (within 30 days)
  3. Proof of residency (current utility bill, lease, tax notice showing your name and the property address)
  4. If student is not living with both biological parents, a copy of legal paperwork
     (custody/ guardianship) may be necessary
  5. If student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for special education services, a copy of the current/latest plan
  6. Name and address of student's previous school to request academic records
  7. Children entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before October 1; unless already started Kindergarten in departing state
• Community Recommendations
  The city offers a vibrant cultural scene with museums, theaters, and sports venues. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, thanks to the city's close proximity to the Rocky Mountains. Plus, don't miss the free museum and zoo days! 
  
  If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, most community members would recommend the Military EPIC Pass. This pass is available for active members and their dependants and provides access to multiple resorts across North America for a significantly reduced rate.