If you look at the Rockies to the West, consider the influx of tech jobs and take into account that Denver has a fast-growing "live-work-play" environment, then this isn't going to surprise you too much:
Denver ranks No. 6 on a recent CNNMoney AND Forbes ranking of the top 10 fastest growing cities.
University of Colorado Denver business school dean Sueann Ambron said that people are drawn to Colorado because of jobs, upward mobility and entrepreneurship.
"They can move here, get a good education, get a job, start a business, buy a house and have a life," she said.
President and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Kelly Brough agrees.
"The combination of good job opportunities with a great lifestyle no doubt attracts people to our region," she said.
CNNMoney compiled the report by comparing population gain between July 2012 and July 2013 according to data recently released by the U.S. Department of Labor.
According to the ranking, Denver's population gain went up 1.9 percent, bringing it to 2.7 million residents. Plus, area employment grew in that time period 3 percent. And last month, Colorado added 6,200 jobs, while the Denver metro unemployment rate dropped.
"We're home to one of the smartest, most productive and healthiest workforces in the nation, we have a strong economy with room for professional growth and our economic and business opportunities are diverse in industry and size," Brough said.
"To top it all off, our natural environment and active outdoor lifestyle is one of the best in the U.S." Brough added. "With our strong economy, regional cooperation, environmental and educational assets and impressive workforce, I think it's safe to say that the Denver metro area will continue to be an attractive region."
