Victorian buildings line each street, and you wont be bothered by billboards or neon signs here. Frisco has it all: nordic skiing, summer laking (if thats a word), and year-round outdoor adventure. It is designated as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) and features gorgeous architecture. Since it is located exactly where the Colorado River meets the Gunnison River, Grand Junction is a great place to enjoy whitewater rafting as well. Want to visit Silverton for the afternoon? The main reasons why people want to live in Estes Park is because it is set in the ideal place to appreciate the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and to spend time exploring the Rocky Mountains National Park. However, the aesthetics of a location can also play a part, as many people want to live somewhere set in beautiful surroundings. If you need to bring a wheelchair or mobility aid on the cog train, call the Ticket Office at 719-685-5401 to let them know in advance. It even, calls itself The Most Social Mountain Town., charming downtown area around Main Street. The rare lake, a national natural landmark, was formed by travertine deposition. Don't try to go into the lake or disturb the fragile ecosystem. There are two accessible campsites located on the South Rim, as well as accessible restrooms. Salida is a small town that is nestled in the Rocky Mountains in Central Colorado. First, lets set you up for success in this small mountain town. Or, you can head in the other direction and easily enjoy a night out in Denver. But the city that is home to Americas Mountain does not disappoint. The top attraction around the area is the Colorado National Monument. Unlike some other waterfall hikes in Colorado, this one is not free. Plus, with stunning mountain scenery set against the unique architecture, Breckenridge offers an interesting history with endless things to do. It offers world-class skiing and family-friendly events throughout the whole year. Crime has been rising in the U.S. in the last few decades, and its only getting worse. Dont sleep on Evergreenits one of the most beautiful areas in the mountains outside of Denver, and it has close enough proximity that some lucky souls work in the big city while living in the foothills. Of course, it is well-known for the legendary Aspen Snowmass ski areas that provide excitement during every season. And the surrounding area promises outdoor adventure in every direction. It also has world-class terrain parks and family-friendly trails for sending it big or learning the ropes. It is the largest city in the state and is the epicenter of world-class entertainment, arts, and leisure. Best Places to Live in Colorado Our Methodology, The 22 Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2023, Best Places to Live in Colorado Summary, The 16 Best Places to Live in Florida for 2023, Here are the 12 Cheapest Beach Towns in California, 12 Stunning Resorts in Florida for Every Budget, California vs Florida - Our Full Comparison, Discover the 6 Best Small Towns near Pensacola FL Charming Panhandle Towns, 20 Best Places to Live in Florida for Young Adults 2023 Latest Update, The 8 Least Humid Cities in Florida in 2023 Data-Based Analysis, 12 Safest Towns in Florida Best Small Communities in 2023, Why is Florida So Hot? When you live here, you can be a regular patron at the Benson Sculpture Garden with its 148 bronze pieces and the Chapungu Sculpture Park with its nearly 100 pieces. due to the wide range of art galleries, studios, and cafes that can be found downtown. Youll get to see some of the best views in the San Juans with the convenience of a train and accessible snacks. The city of Boulder has very high marks for quality of life and is consistently ranked as one of the top places to live in the USA. The fast growing city of Castle Rock is located about 35 minutes south of Denver and is known for its close-knit community and wonderful outdoor amenities. It is located in the expanding tech corridor between Denver and Boulder. Known as the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, you can enjoy an unforgettable tour of the stunning natural surroundings while on board. It is sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of America because it resembles Switzerland being surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Ouray. Breckenridge (or often youll hear Breck) is a beautiful mountain town for winter skiing. 1. From towns painted bright colors to rainbow-hued natural wonders, here are the most colorful places on earth. One of the most remarkable things about Leadville is its elevation. The city itself also features tons of nature, including, is a dynamic commercial area that offers restaurants, shops, and lots of family entertainment. Aurora. Impressive highlights include the massive Cliff Palace and Balcony House, which you can only access by climbing a high ladder and scrambling through a narrow cave. and offers things to do for its residents throughout the whole year. Or you can take a short drive to Grand Lake to enjoy all the water activities your heart desires. To one direction is the flat prairie. You can get views of the breathtaking Rockies landscape from many parts of the city. The city is known for its top-notch shopping and dining as well as for its many outdoor recreational opportunities and beautiful parks. Events like Art in the Park and the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo make summer a festive season. Thinking of living in Colorado? They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. Its proximity to the Rocky Mountains also allows its residents to enjoy nature while also indulging in the big city life. Drive to the top of the summit via a jeep tour or ride the newly updated Cog Railway. Locals rave about the areas down-to-earth vibes, excellent school system, and easy access to virtually everything they need. If you want to live in a town that makes you feel like youve stepped back in time, this is where you need to be. Vail . The, cost of living in Loveland is about 5% lower, home prices are around $450,000 to $550,000, While it is best known for world-class skiing and other winter sports, Telluride offers its residents a, wide range of things to do in every season, The town itself is also exceptionally attractive and features Victorian-style architecture with an old world feel on. Climb a peak, bag a nearby 14er, or cruise down somebreezy singletrack mountain bike trailsFrisco has it all. Towering, snow-capped mountains, waterfall hikes, natural hot springs tucked into valleys, golden galaxies of aspen trees in the fallColorado puts on quite the show. Now, it's home to a large historic district: stroll historic Main Street to discover fine eateries and quaint shops. Rocky Mountain National Park is also just 1 hour from the city. Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorados most famous mountains and are well known for their views. Here are Bankrate's top five places to live in Colorado, ranked based on factors including home prices, cost of living and average salary. Are you an aspiring beer connoisseur? And just up the road out of town is Durango Hot Springs Resort (formerly known as Trimble Hot Springs), a resort-like experience thats set to have 21 brand-new soaking pools soon. If you want to be inspired and get an up-close glimpse of the worlds best ultrarunners, this is the place to do it. Grand Junction is the largest city on the Western Slope. Population: 1,972 Cost of Living Index: 57% Above Colorado Average Location: Check on Google Maps. Best Places Real Estate Money Home 4 matches Sort by: Real Estate Rankings Best Places to Live Best Places to Retire Rankings Category Population Size X-Large 2.5M+ Large 1M - 2.5M Medium. Here are the best Colorado mountain towns for families (whether you want to settle down or just visit). Often, the factors they consider include safety, education, employment, and the range of leisure activities. The downtown area has many historic buildings, although most of these are home to modern businesses and restaurants. This former mining town was the birthplace of the Colorado Gold Rush and is the smallest place on our list of best cities in Colorado, but it sure packs quite a punch. The mountains surround the center of town and offer epic biking and hiking trails along with opportunities for rock climbing. Once you get past the busy main street, Estes Park is a mountain town with endless opportunities. Nicknamed the Sweetheart City, Loveland earns its place among the most beautiful towns in Colorado based on its beautiful sculpture gardens. It offers tons of space to spread out and beautiful scenery among its majestic mountains, lakes, and forests. The city offers a charming historic downtown region that is actually the biggest historic district in the whole state. and offers a handful of locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, and bars. The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a National Natural Landmark and one of the most amazing places in Colorado for its towering rock formations that seem to defy physics. This big city feels more like a small town, with numerous tight-knit neighborhoods all around Colorado Springs. Aptly named "Switzerland of America" with its perfect location in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Ouray is one of the more picturesque Colorado mountain towns to visit. When summer rolls around, Colorados mountain towns can get just as busy as during ski season. First, there are over 300 miles of biking and hiking trails that surround Durango. . , make it a very appealing place to raise kids. Breckenridge is another traditional ski town that is nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Population: 4,588 Cost of Living Index: 33% Above Colorado Average Location: Check on Google Maps. Here you will find dramatic cliff dwellings built into the sides of steep mountainsides and underground "kivas," ancient circular rooms made of stone. Access Seven Falls through The Broadmoor, a luxurious resort in Colorado (you must take a special bus from the resort to the trailhead because there's no public parking). Gazing at these falls is just the beginning of this attraction. Downtown Idaho Springs has recently experienced a revitalization and offers a handful of locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, and bars. Here, we take a look at some of the world's most colorful places, from the towering rice terraces of Vietnam to the Blue Pearl of Morocco. When the skiing is done and the chill is on, enjoy over 100 bars and restaurants in a cute, cozy downtown section. But, there is also the bustling downtown district that welcomes residents and visitors with luxury shops, relaxing spas, gourmet restaurants, and cozy cafes. Population: 448,759 Cost of Living Index: 5% Below Colorado Average Location: Check on Google Maps. Plus, you can see more fourteeners (mountains taller than 14,000 feet above sea level) than at any other place in the state. Population: 7,180 Cost of Living Index: 2% Above Colorado Average Crime Rates: 40% Below Colorado Average. It has family-friendly terrain for newcomers, night skiing, touring, and snow tubing. Besides hiking and biking, you can use Granby for access to Winter Park skiing. The city also lives up to its name with its Valentine re-mailing program, which returns mail to the sender with each piece being hand-stamped with a romantic verse. Trails can get packed in the busy season, so hike out early in the morning, preferably on a weekday, and leave no trace. Dont look down if youre scared of heights. Youll find a close-knit climbing community, trail running groups, books clubs, and a teeny-tiny school with an 8:1 student-teacher ratio, all of which play a part in making Ouray one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. For those who are not interested in spending time outdoors, there is a theater and museums in the town, and annual events include the Derby Race and a Balloon Festival. You can go hiking, ziplining, dining, and shopping at this privately-owned site. It has dozens of hot pools all over town, with everything from water parks to relaxation pools and Olympic-size lap lanes. average price for homes is now around $1 million in Boulder, It offers world-class skiing and family-friendly events throughout the whole year. The Breckenridge Ski Resort is popular during the colder months, and is one of the most visited ski resorts in the western hemisphere. Of course, residents here can also take a short trip into the Rockies and enjoy the traditional mountain life. What does it have to offer? Population: 663,303 Cost of Living Index: 5% Above Colorado Average Location: Check on Google Maps. Durango rests on the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains, but its the biggest for miles around. Steamboat Springs is a year-round oasis in the middle of the mountains. Locals regularly take part in kayaking, rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking. The entire downtown area is a National Historic Landmark District. Leadville is 10,158 feet above sea level, so you might want to acclimate if youre coming straight from the coast. Lyons is a tiny mountain town north of Boulder and Denver, just far enough away to escape the suburban feel of the Front Range and truly get into the mountains. These are the kinds of places that will take your breath away. We think that this old railroad town is a great place for nature lovers and folks looking for a slower paced life. Discover unique things to do, places to eat, and sights to see in the best destinations around the world with Bring Me! It is the northernmost city in Colorado, and it sits before the Front Range mountains. Colorado Springs has all the amenities of a big city, yet it maintains a small-town feel. Estes Park is just about an hour and a half from Denver, which means you can enjoy mountain living without completely giving up big-city amenities. The town has a bigger grocery store than most mountain towns, and its also got some dang-good restaurants. For instance. Not only is Cripple Creek a beautiful place to live, but it is also a popular tourist destination. Durango is home to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and its also close to Mesa Verde National Park and Four Corners Monument. If you want the chance to casually bump into Jack Nicholson, Kevin Costner and others, then this is the place to be. Parenting is one of the most complex and challenging jobs you'll face in your lifetime -- but also the most rewarding. Of course, there are also Denvers sports teams, including the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Rockies that have their, It is located about 40 minutes west of Denver in the foothills of the Rockies and is. Crested Butte. Population: 8,580 Cost of Living Index: 20% Above Colorado Average. This former mining town is lined with hundreds of local restaurants, shops, and bars. The most beautiful place to live in Colorado Creede, CO. It is home to the University of Colorado at Boulder, which gives the city a youthful energy. However, it is not only the mountains that make Fort Collins an attractive place to live, as the citys high street and historic downtown area are charming and quaint. The name should be a pretty obvious giveaway of what you'll see here. Estes Park is Colorados most visited mountain town, and thats mostly due to its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park. Golden, Colorado is a city located right at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and just 25 minutes away from downtown Denver. Its flanked by some of the highest peaks in the Western Rockies. The premier attraction in Woodland Park is the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Center. Located about 1 hour north of Denver, Fort Collins has developed its own reputation as a complete place to live, with a great blend of nature, entertainment, and culture, all in an affordable package. Its also a short drive away from Wolf Creek Ski Area, which is probably Colorados most family-friendly ski resortand gets some of the best powder days. We think that Boulder is one of the best cities to live in Colorado for those who want the thrills of a bustling, urban region alongside some quiet suburban neighborhoods. Creede is the perfect place for great outdoor adventures, like hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Gunninson also provides more amenities than most of the Colorado mountain towns you find on this list. For instance, Historic Downtown Castle Rock offers many family-owned shops, great restaurants, and even some outlet malls. This vibrant town gets more than 300 days of sunshine annually, which explains why it is so popular. Aurora has become one of Denvers most popular suburbs in the last few years since it features an excellent blend of family-friendly amenities and easy access to the great outdoors. The city offers a relaxed atmosphere, and there are plenty of things to do within close proximity. You can also enjoy this view from a different perspective: from below, on the train, or on white-water rafting. that offers new dining and shopping establishments as well as the large Dutch Creek Park that is close to the center of town. Ryan Nicholson is a homegrown born and raised Colorado native. It is located about 40 minutes west of Denver in the foothills of the Rockies and is known for being a beautiful place filled with parks, lakes, trails, and, of course, mountains. Its main attraction is the delightful Old Town, where you can stop by at a local boutique or restaurant and enjoy a relaxed pace of life. With accessible parking and numerous paved trails, this beautiful natural landmark is easily enjoyed by people who use mobility aids. Elk sightings in Estes Park are just about as common as bunny spottings in the rest of the Front RangeOK, thats a bit of an exaggeration, but you get my point. If you're a wheelchair user and want to ride the gondola, you will have to ride it round trip as there is no accessible ramp to exit the ride at the south end. Vietnam's UNESCO-listed Halong Bay is one of the most beautiful places in the world, featuring 1,600 islands, blue-green water, and spectacular limestone karst landforms . In the winter, you get top-notch skiing and tubing at Steamboat Ski Resort. The historic buildings and museums in the town appeal to history lovers, while the surrounding mountains and the Pike National Forest are the perfect playgrounds for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. Evergreen is a hidden gem right off of I-70 that most people tend to skip over. This is another of Colorado's most scenic hikes. Or take a cruisy bike ride on the Mineral Belt Trail, a 12-mile paved loop that runs around town, providing stellar views of the Sawatch Range and old mines that made the town what it is today. See abandoned wooden shacks and the echo of a time past. You wont find runaway development and luxury shops in this charming town. Practical matters are often at the forefront of peoples minds when they are searching for somewhere to live. The centerpiece of the town really is the University of Colorado with its numerous museums, art galleries, cultural events, live performances, lectures and more. Its a small town perfect for anyone looking for a taste of the real Wild West. During the summer, youll find countless hiking and mountain biking trails surrounding the entire area. Silverton is located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, surrounded by rugged wilderness and remote, beautiful landscapes. Fortunately, most people dont stop in Frisco. In the foreground, there's a calm creek that you can splash in. Population: 1,937 Cost of Living Index: 14% Below Colorado Average Location: Check on Google Maps. Whether you are visiting Colorado or living here full-time, these towns are nothing short of majestic. The cost of living in Loveland is about 5% lower than the rest of the state and home prices are around $450,000 to $550,000. When the day is done, hit up the hot springs to relax and recover. By Molly Martin, and Erica Buehler. Not only is Colorado Springs a popular tourist destination for visitors, but its one of fastest-growing cities in Colorado for locals. Lets start with nature. Durango is one of the few cities from the southwestern corner of the state that made this list of the best cities in Colorado. 7 Best Places to Live in Colorado for Families, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, downtown area is a National Historic Landmark District, 11 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado to Visit, Ski Trip Packing List: 21 Ski Essentials You Need to Pack, How to Buy the Best Travel Insurance for Your Next Vacation, Hiking Paint Mines: A Guide to Colorados Colorful Interpretive Park, 11 Cold Weather Tips for Driving in the Snow for the First Time, 18 Things to Know Before Making the Move to Colorful Colorado, 9 Fun & Free Things to Do at Sloans Lake in Denver. We hope that this updated list of the best cities in Colorado has given you the right insights to make your next move to the Rocky Mountain State. You'll need a permit to access Hanging Lake, which costs $12/per person during peak season and $10/per person during the off-season. For example, schools, employment opportunities, affordability, and leisure activities are all potential criteria people may use to help them decide where to live. As wonderful as Steamboat Springs is in the winter, the town really shines in the summer. There are multiple outdoor spaces to explore and many activities and attractions to suit all interests and ages. Fort Collins features tons of trails, lakes, and public parks. Woodland Park is a proper mountain town and is one of the best places to live in Colorado for those who want to be high in the clouds. First and foremost, Aspen is known for world-class skiing. So, we were forced to lower the rankings of some otherwise great places for 2023 due to their excessive cost of living. Population: 17,817 Cost of Living Index: 14% Above Colorado Average Location: Check on Google Maps. Meanwhile, Denver offers tons of excellent suburbs that surround the city that cater to virtually every demographic, including young professionals, families, and retirees. It is located deep in the Rocky Mountains about a 3.5 hour drive from Denver and offers a seemingly unlimited number of things to do outside and around town. Mesa Verde National Park, in southern Colorado, not far from Durango, is stunning in its physical display, depth, and history. biggest historic district in the whole state, first Certified Creative District in Colorado. Colorado Springs is the 2nd biggest city in The Rocky Mountain State and offers a great mix of entertainment, value, and location, especially for nature lovers.
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