21 of the best places to live in Colorado
Are you considering moving to Colorado? There are great neighborhoods here for every lifestyle! Familiarize yourself with the large number of available real estate options. You will be able to find an option that will completely suit you in terms of location, condition, area, and cost. Turn to real estate agents in Denver, CO, for help in choosing the perfect home for you in this beautiful and popular city.
While Denver may be one of the most identifiable cities in Denver, there are 20 other Colorado locations that we’ve chosen as incredible places to live. According to the 2020 US Census, this state is one of the best places to move from the largest cities to the smallest communities.
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Best place to live in Colorado: Denver
From 2010 to 2020, Denver County’s population grew by 115,364 new residents, and neighboring counties also grew significantly. What makes Denver so attractive? Denver truly has something for everyone and offers countless urban amenities. With city life, outdoor recreation, and over 300 days of sunshine a year, Denver offers its residents a comfortable, relaxed lifestyle every day. With various employment opportunities and home-buying options, you have excellent opportunities to work and live in or around greater Denver.
Denver offers plenty of housing options, but the city’s rapid growth has also resulted in some great suburban neighborhoods. Some of the best choices are Centennial, Arvada, Broomfield, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, and Littleton.
Best place to live in Colorado: Colorado Springs
With plenty of sunny days, Colorado Springs is perfect for year-round outdoor fun. Guests and residents alike can enjoy the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Best place to live in Colorado: Fort Collins
Vibrant Fort Collins is named the 2020 Best Place to Live, known for its trendy breweries, great job opportunities, and Colorado State University. Fort Collins residents can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities around the Horsetooth Reservoir, not far from the bustling downtown area.
Best place to live in Colorado: Boulder
Boulder offers its residents spectacular natural enclaves of the city, a great, thriving economy, low crime rates, and beautiful scenery. Here you can do rock climbing, cycling, and yoga for the body, mind, and soul. Additionally, taste international cuisine in a small-town atmosphere.
For these and other key reasons, real estate prices in Boulder may be out of reach for some potential residents. Real estate prices in Boulder are quite high, so it’s worth visiting the picturesque towns around. Many interesting places near Boulder offer buyers reasonable real estate prices. Talk to Colorado real estate agents to learn more about this area and decide which property would be best for you to buy.
Best place to live in Colorado: Castle Rock
Named after the geological landmark of the same name, Castle Rock’s location offers easy access to many nearby open spaces, golf courses, and other outdoor activities. Filled with an abundance of affordable housing and year-round entertainment, Castle Rock is perfect for buying real estate at a bargain price.
Best place to live in Colorado: Grand Junction
Grand Junction is an affordable destination with great amenities and access to outdoor activities such as rafting, rock climbing, and thrilling mountain biking. Neighboring cities should also be considered, and they offer excellent, financially beneficial opportunities for purchasing real estate. West of Grand Junction are smaller communities that maintain a more relaxed pace of life with the same outdoor recreation. To the east is Palisade, a step closer to the Rockies and home to one of the state’s most famous wine regions. Grand Junction is one of the best places for outdoor activities.
Best place to live in Colorado: Golden
Beyond the Front Range, Golden is the perfect place to call home. Its scenic scenery, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, provides incredible beauty. With a population of just over 20,000 in 2020, Golden is known for its historic charm, the Colorado School of Mines, and the sprawling Coors Miller brewery.
Golden is nestled between high hills and mountains and centers around Clear Creek, where kayakers can be seen in the summer. With excellent transportation links to Denver, Boulder, and other popular cities, Golden residents are spoiled with access to various dining, entertainment, amenities, and many nearby attractions.
Also, consider other locations near Golden. If mountain views are your thing, consider Morrison, which is located in the foothills. Another nearby option at a higher elevation is Evergreen, but it may be more expensive in terms of real estate prices.
Best place to live in Colorado: Durango
Durango’s population continues to grow, with nearly 19,000 people living there in 2020. USA Today called Durango “America’s Least Fashionable City” in the 1990s. You might not find your favorite store here, but this Wild West town offers plenty of spectacular hunting opportunities, outdoor sports, and fun culinary surprises year-round.
Best place to live in Colorado: Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is the ultimate ski mountain town offering a high quality of life at a high real estate value. If you love snow sports and don’t skimp on luxury, consider joining this beautiful community. Around the Yampa River, Steamboat Springs has plenty to see and do. The city center has many art galleries, museums, restaurants, and geothermal spas.
Best place to live in Colorado: Glenwood Springs
Bordering the White River National Forest in Garfield County, Glenwood Springs is a year-round vacation destination. From Glenwood Caverns Mountain Adventure Park to the banks of the Colorado River, there’s nothing wrong with this Rocky Mountain town.
With a growing community of nearly 10,000 residents, new residents can also find housing south of Carbondale. Or drive 15 minutes west on Interstate 70 to the thriving community of New Castle, home to nearly 5,000 people.
Best place to live in Colorado: Eagle
Eagle draws attention for its proximity to the world-class ski resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek; many potential residents have found a good mix of affordability and access. Eagle has a population of over 7,500. Despite its small size, its population has grown by around 16% since the 2010 census, a testament to its growing popularity. As rising prices in Vail and Avon push people into Eagle, affordable real estate prices in Eagle will soon be a thing of the past. Eagle offers its residents a peaceful mountain atmosphere, quick access to regional airports with direct flights to many major US cities, and proximity to nearly endless outdoor activities. Popular spots include Eagle River State Park, Sylvan Lake State Park, White River National Forest, and Glenwood Canyon.
Best place to live in Colorado: Aspen
Located approximately 2,500 meters above sea level, it is known for its fine dining, shopping, and entertainment venues, making it one of the best places to live a truly luxurious life. Outside of the city, Aspen has incredible potential for outdoor adventures. Nearby residents and visitors have easy access to four unique ski resorts. It’s probably the most expensive city in the state regarding real estate. Therefore, if you are looking for something cheaper, you won’t find it in Aspen because real estate prices here are quite high and continue their active growth.
Best place to live in Colorado: Gunnison
Home to Western Colorado State University, Gunnison is a small, diverse community of approximately 6,500 people who share a love of the outdoors. With stunning scenery, Gunnison is an adventure seeker’s paradise, whether it’s rock climbing, biking, fishing, or nature painting. The cost of living in Gunnison in 2020 is lower than the national average, but real estate prices in the area continue to rise strongly.
Best place to live in Colorado: Estes Park
Estes Park, the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, is a busy tourist destination with a population of about 6,000. Filled with various entertainment, events, restaurants, galleries, and affordable accommodations, this bustling city attracts millions of visitors each year. With some of the best places to climb, ski, bike, and hike, it’s easy to see why Estes Park is a key mountain hub. Estes Park is a great place to experience the pure Colorado lifestyle. Still, the rising cost of living, limited amenities, and frequent storms may deter potential residents from calling Estes Park their home. During the winter months, when tourism declines, the city can be completely deserted and somewhat isolated.
Best place to live in Colorado: Salida
Salida, an Arkansas River town of nearly 6,000, is an outdoor sports paradise with a cool, artsy vibe. With a strong sense of community, heritage, and history, Salida is an ideal destination for families and individuals. At 7,000 feet above sea level, Salida is nicknamed the “Heart of the Rockies” because its center is surrounded by towering mountain peaks and is a great place to explore the mountains, hot springs, and other attractions of the Arkansas River Valley.
Best place to live in Colorado: Breckenridge
With a population of just 5,000, Breckenridge is recognized worldwide as the best ski area and a great place to spend time in Summit County. Perched 9,600 feet above sea level, this quaint family-run village with a rich mining history is perfect for outdoor adventures. Attracting visitors from all over the world, Breckenridge always has something new to see and do. Whether it’s live music, skiing, or sampling a new beer from the local brewery, Breckenridge offers a rich lifestyle. With year-round mountain fun, Coloradoans feel like they’re on top of the world when they live in Breckenridge or nearby Summit.
Best place to live in Colorado: Granby
Located in beautiful Grand County, just 15 minutes west of Rocky Mountain National Park, Granby is an often-forgotten mountain town. Like many other cities on this list, geography plays a big role in Granby’s population growth. The town of Granby is still very small, with a population of just over 2,000 permanent residents, but its approach to seasonal outdoor activities sets it apart. If you enjoy skiing, Winter Park and Ski Granby are nearby. If you love hiking, the deep wilderness of Indian Peaks and Rocky Mountain National Park are just around the corner. If water is your thing, three interconnected mountain lakes offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Best place to live in Colorado: Telluride
Located in the scenic Box Canyon in San Miguel County, Telluride is one of the most beautiful places in the state, surrounded by the magnificent San Juan Mountains. It’s not the cheapest place to live in the southwestern state, but world-class skiing, a thriving restaurant scene, and numerous year-round entertainment festivals make Telluride a desirable place to truly feel at home. Enjoy easy access to an extensive network of hiking trails.
Telluride is a small town of about 2,000 residents, but the surrounding landscape limits development opportunities. Unfortunately, this has created a highly competitive housing market.
Best place to live in Colorado: Pagosa Springs
The southwestern Colorado town of Pagosa Springs is a picturesque place to live at an elevation of 7,000 feet. Located on the San Juan River, the area is ideal for fishing and is known for its many geothermal pools and interesting geological features.
Best place to live in Colorado: Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs Located on Interstate 70, halfway between Denver and Summit County, Idaho Springs has a lot to offer, including culture, history, and access to nature. The history of mining runs deep here, and many guided tours take you into the mines. In the center, the city has many breweries, and cafes with delicious, good food. Idaho Springs offers great outdoor activities.
Best place to live in Colorado: Ouray
The thriving city of Ouray is one of Colorado’s most beautiful mountain towns. Surrounded by the picturesque San Juan Mountains, Ouray is known as the “Switzerland of America.” It is home to the largest ice climbing festival, numerous hot springs, and numerous tourist guides. Everyone will find something for themselves, as a lover of outdoor activities. Unlike many of the state’s resorts, visitors and residents can enjoy a peaceful, natural, community-oriented atmosphere here.
Colorado is certainly one of the most interesting places in the country. Before going here, you should know that the climate here is dry, and most of the precipitation falls in the form of snow. Most importantly, whether you live in the mountains of Colorado or downtown Denver, always keep an eye on your altitude and stay hydrated during your workouts.
