most affordable mountain towns in colorado

Most of the stunning scenery in Colorado is located close to a mountain town. Colorado Business Review 2022 states that Colorado outperformed in job recovery after the pandemic and became one of the 14th states in offering more stable jobs. that is packed with unique stories and features. Heres how you can explore the best of the Centennial State like a local, not a tourist. It runs through the heart of the downtown area and is full of sights and sounds. The variety of outdoor activities put this mountain town at the top of the list of best weekend getaways in Colorado. It is the most affordable Colorado mountain town in Larimer County sitting at an elevation of 7,522 feet. The ski area in Vail is one of the top places to ski in all of North America. This timeKelvindid not want to take me for aromantic getaway in Colorado Spring rather he told me he has planned a surprise for me. Most Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado, FAQ: Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado. So, if you decide to spend some time in this tiny resort town, youll have no problem finding a place to stay since you can easily book a room at Keystone Resort and enjoy a bit of family ski fun. 1. 22 Best Places to Live in Colorado - Updated with 2023 Data - Strategistico It has some great outdoor activities, including rafting and some history tours, and if youre a fan of hot springs, youll be pleased to learn that its only about a10 minute drive to the relaxing Poncha Springs. One of the most beautiful towns in Colorado is Crested Butte, which sets itself apart from other summer destinations with its spectacular wildflower season. Visitors are easily charmed by the town's natural beauty. The town is nested southwest of Denver and is 15 minutes drive from Turquoise Lake in Lake County. Shoppers will want to peruse Ned's fantastic independent emporiums, kids will love the restored carousel from 1910, and music fans won't want to miss The Caribou Room, where national acts like the Rebirth Brass Band play. Estes Park has stored some astonishing views, fresh Rocky Mountain air, charming downtowns, and stunning views. The 5 Most Affordable Places to Live In Colorado 5.) There are also, if that appeals to you, and you can visit the, Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the. While Woodland Park is considered a suburb of Colorado Springs it definitely deserves a spot on the best places to retire in Colorado list. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Some of Colorado's Top Places to Retire | Retirement in CO The place has some unbeatable formula to bring peace. Woodland Park. Breck, as the locals call it, has a deep Gold Rush history. Thisll give you a deeper insight into the place. When it comes to uncovering the best mountain towns in Colorado, youll have to visit these top hits. If youre interested in history, youll also enjoy, 4 percent lower than the national average. You can hit the trail on the best Vail hikes, backpack to Gore Lake, bike the ski hills, or take a scenic gondola ride. Whatever you want to do, youll find something in Pagosa Springs. Ridgway. 16 of the Best Mountain Towns in Colorado by a Local To determine the cheapest mountain towns in Colorado that are also nice places to live, we considered several main factors that make a town worth relocating to, such as: Then, we gathered data from official sources like the US government and the FBI via sites like AreaVibes and Niche.com. This former gold mining camp is also just 44 miles from Colorado Springs, but dont get in a hurry to head to the nearby town in search of greener pastures. A. Colorado Springs is the most affordable city to live with an average rent of $1553 per month whereas $1994 per month in Denver. Residents can commute quickly to Longmont, Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins and still build equity in this affordable community. There is a small airport, so flying into Telluride is also an option. What are the cutest towns in Colorado? - 2023 During the fall, it's a popular gateway for leaf peeping Colorado's yellow aspens. Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, which contains an even higher density of artifacts, and the Anasazi Heritage Center, a museum dedicated to the lives of the people who lived in the area 1,400 years ago, are nearly within walking distance of the town. 5 tiny Colorado mountain towns for a quieter weekend getaway Also, Colorado is home to many beautiful residing places. On average, adults working in Crested Butte pay a tax of $6,252 annually whereas working adults statewide offer an average of $7,011. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Because of its size, the town boasts access to some great amenities, including a wildlife refuge, Splashland, a recreation center, a brewery, a climbing wall, and much more. Classic Meets Modern: The Edwards House in Fort Collins. From here you can explore Clear Creek, either by rafting down the river or climbing the rock walls of the canyon. These popular destinations feature amazing mountain scenery and are absolutely bursting with local businesses. What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? Another mountain town in Colorado that's worth exploring this summer is Aspen. Photo Credit: welcomia (iStock). Also, if youre coming for two days to Colorado, include these places in your itinerary. The housing cost on average is $380,800, greater than the national median value. As one of the best mountain towns in Colorado to live in, Salida is a happening place. Most jobs are in the hospitality sector. Fort Collins. In western Colorado, Crested Butte is surely apretty place to live with your familyand the view of lush green fields. Adult lift tickets at Granby Ranch are less than one hundred bucks for a full day, with children 5 and under skiing free. What city in Colorado has the lowest cost of living? We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. 12 Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2023, 8 Most Romantic Getaways in Colorado Springs in 2023, 10 Best Hikes in Colorado Springs in 2023, Winter Wonderland: Top 4 Ice Caves in Colorado to Explore. Anglers will find fish aplenty thanks to the town's locale at the headwaters of the Rio Grande and San Juan rivers. Any local will tell you there's no better spot for tubing in the summer than the Yampa River. You can spot Pikes Peak in distance. One of Colorado's most popular skiing and snowboarding destinations, Steamboat Springs still serves up a serious amount of fun for summertime visitors, especially if you happen to like cowboy hats. There are various restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisines, and if you love to get outside, youll enjoy the local hikes and climbs. However, I heard from one of my friends that the town has now become nosier and lacks walkable space compared to the western side of the town. A single adult needs to spend $ 40,522 annually to afford a good standard of living. You can also check out some of the easier hikes in Estes Park, such as Lily Lake, which is especially lovely when the aspens turn gold in the fall. Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. Whatever you do, though, dont forget to visit Keystone Lake since you can ice skate here in the winter and paddleboard/canoe here in the summer. 6. She'd rather be dirty than done up. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. The activities in Leadville include the scenic Leadville Southern Railroad, which offers agreat blast from the past and incredible alpine scenery that will not fail to impress. You can learn more about my privacy policy here. Ogden, Utah. There is also a small airport for fly-in options. Not only these, but Colorado also maintains a steady graph of job opportunities, especially in the software, high-tech, aviation, and healthcare industries. Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Womans Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Discovering The Best 26 Reasons: What is Colorado Known for? Mancos features a small-town feel where almost all of the residents know each other. You can also immerse yourself in history by taking a day trip just a couple of hours west toHovenweep National Monument. They gather, drink coffee, read the paper, and interact with people who pass by. Massive, two of Colorado's highest peaks. Youll fall in love with thissmall mountain town in Coloradowhich sits at an elevation of 7,867 feet. The town sits at an elevation of 6,320 feet. Up and Coming Colorado Towns | Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado You can also have some fun with llama trekking and the town even has a little theater, too. If youre planning to come here for starting a new life, I would suggest reading the pros and cons of living in Colorado. I hope you've heard the name "the Imperial Express Superchair", yes, Breckenridge is home to North America's highest chair lift. 4. On the other hand, the median home value is only $183,600 on average. It is small, but not tiny, and offers an excellent climate. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, with its opportunity to sled the tallest sand dunes in North America, is just an hour away. It is nestled between Chicken Creek and the Mancos River, and if you fancy a trip out of town to go camping, you wont have a long drive to handle. The word Ouray means The Arrow and the town was named this because it sits in a narrow valley with steep mountains on three sides. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. From here you can drive to reach Twin Lake, a destination to spot the views of clear alpine water. Ned's Frozen Dead Guy Days, held each March, is a festival celebrating a Norwegian fellow who was cryogenically preserved outside of town following his death in the '80s. If youre looking for one of the best Colorado summer towns for adventure, look no further than Buena Vista (pronounced Bewna Vista)! Meanwhile, campers can pitch their tents in the nearby Gunnison National Forest with primitive to full-service amenities. 22 Best Places to Live in Colorado Updated with 2023 Data, The 8 Best Places to Live in Southern Colorado in 2023, 7 Best Small Towns in Colorado to Raise a Family 2023 Update, 8 Richest Neighborhoods in Colorado in 2023 | Most Expensive Places to Live in Colorado, Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins Unbiased Guide | 2023 Update, Breckenridge vs Vail 2023 Guide Summer & Winter Adventures. , Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. One of the sunnier spots in Colorado, the town is graced by three inns catering to weary and stressed guests with sublime hot springs: The Springs Resort & Spa, Healing Waters Resort, and Overlook Spa. Maybe the most famous mountain town in Colorado, Vail is located in the Rocky Mountains about two hours west of Denver (if youre lucky enough not to hit the notorious traffic on I-70). But this small town is nestled right at the base of the Rocky Mountains and offers a wide variety of things to do. 11. 15 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado. I was lucky to spend the last 10 months in themost affordable mountain town in Colorado, Crested Butte which is also calledColorados Last Great Ski Town. The Maroon Bells put this town on the map as one of the most scenic places in Colorado. This is greater than the annual cost of living in Colorado of $40,026. good nightlife and a nice variety of rural and suburban, 6 percent lower than the average for Colorado, , which can make a difference to your weekly budget. This place is my home and I love to explore here. You can also go dog sledding through the Colorado mountains or spend your days fly fishing or golfing. The colorful meadows will not disappoint! Glenwood Hot Springs is family-friendly, while Iron Mountain, right on the Colorado River, has a good vibe and a more relaxing ambiance. If you buy something through one of those links, you wont pay any extra penny, but Ill get a small commissionthat encourages me to deliver more helpfulcontent for you. In summer, the temperature rose to make me feel happy and energetic. Make a splash this summer in the mountain town of Buena Vista. There is truly no place like Colorado in the summer, where countless outdoor adventures await. But this small town is nestled right at the base of the Rocky Mountains and offers a wide variety of things to do. Estes Park is a great basecamp for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Top 9 Affordable Ski Resorts in Colorado This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its famous for its historic architecture and a great artistic culture, and although it mainly caters to tourists, its also quaint and homely. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. Most jobs are in the hospitality sector. Located along the Million Dollar Highway, Ouray is a must-visit Colorado mountain town in any season. Crested Butte. In fact, the history of this old mining town is so closely tied to the railroad that you can learn all about it at the Railroad Museum before enjoying tons of interactive exhibits at the Powerhouse Science Center. It was winter and upon that it was my birthday. Nicknamed "the Switzerland of America, you'll find this old mining town nestled in a beautiful box canyon. Elbert, Attend Leadvilles signature events like Leadville Boom Day, You can take the Historic train rides at the historic Buttle Theatre, Go for antique artifacts like Jail Museum and the Heritage Centre, Hike the Rainbow trail through Sangres to witness gorgeous views of the State, I recommend going to Venable Comanche Trail too, Enjoy the adrenaline rush with Liquid Descent Whitewater Rafting. Every year, people flock from all over the world to experience the best mountain towns in Colorado. Whether you want to summit a 14er in the Sawatch Range, shred the gnar on some single track, hike to an alpine lake, or raft Browns Canyon, you wont run out of things to do in Buena Vista. A. Leadville is a warm, close-knit community to live in the Rocky Mountains for all outdoor enthusiasts and retirees. The town sits on the lap of the Rocky Mountains making it ideal for Aspen-going hikers to sit and relax. Lake City. The downtown area of Steamboat Springs is just as exciting and vibrant as the outdoor adventure scene. There was an error processing your request. Located in the windswept San Luis Valley, Alamosa is a small college town with a great brewpub and plenty of amenities to make it the perfect launch pad for exploring southeastern Colorado. Ouray. Where is the cheapest place to live in the Rocky Mountains? Known for legendary skiing thanks to its location at the base of the magnificent Tenmile Range, .css-1e1wdvt{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#0A5C80;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1e1wdvt:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:#0A5C80;}Breck (as locals call it) also boasts more than 250 structures dating back to the Gold Rush days. Living in a mountain town is the best way to achieve the ski-bum dream, but unfortunately, mountain homes don't tend to fit a ski-bum budget. Between the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains sit Westcliffe, one of thebest small towns in Colorado to live in. The Wild West is alive and kicking in the hills of Steamboat Springs. It is an ideal place to be close to nature with a cost of living index is 94.8 (USA average of 100). Meeker sits along the White River near the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and Routt National Forests. The town embraces a fun atmosphere with an annual fruitcake toss, pie baking contests, ghost tours, ice cream events, and a lot more. In Colorado, you will love its verdant valleys, its murmuring rivers, its magnificent mountains and sequestered bales, and verdant-lined lakes and bays. With a population nearing 15,000, Sterling is the most populous city east of Pueblo. Colorado mountain resort towns offer great escapes for skiers and snowboarders, but let me tell you a local secret: visiting these idyllic places outside of ski season can be much more affordable and much less crowded.Contrary to popular belief, mountain resort towns aren't just skiing destinations; there are also plenty of things to do in the warmer months to cater to various interests . , and although it mainly caters to tourists, its also quaint and homely. Ideal for families, the town is also home to several good schools, local parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Although its still on the list of cheap mountain towns in Colorado, partly thanks to its amazingly low living costs and median home prices being below $250,000, Alamosa is one of the bigger towns on this list. Ouray is about a five-and-a-half-hour ride from Denver. Youll find plenty to enjoy within this towns borders. If youre interested in history, youll also enjoy the range of museums that the town has to offer. , this is a fantastic place to live for all country-loving souls that want to escape from the chaotic rush of living in the big city, making it one of the best cheap mountain towns in Colorado. The place is bustling with gorgeous scenery, ranches, and adventurous biking trails. Leadville. A single adult expense is around $38,795 annually which is less than the annual cost of living for Colorado of $40,026. Not to mention property prices in Colorado mountain towns have skyrocketed. It is a tourist spot so getting a job in the hospitality sector is not very difficult. Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. Telluride. Median Home Price: $570,000. Colorado hosts a variety of different flavors when it comes to mountain escapes. 6.) From Denver, it only takes around ninety-minutes to reach Fraser, which makes regular commutes to and from Denver very easy. This post contains affiliate links. A great weekend getaway from Denver, Breckenridge is an epic place to visit for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Just under a2 hour drive from Colorado Springs, Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. However if youre looking for the prettiest mountain town in Colorado, youll certainly want to scope out these amazing gems: The best Colorado mountains towns to visit in the fall are: The best Colorado mountain towns to visit in the winter are: The best Colorado mountains towns to visit in the summer are: Looking for amazing Colorado mountain towns? The Blue River runs through downtown Breckenridge and travels all the way to Silverthorne before meeting up with the Colorado River near Kremmling. Ices Lakes Pictured. 1. However, the jobs are seasonal and low wages positions. They might be located in or near the mountains, making it easy to access and enjoy the beautiful landscape. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. On average, a single adult's expense is around $38,947 a year. Afterward, stop at Frisco Bay Marina for a picnic before coming back later in the year to do a bit of snow tubing at Frisco Adventure Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most-well-preserved archaeological sites in the U . For anyone looking to expand their horizons, wee Crestone has evolved over the years from a tiny mining town into a place for spiritual seekers. 18 Most Charming Mountain Towns In Colorado To Visit In 2023 . These are the best small mountain towns with populations of about 10,000 or fewer that are filled with charm and scenic adventures you'll love. In the summer, you can take an incredible hike to Ice Lake or backpack sections of the Colorado Trail. What is the best area to live in Colorado? - 2023 Contents1 Where is the [] 2. If you are looking for outdoor activities, then Telluride is the place to go. My sister brought me here, I was in college, my second year in 2016, and she use to stay in Pueblo. This mountain town also is home to tons of excellent mountain biking trails. As one of the best mountain towns in Colorado for the luxury-inclined, Aspen is the place to be seen. Looking for off-the-wall? What mountain towns are near Colorado Springs? - 2023 In fact, this park is home to a steep canyon that has the Gunnison River running through it, making it an ideal spot for a bit of white water rafting and kayaking. Durango is one of those magical Colorado Mountain towns that is hidden away in the Southwestern part of the state, right near the New Mexico border. Canon City With a population of about 16,750 you may be surprised that Caon City, Colorado made it on our list of the most affordable places to live.But this small town is nestled right at the base of the Rocky Mountains and offers a wide variety of things to do. , where you can camp, hike, and enjoy some stunning Colorado weather. The byway to the top of the pass is one of the best scenic drives near Denver as you head through aspen groves and alpine terrain and take in amazing views of Mount Bierstadt. Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is definitely one of the best mountain towns near Denver. Cripple Creek once used to be bustling with gold seekers and now is like a mini Vegas in Colorado. Hesperus Ski Area is one of the most affordable ski resorts in Colorado. Georgetown Lake is another popular attraction, drawing visitors every season. Northern Colorado's Fort Collins was named one of the 100 Best Places to Live in part due to the strength of its business community, which features a mix of major employers like Anheuser Busch, Hewlett-Packard, Kaiser Permanente, Wells Fargo and Xcel Energy, as well as innovative . Paonia. You can also go for a hike from Monarch Lake Trailhead which takes you to the gorgeous Lone Eagle Peak. With so many options, it stands out among the small towns in Colorado. One of the best hikes in Telluride is Bridal Veil Falls, which starts right from the end of town. With tons of variety in landscapes, there are plenty of must-see places in Colorado. Manitou Springs is one of themost affordable mountain towns in Coloradoas a single adult including housing, transportation, health costs, and taxes has to pay $34,531 per year. Its pretty and very interesting. Large elk herds roam the town freely. Population: 14,777. Inside, youll find: PS. Only a15 minute drive from Turquoise Lake, Leadville is another of the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, and it has a lot going for it. The nearby mountains offer plenty of options for biking, hiking, and camping. What is the best small town to live in Colorado? Guanella Pass is also one of the very best places to see the fall colors in Colorado, but that makes it incredibly crowded during leaf-peeping season. In the winter, Ouray transforms into the epicenter of the ice climbing world. It is the bounty of fairy tale towns. 11 must-visit mountain towns for this summer in Colorado If you want to fall in love with some amazing scenery and try some great hiking trails, this is a fantastic place to live for all country-loving souls that want to escape from the chaotic rush of living in the big city, making it one of the best cheap mountain towns in Colorado. The Arkansas River flows alongside the town, offering plenty of scenic adventures to be enjoyed out on the water. Be sure to pay a visit to the Breckenridge troll. A few towns that bring you the best of the mountains without being too isolated include: If you want to be close to the mountains, but still have access to the convenience of a city, then there are a few noteworthy areas to scope out. I was here from October to August, working, living, and enjoying my life. Whatever you do though, dont miss BrewSki in March. There are also climbing experiences if that appeals to you, and you can visit the twin lakes and Mount Elbert in just a half hour drive. Thats why I created this mega-extensive guide to the best mountain towns in Colorado. Alamosa. , which is critical for such a small town. At nearly 9,000 feet at the summit, the mountain offers 700 feet of vertical downhill. And for this reason, Steamboat Springs is a small town that really shines as a place for an extended stay. is, Pagosa Springs may be the place for you. It is a National Historic Landmark due to its mining history, and you can learn all about it at the Telluride Historical Museum. Population: 1,966 Cost of Living Index: 17% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $429,000. Dating back to the 1880s, these buildings now offer shopping, galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and plenty of watering holes. The population of 18,465 in 2017 makes it probably Colorado's largest mountain town too. This gorgeous town is a must-see. Also, Ive good news for young adults. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Estes is well known for its elk herds and their bugling calls in the fall during mating season. Less than 100 miles from Denver, Fairplay offers agood nightlife and a nice variety of rural and suburban neighborhoods. , with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. It is a destination for tourists. Elbert and Mt. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. The Rocky Mountains traverse the states core. The skiing is world-class, but theres so much more to Telluride. And be sure to visit the Breckenridge troll at the end of the Trollstigen Trail before you leave town! You have permission to edit this collection. You can ski and golf in one of Colorados most picturesque towns. If you click through and make a booking, I get a small kickback. The Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado for 2023. Skiing, of course, is king here come winter, but in the warmer months 750 miles of mountain biking trails make traveling on two wheels tempting. 1. The main attraction in the Colorado mountain town of Glenwood Springs is Hanging Lake.

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