Looking to live where you’re surrounded by majestic mountains, beautiful hiking trails, and amazing wildlife every day? And what about the snowfall? Imagine waking up to a winter wonderland in your backyard! This is what you get living in Colorado. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life or seek the peace and quiet of a small mountain town, Colorado has it all!
The pleasant summer climate provides perfect days for kayaking on pristine lakes, white water rafting on the flowing rivers, biking and hiking along the miles of trails, and camping in the numerous state and national parks across the state. With an average statewide snowfall total measuring in the hundreds of inches annually, the winter season in Colorado offers some of the most picturesque scenery you’ll ever see. Winter outdoor activities include ice fishing, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, ice skating, and the most popular: skiing! According to a recent study, Colorado is home to three of the top five US ski resorts, designating it as a top skiing destination nationwide. With all it has to offer, who wouldn’t want to live in Colorado?
If you are considering a move to Colorado, you will be following many others. Strategistico says, “The Rocky Mountain State has become the place to relocate to out west, especially after the pandemic. It offers tons of space to spread out and beautiful scenery among its majestic mountains, lakes, and forests. It also features friendly people who enjoy a slower pace of life. The numbers back it up. Colorado is one of the fastest growing states in the US and has welcomed almost 1 million new residents over the last 10 years.”
Choosing from hundreds of enticing landscapes, it may be hard to pick which Colorado town suits you. StudyFinds reviewed 10 expert listings and found the most recommended choices among them to find the best places to live in Colorado. What’s your favorite place in Colorado? Let us know in the comments below where you would like to live in Colorado.
The List: Best Places To Live In Colorado, According To Experts
1. Denver
Appearing on nine of the 10 websites we consulted, the biggest city in the state is at the top of our list! Travel Lemming says, “If you’re moving to Colorado, then Denver is likely the first city that comes to mind – it’s the biggest city in the state by a longshot! Denver is one of the best places to live in Colorado and is the happy home of many young professionals and, increasingly, remote workers.”
“Colorado’s capital is one of the few major U.S. cities that offers an endless amount of urban convenience alongside easy access to expansive natural areas. Harmonizing city life, outdoor recreation potential, and over 300 days of sunshine per year, every day is truly an adventure,” offers Uncover Colorado.
Strategistico adds, “No list of the best places to live in Colorado can be complete without Denver. It is the largest city in the state and is the epicenter of world-class entertainment, arts, and leisure.”
2. Fort Collins
Located right in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this city is home to Colorado State University and is just an hour away from Rocky Mountain National Park.
Forbes ranked this college town number one on its list: “The honor of the most underrated city in Colorado may belong to Fort Collins, which offers a promising economy and favorable quality of life for families and young professionals alike.”
Zumper says, “This is a historic city with lots of charm and the epitome of Colorado living. Fort Collins has almost 1,000 acres of public parks, 200 miles of scenic bike paths, and over 20 craft breweries that make this a favorite place to live in Colorado. In fact, Fort Collins produces so much beer that it accounts for 70% of all of Colorado’s craft beer production.”
“Located in the northern part of Colorado, Fort Collins has a beautiful, old and historic touch to it which makes it one of the best places to live in Colorado with families. The proximity to Denver and the presence of the renowned Colorado State University, make Fort Collins an attractive place for students,” writes Budget Travel Buff. Fort Collins was also number one on this site.
3. Boulder
At just 25 miles from Denver, this college town is home to the University of Colorado’s flagship campus.
“What Boulder lacks in affordable housing, it makes up for in ample employment opportunities (the unemployment rate here is only 2.5%), a lively social scene (the city is home to the University of Colorado), and an endless list of outdoor activities,” according to Travel + Leisure.
Uncover Colorado states, “As a mecca for rock climbing, cycling, yoga, and many other activities of the body, mind, and soul, Boulder County’s namesake is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with world-class cuisine within a small-town feel.”
“As a popular college town, Boulder also has a fun and eclectic atmosphere for young professionals, students continuing education, and single families to enjoy. If you’re looking for love, Boulder might be your best bet. It took the number one spot on our Best Cities for Singles list, beating more than 300 U.S. metro areas,” says Zumper. How’s that for perks?
4. Colorado Springs
The second-largest Colorado city is located about an hour south of Denver. It is home to the prestigious United States Air Force Academy, one of the largest tourist attractions in the state.
“Colorado Springs may be the Centennial State’s second biggest city, but it doesn’t feel hectic. It’s nestled at the eastern foot of the Rockies and has the mighty Pikes Peak in the background. Both its residents and visitors enjoy a plethora of activities year-round, along with an excellent hospitality and dining scene,” comments Travel + Leisure.
In ranking Colorado Springs number three on its list, Zumper advises, “Head to the Garden of the Gods for a truly spectacular hike through a beautiful natural rock formation or hike Pikes Peak for one of the best workouts and views in the city. Colorado Springs also offers affordable options for living, plentiful outdoor activities, and small-town charm. Recently named one of the best places to live in the United States, Colorado Springs is a slightly more relaxed city than Denver.”
5. Castle Rock
Appearing on six of the 10 sites we viewed, this suburban community is nestled between Denver and Colorado Springs. In ranking this family-friendly town number one on its list, Zumper proclaims, “This city has some incredible, small-town hospitality and, combined with its castle-shaped butte overlooking the Colorado Valley, this city makes for a charming place to live.”
Budget Travel Buff says, “Castle Rock is considered to be the fastest-growing city in Colorado. If you wish to relocate to a city and have a comfortable living, consider Castle Rock. With the low crime rates, presence of good food joints, and easy access to jobs, Castle Rock makes for a great small-town place.”
“It combines small-town charm with the entertainment options of a larger city. For instance, Historic Downtown Castle Rock offers many family-owned shops, great restaurants, and even some outlet malls,” says Strategistico of its number three pick.
We hope this list has helped you decide the best place for you to live in Colorado. So, when are you moving?
Sources:
- Travel Lemming
- Uncover Colorado
- Zumper
- Strategistico
- Travel + Leisure
- Hashtag Colorado Life
- Forbes
- iBuyer
- Budget Travel Buff
- Smart Asset
You might also be interested in:
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.
What a BS article. Just live anywhere along the the Front Range? What about the rest of the state
I Agree. Live on the Western Slope of Colorado. The Front Range is moving here to all the small towns and cities: Montrose, Ridgway, Grand Junction, Palisade, Fruita, Hotchkiss, Cedaredge and Paonia. Reasonable traffic, hiking everywhere, city amenities available, incredible beauty, clean air, wineries and organic farms…why leave Colorado when you can live without the prices and the crowds?
Shhhhhh if you tell everyone to move to the Western Slope, it’s going to begin changing and end up like the front range. Just let everybody think the best parts of Colorado are in the front range
Five most liberal cities in the state of Colorado. If you want to move somewhere where you can’t afford to live and become part of the problem, this is the place for you.
Colorado born and raised natives are sick and tired of all you transplants!!! Stop writing articles encouraging people to move here!!!! We have enough transplants and Colorado wannabes here already ruining our state!!!! Stay home Colorado wannabes!!!!!!!! GO home transplants!!!!
All on the front range? So many better places in the high country. Like sitting in traffic? Move to Denver
Del Norte is the best spot in Colorado to live and most beautiful 30minute from wolf Creek skiing. 45min from great sand dunes national Park. Fishing on the Rio grande river runs right through town. Beautiful farm land and mountain views and full of deer and elk.
I agree with Chris!
Denver, The #1 Place to live in Colorado !!! Laughable.
The suburbs are nice and the state is fantastic but if you’re talking about the City and County of Denver you clearly haven’t spent much time there.
If you enjoy the following then yes, it’s your city:
1) high crime (every type)
2) graffiti everywhere
3) garbage all over the streets and sidewalks
4) homeless camps
5) terrible schools
6) the indescribable smell of marijuana mixed with petroleum products and other pollutants