Though as proud Coloradans we may be biased, we wholeheartedly believe that Colorado is the greatest place to live on earth.
And as it turns out, we’re not alone! According to U.S. News’ Best Places to Live in 2020-2021 report, Colorado is home to not one but four of the top five best and most livable cities across the entire United States. Another study found that Colorado is the number one most desirable state to move to across the country.
Colorado cities offer not only strong job markets and great value but a high overall quality of life. In addition to our beloved cities, Colorado is home to world-renowned natural scenery, countless charming small towns, wonderful weather, so many exciting things to do, and a whole lot of personality.
If you’re thinking about moving to Colorado, you’re in for a real treat. The hardest part about moving to this state just might be choosing which city or town to settle down in. We put together this guide with some of the best places to live in Colorado to help you make the right decision for you. Let’s get your new life here off to a great start!
Overview of the Best Places to Live in Colorado
Colorado is a diverse state with something for everyone to love, no matter what kind of lifestyle you lead. Whether you’re after mountain views, bustling city life, or small-town charm, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
There’s no “one size fits all’ when it comes to choosing the best place to live here. In the sections below, we will share some of the most popular and beloved places to live across the state of Colorado – but at the end of the day, your decision should come down to your personal preferences and way of life.
Best Places to Live With Mountain Views
Colorado’s stunning natural scenery and majestic mountain ranges are a massive draw. So it should come as no surprise that some of the most popular places to live in Colorado are nestled along the Rocky Mountains, also referred to as the Front Range.
If you’re dreaming of mountain views, but still want an urban setting, consider cities on the Front Range such as Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. Four of these cities, Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins, made the top five places to live in the United States in 2020, according to U.S. News we mentioned above.
If you prefer small towns with mountain scenery, keep reading and we’ll highlight a few in the sections below.
City Living: the Best Neighborhoods in Denver
Denver is a vibrant city full of exciting neighborhoods to discover. The best place to live in Denver will largely depend on the kind of person you are. Below are some of the most popular Denver neighborhoods broken down by personality type:
- Hipster Heaven: Five Points and Capitol Hill are two neighborhoods where Denver’s infamous counter-culture is alive and well. Here, you can find a thriving art and music scene, tattoo parlors, record shops, breweries, and anything else your hipster heart may desire.
- Life of Luxury: If you’re looking for a more upscale and luxurious vibe, neighborhoods like Cherry Creek or Country Club might be more up your alley. Cherry Creek, the more urban option, is home to fine art galleries, wine bars, and designer boutiques. Country Club, as the name suggests, is an exclusive neighborhood with only 380 homes.
- Party Central: If nightlife is your thing, consider moving to Uptown. This area is favored by 20-something for it’s buzzing social scene and a plethora of bars and restaurants.
- Nature Lovers: If you want to be in the city yet still surrounded by nature, you might prefer a suburb like Golden. Located in the foothills, this neighborhood has countless trails for biking and hiking.
- Family Friendly: Looking for the perfect place to settle your family in Denver? Neighborhoods like Stapleton, a relatively new development with never-ending parks and playgrounds, and Castle Pines, a suburb in a top school district with a low crime rate, should make it onto your list.
- Center of the Action: If you want to be in the heart of the city, there’s nothing quite like Downtown Denver. Lower Downtown, coined “LoDo”, is particularly action-packed and exciting.
- Hip Residential: The Highlands neighborhood is full of personality. It’s trendy and quirky compared to the suburbs, yet still relatively quiet compared to more urban areas – the perfect middle ground for many young people and families.
Small Towns in Colorado to Fit Any Lifestyle
Of course, city life isn’t for everyone. Those looking for a slower pace, close proximity to nature, and a more quaint, community-centric atmosphere are sure to fall in love with Colorado’s smaller towns.
Towns such as Telluride, Brekenridge, Delta, Ouray, Fairplay, and Granby nestled higher up in the mountains offer breathtaking mountain views. Some, like Breckenridge, are popular ski destinations and therefore more touristy and bustling than others. Others, like Telluride, are full of history and charm.
If you prefer lakes and rivers to mountains, consider towns like Trinidad or Evergreen. Trinidad provides ample opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation thanks to Trinidad Lake State Park and the Purgatoire River, which runs right through the center of town. Evergreen is home to beautiful Evergreen Lake, surrounded by a large population of conifers and old-growth trees. Nature lovers will also love the town of Estes Park, known for its ample wildlife and proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest.
If you’re looking for a small town with a more quirky personality, consider Paonia, Crestone, or Glenwood Springs. Paonia in the North Fork Valley is a unique small town, known for its cooler climate, abundant farmland, award-winning wine industry, and artsy community. In Crestone, which has been appropriately dubbed “Colorado’s most spiritual town,” you’ll find more than two dozen ashrams, monasteries, temples, retreat centers, and other sacred landmarks. Glenwood Springs is known for its caverns, natural hot springs, alpine amusement park, and nearby Hanging Lake.
There are so many other small towns to discover in Colorado; the ones mentioned here really just scratch the surface. The best way to find your new forever home is to go on a road trip and explore these towns in person to get a real feel for them.
Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado
If your reasons for moving to Colorado are more financially motivated, there are many cities and towns in the state that offer amazing value for your money. Overall, the cost of living in Colorado is slightly higher than the United States average, but if you’re strategic about where you move, you can certainly find places that are more affordable than others.
In Trinidad, the median home price is $134,233 and the median rent price is just $705, for example. Though certainly more expensive than smaller towns like Trinidad, Colorado Springs is considered one of the largest yet still affordable cities in Colorado. Other relatively affordable locations to consider include Pueblo, Grand Junction, Greely, Aurora, Loveland, Longmont, and Durango.
Things to Know Before Moving to Colorado
If you are ready to make the move to Colorado, there are some things you should know and prepare for beforehand. Below are a few tips to help make your transition easier.
If you aren’t used to extreme winter weather, including snow and hail, you should prepare yourself and your new home to withstand the harsh conditions. Denver averages 60 inches of snowfall per year, which is more than double the United States average of 28 inches per year. Such heavy snowfall can cause serious damage to your home, and your roof in particular, so it’s important to take precautions and stay on top of your roof maintenance. One of the most important things you can do is to get a professional roof inspection before the winter weather hits. Seasons can change quickly here, so plan ahead!
A few other things to know about Colorado:
- Despite the extreme weather, people get outside and stay active year-round. If you don’t already love winter sports, you might want to sign up for some ski lessons!
- Colorado has a strong job market and the unemployment rate is below the national average.
- Property tax rates are some of the lowest in the country, but many cities and counties have high sales taxes.
- The altitude is high and you may experience signs of altitude sickness after moving here. Take it easy at first and you’ll get used to it!
Best Places to Live in Colorado: Wrapping Up
No matter where you choose to live in Colorado, we’re confident that you will grow to love this incredible state as much as we do. There are so many gorgeous places to discover, so once you’re here, be sure to travel around and experience them all for yourself!
Once you’ve decided on a new city or town in Colorado to call home, you can turn your attention to finding a new house and making it your own. With Colorado’s winter weather, you’ll want to make sure your roof is in good shape and can keep your home and family safe.
Our experienced Denver roofers are here to help with any of your roofing, siding, window, or painting needs, so keep us in mind! When you’re ready, give us a call at (303) 377-2801 or request a free estimate online.
