When it comes to uncovering the best mountain towns in Colorado, youll have to visit these top hits. Of all the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, this might be one of the best for getting out into nature. This is small-town living at its finest. Some of the most affordable retirement mountain towns include: Asheville, North Carolina . Vail is about a two-hour drive from Denver. Located along the famous Million Dollar Highway (one of the most beautiful drives in Colorado) this small mining town holds on to its immense charm making it one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. Quirky Lyons, just 20 miles away from Rocky Mountain National Park, offers laid-back coffee houses, cool bars, and a smattering of excellent restaurants where live music is often on the menu. Crested Butte is about a four-hour drive from Denver and one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. 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. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt. This gorgeous town is a must-see. There is a small airport, so flying into Telluride is also an option. 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. This mountain town just north of Boulder is home to Eldora Mountain and Eldora Nordic Center, so you can get your skiing fix. Ensconced smack dab among some of the richest archeological sites in the country, Dolores is a must-stop for anyone curious about this country's original people. With a population nearing 15,000, Sterling is the most populous city east of Pueblo. that is packed with unique stories and features. Between the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains sit Westcliffe, one of thebest small towns in Colorado to live in. For a truly unforgettable summer, here are a few must-visit mountain towns scattered all over the colorful state. The place has some unbeatable formula to bring peace. 6.) What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center. On average, a single adults expense is around $38,947 a year. All these, Read More 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado: Cities with Lowest Cost of LivingContinue, Looking for a weekend getaway in Colorado Springs? It runs through the heart of the downtown area and is full of sights and sounds. One of the biggest draws of Aspen is Maroon Bells, and arguably the most photographed peaks in the state. The resort also has night skiing and other base-side activities. Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. Like Salida, Ridgway is all about the arts, with galleries and studios, plus an historic theater and plenty of cool events like full moon art excursions. Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado Our Research Methodology, The Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado for 2023, Affordable Mountain Towns 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, 12 Cheapest (and Safest) Cities to Live in Florida in 2023, 8 Fastest Growing Small Towns in Texas in 2023 Charming & Desirable, What is a Good Salary in Florida in 2023? In the Tenmile Range sits Breckenridge, one of the highest ski towns nearly at the elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level. 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. 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. There are also breweries to check out, and all in all, this is a very affordable place to live. It is a place that is known for the iconic, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, which features an old steam train from the 19th century that can take you on a scenic trip from Durango to Silverton. I came here in winter and loved it. What was a mining town during the Victorian era has become today's charming town of Telluride. Climbers with ice tools and crampons flock to the Ouray Ice Park for some frozen fun, and the pros join in at the annual Ice Climbing Festival. 3. Also, Ive good news for young adults. One of the most beautiful towns in Colorado is Crested Butte, which sets itself apart from other summer destinations with its spectacular wildflower season. So, be sure to do some world-class skiing at Steamboat Ski Resort or the Howelsen Ski Area before coming back later in the year to do an amazing hike to Fish Creek Falls. Everyone dreams about living a quaint and rugged life in the Rocky Mountains, but many of the famous ski towns like Aspen, Vail, Telluride, and Breckenridge have gotten way too expensive in the last few years. . 12 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado [2023 Local Guide] This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. It's tucked away in the San Juan Mountains, offering plenty of options for outdoor recreation. If you want to stay in a more peaceful area you can choose a neighborhood like Fall River Estates. 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. In Colorado, you will love its verdant valleys, its murmuring rivers, its magnificent mountains and sequestered bales, and verdant-lined lakes and bays. However, the cost of living recorded here is 108.3 (USA average of 100) which is a little higher compared to the state average, but still affordable. You can get a heavy dose of Wild West mining history when you visit what was once a lawless mining town. So, which one is calling you? The Orvis Hot Springs are close by, offering steamy pools situated in natural settings. 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. Crested Butte. Telluride is a picture-perfect mountain town in southwestern Colorado with a jaw-dropping backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. Tibetan centers, a Hindu temple, a Zen center (pictured), and a Carmelite monastery are all located within the community, along with art galleries and some of the finest massage therapists in the state. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Cripple Creek once used to be bustling with gold seekers and now is like a mini Vegas in Colorado. Colorado's Rocky Mountains are filled . What mountain towns are near Colorado Springs? - 2023 Mancos features a small-town feel where almost all of the residents know each other. The Rocky Mountains traverse the states core. Its location makes it a prime spot for outdoor recreation, including skiing, whitewater rafting, and ice climbing. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. A. Elbert and Mt. This area is also home to some of the most beautiful wildflower hikes in Colorado like the hike to Island Lake. Every year, people flock from all over the world to experience the best mountain towns in Colorado. Telluride, Colorado. From the breathless views and unique culture to quite affordable places to reside, Ill take you around the bestaffordable mountain towns in Coloradothat wont cause heaviness in your pocket. Donkey Derby Days are the most beloved events Cripple Creek has to offer. Westminster. Population: 5,217. You can buy a home that cost around $179,100, which is very less compared to the national median home value. While its an easy day trip from Denver, you could easily spend a long weekend exploring around Nederland. 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. . 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. Im sure youll have some great memories here! 22 Best Places to Live in Colorado - Updated with 2023 Data - Strategistico Population: 1,700 Cost of Living Index: 12% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $429,000. The 7 Cheapest Yet Great Places For Living In Colorado - OnlyInYourState Meeker has a huge market for fishing and hunting. 11 Most Affordable Mountain Towns In Colorado Hit the trails for one of the amazing hikes in Breckenridge, such as Mayflower Gulch for one of the most spectacular Colorado wildflower hikes or Mount Quandary to summit a 14er. Population: 9,671 Cost of Living Index: 19% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $236,000. Woodland Park. Heres how you can explore the best of the Centennial State like a local, not a tourist. Youll fall in love with thissmall mountain town in Coloradowhich sits at an elevation of 7,867 feet. Youll surely love this mellow vibe and beautiful life here. Most jobs are in the hospitality sector. 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. Colorful characters have long inhabited the areafamed frontiersman Kit Carson hunted there, as did the Arapaho and Cheyenne people. From Denver, it only takes around ninety-minutes to reach Fraser, which makes regular commutes to and from Denver very easy. And, I believe, the most scenic towns in Colorado - tucked in mountains are affordable too. Instead of mining for gold, though, youll search for jackpots at one of the small towns nine casinos. Adult lift tickets at Granby Ranch are less than one hundred bucks for a full day, with children 5 and under skiing free. A. Leadville is a warm, close-knit community to live in the Rocky Mountains for all outdoor enthusiasts and retirees. You have permission to edit this collection. I was here from October to August, working, living, and enjoying my life. Crested Butte has a true small-town feel, and youll find locals sitting on one of the many benches along Elk Avenue. Leadville is about a two-hour ride from Denver. Afterward, enjoy a day trip to Mesa Verde National Park before exploring the San Juan National Forest and checking out the Animas River Trail too. Trinidad. Cripple Creek is a quick two-and-a-half-hour ride from Denver. Its also only 50 minutes from Mount Elbert, which makes it an ideal spot for anyone who wants to spend time out and about in nature. The southeast, Read More 11 Warmest Places In Colorado For Your Next VacationContinue, Colorado can be a great place if you are looking to move to a state where you can enjoy amazing weather, plenty of outdoor activities, sports, food, and cultural activities. You can spot Pikes Peak in distance. Additionally, the crime rates in Mancos are very low, which makes it an attractive place for anyone, especially families looking for a cheap mountain town in Colorado. What city in Colorado has the lowest cost of living? Changing aspens can be explored along Kebler Pass, the scenic road connects the mountain towns of Crested Butte and Paonia. You can also take one of Colorados best scenic drives to the top of Mount Evans, one of the easiest 14ers to summit. Contents1 Where is the [] Incredible mountain views can be seen from the town, which features a number of cobbled streets in a newly developed area and a colorful collection of summer vacation stays and year-round homes. The air in Paonia smells all fruity! 21 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado (By a Local) Breckenridge might be a small town, but theres no shortage of things to do. The city sits "above the Clouds" at 8,465 in elevation and offers a backside view of Pikes Peak. Youll find plenty to enjoy within this towns borders. Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is definitely one of the best mountain towns near Denver. Its less than an hour drive from Pikes Peak and just four minutes from Rainbow Falls. What is the best small town to live in Colorado? Its my mission to pass on my wealth of knowledge to you. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Vail also offers plenty of summertime activities including golfing, hiking, festivals, farmers markets, and concerts in the square. Ideal for families, the town is also home to several good schools, local parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities. I thought he is planning to take me toChristmas towns in Florida. 5. Meanwhile, Wolf Creek Ski area, just a few minutes away, snags the most snow in the state, more than 450 inches a year. The skiing is world-class, but theres so much more to Telluride. Massive, two of Colorado's highest peaks. What makes Salida stand out is its higher-end town with plenty of ways to kick back and relax in the mountains. Check out my interactive map for the best mountain towns in Colorado. It sits just on the east of the Middle Fork South Platte River, northward to Alma and Hoosier Pass, and close to Breckenridge for skiing. She'd rather be dirty than done up. 11 Warmest Places In Colorado For Your Next Vacation, 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado: Cities with Lowest Cost of Living, 2 Days in Colorado Springs Itinerary for the Perfect Weekend Trip. . Hesperus Ski Area is one of the most affordable ski resorts 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. Up and Coming Colorado Towns | Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado It is the most affordable Colorado mountain town in Larimer County sitting at an elevation of 7,522 feet. Photo Credit: Daniel Case (Wikimedia Commons). Often referred to as "high-country playground," the 265,769 acre-park is known for its awe-inspiring landscape. Adventure awaits aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Fairplay is a Statutory Town in South Park sitting at an elevation of 9,954 feet above sea level. 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 . From Gold Rush-era charmers to Wild West wonders, Colorado's smaller burgs offer a pleasing mix of history, recreation, and relaxation. Florida is my hometown, so what can be a, Read More Winter Wonderland: Top 4 Ice Caves in Colorado to ExploreContinue, Looking for some of the best romantic getaways in Colorado Springs? If you can picture an image of a bright sun shining, watching the legendary peaks, spotting colorful wildflowers, and residing in the quintessential small town it has to be in one of those mountain towns in Colorado. Snowboarding and skiing are always in high demand, but dont be surprised if you see families fly by on dog sleds. Nowadays, visitors peruse the farm markets, take in a cattle auction, or keep an eye out for dinosaur tracks and ancient Native American petroglyphs and pictographs in the magnificent Comanche National Grassland. things to do in Ouray year-round, youve g, best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The Complete Guide to Visiting Colorado Like a Local, A list of amazing mountain towns in Colorado, Local tips and tricks about what to see, where to eat, and where to stay in each location, Additional Colorado travel planning resources, Frisco, Breckenridge, and Dillion (all one area), The Broadmoor Seven Falls near Colorado Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park near Canon City. Framed by the San Juan Mountains, you can explore plenty of nearby hiking trails. The town embraces a fun atmosphere with an annual fruitcake toss, pie baking contests, ghost tours, ice cream events, and a lot more. are very low, which makes it an attractive place for anyone, especially families looking for a cheap mountain town in Colorado. The town is located at the base of Guanella Pass, an iconic scenic drive. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". It is a destination for tourists. There are also, if that appeals to you, and you can visit the, Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the. The hike to this incredible lake has become so popular that permits are now required, but its totally worth the hassle to see Hanging Lake at least once. Ive spent the last 13 years traveling all across Colorado. There are literally countless amazing small towns nestled in the mighty mountain ranges throughout the state. A lesser known, eastern Colorado city, Brush is only an hour and a half from Denver and just over an hour to Denver International Airport. As one of the best mountain towns in Colorado to live in, Salida is a happening place. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The town embraces a fun atmosphere with an annual fruitcake toss, pie baking contests, ghost tours, ice cream events, and a lot more. 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. Boulder, Golden, and Morrison have amazing mountain views while still being close to the action of bigger cities like Denver. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Crested Butte is a remote town in Gunnison County where you can only breathe the fresh mountain air and no industrial population. 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford - Livability We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. People can access and enjoy beautiful scenery, hiking trails, alpine lakes, and other attractions. 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. Estes Park has stored some astonishing views, fresh Rocky Mountain air, charming downtowns, and stunning views. Afterward, you can do a bit of fly fishing in the Yampa River before visiting local cultural institutions like the Tread of Pioneers Museum, the Steamboat Art Museum, and the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra. I hope in many movies youve seen the famous Silver Dollar Saloon, it is one of the oldest operating saloons. Located in North Colorados Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado if you want to relax, ski, or enjoy the great outdoors all summer long. If you like national historic sites, you will also fall in love with this town. Breakdown by City & Salary Levels, 9 Best Places to Live in South Carolina Near the Beach 2023 Edition, Discover 10 Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado in 2023. 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. What isnt to love about being able to ride side by sides and snowmobiles down Mainstreet? Its an old family town where all the residents know each other, feel connected, and help each other out. If youre into history, theres also the Trinidad History Museum that is packed with unique stories and features. 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. The city is located in southern Colorado near the border of New Mexico and offers lots of fun things to do. The streets of Mancos, the oldest building like Columbine Bar, quaint shops, and vibrant murals on the stalls make the town very inspirational and artistic. In terms of living costs, its 4 percent lower than the national average, with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. People come here to explore world-class hiking trails and ride motorized recreation trails with the best mountain bikes, camps, snowmobiles, and more. 5.) Head southwest to Durango for unforgettable treks found within the San Juan National Forest. The main attraction in the Colorado mountain town of Glenwood Springs is Hanging Lake. Do you want to know what life is like in Colorado mountain towns? 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.
