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Every day life seems so easy breezy! Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 11 must-visit mountain towns for this summer in Colorado. The roads are full of eclectic merchants, boutiques stores, pubs, parks, pretty cafes, and modern moto motels. On the other hand, the health care cost is around $5,020 per year, higher than in other places in Colorado. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The variety of outdoor activities put this mountain town at the top of the list of best weekend getaways in Colorado. Ices Lakes Pictured. Alternatively, if you love a good black diamond run then youll adore the challenging terrain at Arapahoe Basin before trying some cross-country skiing or snow tubing. Most jobs are in the hospitality sector. Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. 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. 1. Oftentimes, even the biggest adventures require you to set up a base in a quaint mountain town. Breckenridge is about a 90-minute drive from Denver and sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains Tenmile Range. As the name suggests, Pagosa Springs has some. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The Breckenridge Historic District (mostly along Main Street) is filled with Victorian-style buildings. At nearly 9,000 feet at the summit, the mountain offers 700 feet of vertical downhill. Ive been to Westcliffe six times in my lifetime. 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. When it comes to uncovering the best mountain towns in Colorado, youll have to visit these top hits. At only 2.5 hours from the Mile High City, its a great weekend trip from Denver. 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. 3. So if youre looking to explore the best mountain towns in Colorado like a local, not a tourist, then youve come to the right place. It is themost affordable mountain town in Coloradoto taste history and sweet treats. The trail through aspen groves from Caves to Lookout Point is an especially incredible fall hike in Colorado. 1. 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. Overall, its a quiet town that is good for families and has a. , making it one of the top affordable mountain cities in Colorado. Another reason to visit the mountain town is the Animas River. Known for its awesome cliffs and rugged canyons, Gunnison is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado if you want to get away from the crowds and experience the awesome beauty of nature at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Adult lift tickets at Granby Ranch are less than one hundred bucks for a full day, with children 5 and under skiing free. While a median rent of $1,484 does seem super low, the median price tag of a home is only $364,100, John has some of the most affordable homes for sale in colorado. 5. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Telluride, where "mountain living" is perfected, is an iconic mountain town that draws in thousands of adventure seekers and mountain lovers from around the world, every year. Caon City. Salida is a cozy mountain town located where the Arkansas River runs from the valley into Bighorn Sheep Canyon. The best mountain towns near Denver include: There are a lot of incredible mountain towns in Colorado and nearly all of them are stunning. Estes Park is about a 90-minute drive from Denver. For a truly unforgettable summer, here are a few must-visit mountain towns scattered all over the colorful state. Any local will tell you there's no better spot for tubing in the summer than the Yampa River. This mountain town also is home to tons of excellent mountain biking trails. Related: 7 Reasons to Quit Your Job & Become A Ski Bum: Population: 14,777. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. Population: 2,614 Cost of Living Index: 11% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $350,000. Large elk herds roam the town freely. And because the city's median income is $115,069, Portland has the fourth best home price to income ratio in colorado. Visitors are easily charmed by the town's natural beauty. Trust me, its a truly awesome experience! Take the turn at Glenwood Springs and you will arrive shortly. 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. What city in Colorado has the lowest cost of living? Leadville is not only thebest cheap mountain town in Coloradobut a famous historic town with a lot of buildings highlighting its Wild West Roots. have gotten way too expensive in the last few years. 4. 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. From Gold Rush-era charmers to Wild West wonders, Colorado's smaller burgs offer a pleasing mix of history, recreation, and relaxation. There's an artist community here, which means good galleries, and tubing in the summer on the North St. Vrain Creek that winds through town. And, I believe, the most scenic towns in Colorado - tucked in mountains are affordable too. 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. Boulder, Golden, and Morrison have amazing mountain views while still being close to the action of bigger cities like Denver. A breathtaking ride over Trail Ridge Road will bring you to Grand Lake and the west side of RMNP. Believe it or not, Keystone is a favorite Colorado mountain town among locals since it is home to epic skiing (for all types of skiers) and wicked awesome summer activities. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. With so many different activities and scenes, its easy to find the best Colorado summer towns to suit your adventure needs. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the San Juan Mountain range, the town is cradled within a box canyon, all of which provide the stunning scenery that . You can watch wild donkeys too here! You can also discover some Colorado history at Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division used to train. 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. , where you can camp, hike, and enjoy some stunning Colorado weather. It certainly makes the list of the best mountain towns in Colorado thanks to its incredible charm nestled in a stunning setting. Less than 100 miles from Denver, Fairplay offers agood nightlife and a nice variety of rural and suburban neighborhoods. You can opt to make a reservation for a personal vehicle ($10) or take the bus ($16) if youre visiting between 8 am and 5 pm. Note: Estes Park is also the safest place in Colorado. It is indeed thecheapest mountain town to live in Colorado. Of all the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, this might be one of the best for getting out into nature. is, Pagosa Springs may be the place for you. Therefore, during your visit, you can escape the chaos of the city and get back to the tranquility of nature with a visit to Lake Dillon. In addition, there is a great range of restaurants and dining options, with multiple cafes, ethnic food, and some fantastic eating experiences. Photo Credit: welcomia (iStock). Luckily to reside here you do not have to spend much because it is one of theinexpensive mountain towns in Colorado. One of the cheapest places to live in Colorado, based on median home price, is Trinidad. Ogden, Utah. Most Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado, FAQ: Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. , 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. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. It is voted #1 Most Affordable Town in Colorado as well as one of the Safest Cities in the state. It is a tourist spot so getting a job in the hospitality sector is not very difficult. If you want, you can even do a bit of mountain biking at Keystone Bike Park before hitting the trails and doing a bit of moose watching since the area is full of them. Telluride. Though Idaho Springs has a lot of population, it is still anaffordable mountain town in Colorado. 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. 3. Its location makes it a prime spot for outdoor recreation, including skiing, whitewater rafting, and ice climbing. Thornton. It was winter and upon that it was my birthday. Temperatures have been known to drop as low as -31 degrees. Brave the crowds and check out some of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, including Emerald Lake, Sky Pond, and, if youre more experienced and looking for an epic challenge, Longs Peak. There is plenty of snow and Victorian buildings in this elevated town. Crested Butte is about a four-hour drive from Denver and one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. Glenwood Hot Springs is family-friendly, while Iron Mountain, right on the Colorado River, has a good vibe and a more relaxing ambiance. The skiing is world-class, but theres so much more to Telluride. 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? Therefore, we examined all of the charming mountain towns across the state to uncover the best hidden gems that are still relatively affordable and have homes available that cost less than the state average. Woodland Park. Nearest mega resorts: None. The colorful meadows will not disappoint! I was here from October to August, working, living, and enjoying my life. These popular destinations feature amazing mountain scenery and are absolutely bursting with local businesses. The view of rolling hills and mountains is unimaginably gorgeous. Idaho Springs is not only acheap place to live in Colorado Mountainsbut a great place to stop to reach the famous Colorado ski resorts. A. Leadville is a warm, close-knit community to live in the Rocky Mountains for all outdoor enthusiasts and retirees. Nicknamed "the Switzerland of America, you'll find this old mining town nestled in a beautiful box canyon. Cripple Creek is a quick two-and-a-half-hour ride from Denver. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Estes Park has stored some astonishing views, fresh Rocky Mountain air, charming downtowns, and stunning views. If you like national historic sites, you will also fall in love with this town. Cripple Creek once used to be bustling with gold seekers and now is like a mini Vegas 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. Check out my interactive map for the best mountain towns in Colorado. 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. These imposing 14,000-foot peaks are the most photographed in North America and are absolutely breathtaking. With unbelievable views of the Sawatch Range and easy access to the Arkansas River, youll be spoiled for activities. In winter you should explore the ice caves in Colorado, the place feels no less than a Frozen Hollywood movie set. You can also go dog sledding through the Colorado mountains or spend your days fly fishing or golfing. 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. Set within White River National Forest, Vail sits at the base of Vail Mountain. The Continental Divide runs straight through Colorado, along the crests of the The gateway to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley, this hidden gem, just 35 minutes north of Salt Lake City, sits at 4,280 feet and is adjacent to 170,000 acres of national forest. La Junta (Population: 7,568) This eastern Colorado town is home to Otero Junior College and average annual mortgage payments of only $4,447! Hessie Trailhead is the start to a lot of the excellent hikes near Denver in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. 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. Population: 1,700 Cost of Living Index: 12% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $429,000. This post contains affiliate links. A single adult costs around $38,928 annually and the median home value is around $145,300. Fraser is located within the Rocky Mountains, in Middle Park, and is a part of Grand County. Ouray is about a five-and-a-half-hour ride from Denver. The town embraces a fun atmosphere with an annual fruitcake toss, pie baking contests, ghost tours, ice cream events, and a lot more. 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. In the north-western part of the Rocky Mountains near West Elks American Viticulture Area in Delta County sits thisbeautiful mountain townof Paonia. And be sure to visit the Breckenridge troll at the end of the Trollstigen Trail before you leave town! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Not to mention property prices in Colorado mountain towns have skyrocketed. It is one of the major attractions of the town! that is packed with unique stories and features. And for a unique adventure, dont miss the Telluride Via Ferrata, where you can traverse along rock faces using iron rungs and cables. Do you know the peony flower? You can enjoy. 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. Hiking, biking, and river activities are just a few of the adventures on the menu. Stop by the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum and then take the Route of the Silver Kings to learn some mining history. Also, Ive good news for young adults. There is also a small airport for fly-in options. In the Tenmile Range sits Breckenridge, one of the highest ski towns nearly at the elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt. Population: 5,217. Steamboat Springs, Colorado. 7. 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. I recommend going to Chicken Creek trail to enjoy the mountain air and some peace. On Main Street, picturesque storefronts from the 1890s house shops, inns, and restaurants, and for history buffs there are two fine institutions: the Creede Historical Museum and the Underground Mining Museum. As Field and Stream Magazine state the town of Meeker is one of Americas Best Wild Places. What isnt to love about being able to ride side by sides and snowmobiles down Mainstreet? Most jobs are in the hospitality sector. Longmont. 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. Telluride . Lake City. Courtesy of Colorado Tourism/Dolores Chamber of Commerce, Museum of Western Colorado: Dinosaur Journey, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Everyone dreams about living a quaint and rugged life in the Rocky Mountains, but many of the famous ski towns like. A dozen of Colorado's "14ers" (mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet) encircle the town, and the Arkansas River runs right through it, providing kayaking, rafting, and tubing enthusiasts a good time all summer long. I recommend going out on the terrace at night to stare at the stars. You dont have to spend your time in the great outdoors to appreciate Leadville, though. In 2021, the town was home to about 8,100 local residents. Summertime is also when Vail hosts some of its signature events, including Vail America Days, Kids Adventure Games, and the Vail Craft Beer and Rocky Mountain Burger Battle. The waterway is saluted during the FibArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas) festival and there's a hot springs pool in town, too. The place has some unbeatable formula to bring peace. It is themost affordable Colorado mountain townin Larimer County sitting at an elevation of 7,522 feet. 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. The Rocky Mountain State has a lot to offer the residents and tourists longing for the standard of living, quality schools, hospitality, pastoral landscape, and simple life. What is the most affordable area of Colorado? Trinidad is a wonderful place for those who enjoy the great outdoors, and with its highly attractive cost of living and low home prices, it is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. The total cost of a single adult annually is around $37,516 which is less than the annual cost of living for Colorado of $40,026. 1. Its an old family town where all the residents know each other, feel connected, and help each other out. With so much to do, its easy to see why this is one of the best small towns in Colorado. Western vibes still thrive in the small town backdropped by the La Plata Mountains. For, Read More 2 Days in Colorado Springs Itinerary for the Perfect Weekend TripContinue, Your email address will not be published. Crested Butte. As one of the most well-known mountain towns in the state, Vail is the perfect summer escape. If you click through and make a booking, I get a small kickback. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. Boone, North Carolina. There's wilder adventure afoot, too, with 100 miles of groomed winter trails in the area for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and more; in the summer The Arkansas River serves up stellar fishing. 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. This gives me a paycheck while you get badass, free recommendations for the best Colorado mountain towns. , including a wildlife refuge, Splashland, a recreation center, a brewery, a climbing wall, and much more. 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. 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. Some of the most incredible mountain towns in Colorado happen to be located right near Denver. What makes Salida stand out is its higher-end town with plenty of ways to kick back and relax in the mountains. . You can hit the trail on the best Vail hikes, backpack to Gore Lake, bike the ski hills, or take a scenic gondola ride. Adventure awaits aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Youll never regret starting a family here as youll live a more organic and sustainable life. Every year, people flock from all over the world to experience the best mountain towns in Colorado. The place is always booming with tourists. Georgetown is a former mining town at the base of Guanella Pass. The Best Small Towns in Colorado.
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