Frisco. Dont you think it is one of thecheap places to live in Colorado? Boulder, Golden, and Morrison have amazing mountain views while still being close to the action of bigger cities like Denver. There are also, if that appeals to you, and you can visit the, Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the. Its. If youre looking for a posh mountain experience, look no further than Aspen, Colorado. If youre into off-roading, youll find some sick 44 roads to get rowdy on in Ouray. You can get a heavy dose of Wild West mining history when you visit what was once a lawless mining town. Median Home Price: $570,000. The town is located at the base of Pikes Peak, which is one of Colorados highest mountains at 14,115 feet. Crested Butte is also a top spot for leaf-peepers. 2. 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. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. While its costs are the same as the Colorado state average, it is clear that the city is far from average. Youll never regret starting a family here as youll live a more organic and sustainable life. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. There is plenty of snow and Victorian buildings in this elevated town. 11 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado to Visit in 2023 [by a local] Steamboat Springs. With so many options, it stands out among the small towns in Colorado. Ive spent the last 13 years traveling all across Colorado. Population: 8,280 Cost of Living Index: 20% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $182,000. 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 . Stop by the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum and then take the Route of the Silver Kings to learn some mining history. Whatever you want to do, youll find something in Pagosa Springs. , which is amazingly big given the small town that houses it. 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. There is a small airport in the neighboring town of Montrose for fly-in options. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. Breck, as the locals call it, has a deep Gold Rush history. Some of Colorado's Top Places to Retire | Retirement in CO 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. 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. This post may contain affiliate links. One of the best hikes in Telluride is Bridal Veil Falls, which starts right from the end of town. 7.) Adult lift tickets at Granby Ranch are less than one hundred bucks for a full day, with children 5 and under skiing free. Vail is a mecca for skiing, but youll find plenty of things to do in Vail in the summer as well. 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. 8 Iconic Mountain Towns in Colorado | Best to Live - Uncover Colorado 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 Continental Divide runs straight through Colorado, along the crests of the A single adult costs around $38,928 annually and the median home value is around $145,300. Yes,Paonia is known as Tree City USA because of the abundance of green space. It is the most affordable Colorado mountain town in Larimer County sitting at an elevation of 7,522 feet. 4. 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. 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. The town sits at an elevation of 6,320 feet. Do you want to know what life is like in Colorado mountain towns? 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. Coined the "Gateway to the San Juans," Ridgway is perhaps the only town on this list to appear in a film: It was the main filming location for the 1969 John Wayne western "True Grit . This town is sometimes called the Switzerland of America and if you ever go, youll know why. Estes Park is about a 90-minute drive from Denver. 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 town is nested southwest of Denver and is 15 minutes drive from Turquoise Lake in Lake County. BudgetTravelBuff.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It's tucked away in the San Juan Mountains, offering plenty of options for outdoor recreation. 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. You can buy a home that cost around $179,100, which is very less compared to the national median home value. Telluride is located about six hours from Denver in the Colorado mountains. Trust me, its a truly awesome experience! With so much to do, its easy to see why this is one of the best small towns in Colorado. For the thrill-seeking traveler, white water rafting may be just what you need this summer. On average, a single adult's expense is around $38,947 a year. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. 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. , Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. Fraser. 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. 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. Colorado Springs is widely known for being the home of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, award-winning restaurants, and amazing downtowns. Estes Park is a great basecamp for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. If youre into history, theres also the Trinidad History Museum that is packed with unique stories and features. Stand-Up paddleboarding is one of the most exciting ways to explore the Arkansas River. Visitors are easily charmed by the town's natural beauty. Set within White River National Forest, Vail sits at the base of Vail Mountain. The Riverwalk is among the most popular attractions. Its less than an hour drive from, ts historic architecture and a great artistic culture. The colorful meadows will not disappoint! Often referred to as high-country playground, the 265,769 acre-park is known for its awe-inspiring landscape. Large elk herds roam the town freely. The housing cost on average is $380,800, greater than the national median value. It is the bounty of fairy tale towns. As Field and Stream Magazine state the town of Meeker is one of Americas Best Wild Places. Population: 5,186. Though Idaho Springs has a lot of population, it is still anaffordable mountain town in Colorado. 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. And be sure to visit the Breckenridge troll at the end of the Trollstigen Trail before you leave town! 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. Heres were you can find the top attractions in Colorado: Planning a trip to Colorado? While the elk herds are most active during mating season, other activities and attractions are available year-round. Required fields are marked *. Thisll give you a deeper insight into the place. County: Logan. Overall, its a quiet town that is good for families and has anice, community feel, making it one of the top affordable mountain cities in Colorado. Ouray is a great summer destination. You can also enjoy some excellent cuisine here, including a Mexican restaurant, some Chinese and Vietnamese food, and a great pizzeria. 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. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Colorado For 2022 - HomeSnacks Do you want to explore the surrounding area? It was added to the. Photo Credit: Wild Frog Photography (Flickr). The cost of living is 15% below the Colorado average. Fairplay is a Statutory Town in South Park sitting at an elevation of 9,954 feet above sea level. Everyone dreams about living a quaint and rugged life in the Rocky Mountains, but many of the famous ski towns like. Heres a map of the state to get oriented. Also, it is the most wonderful green space in the USA. There is also a small airport for fly-in options. 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. 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. 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. 5. Discovering The Best 26 Reasons: What is Colorado Known for? 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? Brush. . 3. Top picks for spring blooms include Trail 401, Dyke Trail, Doctor Park, Lupine, and Teocalli Trail. You can also go for a hike from Monarch Lake Trailhead which takes you to the gorgeous Lone Eagle Peak. Here's a peek at what it looks like in the winter. Aspenis located about three and a half hours from Denver and is easily one of the most popular places in the Colorado mountains. Whatever you want to do, youll find something in Pagosa Springs. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. As a great jumping-off point for exciting adventures such as the Alpine Loop, San Juan Scenic Byway, and the Colorado Trail. 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. Not to mention property prices in Colorado mountain towns have skyrocketed. You can also enjoy the hot springs when you visit Ouray. A bit bigger than many of the towns on this list, if not quite the size of Fruita, Rifle still exudes plenty of bucolic splendor. But even after the powder melts, this little town settled by ranchers more than a century ago still provides plenty of diversions, from whitewater rafting to weekly rodeos. Ive been to Westcliffe six times in my lifetime. Population: 1,966 Cost of Living Index: 17% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $429,000. There is truly no place like Colorado in the summer, where countless outdoor adventures await. It is a destination for tourists. 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. The quaint main street is filled with restaurants and shops stop by The Alpineer for any gear needs and Chopwood Mercantile for fun clothes and outdoor lifestyle products. On the other hand, the health care cost is around $5,020 per year, higher than in other places in Colorado. At the base of Pikes Peak, west of Colorado Springs sits Manitou Springs, a funky artistic Victorian mountain town, and a hippie haven for families, retirees, and artists to reside. Location: Check on Google Maps. Framed by the San Juan Mountains, you can explore plenty of nearby hiking trails. 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. Despite its proximity to Denver, Federal Heights is still one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado. The housing cost on average is $380,800, greater than the national median value. Ices Lakes Pictured. Crestline, California. , 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. It is one of the most travel destinations in the state with a strong economy exclusively on coal mining and agriculture. From lively downtowns to stunning cabins nestled deep in the wilderness, theres a lot to get excited about when it comes to exploring these slices of mountain paradise. 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. It is a tourist spot so getting a job in the hospitality sector is not very difficult. . Population: 399 Cost of Living Index: 15% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $353,000. Also, if youre coming for two days to Colorado, include these places in your itinerary. The activities in Leadville include the scenic Leadville Southern Railroad, which offers a. and incredible alpine scenery that will not fail to impress. A single adult needs to spend $ 40,522 annually to afford a good standard of living. There was an error processing your request. Fancy designer boutiques and incredible dining options aside, Aspen is pretty darn beautiful too. Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. 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 San Juan Mountains surrounding Telluride are some of the most incredible peaks to explore in the state. Lamar is a small plains town about 3 hours east of Pueblo and southeast of Colorado Springs. Discover 10 Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado in 2023 - Strategistico Crested Butte has a true small-town feel, and youll find locals sitting on one of the many benches along Elk Avenue. With its semi-arid climate, Colorado Springs is a perfect place, Read More 8 Most Romantic Getaways in Colorado Springs in 2023Continue, Colorado is a perfect destination with a mixture of everything Mountains, Plains, Deserts, and Lakes. Lake City. Heres how you can explore the best of the Centennial State like a local, not a tourist. What makes Salida stand out is its higher-end town with plenty of ways to kick back and relax in the mountains. Hiking, biking, and river activities are just a few of the adventures on the menu. 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. Salida is a cozy mountain town located where the, , including rafting and some history tours, and if youre a fan of hot springs, youll be pleased to learn that its only about a, 10 minute drive to the relaxing Poncha Springs, Salida also has plenty of cultural significance.