most affordable mountain towns in colorado

Then, we scored all of the mountain communities in Colorado based on these categories to find the most affordable Colorado mountain towns. Also,asingle adult health care expense costs around $3,826 per year, compared to Colorado which cost $ 4,266 a year. One of the biggest draws of Aspen is Maroon Bells, and arguably the most photographed peaks in the state. Population: 1,700 Cost of Living Index: 12% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $429,000. The place is always booming with tourists. After all, this vibrant body of water has an amazing, 19-mile-long, paved, loop walkway that will take you all around the perimeter of the lake. 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. Estes is well known for its elk herds and their bugling calls in the fall during mating season. 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. Leadville will take your breath away, and not just because its the highest incorporated city in the US at an elevation of 10,152 feet. 2. The town is best known for having inspired the popular TV show South Park. 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. For the thrill-seeking traveler, white water rafting may be just what you need this summer. Among other things in Telluride are the Sheridan Opera House (a performing-arts venue) and the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. While its an easy day trip from Denver, you could easily spend a long weekend exploring around Nederland. 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. 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. Just under a2 hour drive from Colorado Springs, Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. The roads are full of eclectic merchants, boutiques stores, pubs, parks, pretty cafes, and modern moto motels. Estes Park is about a 90-minute drive from Denver. 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. However, the jobs are seasonal and low wages positions. Population: 8,280 Cost of Living Index: 20% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $182,000. You can hit the trail on the best Vail hikes, backpack to Gore Lake, bike the ski hills, or take a scenic gondola ride. These whimsically painted buildings, part of the National Historic Register, make a guided tour through the gorgeous downtown a must. The rivers and lakes are so blue that they make the sky appear washed out. Less than 100 miles from Denver, Fairplay offers agood nightlife and a nice variety of rural and suburban neighborhoods. A median home value is around $183,300, less than the national median home value of $204,900. Overall, its a quiet town that is good for families and has a. , making it one of the top affordable mountain cities in Colorado. To start the best up and coming Colorado towns, we have the small town of Fraser. Fancy designer boutiques and incredible dining options aside, Aspen is pretty darn beautiful too. On average, a single adult's expense is around $38,947 a year. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Georgetown is one of the most charming mountain towns in Colorado. For, Read More 2 Days in Colorado Springs Itinerary for the Perfect Weekend TripContinue, Your email address will not be published. 4. Crested Butte has a true small-town feel, and youll find locals sitting on one of the many benches along Elk Avenue. Its cost of living is also low, which makes it a great option if youre working on a budget, and its not far from the Ute Mountain Reserve and the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. that is packed with unique stories and features. 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. Massive, two of Colorado's highest peaks. You can enjoy pack trips, trails, and camping. In fact, the history of this old mining town is so closely tied to the railroad that you can learn all about it at the Railroad Museum before enjoying tons of interactive exhibits at the Powerhouse Science Center. , where you can camp, hike, and enjoy some stunning Colorado weather. The city is located in southern Colorado near the border of New Mexico and offers lots of fun things to do. Overall SnackAbility. Its. Just outside of Fort Morgan sits the small town of Brush, Colorado. 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. Even the famous visitors cant overshadow attractions like the Maroon Bells. The blog takes you through themost affordable mountain towns in Colorado,where you meet picture-perfect mountains, flower-filled fields, and happy life. The median home value here is just $189,600, less than the national home value of $204,900 on average. here, including a Mexican restaurant, some Chinese and Vietnamese food, and a great pizzeria. A. 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. Ive been to Westcliffe six times in my lifetime. People can access and enjoy beautiful scenery, hiking trails, alpine lakes, and other attractions. If youre into history, theres also the Trinidad History Museum that is packed with unique stories and features. What was a mining town during the Victorian era has become today's charming town of Telluride. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cheapest place to live near mountains in Colorado is Leadville. During the fall, it's a popular gateway for leaf peeping Colorado's yellow aspens. It is the bounty of fairy tale towns. Woodland Park. However, because of the towns location deep within the Rocky Mountains, visitors can also stop by the Curecanti National Recreation Area and see the Blue Mesa Reservoir. And for this reason, Steamboat Springs is a small town that really shines as a place for an extended stay. If theres one thing that makes the Rocky Mountain State so unique its an impressive lineup of the best mountain towns in Colorado. , Leadville is another of the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, and it has a lot going for it. In 1896, Colorado is well known as the mining capital. Its cost of living index is 15% below the Colorado average. There are also, if that appeals to you, and you can visit the, Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the. The best mountain towns near Denver include: There are a lot of incredible mountain towns in Colorado and nearly all of them are stunning. Meeker sits along the White River near the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and Routt National Forests. Most Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado, FAQ: Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado. Crested Butte is also a top spot for leaf-peepers. Of all the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, this might be one of the best for getting out into nature. Estes Park is a great basecamp for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. This makes visiting these sought-after landscapes relatively simple (with a little planning of course). Colorado hosts a variety of different flavors when it comes to mountain escapes. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt. Its an old family town where all the residents know each other, feel connected, and help each other out. Ouray is a great summer destination. The skiing is world-class, but theres so much more to Telluride. Also, I want you to know the pros and cons of living in Colorado before coming here. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most-well-preserved archaeological sites in the U . Also, Colorado is home to many beautiful residing places. 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. Looking for off-the-wall? I recommend going out on the terrace at night to stare at the stars. This mountain town also is home to tons of excellent mountain biking trails. Youll find plenty to enjoy within this towns borders. At 6,522 feet the winters are more mild (but still plentiful Rocky Mountain snow) and summers warmer than higher elevation towns. Trust me, its a truly awesome experience! As a great jumping-off point for exciting adventures such as the Alpine Loop, San Juan Scenic Byway, and the Colorado Trail. Some of the most affordable retirement mountain towns include: Asheville, North Carolina . We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. You can also follow in the footsteps of the miners and try to strike it rich during your trip. The town is located at the base of Guanella Pass, an iconic scenic drive. Ive spent the last 13 years traveling all across Colorado. The funkily named Fruita is home to Dinosaur Hill and The Trail Through Time at Rabbit Valley, both of which feature fossils of the long-gone critters, as well as the Museum of Western Colorado: Dinosaur Journey, where visitors can check out skeletons, robotic dinosaurs, and scientists preparing bones for display in a real laboratory. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It is a destination for tourists. What isnt to love about being able to ride side by sides and snowmobiles down Mainstreet? Dating back to the 1880s, these buildings now offer shopping, galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and plenty of watering holes. Idaho Falls, Idaho. Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, which contains an even higher density of artifacts, and the Anasazi Heritage Center, a museum dedicated to the lives of the people who lived in the area 1,400 years ago, are nearly within walking distance of the town. 1. Between the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains sit Westcliffe, one of thebest small towns in Colorado to live in. The Blue River runs through downtown Breckenridge and travels all the way to Silverthorne before meeting up with the Colorado River near Kremmling. Theres also the National Mining Hall of Fame Museum, which is amazingly big given the small town that houses it. 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. .css-2x3ibz{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Kepler,Helvetica,Arial,Serif;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:normal;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-2x3ibz:hover{color:link-hover;}}The Best Spring Getaway in Every State, Road Trip Books to Inspire You to Hit the Highway, A Nostalgic Look Back at Summer Through the Years, 15 Campsites in the U.S. Worth the Road Trip, Big Easy Livin' Beckons in Covington, Louisiana, The Most Beautiful Castles to Visit in America, These Beach Boardwalks Evoke Summertime Nostalgia. The place has some unbeatable formula to bring peace. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Its location is very convenient. Manitou Springs air has the power to rejuvenate your mind and make you feel the best about yourself. Leadville is not only thebest cheap mountain town in Coloradobut a famous historic town with a lot of buildings highlighting its Wild West Roots. Cripple Creek once used to be bustling with gold seekers and now is like a mini Vegas in Colorado. Photo Credit: Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette. 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. It sits 10,000 feet above sea level. It sits along Clear Creek Canyon commonly famous for radium hot springs for its therapeutic properties. You can also go for a hike from Monarch Lake Trailhead which takes you to the gorgeous Lone Eagle Peak. Heres how you can explore the best of the Centennial State like a local, not a tourist. The town is located at the base of Pikes Peak, which is one of Colorados highest mountains at 14,115 feet. Elbert and Mt. 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. 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. In the North Fork Valley, youll see a lot of people growing grapes, pears, cherries, apricots, peaches, and more. Often referred to as high-country playground, the 265,769 acre-park is known for its awe-inspiring landscape. This town has a population of 14,000 residents over two square miles, making it a dense urban area. With so many different activities and scenes, its easy to find the best Colorado summer towns to suit your adventure needs. What gives Fort Collins the edge in 2023 is its relatively affordable cost of living. Fraser is located within the Rocky Mountains, in Middle Park, and is a part of Grand County. Alamosa. You can also enjoy some excellent cuisine here, including a Mexican restaurant, some Chinese and Vietnamese food, and a great pizzeria. It does not store any personal data. The trail through aspen groves from Caves to Lookout Point is an especially incredible fall hike in Colorado. If youre interested in history, youll also enjoy the range of museums that the town has to offer. It is small, but not tiny, and offers an excellent climate. Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. , 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 housing cost on average is $380,800, greater than the national median value. Granby is the place to go if you want to splash around on the water in one of the best mountain towns near Denver. I was lucky to spend the last 10 months in themost affordable mountain town in Colorado, Crested Butte which is also calledColorados Last Great Ski Town. Everyone dreams about living a quaint and rugged life in the Rocky Mountains, but many of the famous ski towns like. For the mountain town experience super close to the city, make the just over half an hour drive from Denver to Idaho Springs. 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. As one of the most well-known mountain towns in the state, Vail is the perfect summer escape. Location: Check on Google Maps. Stop by the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum and then take the Route of the Silver Kings to learn some mining history. Shoppers will want to peruse Ned's fantastic independent emporiums, kids will love the restored carousel from 1910, and music fans won't want to miss The Caribou Room, where national acts like the Rebirth Brass Band play. It's tucked away in the San Juan Mountains, offering plenty of options for outdoor recreation. You have permission to edit this collection. Telluride is a picture-perfect mountain town in southwestern Colorado with a jaw-dropping backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. Breck, as the locals call it, has a deep Gold Rush history. The Wild West is alive and kicking in the hills of Steamboat Springs. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. There is a small airport, so flying into Telluride is also an option. Here's a peek at what it looks like in the winter. And, I believe, the most scenic towns in Colorado - tucked in mountains are affordable too. Elbert, Attend Leadvilles signature events like Leadville Boom Day, You can take the Historic train rides at the historic Buttle Theatre, Go for antique artifacts like Jail Museum and the Heritage Centre, Hike the Rainbow trail through Sangres to witness gorgeous views of the State, I recommend going to Venable Comanche Trail too, Enjoy the adrenaline rush with Liquid Descent Whitewater Rafting. Paoniaisa veryaffordable Colorado mountain town,as a single adult expenses here, are around $39,303 annually about the same as the annual cost of living for Colorado of $40,026.

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