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. It was winter and upon that it was my birthday. It is one of the most travel destinations in the state with a strong economy exclusively on coal mining and agriculture. Population: 2,484. To determine the cheapest mountain towns in Colorado that are also nice places to live, we considered several main factors that make a town worth relocating to, such as: Then, we gathered data from official sources like the US government and the FBI via sites like AreaVibes and Niche.com. The median home value is $198,990 and a third of the homes within city limits sell for less than $74,000. Also,asingle adult health care expense costs around $3,826 per year, compared to Colorado which cost $ 4,266 a year. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Telluride. In 1896, Colorado is well known as the mining capital. You dont have to spend your time in the great outdoors to appreciate Leadville, though. Steamboat 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. If you happen to see a herd, just remember to keep your distance. 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. 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. Also, if youre coming for two days to Colorado, include these places in your itinerary. If youre planning to come here for starting a new life, I would suggest reading the pros and cons of living in Colorado. These are the best small mountain towns with populations of about 10,000 or fewer that are filled with charm and scenic adventures you'll love. Breckenridge might be a small town, but theres no shortage of things to do. Its. 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. Georgetown Lake is another popular attraction, drawing visitors every season. In the winter, Ouray transforms into the epicenter of the ice climbing world. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If youre into history, theres also the Trinidad History Museum that is packed with unique stories and features. With so many things to do in Ouray year-round, youve got to visit this classic mountain town. Vail also offers plenty of summertime activities including golfing, hiking, festivals, farmers markets, and concerts in the square. , which is critical for such a small town. Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The Maroon Bells put this town on the map as one of the most scenic places in Colorado. Location: Check on Google Maps. If you'd like to get on top of the rock rather than within it, the park serves up world-famous climbing, too. There is also a small airport for fly-in options. At nearly 9,000 feet at the summit, the mountain offers 700 feet of vertical downhill. Do you want to explore the surrounding area? Photo Credit: benedek (iStock). 5 Family-Friendly (and Surprisingly Affordable) Colorado Resort Towns Breckenridge. Our choices for the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado also take into consideration the desirability of each town, so that you would actually want to live in these places. 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 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Colorado | HOMEiA 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. The giant troll, who goes by the name of Isak Heartstone, is truly a sight to see. Colorado Springs is widely known for being the home of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, award-winning restaurants, and amazing downtowns. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Temperatures have been known to drop as low as -31 degrees. 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. Just under a2 hour drive from Colorado Springs, Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. One of the sunnier spots in Colorado, the town is graced by three inns catering to weary and stressed guests with sublime hot springs: The Springs Resort & Spa, Healing Waters Resort, and Overlook Spa. As the name suggests, Pagosa Springs has some. You can also go for a hike from Monarch Lake Trailhead which takes you to the gorgeous Lone Eagle Peak. Another reason to visit the mountain town is the Animas River. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It sits in the northwest of Colorado. Often referred to as high-country playground, the 265,769 acre-park is known for its awe-inspiring landscape. It is a destination for tourists. , and although it mainly caters to tourists, its also quaint and homely. 7.) The other highlight of Glenwood Springs is that it is home to several Colorado hot springs. 10. In winter, you can ski at nearby Winter Park as well. , but you can also enjoy things like trail riding, Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park, a ski resort, and rafting experiences. 2. , Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. You can hit the trail on the best Vail hikes, backpack to Gore Lake, bike the ski hills, or take a scenic gondola ride. If you click through and make a booking, I get a small kickback. . Ogden, Utah. While it can get cold, its still popular winter destination thanks to its hundreds of skiable acres and affordable lodging. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. When it comes to uncovering the best mountain towns in Colorado, youll have to visit these top hits. Check out my interactive map for the best mountain towns in Colorado. Found in the southwest corner of the state in one of the most remote spots, the historic mining town of Silverton is one spot for an epic trip. Contact us at: hello (at) strategistico (dot) com. At only 2.5 hours from the Mile High City, its a great weekend trip from Denver. Its median home prices of $500,000 to $600,000 may also seem high, but those values are actually inline with the state average. There are a lot of awesome activities in Glenwood Springs to get stoked about. You can also enjoy the hot springs when you visit Ouray. The resort also has night skiing and other base-side activities. Youll find cowboys and cattle roaming in the streets! Aspen has plenty of outdoor recreation year-round. 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. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. The Orvis Hot Springs are close by, offering steamy pools situated in natural settings. As one of the best mountain towns in Colorado to live in, Salida is a happening place. The median home value here is just $189,600, less than the national home value of $204,900 on average. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. There are the bigger, established bases and the tiny one-street towns that force you to slow down and enjoy mountain life. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. in 1984, and birthed the Shavano Chapter of the Columbine Poets of Colorado. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Woodland Park. There is no way youll feel a harsh sun ray piercing through your skin. 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. 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado: A Guide - UpNest Related: 7 Reasons to Quit Your Job & Become A Ski Bum: Every year, people flock from all over the world to experience the best mountain towns in Colorado. Ouray is a great summer destination. Visiting Colorado mountain towns requires local insight to make your stay truly special. Manitou Springs. Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the community is tight-knit, which is critical for such a small town. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. They gather, drink coffee, read the paper, and interact with people who pass by. What makes Salida stand out is its higher-end town with plenty of ways to kick back and relax in the mountains. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. 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. A median home value is around $183,300, less than the national median home value of $204,900. In the Tenmile Range sits Breckenridge, one of the highest ski towns nearly at the elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level. While its an easy day trip from Denver, you could easily spend a long weekend exploring around Nederland. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Thisll give you a deeper insight into the place. A. Leadville is a warm, close-knit community to live in the Rocky Mountains for all outdoor enthusiasts and retirees. Ouray. What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center. Theres also the National Mining Hall of Fame Museum, which is amazingly big given the small town that houses it. I recommend going out on the terrace at night to stare at the stars. 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. Of the best mountain towns in Colorado that are famous for skiing, Steamboat Springs might be one of the destinations furthest from the beaten path. 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. 1. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The town also provides all of its residents stunning views, and offers a wonderful community spirit. 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. A breathtaking ride over Trail Ridge Road will bring you to Grand Lake and the west side of RMNP. Crested Butte is a remote town in Gunnison County where you can only breathe the fresh mountain air and no industrial population. 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. Manitou Springs air has the power to rejuvenate your mind and make you feel the best about yourself. For the thrill-seeking traveler, white water rafting may be just what you need this summer. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. Its my mission to pass on my wealth of knowledge to you. 21 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado (By a Local) Its cost of living index is 15% below the Colorado average. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. Its an old family town where all the residents know each other, feel connected, and help each other out. Colorado is home to many beautiful residing places, 8 Most Romantic Getaways in Colorado Springs, 10 Insanely Cheap Places To Travel In The USA, 10 Best Places to Live in Florida in 2023, 11 Most Dangerous Cities In California To Avoid, 10 Insanely Cheap Countries To Live In Europe, 11 Cheapest Places to Visit in Florida in 2023, 14 Best Chocolates in Switzerland for Die Hard Chocolate Lovers, 11 Cheapest Places to Visit in California in 2023, 11 Best Budget GoPro For Kids Action Camera Reviews (2023), 10 Best Nude Beaches in Florida (With Dos and Donts), In July attend the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, Take a tour strolling along the Victorian-era buildings, To enjoy the fall colors drive to Kebler Pass, Cottonwood Pass, and Ohio Pass, Im a big fan of South Park, if youre like me, I recommend going to South Park City Museum, Fairplay is the hotspot of the worlds best trout fishing and features many animated TV shows on Comedy Central, On the 4th of July, Paonia celebrates Paonia Cherry Day, Walk around creative places like Blue Sage Centre for Arts, and Paradise Theatre, Go to Western Culture Farmstead & Creamery, Take the free mineral springs walking tour, Hike to reach the Garden of the Gods. Dating back to the 1880s, these buildings now offer shopping, galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and plenty of watering holes. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Located along the Million Dollar Highway, Ouray is a must-visit Colorado mountain town in any season. You can also immerse yourself in history by taking a day trip just a couple of hours west toHovenweep National Monument. 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. Leadville is the highest town in North America sitting over 10,000 feet above sea level offering sheer Centennial State beauty than you can imagine. Lake Granby is a massive lake on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park where you can boat, fish, or just hang out by the water. Trust me, its a truly awesome experience! Error! From Gold Rush-era charmers to Wild West wonders, Colorado's smaller burgs offer a pleasing mix of history, recreation, and relaxation. Large elk herds roam the town freely. The West Elk Loop scenic byway and Kebler Pass are close by for a nice drive. The city is located in southern Colorado near the border of New Mexico and offers lots of fun things to do. I came here in winter and loved it. 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. The main attraction in the Colorado mountain town of Glenwood Springs is Hanging Lake. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. Population: 2,690 Cost of Living Index: 7% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $492,000. 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. What are the cutest towns in Colorado? - 2023 Crested Butte. 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. 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. 75% of the land is managed by the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the State. , with multiple cafes, ethnic food, and some fantastic eating experiences. Then, we scored all of the mountain communities in Colorado based on these categories to find the most affordable Colorado mountain towns. It is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventure seekers. If youre into off-roading, youll find some sick 44 roads to get rowdy on in Ouray. Thischeapest mountain town in Coloradois not only my favorite but everyones. 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. Cripple Creek is a quick two-and-a-half-hour ride from Denver. Whatever you want to do, youll find something in Pagosa Springs. With a preserved silver-mining district reaching 20 square miles and more than 70 square blocks of buildings dating back to the 1880s, it also offers plenty of historic fun. What was a mining town during the Victorian era has become today's charming town of Telluride. The cost of living is 15% below the Colorado average. People can access and enjoy beautiful scenery, hiking trails, alpine lakes, and other attractions.
most affordable mountain towns in colorado