most affordable mountain towns in colorado

Southwest Colorado's biggest city, Durango, is an absolute beautiful place to retire. Most of the stunning scenery in Colorado is located close to a mountain town. 15 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado. Please see our disclaimers to learn more about our site. Stand-Up paddleboarding is one of the most exciting ways to explore the Arkansas River. 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. What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. 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. , with multiple cafes, ethnic food, and some fantastic eating experiences. 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? This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most-well-preserved archaeological sites in the U . Just under a2 hour drive from Colorado Springs, Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. At only 2.5 hours from the Mile High City, its a great weekend trip from Denver. Located right near Breckenridge, Frisco is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado which sits about an hour and a half away from Denver. The median home value here is just $189,600, less than the national home value of $204,900 on average. 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. The trail through aspen groves from Caves to Lookout Point is an especially incredible fall hike in Colorado. Often referred to as high-country playground, the 265,769 acre-park is known for its awe-inspiring landscape. Location: Check on Google Maps. The roads are full of eclectic merchants, boutiques stores, pubs, parks, pretty cafes, and modern moto motels. Population: 5,217. Required fields are marked *. However, the jobs are seasonal and low wages positions. Hiking, biking, and river activities are just a few of the adventures on the menu. The activities in Leadville include the scenic Leadville Southern Railroad, which offers a. and incredible alpine scenery that will not fail to impress. Its. Also, I want you to know the pros and cons of living in Colorado before coming here. Caon City. Population: 5,186. It was winter and upon that it was my birthday. 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. Youll find cowboys and cattle roaming in the streets! Head southwest to Durango for unforgettable treks found within the San Juan National Forest. Make a splash this summer in the mountain town of Buena Vista. 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. It is one of the major attractions of the town! This town is sometimes called the Switzerland of America and if you ever go, youll know why. Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center. It is themost affordable mountain town in Coloradoto taste history and sweet treats. 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. 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. 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. Photo Credit: Wild Frog Photography (Flickr). These popular destinations feature amazing mountain scenery and are absolutely bursting with local businesses. A. Leadville is a warm, close-knit community to live in the Rocky Mountains for all outdoor enthusiasts and retirees. Salida is a cozy mountain town located where the Arkansas River runs from the valley into Bighorn Sheep Canyon. A single adult on average spend $37,668 annually less than the annual cost of living for Colorado of $40,026. If you happen to see a herd, just remember to keep your distance. Meeker has a huge market for fishing and hunting. 3. 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. What isnt to love about being able to ride side by sides and snowmobiles down Mainstreet? 1. Large elk herds roam the town freely. You can buy a home that cost around $179,100, which is very less compared to the national median home value. Heres. There are several factors to consider, such as how close you are to amenities, tourist traffic, and access to suitable work. It is a tourist spot so getting a job in the hospitality sector is not very difficult. Less than 100 miles from Denver, Fairplay offers agood nightlife and a nice variety of rural and suburban neighborhoods. I hope you've heard the name "the Imperial Express Superchair", yes, Breckenridge is home to North America's highest chair lift. Nicknamed "the Switzerland of America, you'll find this old mining town nestled in a beautiful box canyon. 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. To start the best up and coming Colorado towns, we have the small town of Fraser. 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. The town boasts a regional airport and junior college for higher education. 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. When it comes to uncovering the best mountain towns in Colorado, youll have to visit these top hits. 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. This area is also home to some of the most beautiful wildflower hikes in Colorado like the hike to Island Lake. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. that is packed with unique stories and features. Residents can commute quickly to Longmont, Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins and still build equity in this affordable community. Colorado mountain resort towns offer great escapes for skiers and snowboarders, but let me tell you a local secret: visiting these idyllic places outside of ski season can be much more affordable and much less crowded.Contrary to popular belief, mountain resort towns aren't just skiing destinations; there are also plenty of things to do in the warmer months to cater to various interests . 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. The town is located at the base of Pikes Peak, which is one of Colorados highest mountains at 14,115 feet. Meeker sits along the White River near the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and Routt National Forests. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. A single adult costs around $38,928 annually and the median home value is around $145,300. Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the community is tight-knit, which is critical for such a small town. Youll surely love this mellow vibe and beautiful life here. Leadville. Ouray. You can also enjoy the hot springs when you visit Ouray. It does not store any personal data. 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. 11. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Average adult weekday ticket price: $45. If youre looking for a quick getaway from Denver, then youll want to check out some of these beautiful mountain towns less than two hours from the Mile High City. It is an ideal place to be close to nature with a cost of living index is 94.8 (USA average of 100). Its cost of living index is 15% below the Colorado average. Where is the cheapest place to live near the mountains? Just under two hours from Denver, Leadville is right near Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, the two highest peaks in Colorado and a couple of the best 14ers near Denver. And, I believe, the most scenic towns in Colorado - tucked in mountains are affordable too. Meanwhile, youll enjoy a lower cost of living than the average for Colorado, which makes this town attractive for families on a budget, although most people rent, rather than owning their properties. This gives me a paycheck while you get badass, free recommendations for the best Colorado mountain towns. What gives Fort Collins the edge in 2023 is its relatively affordable cost of living. In terms of living costs, its 4 percent lower than the national average, with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. Any local will tell you there's no better spot for tubing in the summer than the Yampa River. What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? If you are looking for outdoor activities, then Telluride is the place to go. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. 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. I came here in winter and loved it. There is plenty of snow and Victorian buildings in this elevated town. And be sure to visit the Breckenridge troll at the end of the Trollstigen Trail before you leave town! Ive spent the last 13 years traveling all across Colorado. The giant troll, who goes by the name of Isak Heartstone, is truly a sight to see. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Some of the most incredible mountain towns in Colorado happen to be located right near Denver. Anglers will find fish aplenty thanks to the town's locale at the headwaters of the Rio Grande and San Juan rivers. This makes Glenwood Springs one of the best mountain towns in Colorado if youre looking for unique things to see and do. 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. 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. Looking for off-the-wall? Also, Ive good news for young adults. A median home value is around $183,300, less than the national median home value of $204,900. 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. Outdoor enthusiasts love this town that is tucked away just north of the Gunnison National Park. , Leadville is another of the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, and it has a lot going for it. Mancos features a small-town feel where almost all of. You can hit the trail on the best Vail hikes, backpack to Gore Lake, bike the ski hills, or take a scenic gondola ride. Fairplay is a Statutory Town in South Park sitting at an elevation of 9,954 feet above sea level. 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. If you love reading, read the books of Louis LAmour, youll know why he loves Mancos so much! Large elk herds roam the town freely. 1. Whatever you want to do, youll find something in Pagosa Springs. A. Colorado Springs is the most affordable city to live with an average rent of $1553 per month whereas $1994 per month in Denver. 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 . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Note: Estes Park is also the safest place in Colorado. Estes Park. While its an easy day trip from Denver, you could easily spend a long weekend exploring around Nederland. Stop by the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum and then take the Route of the Silver Kings to learn some mining history. Not only these, but Colorado also maintains a steady graph of job opportunities, especially in the software, high-tech, aviation, and healthcare industries. Crested Butte is about a four-hour drive from Denver and one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. 7. Colorado has countless little towns and villages situated snuggly in the Rockies. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. Fort Collins. If youre into off-roading, youll find some sick 44 roads to get rowdy on in Ouray. Ive been to Westcliffe six times in my lifetime. Western vibes still thrive in the small town backdropped by the La Plata Mountains. In western Colorado, Crested Butte is surely apretty place to live with your familyand the view of lush green fields. This place is my home and I love to explore here. Located along the Million Dollar Highway, Ouray is a must-visit Colorado mountain town in any season. 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. Salida also has plenty of cultural significance. Boulder, Golden, and Morrison have amazing mountain views while still being close to the action of bigger cities like Denver. Ridgway. Dont you think it is one of thecheap places to live in Colorado? Manitou Springs. is, Pagosa Springs may be the place for you. 3. The town sits on the lap of the Rocky Mountains making it ideal for Aspen-going hikers to sit and relax. 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 . Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, with its opportunity to sled the tallest sand dunes in North America, is just an hour away. In summer, the temperature rose to make me feel happy and energetic. Do you know the peony flower? 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 town embraces a fun atmosphere with an annual fruitcake toss, pie baking contests, ghost tours, ice cream events, and a lot more. The place has some unbeatable formula to bring peace. Massive, two of Colorado's highest peaks. In winter you should explore the ice caves in Colorado, the place feels no less than a Frozen Hollywood movie set. , with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. With a population of only 8,200 residents, Trinidad is a friendly city that offers small town living. 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. Local Tip: In 2021 reservations are required to visit the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. With tons of variety in landscapes, there are plenty of must-see places in Colorado. It sits in the northwest of Colorado. 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. While Woodland Park is considered a suburb of Colorado Springs it definitely deserves a spot on the best places to retire in Colorado list. Also, it is the most wonderful green space in the USA. A breathtaking ride over Trail Ridge Road will bring you to Grand Lake and the west side of RMNP. 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. Maybe the most famous mountain town in Colorado, Vail is located in the Rocky Mountains about two hours west of Denver (if youre lucky enough not to hit the notorious traffic on I-70). Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. While the elk herds are most active during mating season, other activities and attractions are available year-round. 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? Overall, its a quiet town that is good for families and has a. , making it one of the top affordable mountain cities in Colorado. In Colorado, you will love its verdant valleys, its murmuring rivers, its magnificent mountains and sequestered bales, and verdant-lined lakes and bays. Whatever you do though, dont miss BrewSki in March. Because of its size, the town boasts access to some. 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. It sees a lot of tourists during the warmer months, and has a, , or try out some white water sports when the weather is hot. There was an error processing your request. The tiny town of Silverton packs a real punch. Located right near Breckenridge, Frisco is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado which sits about an hour and a half away from Denver.

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