Crested Butte is just so cute! Some of the most incredible mountain towns in Colorado happen to be located right near Denver. In fact, this incredible destination should be on every Colorado road trip itinerary. 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. Tibetan centers, a Hindu temple, a Zen center (pictured), and a Carmelite monastery are all located within the community, along with art galleries and some of the finest massage therapists in the state. In the North Fork Valley, youll see a lot of people growing grapes, pears, cherries, apricots, peaches, and more. 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? Its an old family town where all the residents know each other, feel connected, and help each other out. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. With a population of only 8,200 residents, Trinidad is a friendly city that offers small town living. La Junta (Population: 7,568) This eastern Colorado town is home to Otero Junior College and average annual mortgage payments of only $4,447! I hope you've heard the name "the Imperial Express Superchair", yes, Breckenridge is home to North America's highest chair lift. 11. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Where is the cheapest place to live in the mountains in Colorado? - 2023 What is the best area to live in Colorado? - 2023 You can buy a home with an average cost of around $205,800. Manitou Springs. What gives Fort Collins the edge in 2023 is its relatively affordable cost of living. The other highlight of Glenwood Springs is that it is home to several Colorado hot springs. With a population of 7,606, its median housing cost is only $87,500, with a median income of $37,554. The 5 Most Affordable Cities in Colorado - Livability The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Up and Coming Colorado Towns | Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado Estes is well known for its elk herds and their bugling calls in the fall during mating season. This mountain town just north of Boulder is home to Eldora Mountain and Eldora Nordic Center, so you can get your skiing fix. They gather, drink coffee, read the paper, and interact with people who pass by. With so many options, it stands out among the small towns in Colorado. With so many different activities and scenes, its easy to find the best Colorado summer towns to suit your adventure needs. You can also enjoy shopping, stop by a restaurant, and so much more along the Riverwalk. Head out for a sunrise hike on the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail to catch all of the highlights. 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. Often referred to as high-country playground, the 265,769 acre-park is known for its awe-inspiring landscape. Don't miss staying at WeeCasa, a tiny home hotel that's one of the country's most uniqueand adorableplaces to lay your head. It is also just an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. 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. You can also have some fun with llama trekking and the town even has a little theater, too. Among other things in Telluride are the Sheridan Opera House (a performing-arts venue) and the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art. 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. Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado Our Research Methodology, The Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado for 2023, Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado Summary, The 16 Best Places to Live in Florida for 2023, Here are the 12 Cheapest Beach Towns in California, 12 Stunning Resorts in Florida for Every Budget, California vs Florida - Our Full Comparison, 12 Cheapest (and Safest) Cities to Live in Florida in 2023, 8 Fastest Growing Small Towns in Texas in 2023 Charming & Desirable, What is a Good Salary in Florida in 2023? The San Juan Mountains surrounding Telluride are some of the most incredible peaks to explore in the state. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt. There was an error processing your request. Most Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado, FAQ: Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado. 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 Glenwood Hot Springs is family-friendly, while Iron Mountain, right on the Colorado River, has a good vibe and a more relaxing ambiance. 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. Luckily to reside here you do not have to spend much because it is one of theinexpensive mountain towns in Colorado. Living in one of the best mountain towns in Colorado is a lot different than visiting. Temperatures have been known to drop as low as -31 degrees. The dramatic landscape and refreshing clear air are so welcoming and appealing that you should spend at least a day in any of thesemost affordable mountain towns in Coloradoto understand. Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the community is tight-knit, which is critical for such a small town. Frisco. Cripple Creek is a quick two-and-a-half-hour ride from Denver. I recommend going to Chicken Creek trail to enjoy the mountain air and some peace. If youre intrigued by ice climbing, you can join in the fun with a guided trip to the ice park. Fraser. 1. Related: 7 Reasons to Quit Your Job & Become A Ski Bum: 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. 3. Additionally, the crime rates in Mancos are very low, which makes it an attractive place for anyone, especially families looking for a cheap mountain town in Colorado. Every year, people flock from all over the world to experience the best mountain towns in Colorado. A median home value is around $183,300, less than the national median home value of $204,900. I remember vividly when I stepped out of the car for the first time I was stunned and felt connected. People come here to explore world-class hiking trails and ride motorized recreation trails with the best mountain bikes, camps, snowmobiles, and more. Mesa Verde National Park, with thousands of archeological sites, including 600 well-preserved cliff dwellings that housed Ancestral Puebloans, is just 20 minutes away. 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. 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. 7. Whether you want to make a trek or take a dip, Salida is the place. Massive, two of Colorado's highest peaks. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. 2. 11 must-visit mountain towns for this summer in Colorado. This post may, Read More Discovering The Best 26 Reasons: What is Colorado Known for?Continue, Colorado is one of the nations most physically active, secure, outdoor-loving, and all-around naturally gorgeous states. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you happen to see a herd, just remember to keep your distance. With a population nearing 15,000, Sterling is the most populous city east of Pueblo. 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. 5 Family-Friendly (and Surprisingly Affordable) Colorado Resort Towns In Colorado, you will love its verdant valleys, its murmuring rivers, its magnificent mountains and sequestered bales, and verdant-lined lakes and bays. Where is the cheapest place to live near the mountains? You can also follow in the footsteps of the miners and try to strike it rich during your trip. Youll surely love this mellow vibe and beautiful life here. Sitting snug in Brush Creek Valley surrounded by 3,000 acres of mountain terrain, Snowmass Village is home to the monumental Snowmass Ski Area, the second-largest in Colorado. 8 Iconic Mountain Towns in Colorado | Best to Live - Uncover Colorado Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Find your next adventure in the summer mountain town of Breckenridge. 5 tiny Colorado mountain towns for a quieter weekend getaway Large elk herds roam the town freely. The medical facilities of Gunnison Valley Health or Crested Butte Medical centers are up-to-the-mark. 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.But this small town is nestled right at the base of the Rocky Mountains and offers a wide variety of things to do. 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. Ensconced smack dab among some of the richest archeological sites in the country, Dolores is a must-stop for anyone curious about this country's original people. Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. Mesa Verde National Park. If youre into history, theres also the Trinidad History Museum that is packed with unique stories and features. 75% of the land is managed by the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the State. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Also, if youre coming for two days to Colorado, include these places in your itinerary. 18 Most Charming Mountain Towns In Colorado To Visit In 2023 A mountain bikers paradise, Crested Butte is filled with trails and Nordic ski routes around town. Theres also the National Mining Hall of Fame Museum, which is amazingly big given the small town that houses it. 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. The city sits "above the Clouds" at 8,465 in elevation and offers a backside view of Pikes Peak. Breckenridge. It is also just an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. In the winter, Ouray transforms into the epicenter of the ice climbing world. Meeker sits along the White River near the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and Routt National Forests. While Woodland Park is considered a suburb of Colorado Springs it definitely deserves a spot on the best places to retire in Colorado list. Its my mission to pass on my wealth of knowledge to you. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. A single adult expense is around $38,795 annually which is less than the annual cost of living for Colorado of $40,026. You can get a heavy dose of Wild West mining history when you visit what was once a lawless mining town. 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. Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Womans Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. With tons of variety in landscapes, there are plenty of must-see places in Colorado. Crested Butte. A single adult costs around $38,928 annually and the median home value is around $145,300. 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. With so much to do, its easy to see why this is one of the best small towns in Colorado. Population: 5,217. It sits 10,000 feet above sea level. It is one of the major attractions of the town! If youre planning to come here for starting a new life, I would suggest reading the pros and cons of living in Colorado. Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. Photo Credit: welcomia (iStock). Living in a mountain town is the best way to achieve the ski-bum dream, but unfortunately, mountain homes don't tend to fit a ski-bum budget. 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). Its a win-win. On average, a single adult's expense is around $38,947 a year. On average, a single adults expense is around $38,947 a year. that is packed with unique stories and features. The cost of living is 15% below the Colorado average. County: Logan. Population: 2,614 Cost of Living Index: 11% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $350,000. Stand-Up paddleboarding is one of the most exciting ways to explore the Arkansas River. Be sure to pay a visit to the Breckenridge troll. This gorgeous town is a must-see. Ideal for families, the town is also home to several good schools, local parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities. 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. If youre looking for cheap mountain towns in Colorado where you can combine, in the summer seasons, Buena Vista is a great place to live. Population: 399 Cost of Living Index: 15% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $353,000. Telluride . 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. 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. Worry not though, magazine House Beautiful has listed the most affordable mountain towns in the USA to make that dream a reality. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Ive been to Westcliffe six times in my lifetime. There are literally countless amazing small towns nestled in the mighty mountain ranges throughout the state. You can also have some fun with llama trekking and the town even has a little theater, too. is, Pagosa Springs may be the place for you. If you'd like to get on top of the rock rather than within it, the park serves up world-famous climbing, too. 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. Of all the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, this might be one of the best for getting out into nature. It is a destination for tourists. This post contains affiliate links. Dating back to the 1880s, these buildings now offer shopping, galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and plenty of watering holes. In the north-western part of the Rocky Mountains near West Elks American Viticulture Area in Delta County sits thisbeautiful mountain townof Paonia. Manitou Springs air has the power to rejuvenate your mind and make you feel the best about yourself. 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. The town sits on the lap of the Rocky Mountains making it ideal for Aspen-going hikers to sit and relax. The rivers and lakes are so blue that they make the sky appear washed out. Located along the Million Dollar Highway, Ouray is a must-visit Colorado mountain town in any season. While it can get cold, its still popular winter destination thanks to its hundreds of skiable acres and affordable lodging. This post may contain affiliate links. And because the city's median income is $115,069, Portland has the fourth best home price to income ratio in colorado. This makes visiting these sought-after landscapes relatively simple (with a little planning of course). Im sure youll have some great memories here! Population: 1,700 Cost of Living Index: 12% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $429,000. Leadville is not only thebest cheap mountain town in Coloradobut a famous historic town with a lot of buildings highlighting its Wild West Roots. 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. If youre looking for one of the best Colorado summer towns for adventure, look no further than Buena Vista (pronounced Bewna Vista)! Elevation: 8,750 feet. This gives me a paycheck while you get badass, free recommendations for the best Colorado mountain towns. Ogden, Utah. What isnt to love about being able to ride side by sides and snowmobiles down Mainstreet? 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. Estes Park. Mancos features a small-town feel where almost all of. 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 . Meeker has a huge market for fishing and hunting. When it comes to uncovering the best mountain towns in Colorado, youll have to visit these top hits. Some of the most affordable retirement mountain towns include: Asheville, North Carolina . Summer is very glorious. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most-well-preserved archaeological sites in the U . Location: Check on Google Maps. At 6,522 feet the winters are more mild (but still plentiful Rocky Mountain snow) and summers warmer than higher elevation towns. Hessie Trailhead is the start to a lot of the excellent hikes near Denver in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Cripple Creek once used to be bustling with gold seekers and now is like a mini Vegas in Colorado. Caon City. The Arkansas River flows alongside the town, offering plenty of scenic adventures to be enjoyed out on the water. Ouray is about a five-and-a-half-hour ride from Denver. Contents1 Where is the [] Vail is a mecca for skiing, but youll find plenty of things to do in Vail in the summer as well. You may want to check out the Trinidad Lake State Park, which is just 8 minutes out of town, where you can camp, hike, and enjoy some stunning Colorado weather. 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. Nicknamed "the Switzerland of America, you'll find this old mining town nestled in a beautiful box canyon. Massive, two of Colorados highest peaks. Cost of Living Index: 2% Above Colorado Average. Johnstown (Population: 13,306) Located just south of Fort Collins is Johnstown with its higher-than-average incomes, low cost of living and affordable housing. . In western Colorado, Crested Butte is surely apretty place to live with your familyand the view of lush green fields. The colorful meadows will not disappoint! Its cost of living index is 15% below the Colorado average. Colorful characters have long inhabited the areafamed frontiersman Kit Carson hunted there, as did the Arapaho and Cheyenne people. It was added to the National Register Of Historic Places in 1984, and birthed the Shavano Chapter of the Columbine Poets of Colorado. 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. 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 . You can also go for a hike from Monarch Lake Trailhead which takes you to the gorgeous Lone Eagle Peak. Adventure awaits aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The best mountain towns near Denver include: There are a lot of incredible mountain towns in Colorado and nearly all of them are stunning. Outdoorsy types might want to leave time for a trek up nearby Quandary Peak, one of Colorado's 58 mountains that measure 14,000 feet or taller. Thornton. Elbert and Mt. The roads are full of eclectic merchants, boutiques stores, pubs, parks, pretty cafes, and modern moto motels. I was here from October to August, working, living, and enjoying my life. Do you know the peony flower? Population: 14,777. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. Tiny Creede couldn't get any bigger even if it wanted tothe town is perched in what was once a volcanic caldera, with sheer cliffs rising up around it. Between the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains sit Westcliffe, one of thebest small towns in Colorado to live in. Vail is about a two-hour drive from Denver. On the other hand, the health care cost is around $5,020 per year, higher than in other places in Colorado. The Continental Divide runs straight through Colorado, along the crests of the Instead of mining for gold, though, youll search for jackpots at one of the small towns nine casinos. Just under a2 hour drive from Colorado Springs, Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. , where you can camp, hike, and enjoy some stunning Colorado weather. Overall SnackAbility. Everyone dreams about living a quaint and rugged life in the Rocky Mountains, but many of the famous ski towns like. It has some great outdoor activities, including rafting and some history tours, and if youre a fan of hot springs, youll be pleased to learn that its only about a10 minute drive to the relaxing Poncha Springs.