most affordable mountain towns in colorado

News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. 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. 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. Estes Park is about a 90-minute drive from Denver. But this small town is nestled right at the base of the Rocky Mountains and offers a wide variety of things to do. Youll surely love this mellow vibe and beautiful life here. Error! The housing cost on average is $380,800, greater than the national median value. 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. There is no way youll feel a harsh sun ray piercing through your skin. 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. There are the bigger, established bases and the tiny one-street towns that force you to slow down and enjoy mountain life. As the name suggests, Pagosa Springs has some. 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. . You can ski and golf in one of Colorados most picturesque towns. Framed by the San Juan Mountains, you can explore plenty of nearby hiking trails. The place is bustling with gorgeous scenery, ranches, and adventurous biking trails. Steamboat Springs, Colorado. 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. 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. If you're feeling extra adventurous, make the trek from Crested Butte to Aspen. If youre planning to come here for starting a new life, I would suggest reading the pros and cons of living in Colorado. 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. Summer is very glorious. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 15 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado. If you love reading, read the books of Louis LAmour, youll know why he loves Mancos so much! 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. 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. Estes Park is a great basecamp for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. Also, it is the most wonderful green space in the USA. 75% of the land is managed by the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the State. Boone, North Carolina. Trust me, its a truly awesome experience! They gather, drink coffee, read the paper, and interact with people who pass by. I hope you've heard the name "the Imperial Express Superchair", yes, Breckenridge is home to North America's highest chair lift. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Discovering The Best 26 Reasons: What is Colorado Known for? , with multiple cafes, ethnic food, and some fantastic eating experiences. This timeKelvindid not want to take me for aromantic getaway in Colorado Spring rather he told me he has planned a surprise for me. Fort Collins. 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. 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. Massive and Mt. Estes Park. 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. All these, Read More 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado: Cities with Lowest Cost of LivingContinue, Looking for a weekend getaway in Colorado Springs? As one of the best mountain towns in Colorado for the luxury-inclined, Aspen is the place to be seen. On the other hand, the median home value is only $183,600 on average. 11 must-visit mountain towns for this summer in Colorado. The Wild West is alive and kicking in the hills of Steamboat Springs. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. Glenwood Hot Springs is family-friendly, while Iron Mountain, right on the Colorado River, has a good vibe and a more relaxing ambiance. Its location is very convenient. Estes is well known for its elk herds and their bugling calls in the fall during mating season. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Then, we scored all of the mountain communities in Colorado based on these categories to find the most affordable Colorado mountain towns. Its an old family town where all the residents know each other, feel connected, and help each other out. Breckenridge might be a small town, but theres no shortage of things to do. I recommend going out on the terrace at night to stare at the stars. There are several factors to consider, such as how close you are to amenities, tourist traffic, and access to suitable work. Crested Butte is about a four-hour drive from Denver and one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. What gives Fort Collins the edge in 2023 is its relatively affordable cost of living. that is packed with unique stories and features. La Junta (Population: 7,568) This eastern Colorado town is home to Otero Junior College and average annual mortgage payments of only $4,447! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. If theres one thing that makes the Rocky Mountain State so unique its an impressive lineup of the best mountain towns in Colorado. For the mountain town experience super close to the city, make the just over half an hour drive from Denver to Idaho Springs. The snow, the skiing, Christmas celebration were all amazing. Cost of Living Index: 2% Above Colorado Average. From the incredible rock formations and stunning landscapesto gorgeous mountain views, picturesque hiking trails, and lots of historic treasures Colorado Springs is dripping with spots that offer the perfect retreat for couples and honeymooners. Caon City. This makes Glenwood Springs one of the best mountain towns in Colorado if youre looking for unique things to see and do. 1. 1. Population: 5,217 Cost of Living Index: 2% Above Colorado Average Median Home Price: $570,000. 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. It sits an hour west of Colorado Springs in Teller County at the base of the backside of Pikes Peak with amazing vistas. The cheapest place to live near mountains in Colorado is Leadville. 6. Cripple Creek once used to be bustling with gold seekers and now is like a mini Vegas in Colorado. , and although it mainly caters to tourists, its also quaint and homely. You can buy a home that cost around $179,100, which is very less compared to the national median home value. Meanwhile, campers can pitch their tents in the nearby Gunnison National Forest with primitive to full-service amenities. Fraser. The giant troll, who goes by the name of Isak Heartstone, is truly a sight to see. , Leadville is another of the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, and it has a lot going for it. With unbelievable views of the Sawatch Range and easy access to the Arkansas River, youll be spoiled for activities. I came here in winter and loved it. Woodland Park. Youll fall in love with thissmall mountain town in Coloradowhich sits at an elevation of 7,867 feet. You can also go dog sledding through the Colorado mountains or spend your days fly fishing or golfing. Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is definitely one of the best mountain towns near Denver. This town is sometimes called the Switzerland of America and if you ever go, youll know why. Crested Butte is also a top spot for leaf-peepers. 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. 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. Massive, two of Colorados highest peaks. 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. 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 Tenmile Range sits Breckenridge, one of the highest ski towns nearly at the elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level. Nearest mega resorts: None. Photo Credit: Daniel Case (Wikimedia Commons). Meeker sits along the White River near the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and Routt National Forests. These small towns in Colorado are filled with everything you would imagine, from historic buildings, art galleries, delicious restaurants, famous breweries and beautiful mountain scenery. Its less than an hour drive from Pikes Peak and just four minutes from Rainbow Falls. The population of 18,465 in 2017 makes it probably Colorado's largest mountain town too. If you want to check out the fall foliage, try to go during the week or expect to wait in some serious traffic. 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 downtown area of Steamboat Springs is just as exciting and vibrant as the outdoor adventure scene. Also, Colorado is home to many beautiful residing places. 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. Population: 399 Cost of Living Index: 15% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $353,000. 7.) Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Located along the Million Dollar Highway, Ouray is a must-visit Colorado mountain town in any season. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. 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 makes visiting these sought-after landscapes relatively simple (with a little planning of course). Snowboarding and skiing are always in high demand, but dont be surprised if you see families fly by on dog sleds. Ices Lakes Pictured. Afterward, enjoy a day trip to Mesa Verde National Park before exploring the San Juan National Forest and checking out the Animas River Trail too. 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. A great weekend getaway from Denver, Breckenridge is an epic place to visit for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Fairplay is a Statutory Town in South Park sitting at an elevation of 9,954 feet above sea level. While the elk herds are most active during mating season, other activities and attractions are available year-round. 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. Take the turn at Glenwood Springs and you will arrive shortly. Vail also offers plenty of summertime activities including golfing, hiking, festivals, farmers markets, and concerts in the square. The waterway is saluted during the FibArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas) festival and there's a hot springs pool in town, too. Explore the parks, go ziplining, or try out some white water sports when the weather is hot. The median home value is $198,990 and a third of the homes within city limits sell for less than $74,000. are very low, which makes it an attractive place for anyone, especially families looking for a cheap mountain town in Colorado. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It sees a lot of tourists during the warmer months, and has a good selection of outdoor activities and entertainment around the town. If you are looking for outdoor activities, then Telluride is the place to go. It is also the highest town in all of North America, at over 10,000 feet above sea level. You can get a heavy dose of Wild West mining history when you visit what was once a lawless mining town. 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. In terms of living costs, its 4 percent lower than the national average, with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. Im sure youll have some great memories here! Also, Ive good news for young adults. Colorado hosts a variety of different flavors when it comes to mountain escapes. Granby is the place to go if you want to splash around on the water in one of the best mountain towns near Denver. Instead of mining for gold, though, youll search for jackpots at one of the small towns nine casinos. 10. Telluride is located about six hours from Denver in the Colorado mountains. The town is best known for having inspired the popular TV show, If you want to fall in love with some amazing scenery and try some. Silverton features some of the best things to do in Colorado. 11. Another reason to visit the mountain town is the Animas River. , which is critical for such a small town. There is plenty of snow and Victorian buildings in this elevated town. Georgetown is one of the most charming mountain towns in Colorado. Top picks for spring blooms include Trail 401, Dyke Trail, Doctor Park, Lupine, and Teocalli Trail. Theres also the National Mining Hall of Fame Museum, which is amazingly big given the small town that houses it. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Visiting Colorado mountain towns requires local insight to make your stay truly special. Worry not though, magazine House Beautiful has listed the most affordable mountain towns in the USA to make that dream a reality. Telluride . In 2021, the town was home to about 8,100 local residents. There are also climbing experiences if that appeals to you, and you can visit the twin lakes and Mount Elbert in just a half hour drive. Anglers will find fish aplenty thanks to the town's locale at the headwaters of the Rio Grande and San Juan rivers. If youre looking for cheap mountain towns in Colorado where you can combine small town life with a bit of vibrancy in the summer seasons, Buena Vista is a great place to live. Mancos features a small-town feel where almost all of the residents know each other. 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. From Denver, it only takes around ninety-minutes to reach Fraser, which makes regular commutes to and from Denver very easy. . Paonia. The town is located at the base of Pikes Peak, which is one of Colorados highest mountains at 14,115 feet. On average, a single adult's expense is around $38,947 a year. This popular Colorado town is aperfect vacation destination in the US for people looking for incredible mountain views, historic natural treasures, and spectacular hiking trails. 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. For a truly unforgettable summer, here are a few must-visit mountain towns scattered all over the colorful state. Elbert and Mt. The best mountain towns near Denver include: There are a lot of incredible mountain towns in Colorado and nearly all of them are stunning. Photo Credit: benedek (iStock). A single adult costs around $38,928 annually and the median home value is around $145,300. Aspen has plenty of outdoor recreation year-round. Fancy designer boutiques and incredible dining options aside, Aspen is pretty darn beautiful too. Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center. Stop by the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum and then take the Route of the Silver Kings to learn some mining history. The Blue River runs through downtown Breckenridge and travels all the way to Silverthorne before meeting up with the Colorado River near Kremmling. Donkey Derby Days are the most beloved events Cripple Creek has to offer. You can also go for a hike from Monarch Lake Trailhead which takes you to the gorgeous Lone Eagle Peak. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Most jobs are in the hospitality sector. I hope in many movies youve seen the famous Silver Dollar Saloon, it is one of the oldest operating saloons. 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. There are also, if that appeals to you, and you can visit the, Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the. 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. 11. The Breckenridge Historic District (mostly along Main Street) is filled with Victorian-style buildings. Adult lift tickets at Granby Ranch are less than one hundred bucks for a full day, with children 5 and under skiing free. Population: 5,217. However, the jobs are seasonal and low wages positions. . Heres were you can find the top attractions in Colorado: Planning a trip to Colorado? Salida is a cozy mountain town located where the Arkansas River runs from the valley into Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Photo Credit: Jesse Stephens (iStock; file photo). Nestled in San Juan National Forest, this ski area is minutes from downtown Durango. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt. Looking for off-the-wall? This mountain town just north of Boulder is home to Eldora Mountain and Eldora Nordic Center, so you can get your skiing fix. The byway to the top of the pass is one of the best scenic drives near Denver as you head through aspen groves and alpine terrain and take in amazing views of Mount Bierstadt. The town embraces a fun atmosphere with an annual fruitcake toss, pie baking contests, ghost tours, ice cream events, and a lot more. Fraser is located within the Rocky Mountains, in Middle Park, and is a part of Grand County. You can also enjoy the hot springs when you visit Ouray. Thischeapest mountain town in Coloradois not only my favorite but everyones. A single adult needs to spend $ 40,522 annually to afford a good standard of living. In winter, you can ski at nearby Winter Park as well. A single adult on average spend $37,668 annually less than the annual cost of living for Colorado of $40,026. 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. However, the jobs are seasonal and low wages positions. Western vibes still thrive in the small town backdropped by the La Plata Mountains. Stroll your way downtown where you'll find everything from trendy mountain boutiques to outdoor gear stores, and a colorful collection of restaurants and breweries. 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. Meanwhile, art aficionados flock to Salida's 20-some galleries and studios. It is one of the major attractions of the town! 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. Among other things in Telluride are the Sheridan Opera House (a performing-arts venue) and the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art. 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. A median home value is around $183,300, less than the national median home value of $204,900. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. 1. Known for legendary skiing thanks to its location at the base of the magnificent Tenmile Range, .css-1e1wdvt{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#0A5C80;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1e1wdvt:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:#0A5C80;}Breck (as locals call it) also boasts more than 250 structures dating back to the Gold Rush days. But Nederland might be most famous for Frozen Dead Guy Days, a weird winter festival with strange events like coffin racing and ice turkey bowling. Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the community is tight-knit, which is critical for such a small town. Not only these, but Colorado also maintains a steady graph of job opportunities, especially in the software, high-tech, aviation, and healthcare industries. 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. 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. Local Tip: In 2021 reservations are required to visit the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. Inside, youll find: PS. Telluride, Colorado. 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. Any local will tell you there's no better spot for tubing in the summer than the Yampa River. It sits 10,000 feet above sea level. Despite its proximity to Denver, Federal Heights is still one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado. In the summer, you can take an incredible hike to Ice Lake or backpack sections of the Colorado Trail. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. You can learn more about my privacy policy here. You can also have some fun with llama trekking and the town even has a little theater, too. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. The town embraces a fun atmosphere with an annual fruitcake toss, pie baking contests, ghost tours, ice cream events, and a lot more. 11. 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.

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