As a great jumping-off point for exciting adventures such as the Alpine Loop, San Juan Scenic Byway, and the Colorado Trail. Photo Credit: benedek (iStock). At nearly 9,000 feet at the summit, the mountain offers 700 feet of vertical downhill. If you have an interest in gold mining, youll enjoy touring the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine and visiting the Cripple Creek Heritage Center. 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. From here you can drive to reach Twin Lake, a destination to spot the views of clear alpine water. In the winter, Ouray transforms into the epicenter of the ice climbing world. The place has some unbeatable formula to bring peace. On average, adults working in Crested Butte pay a tax of $6,252 annually whereas working adults statewide offer an average of $7,011. Do you want to know what life is like in Colorado mountain towns? 1000 Village Rd, Granby, CO 80446 | 888-850-4615. You can also go dog sledding through the Colorado mountains or spend your days fly fishing or golfing. With a population of 7,606, its median housing cost is only $87,500, with a median income of $37,554. This place is my home and I love to explore here. It is one of the most travel destinations in the state with a strong economy exclusively on coal mining and agriculture. There is truly no place like Colorado in the summer, where countless outdoor adventures await. If you want to check out the fall foliage, try to go during the week or expect to wait in some serious traffic. A. Colorado Springs is the most affordable city to live with an average rent of $1553 per month whereas $1994 per month in Denver. have gotten way too expensive in the last few years. Though Idaho Springs has a lot of population, it is still anaffordable mountain town in Colorado. 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. If you'd like to get on top of the rock rather than within it, the park serves up world-famous climbing, too. On average, a single adult's expense is around $38,947 a year. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. . There is a small airport in the neighboring town of Montrose for fly-in options. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. You can also enjoy some excellent cuisine here, including a Mexican restaurant, some Chinese and Vietnamese food, and a great pizzeria. 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 . On the other hand, the health care cost is around $5,020 per year, higher than in other places in Colorado. The nearby mountains offer plenty of options for biking, hiking, and camping. The medical facilities of Gunnison Valley Health or Crested Butte Medical centers are up-to-the-mark. There is no way youll feel a harsh sun ray piercing through your skin. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt. 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. Crestline, California. It is the bounty of fairy tale towns. 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. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com. Telluride, Colorado. The main attraction in the Colorado mountain town of Glenwood Springs is Hanging Lake. Trinidad. Also, it is the most wonderful green space in the USA. that is packed with unique stories and features. Its cost of living index is 15% below the Colorado average. Only a15 minute drive from Turquoise Lake, Leadville is another of the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, and it has a lot going for it. As the wildflower capital of Colorado, there are many beautiful trails to explore. During the fall, it's a popular gateway for leaf peeping Colorado's yellow aspens. Mancos is anaffordable mountain town to live in Coloradowhere youll find modern-day travelers, hikers, and locals navigating among cattle drives, cowboys, horse-drawn carriages, and stagecoaches. Error! The highest town in the U.S., Leadville sits at a soaring 10,152 feet, doubling Denver's elevation and earning it the nickname "The Two-Mile High City." This post may contain affiliate links. There is a small airport, so flying into Telluride is also an option. Head out for a sunrise hike on the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail to catch all of the highlights. But this small town is nestled right at the base of the Rocky Mountains and offers a wide variety of things to do. Vail is a mecca for skiing, but youll find plenty of things to do in Vail in the summer as well. The view of rolling hills and mountains is unimaginably gorgeous. Its my mission to pass on my wealth of knowledge to you. Nearest mega resorts: None. This historic steam engine takes passengers on a scenic journey from the wild western town of Durango to the historic mining town of Silverton. Mancos features a small-town feel where almost all of the residents know each other. What makes Salida stand out is its higher-end town with plenty of ways to kick back and relax in the mountains. Its an old family town where all the residents know each other, feel connected, and help each other out. 2. Telluride. It is themost affordable mountain town in Coloradoto taste history and sweet treats. There are a lot of awesome activities in Glenwood Springs to get stoked about. You can explore nature and the rugged Rocky Mountains, Try to take part in the annual BurroFest, an event combining the antics of burros with interactive art, Go on wilderness trips like Mesa Verde Stables, Try to spend charismas tasting beer at Fenceline Cider, taking part in recreational activities, and a lot more, In winter, visit the White River Nordic Council, Marvine, and the famous 178 miles trail in Rio Blanco County, Come to gain knowledge about history at The White River Museum, Take part in Meeker Summer Rodeo Series ( June August), and Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trails (September), Take the Estes Park tramway ride to enjoy some incredible views of stunning valleys and mountains, Spend the evening at Estes Park breweries, Take the Leadville Southern Railroad, to enjoy the beautiful alpine scenery, Hike your heart out to Mt. A. The roads are full of eclectic merchants, boutiques stores, pubs, parks, pretty cafes, and modern moto motels. What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? 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. 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. Not only these, but Colorado also maintains a steady graph of job opportunities, especially in the software, high-tech, aviation, and healthcare industries. Durango is one of those magical Colorado Mountain towns that is hidden away in the Southwestern part of the state, right near the New Mexico border. 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. 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 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 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. Colorado Business Review 2022 states that Colorado outperformed in job recovery after the pandemic and became one of the 14th states in offering more stable jobs. County: Logan. If youre looking for one of the best Colorado summer towns for adventure, look no further than Buena Vista (pronounced Bewna Vista)! While its costs are the same as the Colorado state average, it is clear that the city is far from average. Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is definitely one of the best mountain towns near Denver. It is voted #1 Most Affordable Town in Colorado as well as one of the Safest Cities in the state. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. Manitou Springs. Estes Park. 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 . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". In winter you should explore the ice caves in Colorado, the place feels no less than a Frozen Hollywood movie set. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most-well-preserved archaeological sites in the U . 11. Also, Ive good news for young adults. What gives Fort Collins the edge in 2023 is its relatively affordable cost of living. 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. 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. 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. 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. Leadville is about a two-hour ride from Denver. 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. The median home value is $198,990 and a third of the homes within city limits sell for less than $74,000. So, if you decide to spend some time in this tiny resort town, youll have no problem finding a place to stay since you can easily book a room at Keystone Resort and enjoy a bit of family ski fun. Telluride is a picture-perfect mountain town in southwestern Colorado with a jaw-dropping backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. You can ski and golf in one of Colorados most picturesque towns. 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. The downtown area of Steamboat Springs is just as exciting and vibrant as the outdoor adventure scene. You can also take one of Colorados best scenic drives to the top of Mount Evans, one of the easiest 14ers to summit. If you love reading, read the books of Louis LAmour, youll know why he loves Mancos so much! Success! Less than 100 miles from Denver, Fairplay offers agood nightlife and a nice variety of rural and suburban neighborhoods. Whatever you do though, dont miss BrewSki in March. I came here in winter and loved it. Estes Park is home to the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a National Historic Landmark due to its mining history, and you can learn all about it at the Telluride Historical Museum. It is a destination for tourists. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Among other things in Telluride are the Sheridan Opera House (a performing-arts venue) and the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. What is the most affordable area of Colorado? This town is sometimes called the Switzerland of America and if you ever go, youll know why. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Frisco. The Blue River runs through downtown Breckenridge and travels all the way to Silverthorne before meeting up with the Colorado River near Kremmling. Manitou Springs air has the power to rejuvenate your mind and make you feel the best about yourself. Ogden, Utah. Idaho Falls, Idaho. This town has a population of 14,000 residents over two square miles, making it a dense urban area. are very low, which makes it an attractive place for anyone, especially families looking for a cheap mountain town in Colorado. There are the bigger, established bases and the tiny one-street towns that force you to slow down and enjoy mountain life. Often referred to as "high-country playground," the 265,769 acre-park is known for its awe-inspiring landscape. Hiking, biking, and river activities are just a few of the adventures on the menu. The town boasts a regional airport and junior college for higher education. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. Population: 5,217 Cost of Living Index: 2% Above Colorado Average Median Home Price: $570,000. Large elk herds roam the town freely. Photo Credit: kojihirano (iStock). An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. This is greater than the annual cost of living in Colorado of $40,026. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". , and although it mainly caters to tourists, its also quaint and homely. 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. Some of the most incredible mountain towns in Colorado happen to be located right near Denver. A median home value is around $183,300, less than the national median home value of $204,900. Adventure awaits aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The waterway is saluted during the FibArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas) festival and there's a hot springs pool in town, too . 4. 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. Afterward, you can do a bit of fly fishing in the Yampa River before visiting local cultural institutions like the Tread of Pioneers Museum, the Steamboat Art Museum, and the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra. Fraser. Photo Credit: Wild Frog Photography (Flickr). Cripple Creek is a quick two-and-a-half-hour ride from Denver. The Breckenridge Historic District (mostly along Main Street) is filled with Victorian-style buildings. Lake City. Heres a map of the state to get oriented. In addition, there is a great range of restaurants and dining options, with multiple cafes, ethnic food, and some fantastic eating experiences. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. It is a tourist spot so getting a job in the hospitality sector is not very difficult. 75% of the land is managed by the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the State. For, Read More 2 Days in Colorado Springs Itinerary for the Perfect Weekend TripContinue, Your email address will not be published. A. Leadville is a warm, close-knit community to live in the Rocky Mountains for all outdoor enthusiasts and retirees. The cost of living is 15% below the Colorado average. 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. 6.) Aspen has plenty of outdoor recreation year-round. Colorado hosts a variety of different flavors when it comes to mountain escapes. The rivers and lakes are so blue that they make the sky appear washed out. Temperatures have been known to drop as low as -31 degrees. In western Colorado, Crested Butte is surely apretty place to live with your familyand the view of lush green fields. If youre looking for a posh mountain experience, look no further than Aspen, Colorado. This gives me a paycheck while you get badass, free recommendations for the best Colorado mountain towns. Contact us at: hello (at) strategistico (dot) com. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. , which is amazingly big given the small town that houses it. Visiting Silverton in the summer means there's plenty of natural wonders to explore. 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. It sits 10,000 feet above sea level. 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. The activities in Leadville include the scenic Leadville Southern Railroad, which offers a. and incredible alpine scenery that will not fail to impress. Crested Butte. 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 . The variety of outdoor activities put this mountain town at the top of the list of best weekend getaways in Colorado. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Therefore, we examined all of the charming mountain towns across the state to uncover the best hidden gems that are still relatively affordable and have homes available that cost less than the state average. The snow, the skiing, Christmas celebration were all amazing. Massive and Mt. 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. This mountain town just north of Boulder is home to Eldora Mountain and Eldora Nordic Center, so you can get your skiing fix. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. In summer, the temperature rose to make me feel happy and energetic. 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. 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. 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. Population: 2,690 Cost of Living Index: 7% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $492,000. Georgetown Lake is another popular attraction, drawing visitors every season. As one of the best mountain towns in Colorado for the luxury-inclined, Aspen is the place to be seen. Its a win-win. 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. It is small, but not tiny, and offers an excellent climate. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It's tucked away in the San Juan Mountains, offering plenty of options for outdoor recreation. The housing cost on average is $380,800, greater than the national median value. 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. While Woodland Park is considered a suburb of Colorado Springs it definitely deserves a spot on the best places to retire in Colorado list. The waterway is saluted during the FibArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas) festival and there's a hot springs pool in town, too. 5. Brush. Another non-camping affordable option is The Bivvi - an excellent hostel with dorm and private rooms, hot tubs, a small guest kitchen, and breakfast provided. You can hit the trail on the best Vail hikes, backpack to Gore Lake, bike the ski hills, or take a scenic gondola ride. 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. You can watch wild donkeys too here! Population: 2,484. Be sure to pay a visit to the Breckenridge troll. Colorado has countless little towns and villages situated snuggly in the Rockies. Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. 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. It is also just an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. 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? Youll find cowboys and cattle roaming in the streets! The cheapest place to live near mountains in Colorado is Leadville. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Telluride . 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. Telluride is located about six hours from Denver in the Colorado mountains. Because of its size, the town boasts access to some. Heres were you can find the top attractions in Colorado: Planning a trip to Colorado? 1. Estes Park is a great basecamp for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Outdoor enthusiasts love this town that is tucked away just north of the Gunnison National Park. . 5.) The Wild West is alive and kicking in the hills of Steamboat Springs. Also, if youre searchingfor cheapvacation spots in Colorado,it can be the best as you can spread out in the great outdoor activities. 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. For the thrill-seeking traveler, white water rafting may be just what you need this summer. Average adult weekday ticket price: $45. Salida is a cozy mountain town located where the Arkansas River runs from the valley into Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Just outside of Fort Morgan sits the small town of Brush, Colorado. Stand-Up paddleboarding is one of the most exciting ways to explore the Arkansas River. Mancos sits five miles west of Mesa Verde National Park in Southwest Colorado in Montezuma County. Instead of mining for gold, though, youll search for jackpots at one of the small towns nine casinos. Whether you want to make a trek or take a dip, Salida is the place. Summer is very glorious. 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. At only 2.5 hours from the Mile High City, its a great weekend trip from Denver. With so many things to do in Ouray year-round, youve got to visit this classic mountain town. With its semi-arid climate, Colorado Springs is a perfect place, Read More 8 Most Romantic Getaways in Colorado Springs in 2023Continue, Colorado is a perfect destination with a mixture of everything Mountains, Plains, Deserts, and Lakes. 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. 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. In 1896, Colorado is well known as the mining capital.
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