7 Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2024
"Colorful Colorado" is a state brimming with exciting options for anyone looking to relocate within its borders or exchange their current surroundings for something more vibrant. Its largest employers include the University of Colorado, the state government, and various healthcare organizations, contributing to the prosperity of many towns. Being naturally vibrant and home to the Rockies, Colorado also boasts a wine country and the title of “craft beer capital.”
Featuring a reputable K-12 school system, Aurora tops the list as an ideal location for families, offering lower prices for utilities and groceries than the national average. The cost to purchase a home is favorable, with an average price of $484,000. With a population nearing 6,000,000, Colorado is a thriving state that offers some of the best tech opportunities in cities like Denver and Boulder, making it great for remote workers.
Aurora
Located 30 minutes from the center of Denver, Aurora is vibrant and popular, offering the benefits of city living at a fraction of the cost. Spanning three counties and 163 square miles, Aurora provides ample space for its 400,000 residents to enjoy outdoor recreation amidst beautiful natural surroundings. Its top-rated schools and robust healthcare system make it attractive to families and retirees, offering easy access to state-of-the-art medical facilities. The city boasts 113 public schools with about 78,000 students in attendance and 25 private schools with nearly 5,000 students.
As the state’s third-largest city, Aurora features utility costs 13% below the national average and grocery prices 6% lower. Recently, 34.7% of homes sold above the list price, with an average of three bids each and most selling within two weeks—the hottest properties often sold in under four days for 2% above market price. Despite housing costs being 8% higher than the national average, owning a home at $484,000 or renting for $1,474 per month remains favorable. The average energy bill is just over $150. With family-friendly neighborhoods near outdoor activities, shopping centers, and cultural attractions, Aurora offers convenience and a vibrant lifestyle.
Boulder
Boulder embodies the state's passion for outdoor living, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Known as America’s Startup Capital, Boulder is a hub for entrepreneurship, making it an energetic place that's not suited for a sedentary lifestyle nor is it affordable for everyone. A decent family home here costs upwards of $800,000, while the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,869. Despite its higher cost of living compared to the state average, Boulder offers a rich blend of tech employment opportunities and easy access to outdoor activities for people of all tastes, groups, and activity levels. The city boasts an impressive bike score and is just 40 minutes from Denver, perfect for those who enjoy concerts or sporting events. For relaxation, Boulder offers excellent shopping and dining options, including farm-to-table restaurants and the vibrant Pearl Street Mall, filled with eateries, shops, and breweries.
With a population of over 100,000, the college town atmosphere of Boulder draws outdoor enthusiasts and scholars alike, creating a lively social scene. Young professionals and recent University of Colorado graduates find Boulder an ideal place to succeed, with a median household income of $92,466 and a high quality of life. The city seamlessly blends big-city amenities with a small-town feel, set against the picturesque backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Boulder enjoys more sunny days than overcast, offering hundreds of trails for exploration and outdoor activities, contributing to its reputation as one of the happiest and fittest cities in the US.
Castle Rock
Castle Rock, often mentioned alongside The Meadows, is a picturesque small town known for its low crime rates and vibrant community. Ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life, whether moving within Colorado or from elsewhere, Castle Rock appeals to families and young professionals. The town boasts one of the state's top school districts and one of the highest median incomes, at $121,388. Despite its rapid growth, Castle Rock maintains a small-town atmosphere, offering a blend of rural solitude and community warmth, centrally located in Douglas County where businesses flourish and residents are encouraged to lead active lifestyles.
With a population of under 80,000, Castle Rock offers upscale amenities, including median rents of $1,944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. Many residents prefer to buy homes, with a median listing price of approximately $699,500. The town is known for its distinctive rocky outcroppings and offers numerous hiking trails across over 6,000 acres of open space and 265 acres of parks. The iconic butte in Rock Park provides a scenic hike leading to a breathtaking overlook, ideal for relaxation, picnics, or meditation amidst nature. Castle Rock is also home to The Outlets, the "largest open-air outlet center in Colorado," featuring over 100 outlet stores, making it a popular destination for shopping and leisure activities between work and family commitments.
Colorado Springs
With a population of 483,956, Colorado Springs offers a refreshing escape from the overcrowded feel of larger cities like Denver, thanks to its breathtaking scenery. Surprisingly affordable, it provides the comforts, amenities, and attractions of a large city with an average home price of about $525,500 and a lower crime rate than other large cities. Its stable economy, marked by a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, and the overall lower cost of living compared to nearby cities, allow residents to save or spend according to their preferences. The city is notably welcoming, making it an ideal place to plan for the future and raise a family, with one of the state's top school districts.
For those looking to rent, the median price is $1,486. Coupled with a higher median household income of $71,957, residents find it manageable to enjoy their leisure time. Colorado Springs is also renowned for its parks and outdoor recreational activities, including Pikes Peak for those seeking invigorating hikes with spectacular views. With the state's best natural features like the famous Garden of the Gods, encompassing 1,300 acres of picturesque sandstone formations suitable for hiking, biking, and climbing, residents hardly need a vacation. Its ample amenities, desirable neighborhoods, and stunning surrounding nature make this affordable city a top choice for many.
Denver
Denver, the state's capital and the economic hub of the Mountain West, offers a wealth of high-paying employment opportunities. It's an ideal place for those aiming to advance their careers, providing convenient amenities such as public transit, a vibrant nightlife, and professional sports venues. Additionally, much of Colorado's best outdoor activities are within a four-hour drive, offering natural landmarks and ski resorts for weekend getaways. Known as the Mile High City, Denver boasts a low unemployment rate, a plethora of microbreweries and brewpubs, and a thriving tech scene, all contributing to an enviable work-life balance under sunny skies, allowing locals to stay active.
With a population of approximately 711,463 and high bike and walk scores, a 2-bedroom apartment rents for a median of $1,712 per month, while the median household income is $78,177. Recognized as one of the best places to live in the US and especially attractive for remote workers in Colorado, Denver draws young professionals with its bustling job market. Despite rising housing costs, with a median home price of under $600,000, it remains more affordable than in other cities across the state. Its sought-after neighborhoods include the upscale Cherry Creek, the lively LoDo, and Downtown Denver, which remains a favored living area with top-tier amenities, entertainment, shopping, and dining options.
Fort Collins
Fort Collins, perhaps the most underrated city in Colorado, offers an exceptional quality of life for families and young professionals. Home to around 170,000 residents, this vibrant city near the Cache la Poudre River is filled with outdoor attractions. Balancing its small-town charm with impressive services, Fort Collins has seen a recent surge in popularity due to its promising economy. The city's extensive network of over 30 miles of well-maintained bike trails makes car ownership unnecessary for navigating the area in every season. Excelling in diversity, nightlife, and family-friendliness, Fort Collins provides a dense suburban atmosphere where most residents own their homes, with the median home price around $500,000.
Fort Collins is known as the “craft beer capital of Colorado,” boasting the highest number of breweries per capita in the US, catering to those seeking leisure and social opportunities. It also holds the distinction of inspiring Disneyland’s Main Street USA. The presence of Colorado State University, one of the largest universities in the state, adds a youthful and studious atmosphere, offering an abundance of cultural and sports activities for locals. The Poudre School District, highly regarded for primary and secondary education, attracts families. The city appeals to many conservative-leaning young professionals, offering numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and parks for relaxation.
Grand Junction
Situated in the heart of Colorado's wine country on the Western Slope, Grand Junction is home to just over 70,000 people. As one of the most affordable cities in Colorado, it offers the chance to own a dream home for under $400,000. Residents enjoy a median household income of $58,892, a lower cost of living, and a location far from the state's largest cities. Grand Junction draws young families and professionals with its affordable housing options, proximity to natural wonders like the Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa, and easy access to popular ski resorts such as Aspen, Telluride, and Vail, all within a two-hour drive. The convenience of having spectacular outdoor destinations nearby negates the need for expensive vacations.
Close to Grand Junction, the Ridges boast three impressive parks with numerous trails and ponds, while the Grand Mesa National Forest, accessible by a short drive, offers activities like cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and summer trails for hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The walkable, historic downtown area invites residents to relax among murals and artwork, with its bars, breweries, restaurants, and wineries. The city's largest employment sectors are healthcare and education, including institutions like Colorado Mesa University and St. Mary's Hospital, alongside local government jobs with the State of Colorado. Grand Junction also supports a sizable private sector, offering ample remote work opportunities and rental options starting at $1,250, making it an attractive location for retirees and families seeking accessible services.
In summary, Fort Collins and Grand Junction each offer unique attractions and amenities, from Colorado State University and Disneyland's Main Street USA inspiration in Fort Collins to the historic downtown and proximity to outdoor adventures in Grand Junction. Boulder and Castle Rock stand out for their natural beauty and scenery, despite higher housing costs. Colorado Springs draws outdoor enthusiasts with iconic attractions like Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods, showcasing the diverse appeal of Colorado's best places to live in 2024.
