8 Best Places to Live in The Rockies in 2024
Living in the Rockies eliminates the need for vacation planning, with breathtaking views from your window and immediate access to outdoor adventures. Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is nestled near the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountains in the Salt Lake Valley, offering proximity to numerous ski resorts, including those in Park City, host of the annual Sundance Film Festival.
This list serves as an excellent starting point for those considering a move in 2024 to enjoy the fresh mountain air and a balanced lifestyle that comes naturally. Whether you opt for "Colorful Colorado," Utah, a haven for ski enthusiasts, or Idaho for remote work amidst nature, you'll find a place where you can afford a great house, save money, or enjoy leisure spending.
Aspen, Colorado
Renowned for its outdoor appeal, Aspen, a small, affluent community, consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Colorado despite its high cost—undoubtedly worth it. With a lively atmosphere and the beauty of Pitkin County, where it serves as the county seat, Aspen captivates both residents and visitors. Its population has decreased to 6,319 from 6,995 in 2020, yet it remains a year-round vacation spot that many envy. The median listing price for homes is $2.2 million, with a median sale price of $3 million. However, with an average household income of $188,344, living here is more feasible.
Residents save on vacation expenses by living in this sought-after destination, which thrives on tourism and celebrity visits. Attractions like Buttermilk Ski Resort and the Aspen Recreation Center are within walking distance, eliminating the need for travel to larger cities. Aspen appeals to middle-aged professionals, remote workers, and retirees, with a median age of 41.3. If you're career-oriented and value a healthy lifestyle, you'll enjoy perks like mountain views, skiing, and summer activities such as hiking and mountain biking on trails like the highly regarded Upper Hunter Creek Trailhead to the west.
Boise, Idaho
Boise, another affluent yet outdoorsy city, offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to Aspen, with a median home price of $594,500. The population has been increasing since 2010, now at 8,757, attracting newcomers with a median household income of $70,776 and a low density of 5 people per square mile. The city lies on flat land, making it easy to navigate, while the northeastern foothills offer stunning eastern views and outdoor adventures. Numerous hiking and biking trails provide even more spectacular views from the peaks overlooking the city.
Whether you enjoy mountain biking or morning runs, the extensive trail network, including the top-rated Esther Simplot Park, connects you with nature. Boise National Forest and Sawtooth National Forest are just a short drive away, offering hiking, camping, and backpacking opportunities that often eliminate the desire for expensive vacations. With amenities like an airport, town greens, Zoo Boise, and Boise State University, Boise meets the needs of various groups, including major employers in healthcare and tourism.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder, nestled against the foothills, is a picturesque college town and a hub for entrepreneurship. Located at the edge of the Great Plains as they transition into the Rocky Mountains, Boulder offers spectacular views from its downtown crest, especially along Route 36 from Denver. Its distinctive sandstone formations set against pine-clad mesas and the backdrop of the snow-capped Indian Peaks draw sightseers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This diverse community includes young professionals, families, academics, scientists, and transplants from both coasts, where engaging in activities often takes precedence over occupations.
Boulder is known for its focus on health and wellness, offering unique experiences such as forest bathing, free meditation, various fitness classes including parkour, aerial dance, and “Animal Flow.” With its spas, Boulder has become a center for alternative healthcare, providing relaxation and rejuvenation options after work. The city also boasts a strong yoga community, further enriching its residents' lifestyles with events like the annual Tube to Work Day. Despite its array of outdoor activities—trail running, hiking, biking, and climbing—the cost of living here is high, with a median home price of $881,147, average rent at $1,694, and an average salary of $73,360. The median age in Boulder is 37.2 years, with key industries being technology, aerospace, and higher education. Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks, publicly owned and preserved, offer endless outdoor enjoyment.
Castle Rock, Colorado
Castle Rock is a charming small town known for its low crime rate and vibrant community, nearing 90,000 residents but maintaining a relaxed lifestyle. It combines the warmth of small-town living with the conveniences of a larger city, promoting rural tranquility, flourishing businesses, and healthy living, all contributing to its high livability. The town is experiencing a rapid growth rate of 4.23% annually, attracting families, remote workers, and young professionals with its top public school districts and a high median income of $121,388. With a median age of 35.8 years, residents enjoy upscale amenities, although not the most affordable, with median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,944 and a median house price of approximately $699,500.
The median household income of $154,734 and a low poverty rate of 3.51% reflect the town's prosperity. Castle Rock offers extensive hiking trails across over 6,000 acres of open space and 265 acres of parks, with distinctive rocky outcroppings that define the skyline. Rock Park, featuring an iconic butte, offers a scenic hike to an overlook perfect for relaxing and picnicking. The town also hosts the "largest open-air outlet center in Colorado," with over 100 stores, making it a popular destination for shopping and leisure.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Situated at an elevation of over 6,000 feet on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs offers a refreshing change of pace from Denver, located just an hour north. With a population of 483,956, the city boasts a stable economy, a lower crime rate than other large cities, and a variety of comforts, amenities, and attractions. The average home price is about $525,500, with median rent at $1,486. The low unemployment rate of 3.6% and a competitive median annual income of $71,957 allow residents to enjoy a lower overall cost of living compared to nearby cities.
The city's abundance of parks and recreational activities includes the iconic Garden of the Gods, which offers fantastic views and nature trails for hiking, biking, and climbing. The 1,300-acre park features picturesque sandstone formations, providing residents with a vacation-like escape. Pikes Peak adds to the city's allure, offering challenging hikes with rewarding views. With its affordability, desirable neighborhoods, and stunning natural surroundings, Colorado Springs is indeed one of the best places for a fresh start in the Rockies.
Ketchum, Idaho
Currently home to 3,507 people, Ketchum is a small city in Blaine County, Idaho. Despite a slowly declining population at a rate of -0.65% annually, Ketchum remains a reputable place with a median age of 51.3 years, perfect for retirees who enjoy cozy coffee shops, boutique stores, and family-owned restaurants offering personalized service. But Ketchum isn't just for retirees; the $109,791 median income reflects a community of hard-working residents, including many remote workers who appreciate the warm and friendly ambiance in the stunning Wood River Valley. Truly a hidden gem, dubbed “one of the coolest towns in America” by Matador Network, Ketchum prides itself on its tight-knit outdoor-loving community, offering a wealth of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep.
Minutes from the world-class Sun Valley Resort, Ketchum serves as a base for snow enthusiasts from the city and around the world for skiing, snowboarding, and wintry family fun. During the summer months, Ketchum transforms into a haven for hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing, drawing inspiration from the surrounding wilderness into its vibrant arts scene. A sense of local history significantly contributes to creating a friendly atmosphere, offering a fun yet unpretentious Old-West-style experience for visitors and newcomers. Authentic attractions include the Pioneer Saloon, with its gigantic portions for ravenous cowboys and drinks to toast remarkable Rocky Mountain adventures.
Park City, Utah
Despite a declining population rate of -1.37% annually, Park City, just 32 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, remains a popular choice for those seeking entertainment and attractions without the hustle and bustle. Home to 8,148 residents as of this year, with a median age of 41.6 years, this small town boasts an incredible average household income of $238,648. While its median list price to own a home is $2.2 million, the median sold price is more accessible at $809,100, offering great deals for those looking to join the community. The enchanting town justifies every penny spent with stunning mountain views and outdoor activities. As the host of the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival in January, Park City adopts a slightly upscale feel.
Welcoming celebrities and famous directors alongside everyday people, Park City provides a fun, inclusive atmosphere for watching movies in the mountains during the high season, complete with food, drinks, and family festivities that extend beyond the holidays. Home to a wide range of activities and attractions throughout the year, the friendly town attracts skiers, adventurers, and fans of independent cinema. In the winter months, Park City becomes a skiing paradise, offering easy access to the world-class Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort. Others enjoy Olympic fame with family-friendly snow play, sled rides, and professional tracks like bobsledding at the Utah Olympic Park.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Nestled in the Wasatch Range, a subdivision of the Rockies, Salt Lake City (SLC) is Utah's capital and most populous city, as well as the county seat. It boasts a population of 211,641 in 2024, growing at an annual rate of 1.68%. With a younger demographic, the median age is 32.5 years, and the city offers an impressive median household income of $107,280. Along with Reno, Nevada, SLC is one of only two major urban areas in the Great Basin, offering big-city amenities with beautiful surroundings within easy reach. The larger Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, Utah, area is part of a 120-mile development corridor along the Wasatch Front.
Home to 6.75% of Utah's total population, the city proper offers a vibrant atmosphere with one of the densest populations in the area, with 1,689 people per square mile (or 1,050 per square kilometer), making it easy to find hobbies and make friends. The city provides numerous contemporary places and leisure pursuits, like dozens of hiking trails that begin within the city limits. A day hike can extend into biking and climbing closer to the mountains for a whole weekend trip. Nestled between the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountains, this major metro area in the Salt Lake Valley enjoys access to several ski resorts just a 30-minute drive from the city, with even more within an hour.
The Rockies offer an enviable region for living, often accompanied by a hefty price tag but also higher median incomes than the national average of around $64,000. Covering various states, cities, and towns, it all contributes to a year-round vacationland lifestyle in the Rockies, catering to every demographic. For those on a budget, consider the small Idaho town of Ketchum, while Castle Rock offers a sedentary lifestyle in a vibrant city with a homegrown feel and high median income.
