most affordable mountain towns in colorado

Telluride, 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. This historic steam engine takes passengers on a scenic journey from the wild western town of Durango to the historic mining town of Silverton. Heres how you can explore the best of the Centennial State like a local, not a tourist. Cost of Living Index: 2% Above Colorado Average. The San Juan Mountains surrounding Telluride are some of the most incredible peaks to explore in the state. Crested Butte. Some of the most incredible mountain towns in Colorado happen to be located right near Denver. The town embraces a fun atmosphere with an annual fruitcake toss, pie baking contests, ghost tours, ice cream events, and a lot more. Idaho Springs is not only acheap place to live in Colorado Mountainsbut a great place to stop to reach the famous Colorado ski resorts. But this small town is nestled right at the base of the Rocky Mountains and offers a wide variety of things to do. Whatever you do though, dont miss BrewSki in March. Thornton. Just under two hours from Denver, Leadville is right near Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, the two highest peaks in Colorado and a couple of the best 14ers near Denver. Telluride is a picture-perfect mountain town in southwestern Colorado with a jaw-dropping backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. Ogden, Utah. Its an old family town where all the residents know each other, feel connected, and help each other out. 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. While its costs are the same as the Colorado state average, it is clear that the city is far from average. Whatever you want to do, youll find something in Pagosa Springs. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 7.) 18 Most Charming Mountain Towns In Colorado To Visit In 2023 La Junta (Population: 7,568) This eastern Colorado town is home to Otero Junior College and average annual mortgage payments of only $4,447! , Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. The cost of living is 15% below the Colorado average. 11 must-visit mountain towns for this summer in Colorado Large elk herds roam the town freely. The town sits at an elevation of 6,320 feet. 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. 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. Set within White River National Forest, Vail sits at the base of Vail Mountain. Living in one of the best mountain towns in Colorado is a lot different than visiting. Population: 1,966 Cost of Living Index: 17% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $429,000. Summertime is also when Vail hosts some of its signature events, including Vail America Days, Kids Adventure Games, and the Vail Craft Beer and Rocky Mountain Burger Battle. Over the summer you can skip the ski slopes and . In the summer, you can take an incredible hike to Ice Lake or backpack sections of the Colorado Trail. As the wildflower capital of Colorado, there are many beautiful trails to explore. Breckenridge. Where is the cheapest place to live in the mountains in Colorado? - 2023 Elbert and Mt. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Yes, from there it got its name Paonia. From here you can drive to reach Twin Lake, a destination to spot the views of clear alpine water. What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? It is a place that is known for the iconic, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway, which features an old steam train from the 19th century that can take you on a scenic trip from Durango to Silverton. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. My sister brought me here, I was in college, my second year in 2016, and she use to stay in Pueblo. It sits along Clear Creek Canyon commonly famous for radium hot springs for its therapeutic properties. As a great jumping-off point for exciting adventures such as the Alpine Loop, San Juan Scenic Byway, and the Colorado Trail. Westcliffe is tiny and quaint, and it has the atmosphere to match, with agood sense of community. Salida also has plenty of cultural significance. Everyone dreams about living a quaint and rugged life in the Rocky Mountains, but many of the famous ski towns like. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 11 Warmest Places In Colorado For Your Next Vacation, 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado: Cities with Lowest Cost of Living, 2 Days in Colorado Springs Itinerary for the Perfect Weekend Trip. You can also immerse yourself in history by taking a day trip just a couple of hours west toHovenweep National Monument. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, with its opportunity to sled the tallest sand dunes in North America, is just an hour away. Up and Coming Colorado Towns | Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado are very low, which makes it an attractive place for anyone, especially families looking for a cheap mountain town in Colorado. There is a small airport, so flying into Telluride is also an option. Thats why I created this mega-extensive guide to the best mountain towns in Colorado. in 1984, and birthed the Shavano Chapter of the Columbine Poets of 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. Just under a2 hour drive from Colorado Springs, Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. 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. In the winter, Ouray transforms into the epicenter of the ice climbing world. This makes Glenwood Springs one of the best mountain towns in Colorado if youre looking for unique things to see and do. If you have an interest in gold mining, youll enjoy touring the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine and visiting the Cripple Creek Heritage Center. The best mountain towns near Denver include: There are a lot of incredible mountain towns in Colorado and nearly all of them are stunning. And for this reason, Steamboat Springs is a small town that really shines as a place for an extended stay. The view of rolling hills and mountains is unimaginably gorgeous. Boulder, Golden, and Morrison have amazing mountain views while still being close to the action of bigger cities like Denver. Crested Butte is a remote town in Gunnison County where you can only breathe the fresh mountain air and no industrial population. Also, I want you to know the pros and cons of living in Colorado before coming here. Do you want to explore the surrounding area? 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. Breckenridge is about a 90-minute drive from Denver and sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains Tenmile Range. 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 one of the most travel destinations in the state with a strong economy exclusively on coal mining and agriculture. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Head southwest to Durango for unforgettable treks found within the San Juan National Forest. There is no way youll feel a harsh sun ray piercing through your skin. Meeker has a huge market for fishing and hunting. If you like national historic sites, you will also fall in love with this town. You can also enjoy the hot springs when you visit Ouray. The skiing is world-class, but theres so much more to Telluride. Afterward, stop at Frisco Bay Marina for a picnic before coming back later in the year to do a bit of snow tubing at Frisco Adventure Park. Luckily to reside here you do not have to spend much because it is one of theinexpensive mountain towns in Colorado. 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. Manitou Springs. 10. Vail is a mecca for skiing, but youll find plenty of things to do in Vail in the summer as well. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Population: 2,690 Cost of Living Index: 7% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $492,000. Meanwhile, campers can pitch their tents in the nearby Gunnison National Forest with primitive to full-service amenities. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. 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. Also, Ive good news for young adults. However, the median home value is $352,800, more significant than the national median value. 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. 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. Massive and Mt. 12 Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2023, 8 Most Romantic Getaways in Colorado Springs in 2023, 10 Best Hikes in Colorado Springs in 2023, Winter Wonderland: Top 4 Ice Caves in Colorado to Explore. 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? Overall, its a quiet town that is good for families and has anice, community feel, making it one of the top affordable mountain cities in Colorado. There are several factors to consider, such as how close you are to amenities, tourist traffic, and access to suitable work. 5 tiny Colorado mountain towns for a quieter weekend getaway 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. This town has a population of 14,000 residents over two square miles, making it a dense urban area. If you are looking for outdoor activities, then Telluride is the place to go. Massive, two of Colorado's highest peaks. There are also breweries to check out, and all in all, this is a very affordable place to live. Aspenis located about three and a half hours from Denver and is easily one of the most popular places in the Colorado mountains. 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. 15 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado. Less than 100 miles from Denver, Fairplay offers agood nightlife and a nice variety of rural and suburban neighborhoods. And because the city's median income is $115,069, Portland has the fourth best home price to income ratio in colorado. It is small, but not tiny, and offers an excellent climate. Head out for a sunrise hike on the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail to catch all of the highlights. Also, if youre searchingfor cheapvacation spots in Colorado,it can be the best as you can spread out in the great outdoor activities. There is plenty of snow and Victorian buildings in this elevated town. These popular destinations feature amazing mountain scenery and are absolutely bursting with local businesses. In summer, the temperature rose to make me feel happy and energetic. 21 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado (By a Local) The tiny town of Silverton packs a real punch. What is the best small town to live in Colorado? - 2023 You can learn more about my privacy policy here. 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. It sits just on the east of the Middle Fork South Platte River, northward to Alma and Hoosier Pass, and close to Breckenridge for skiing. 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. Located along the famous Million Dollar Highway (one of the most beautiful drives in Colorado) this small mining town holds on to its immense charm making it one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. 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. Every year, people flock from all over the world to experience the best mountain towns in Colorado. 8 Iconic Mountain Towns in Colorado | Best to Live - Uncover Colorado 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 . . With so many things to do in Ouray year-round, youve got to visit this classic mountain town. Photo Credit: benedek (iStock). 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? Most of the stunning scenery in Colorado is located close to a mountain town. Wildlife is wild, and can often act unpredictably. It sits 10,000 feet above sea level. Nestled in San Juan National Forest, this ski area is minutes from downtown Durango. Nearest mega resorts: None. Georgetown is one of the most charming mountain towns in Colorado. that is packed with unique stories and features. Your email address will not be published. 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? They gather, drink coffee, read the paper, and interact with people who pass by. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". A great weekend getaway from Denver, Breckenridge is an epic place to visit for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Fraser is located within the Rocky Mountains, in Middle Park, and is a part of Grand County. Local Tip: In 2021 reservations are required to visit the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. 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. Its less than an hour drive from Pikes Peak and just four minutes from Rainbow Falls. Trinidad. It is an ideal place to be close to nature with a cost of living index is 94.8 (USA average of 100). Its location makes it a prime spot for outdoor recreation, including skiing, whitewater rafting, and ice climbing. This is small-town living at its finest. Leadville is about a two-hour ride from Denver. Stop by the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum and then take the Route of the Silver Kings to learn some mining history. Estes Park. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 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. The housing cost on average is $380,800, greater than the national median value. Youll find plenty to enjoy within this towns borders. Success! It is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventure seekers. On average, a single adult's expense is around $38,947 a year. With so much to do, its easy to see why this is one of the best small towns in Colorado. Its location is very convenient. A single adult costs around $38,928 annually and the median home value is around $145,300. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The hike to this incredible lake has become so popular that permits are now required, but its totally worth the hassle to see Hanging Lake at least once. 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. Known for its high-end lodging and restaurants, its not surprising to see celebrities walking the streets. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. A. Leadville is a warm, close-knit community to live in the Rocky Mountains for all outdoor enthusiasts and retirees. Instead of mining for gold, though, youll search for jackpots at one of the small towns nine casinos. 11. The ambiance is very offbeat yet charming. 9 Of The Best Mountain Towns In Colorado 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. If you want to fall in love with some amazing scenery and try some great hiking trails, this is a fantastic place to live for all country-loving souls that want to escape from the chaotic rush of living in the big city, making it one of the best cheap mountain towns in Colorado. What are the cutest towns in Colorado? - 2023 This place is my home and I love to explore here. 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. Among other things in Telluride are the Sheridan Opera House (a performing-arts venue) and the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art. Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you. The city sits "above the Clouds" at 8,465 in elevation and offers a backside view of Pikes Peak. 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. Then hit one of the many miles of trails in the area for a bike or a hike. Im sure youll have some great memories here! It is the bounty of fairy tale towns. 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. Woodland Park. In the winter, youll find incredible skiing and snowboarding, and the list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer is long. At Mesa Verde National Park in southern Colorado, visitors can retrace the ancient footsteps of the ancestral Puebloans who once lived in the park's magnificent cliff dwellings, and the entrance fee is affordable. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. It is the most affordable Colorado mountain town in Larimer County sitting at an elevation of 7,522 feet. What was a mining town during the Victorian era has become today's charming town of Telluride. In fact, this park is home to a steep canyon that has the Gunnison River running through it, making it an ideal spot for a bit of white water rafting and kayaking. 3. I thought he is planning to take me toChristmas towns in Florida. 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. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. I recommend going out on the terrace at night to stare at the stars. 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. For anyone looking to expand their horizons, wee Crestone has evolved over the years from a tiny mining town into a place for spiritual seekers. Breckenridge might be a small town, but theres no shortage of things to do. Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. You can also have some fun with llama trekking and the town even has a little theater, too. Location: Check on Google Maps. The West Elk Loop scenic byway and Kebler Pass are close by for a nice drive. What city in Colorado has the lowest cost of living? In addition, there is a great range of restaurants and dining options, with multiple cafes, ethnic food, and some fantastic eating experiences. In western Colorado, Crested Butte is surely apretty place to live with your familyand the view of lush green fields. Colorado hosts a variety of different flavors when it comes to mountain escapes. Discovering The Best 26 Reasons: What is Colorado Known for? Heres a map of the state to get oriented. This mountain town also is home to tons of excellent mountain biking trails. Just outside of Fort Morgan sits the small town of Brush, Colorado. With unbelievable views of the Sawatch Range and easy access to the Arkansas River, youll be spoiled for activities. , with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. , but you can also enjoy things like trail riding, Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park, a ski resort, and rafting experiences. Overall SnackAbility. Ouray is a great summer destination. 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. Whatever you do, though, dont forget to visit Keystone Lake since you can ice skate here in the winter and paddleboard/canoe here in the summer. 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 . For the mountain town experience super close to the city, make the just over half an hour drive from Denver to Idaho Springs. 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. The Rocky Mountain State has a lot to offer the residents and tourists longing for the standard of living, quality schools, hospitality, pastoral landscape, and simple life. Top 5 Colorado Mountain Towns for Summer - Go World Travel Magazine You can spot Pikes Peak in distance. There is truly no place like Colorado in the summer, where countless outdoor adventures await. Adult lift tickets at Granby Ranch are less than one hundred bucks for a full day, with children 5 and under skiing free. 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. Ices Lakes Pictured. Fort Collins. 1. It was added to the. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt. Visitors are easily charmed by the town's natural beauty.

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