California, a western U.S. state, stretches from the Mexican border along the Pacific for nearly 900 miles. Its terrain includes cliff-lined beaches, redwood forest, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Central Valley farmland and the Mojave Desert. The city of Los Angeles is the seat of the Hollywood entertainment industry. Hilly San Francisco is known for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and cable cars.
Colorado boasts a four-season environment, untamed mountains, and desert towns—all excellent reasons to call the state home. The state’s laid-back lifestyle, many outdoor activities, and economic prospects are further draws for people relocating there.
The greatest spots in Colorado to live, take in the state’s well-known landscape, and unwind are listed here, regardless of whether you’re moving from the Midwest or a coastal state. Using up-to-date information on important lifestyle variables including the median property price, per-capita personal income, unemployment rate, and crime rate, we were able to analyse cities.
1. Fort Collins
Population 168,538
Median home price $629,950
Estimated monthly expenses $8,119
Average income $70,528
Unemployment rate 2.8%
Community wellness score 64/100
Criminal offenses reported 3,996
The honor of the most underrated city in Colorado may belong to Fort Collins, which offers a promising economy and favorable quality of life for families and young professionals alike.
While the city population has been growing rapidly recently, the town is able to offer impressive services while doing its best to maintain a small-town vibe.
For example, there are over 30 miles of well-manicured bike trails to navigate the city at any time of the year. Additionally, Colorado State University provides plenty of cultural and sports activities for locals.
Another standout trait is that many consider Fort Collins to be the “craft beer capital of Colorado.” The city is in contention for the most breweries per capita in the U.S.
2. Denver
Population 711,463
Median home price $637,000
Estimated monthly expenses $8,501
Average income $72,661
Unemployment rate 3.3%
Community wellness score 70/100
Criminal offenses reported 12,029
As an economic hub of the Mountain West, Denver offers many high-paying employment opportunities and plenty of big-city amenities like public transit, bustling nightlife and professional sports venues.
You can also easily access many of Colorado’s best natural landmarks and ski resorts from the Mile High City within four hours or less.
Living in Denver can be relatively expensive, but the Aurora suburban area is notably cheaper and less than 30 minutes from the city center.
3. Colorado Springs
Population 483,956
Median home price $525,500
Estimated monthly expenses $7,346
Average income $67,719
Unemployment rate 3.6%
Community wellness score 60/100
Criminal offenses reported 6,221
Many people choose to move to Colorado Springs for its breathtaking scenery while avoiding the big-city hustle of Denver, which is only an hour away. “The Springs,” as many locals call it, is also more affordable and has a lower crime rate than Denver, which makes it a more family-friendly town.
World-class athletes training at the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center give Colorado Springs its nickname: “Olympic City USA.” The town sits a mile above sea level, and the thin air is an excellent training environment.
Additionally, relatively few types of businesses need a business license compared to other Coloradoan cities, which is helpful if you’re an entrepreneur. Other large employers operate in the defense, tech and tourism industries.
4. Grand Junction
Population 66,964
Median home price $478,500
Estimated monthly expenses $7,007
Average income $54,570
Unemployment rate 3.6%
Community wellness score 54/100
Criminal offenses reported 1,133
Residing in Grand Junction allows you to enjoy Colorado wine country and the hub of the Western Slope. This is one of the more affordable cities to buy a home as you’re further away from the state’s biggest cities. Grand Junction also offers its own outdoor destinations.
Colorado National Monument and Grand Mesa are in the town’s backyard. You can also reach popular ski resorts like Aspen, Telluride or Vail in approximately two hours.
Healthcare and education are the two largest employment sectors, but private sector employment is also available with plenty of remote work opportunities.
5. Greeley
Population 109,323
Median home price $544,500
Estimated monthly expenses $7,655
Average income $57,537
Unemployment rate 3.6%
Community wellness score 58/100
Criminal offenses reported 1,632
Due to its affordability, Greeley is among the greatest cities for families to reside in Colorado on the Front Range. Fort Collins is 45 minutes away, and you can get to downtown Denver in little over an hour.
The two best things about living in Greeley are Northern Colorado University and the renovated downtown area. The city’s economy is being driven by agribusiness, food production, and education.
Additionally, there are many of chances to spend time outside, such as seeing the neighbouring Rocky Mountain National Park or hiking or bicycling the 21-mile Poudre River Trail. Additionally, you may unwind at an indoor water park to avoid the cold throughout the winter.
6. Boulder
Population 104,175
Median home price $809,319
Estimated monthly expenses $9,073
Average income $72,279
Unemployment rate 2.6%
Community wellness score 74/100
Criminal offenses reported 1,101
Enjoying the best of several worlds is simple in Boulder. This roughly 100,000-person college town emphasises holistic living, offers plenty of tech-related job options, a thriving social scene, and convenient access to outdoor sports.
Even though the city provides almost everything you need, if you want to travel to a large international airport or attend concerts or athletic events, Denver’s bustling metropolis is only 40 minutes away. Although Boulder is one of the most expensive cities in Colorado, it’s a great spot for working professionals looking for an amazing quality of life.
7. Durango
Population 19,223
Median home price $874,000
Estimated monthly expenses $7,187
Average income $65,424
Unemployment rate 2.9%
Community wellness score 65/100
Criminal offenses reported 350
Durango is one of the best places to live in Colorado if you want easy access to ski slopes, trout fishing and trails for hiking and biking. You can also enjoy the perks of small-town living, which can be beneficial for families and retirees.
It’s also one of the most influential cities in southwestern Colorado with tourism being a primary industry. However, this city has a high cost of living due to its desirable mountain location.
8. Pueblo
Population 112,368
Median home price $399,900
Estimated monthly expenses $6,428
Average income $42,902
Unemployment rate 5.4%
Community wellness score 48/100
Criminal offenses reported 2,079
Pueblo is one of Colorado’s most affordable midsize towns. The city provides a southwestern culture and plenty of sun. The downtown Riverwalk is a fun assortment of shops, restaurants and events. Some of the town’s primary employers are Colorado State University Pueblo and Parkview Medical Center.
The state’s high desert environment protects inhabitants from the harsh winters that much of the state experiences. While the average annual snowfall is about 32 inches, northern communities like Denver or Fort Collins may anticipate to receive up to 50 inches yearly.