The West Elk Loop scenic byway and Kebler Pass are close by for a nice drive. However, the jobs are seasonal and low wages positions. Luckily to reside here you do not have to spend much because it is one of theinexpensive mountain towns in Colorado. The median home value here is just $189,600, less than the national home value of $204,900 on average. Tiny Creede couldn't get any bigger even if it wanted tothe town is perched in what was once a volcanic caldera, with sheer cliffs rising up around it. It certainly makes the list of the best mountain towns in Colorado thanks to its incredible charm nestled in a stunning setting. As a great jumping-off point for exciting adventures such as the Alpine Loop, San Juan Scenic Byway, and the Colorado Trail. When it comes to uncovering the best mountain towns in Colorado, youll have to visit these top hits. Crestline, California. Boulder, Golden, and Morrison have amazing mountain views while still being close to the action of bigger cities like Denver. 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. 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. However, the jobs are seasonal and low wages positions. Incredible mountain views can be seen from the town, which features a number of cobbled streets in a newly developed area and a colorful collection of summer vacation stays and year-round homes. Related: 7 Reasons to Quit Your Job & Become A Ski Bum: Despite its proximity to Denver, Federal Heights is still one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado. It sits in the northwest of Colorado. While its costs are the same as the Colorado state average, it is clear that the city is far from average. Afterward, enjoy a day trip to Mesa Verde National Park before exploring the San Juan National Forest and checking out the Animas River Trail too. Vail also offers plenty of summertime activities including golfing, hiking, festivals, farmers markets, and concerts in the square. Granby is the place to go if you want to splash around on the water in one of the best mountain towns near Denver. Heres were you can find the top attractions in Colorado: Planning a trip to Colorado? Hiking, biking, and river activities are just a few of the adventures on the menu. Overall, the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado based on cost of living and home prices are: They all offer a relatively cheap way of life high in the mountains so that you can experience a quiet and rugged life for an affordable price. Most Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado, FAQ: Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado. Crested Butte is also a top spot for leaf-peepers. With so many things to do in Ouray year-round, youve got to visit this classic mountain town. Population: 14,777. Most of the stunning scenery in Colorado is located close to a mountain town. Idaho Falls, Idaho. They might be located in or near the mountains, making it easy to access and enjoy the beautiful landscape. 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. Silverton features some of the best things to do in Colorado. Cost of Living Index: 2% Above Colorado Average. I was here from October to August, working, living, and enjoying my life. At nearly 9,000 feet at the summit, the mountain offers 700 feet of vertical downhill. A mountain bikers paradise, Crested Butte is filled with trails and Nordic ski routes around town. But Nederland might be most famous for Frozen Dead Guy Days, a weird winter festival with strange events like coffin racing and ice turkey bowling. Your email address will not be published. Theres also the National Mining Hall of Fame Museum, which is amazingly big given the small town that houses it. In the north-western part of the Rocky Mountains near West Elks American Viticulture Area in Delta County sits thisbeautiful mountain townof Paonia. Photo Credit: Daniel Case (Wikimedia Commons). You can opt to make a reservation for a personal vehicle ($10) or take the bus ($16) if youre visiting between 8 am and 5 pm. You can also go dog sledding through the Colorado mountains or spend your days fly fishing or golfing. 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 . The best mountain towns near Denver include: There are a lot of incredible mountain towns in Colorado and nearly all of them are stunning. It is nestled between Chicken Creek and the Mancos River, and if you fancy a trip out of town to go camping, you wont have a long drive to handle. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. 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. If youre looking for cheap mountain towns in Colorado where you can combine, in the summer seasons, Buena Vista is a great place to live. The giant troll, who goes by the name of Isak Heartstone, is truly a sight to see. I came here in winter and loved it. As one of the best mountain towns in Colorado for the luxury-inclined, Aspen is the place to be seen. 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. Here's a peek at what it looks like in the winter. Residents can commute quickly to Longmont, Denver, Boulder, or Fort Collins and still build equity in this affordable community. There are also, if that appeals to you, and you can visit the, Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the. Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the community is tight-knit, which is critical for such a small town. 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. Location: Check on Google Maps. Required fields are marked *. things to do in Ouray year-round, youve g, best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The Complete Guide to Visiting Colorado Like a Local, A list of amazing mountain towns in Colorado, Local tips and tricks about what to see, where to eat, and where to stay in each location, Additional Colorado travel planning resources, Frisco, Breckenridge, and Dillion (all one area), The Broadmoor Seven Falls near Colorado Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa, Royal Gorge Bridge and Park near Canon City. Often referred to as "high-country playground," the 265,769 acre-park is known for its awe-inspiring landscape. Meanwhile, Wolf Creek Ski area, just a few minutes away, snags the most snow in the state, more than 450 inches a year. You can learn more about my privacy policy here. Meanwhile, campers can pitch their tents in the nearby Gunnison National Forest with primitive to full-service amenities. The snow, the skiing, Christmas celebration were all amazing. Salida is a cozy mountain town located where the Arkansas River runs from the valley into Bighorn Sheep Canyon. Fraser is located within the Rocky Mountains, in Middle Park, and is a part of Grand County. In the summer, you can take an incredible hike to Ice Lake or backpack sections of the Colorado Trail. With a population of 7,606, its median housing cost is only $87,500, with a median income of $37,554. Breckenridge might be a small town, but theres no shortage of things to do. This is greater than the annual cost of living in Colorado of $40,026. Population: 9,671 Cost of Living Index: 19% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $236,000. The activities in Leadville include the scenic Leadville Southern Railroad, which offers a. and incredible alpine scenery that will not fail to impress. 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. Crested Butte is just so cute! It sees a lot of tourists during the warmer months, and has a, , or try out some white water sports when the weather is hot. The town sits at an elevation of 6,320 feet. What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? Even the famous visitors cant overshadow attractions like the Maroon Bells. Trust me, its a truly awesome experience! Do you know the peony flower? Colorado Springs is widely known for being the home of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, award-winning restaurants, and amazing downtowns. 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. The town is best known for having inspired the popular TV show South Park. The view of rolling hills and mountains is unimaginably gorgeous. Although its still on the list of cheap mountain towns in Colorado, partly thanks to its amazingly low living costs and median home prices being below $250,000, Alamosa is one of the bigger towns on this list. Climbers with ice tools and crampons flock to the Ouray Ice Park for some frozen fun, and the pros join in at the annual Ice Climbing Festival. It is a tourist spot so getting a job in the hospitality sector is not very difficult. Living in one of the best mountain towns in Colorado is a lot different than visiting. A. Westcliffe sits in the south-central part of Colorado and is the tiny and most affordable area in Colorado. 7. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. The total cost of a single adult annually is around $37,516 which is less than the annual cost of living for Colorado of $40,026. Then hit one of the many miles of trails in the area for a bike or a hike. 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. Whether you want to make a trek or take a dip, Salida is the place. Caon City. It is a National Historic Landmark due to its mining history, and you can learn all about it at the Telluride Historical Museum. , which is amazingly big given the small town that houses it. This town is sometimes called the Switzerland of America and if you ever go, youll know why. Mancos features a small-town feel where almost all of the residents know each other. The ski area in Vail is one of the top places to ski in all of North America. Its. Frisco. And because the city's median income is $115,069, Portland has the fourth best home price to income ratio in colorado. 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. Leadville will take your breath away, and not just because its the highest incorporated city in the US at an elevation of 10,152 feet. I remember vividly when I stepped out of the car for the first time I was stunned and felt connected. 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. In the Tenmile Range sits Breckenridge, one of the highest ski towns nearly at the elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level. People come here to explore world-class hiking trails and ride motorized recreation trails with the best mountain bikes, camps, snowmobiles, and more. Westcliffe is tiny and quaint, and it has the atmosphere to match, with agood sense of community. In the North Fork Valley, youll see a lot of people growing grapes, pears, cherries, apricots, peaches, and more. Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. It sits 10,000 feet above sea level. 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. 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. The variety of outdoor activities put this mountain town at the top of the list of best weekend getaways in Colorado. It is also just an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. You can also enjoy the hot springs when you visit Ouray. Anglers will find fish aplenty thanks to the town's locale at the headwaters of the Rio Grande and San Juan rivers. Population: 2,614 Cost of Living Index: 11% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $350,000. Head out for a sunrise hike on the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail to catch all of the highlights. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". If you want to check out the fall foliage, try to go during the week or expect to wait in some serious traffic. The roads are full of eclectic merchants, boutiques stores, pubs, parks, pretty cafes, and modern moto motels. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The downtown area of Steamboat Springs is just as exciting and vibrant as the outdoor adventure scene. 2. 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. But even after the powder melts, this little town settled by ranchers more than a century ago still provides plenty of diversions, from whitewater rafting to weekly rodeos. The streets of Mancos, the oldest building like Columbine Bar, quaint shops, and vibrant murals on the stalls make the town very inspirational and artistic. If you want to stay in a more peaceful area you can choose a neighborhood like Fall River Estates. One of the most beautiful towns in Colorado is Crested Butte, which sets itself apart from other summer destinations with its spectacular wildflower season. Nicknamed "the Switzerland of America, you'll find this old mining town nestled in a beautiful box canyon. Also, if youre coming for two days to Colorado, include these places in your itinerary. Not to mention property prices in Colorado mountain towns have skyrocketed. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. Lamar is a small plains town about 3 hours east of Pueblo and southeast of Colorado Springs. A single adult needs to spend $ 40,522 annually to afford a good standard of living. There are the bigger, established bases and the tiny one-street towns that force you to slow down and enjoy mountain life. The colorful meadows will not disappoint! 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. 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. This historic steam engine takes passengers on a scenic journey from the wild western town of Durango to the historic mining town of Silverton. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. The rivers and lakes are so blue that they make the sky appear washed out. On the other hand, the median home value is only $183,600 on average. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. What is the best small town to live in Colorado? There is a small airport, so flying into Telluride is also an option. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Set within White River National Forest, Vail sits at the base of Vail Mountain. Ouray is about a five-and-a-half-hour ride from Denver. Inside, youll find: PS. Breckenridge. Hit the trails for one of the amazing hikes in Breckenridge, such as Mayflower Gulch for one of the most spectacular Colorado wildflower hikes or Mount Quandary to summit a 14er. Fancy designer boutiques and incredible dining options aside, Aspen is pretty darn beautiful too. , Leadville is another of the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, and it has a lot going for it. This is small-town living at its finest. If youre looking for cheap mountain towns in Colorado where you can combine small town life with a bit of vibrancy in the summer seasons, Buena Vista is a great place 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. And for a unique adventure, dont miss the Telluride Via Ferrata, where you can traverse along rock faces using iron rungs and cables. Photo Credit: benedek (iStock). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its median home prices of $500,000 to $600,000 may also seem high, but those values are actually inline with the state average. 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. The Maroon Bells put this town on the map as one of the most scenic places in Colorado. What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? 11. Though Idaho Springs has a lot of population, it is still anaffordable mountain town in Colorado. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. At only 2.5 hours from the Mile High City, its a great weekend trip from Denver. You can also discover some Colorado history at Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division used to train. While a median rent of $1,484 does seem super low, the median price tag of a home is only $364,100, John has some of the most affordable homes for sale in colorado. 1. 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. 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. Visitors are easily charmed by the town's natural beauty. Located in North Colorados Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado if you want to relax, ski, or enjoy the great outdoors all summer long. Dont you think it is one of thecheap places to live in Colorado? Elbert, Attend Leadvilles signature events like Leadville Boom Day, You can take the Historic train rides at the historic Buttle Theatre, Go for antique artifacts like Jail Museum and the Heritage Centre, Hike the Rainbow trail through Sangres to witness gorgeous views of the State, I recommend going to Venable Comanche Trail too, Enjoy the adrenaline rush with Liquid Descent Whitewater Rafting. However, the median home value is $352,800, more significant than the national median value. It sees a lot of tourists during the warmer months, and has a good selection of outdoor activities and entertainment around the town. In fact, this incredible destination should be on every Colorado road trip itinerary. I hope you've heard the name "the Imperial Express Superchair", yes, Breckenridge is home to North America's highest chair lift. Visiting Colorado mountain towns requires local insight to make your stay truly special. Population: 8,280 Cost of Living Index: 20% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $182,000. Also, I want you to know the pros and cons of living in Colorado before coming here. 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. Crested Butte is about a four-hour drive from Denver and one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. In terms of living costs, its 4 percent lower than the national average, with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. Also, Ive good news for young adults. It's tucked away in the San Juan Mountains, offering plenty of options for outdoor recreation. 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. Found in the southwest corner of the state in one of the most remote spots, the historic mining town of Silverton is one spot for an epic trip. Ouray. Photo Credit: welcomia (iStock). 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. To start the best up and coming Colorado towns, we have the small town of Fraser. People can access and enjoy beautiful scenery, hiking trails, alpine lakes, and other attractions. Discovering The Best 26 Reasons: What is Colorado Known for? 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. A breathtaking ride over Trail Ridge Road will bring you to Grand Lake and the west side of RMNP. Leadville is about a two-hour ride from Denver. A. Colorado Springs is the most affordable city to live with an average rent of $1553 per month whereas $1994 per month in Denver. It was added to the. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Classic Meets Modern: The Edwards House in Fort Collins. The Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado for 2023. Among other things in Telluride are the Sheridan Opera House (a performing-arts venue) and the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art. 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. These whimsically painted buildings, part of the National Historic Register, make a guided tour through the gorgeous downtown a must. Then, we scored all of the mountain communities in Colorado based on these categories to find the most affordable Colorado mountain towns. are very low, which makes it an attractive place for anyone, especially families looking for a cheap mountain town in Colorado. Georgetown is one of the most charming mountain towns in Colorado. For, Read More 2 Days in Colorado Springs Itinerary for the Perfect Weekend TripContinue, Your email address will not be published. You can buy a home that cost around $179,100, which is very less compared to the national median home value. Top picks for spring blooms include Trail 401, Dyke Trail, Doctor Park, Lupine, and Teocalli Trail. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. Population: 1,966 Cost of Living Index: 17% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $429,000. Wildlife is wild, and can often act unpredictably. Its an old family town where all the residents know each other, feel connected, and help each other out. If youre interested in history, youll also enjoy the range of museums that the town has to offer. 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. Population: 5,430 Cost of Living Index: 3% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $545,000. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The town embraces a fun atmosphere with an annual fruitcake toss, pie baking contests, ghost tours, ice cream events, and a lot more. The blog takes you through themost affordable mountain towns in Colorado,where you meet picture-perfect mountains, flower-filled fields, and happy life. Nowadays, visitors peruse the farm markets, take in a cattle auction, or keep an eye out for dinosaur tracks and ancient Native American petroglyphs and pictographs in the magnificent Comanche National Grassland. 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. 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. What is the most affordable area of Colorado? Some of the most incredible mountain towns in Colorado happen to be located right near Denver. It sits along Clear Creek Canyon commonly famous for radium hot springs for its therapeutic properties. Check out my interactive map for the best mountain towns in Colorado. Ensconced smack dab among some of the richest archeological sites in the country, Dolores is a must-stop for anyone curious about this country's original people. Leadville. Nestled in San Juan National Forest, this ski area is minutes from downtown Durango. Yes,Paonia is known as Tree City USA because of the abundance of green space. While it can get cold, its still popular winter destination thanks to its hundreds of skiable acres and affordable lodging. 11 must-visit mountain towns for this summer in Colorado. 1. She'd rather be dirty than done up. In Colorado, you will love its verdant valleys, its murmuring rivers, its magnificent mountains and sequestered bales, and verdant-lined lakes and bays. Quirky Lyons, just 20 miles away from Rocky Mountain National Park, offers laid-back coffee houses, cool bars, and a smattering of excellent restaurants where live music is often on the menu. Stand-Up paddleboarding is one of the most exciting ways to explore the Arkansas River. , Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. There are literally countless amazing small towns nestled in the mighty mountain ranges throughout the state. Cripple Creek is a quick two-and-a-half-hour ride from Denver. You can enjoy pack trips, trails, and camping. Most jobs are in the hospitality sector. 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. After visiting a few of these distinctive affordable Colorado towns, you can settle there permanently. Population: 5,217. 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. On the other hand, the health care cost is around $5,020 per year, higher than in other places in Colorado. Ideal for families, the town is also home to several good schools, local parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities. And for this reason, Steamboat Springs is a small town that really shines as a place for an extended stay. Population: 2,484. In 2021, the town was home to about 8,100 local residents. It is the most affordable Colorado mountain town in Larimer County sitting at an elevation of 7,522 feet. Median Home Price: $570,000. We looked through all the latest data on cost of living and home prices to find the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado in 2023 for your next move. Everyone dreams about living a quaint and rugged life in the Rocky Mountains, but many of the famous ski towns like. And be sure to visit the Breckenridge troll at the end of the Trollstigen Trail before you leave town! On average, adults working in Crested Butte pay a tax of $6,252 annually whereas working adults statewide offer an average of $7,011. Its less than an hour drive from Pikes Peak and just four minutes from Rainbow Falls. If youre intrigued by ice climbing, you can join in the fun with a guided trip to the ice park. The air in Paonia smells all fruity! As Field and Stream Magazine state the town of Meeker is one of Americas Best Wild Places. Believe it or not, Keystone is a favorite Colorado mountain town among locals since it is home to epic skiing (for all types of skiers) and wicked awesome summer activities.
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