From here you can drive to reach Twin Lake, a destination to spot the views of clear alpine water. A. Leadville is a warm, close-knit community to live in the Rocky Mountains for all outdoor enthusiasts and retirees. Visiting Colorado mountain towns requires local insight to make your stay truly special. The Continental Divide runs straight through Colorado, along the crests of the What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? What city in Colorado has the lowest cost of living? 10 Best Places to Retire in Colorado in 2023 - Hashtag Colorado Life If you love reading, read the books of Louis LAmour, youll know why he loves Mancos so much! The median home value is $198,990 and a third of the homes within city limits sell for less than $74,000. Take the turn at Glenwood Springs and you will arrive shortly. And be sure to visit the Breckenridge troll at the end of the Trollstigen Trail before you leave town! Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. Everyone dreams about living a quaint and rugged life in the Rocky Mountains, but many of the famous ski towns like Aspen, Vail, Telluride, and Breckenridge have gotten way too expensive in the last few years. However, the cost of living recorded here is 108.3 (USA average of 100) which is a little higher compared to the state average, but still affordable. I remember vividly when I stepped out of the car for the first time I was stunned and felt connected. 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. However, the median home value is $352,800, more significant than the national median value. Whatever you do though, dont miss BrewSki in March. You can also follow in the footsteps of the miners and try to strike it rich during your trip. 8 Iconic Mountain Towns in Colorado | Best to Live - Uncover Colorado Location: Check on Google Maps. 4. , where you can camp, hike, and enjoy some stunning Colorado weather. Population: 8,280 Cost of Living Index: 20% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $182,000. Colorado's Rocky Mountains are filled . 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. 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. Population: 2,614 Cost of Living Index: 11% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $350,000. The tiny town of Silverton packs a real punch. 11 must-visit mountain towns for this summer in Colorado. There are also breweries to check out, and all in all, this is a very affordable place to live. 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. , which is critical for such a small town. What is the best area to live in Colorado? - 2023 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. Vail is about a two-hour drive from Denver. In fact, the history of this old mining town is so closely tied to the railroad that you can learn all about it at the Railroad Museum before enjoying tons of interactive exhibits at the Powerhouse Science Center. On average, a single adult's expense is around $38,947 a year. The Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado for 2023. There is a small airport in the neighboring town of Montrose for fly-in options. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Thats why I created this mega-extensive guide to the best mountain towns in Colorado. Population: 399 Cost of Living Index: 15% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $353,000. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Fort Collins. Success! Population: 2,484. Woodland Park. It is also just an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. The waterway is saluted during the FibArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas) festival and there's a hot springs pool in town, too. The other highlight of Glenwood Springs is that it is home to several Colorado hot springs. Population: 14,777. So, be sure to do some world-class skiing at Steamboat Ski Resort or the Howelsen Ski Area before coming back later in the year to do an amazing hike to Fish Creek Falls. Set within White River National Forest, Vail sits at the base of Vail Mountain. This timeKelvindid not want to take me for aromantic getaway in Colorado Spring rather he told me he has planned a surprise for me. On average the total cost of living for a single adult is $36,642 per year. The town is best known for having inspired the popular TV show South Park. The main attraction in the Colorado mountain town of Glenwood Springs is Hanging Lake. 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. You dont have to spend your time in the great outdoors to appreciate Leadville, though. There are literally countless amazing small towns nestled in the mighty mountain ranges throughout the state. 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. 6.) You can enjoy. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Classic Meets Modern: The Edwards House in Fort Collins. In the Tenmile Range sits Breckenridge, one of the highest ski towns nearly at the elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level. Crested Butte is about a four-hour drive from Denver and one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. One of the cheapest places to live in Colorado, based on median home price, is Trinidad. Estes is well known for its elk herds and their bugling calls in the fall during mating season. Serious sun, soaking and skiing await in Pagosa Springs, tucked away at the foot of the Continental Divide. In the summer, you can take an incredible hike to Ice Lake or backpack sections of the Colorado Trail. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. 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. 22 Best Places to Live in Colorado Updated with 2023 Data, The 8 Best Places to Live in Southern Colorado in 2023, 7 Best Small Towns in Colorado to Raise a Family 2023 Update, 8 Richest Neighborhoods in Colorado in 2023 | Most Expensive Places to Live in Colorado, Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins Unbiased Guide | 2023 Update, Breckenridge vs Vail 2023 Guide Summer & Winter Adventures. Maybe the most famous mountain town in Colorado, Vail is located in the Rocky Mountains about two hours west of Denver (if youre lucky enough not to hit the notorious traffic on I-70). 5 Family-Friendly (and Surprisingly Affordable) Colorado Resort Towns Average adult weekday ticket price: $45. 11. 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. The colorful meadows will not disappoint! Westminster. The Best Small Towns in Colorado. 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. For the thrill-seeking traveler, white water rafting may be just what you need this summer. 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. Mancos features a small-town feel where almost all of the residents know each other. The giant troll, who goes by the name of Isak Heartstone, is truly a sight to see. Meanwhile, youll enjoy a lower cost of living than the average for Colorado, which makes this town attractive for families on a budget, although most people rent, rather than owning their properties. Any local will tell you there's no better spot for tubing in the summer than the Yampa River. Crestline, California. 9 Of The Best Mountain Towns In Colorado Ices Lakes Pictured. Population: 2,690 Cost of Living Index: 7% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $492,000. You can also have some fun with llama trekking and the town even has a little theater, too. 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? Check out my interactive map for the best mountain towns in Colorado. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Another reason to visit the mountain town is the Animas River. is, Pagosa Springs may be the place for you. Hunters come looking for game like elk, pheasant, and moose in the surrounding White River National Forest and the Grand Mesa area, while spelunkers love to explore the limestone caves at Rifle Falls State Park (pictured), also known for its soaring 80-foot triple waterfall. Yes, from there it got its name Paonia. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Estes Park. 1. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The town is located at the base of Guanella Pass, an iconic scenic drive. 4. Dubbed "The Wildflower Capital of Colorado," Crested Butte celebrates pretty posies with its beloved Wildflower Festival each July, including hikes, garden tours, and photography classes. 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. Leadville is about a two-hour ride from Denver. 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. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. 6. As the name suggests, Pagosa Springs has some incredible hot springs, but you can also enjoy things like trail riding, Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park, a ski resort, and rafting experiences. Brush. In 1896, Colorado is well known as the mining capital. 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. There are also, if that appeals to you, and you can visit the, Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the. County: Logan. Massive, two of Colorado's highest peaks. Dont you think it is one of thecheap places to live in Colorado? Leadville is about a two-hour ride from Denver. Elbert and Mt. 3. Its pretty and very interesting. On average, a single adults expense is around $38,947 a year. There are a lot of awesome activities in Glenwood Springs to get stoked about. One of the best hikes in Telluride is Bridal Veil Falls, which starts right from the end of town. Where is the cheapest place to live in the mountains in Colorado? - 2023 One of the sunnier spots in Colorado, the town is graced by three inns catering to weary and stressed guests with sublime hot springs: The Springs Resort & Spa, Healing Waters Resort, and Overlook Spa. Error! 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 . You can also enjoy some excellent cuisine here, including a Mexican restaurant, some Chinese and Vietnamese food, and a great pizzeria. One of the biggest draws of Aspen is Maroon Bells, and arguably the most photographed peaks in the state. 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.