What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? Its cost of living index is 15% below the Colorado average. 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. The city is located in southern Colorado near the border of New Mexico and offers lots of fun things to do. 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. The Wild West is alive and kicking in the hills of Steamboat Springs. The place is bustling with gorgeous scenery, ranches, and adventurous biking trails. Im sure youll have some great memories here! 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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. The tiny town of Silverton packs a real punch. If you're feeling extra adventurous, make the trek from Crested Butte to Aspen. In the winter, Ouray transforms into the epicenter of the ice climbing world. Also, Ive good news for young adults. Ouray is about a five-and-a-half-hour ride from Denver. 21 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado (By a Local) Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. Population: 5,217. The Arkansas River flows alongside the town, offering plenty of scenic adventures to be enjoyed out on the water. It is voted #1 Most Affordable Town in Colorado as well as one of the Safest Cities in the state. Most Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado, FAQ: Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado. 5 Family-Friendly (and Surprisingly Affordable) Colorado Resort Towns If you want to stay in a more peaceful area you can choose a neighborhood like Fall River Estates. 2. However, because of the towns location deep within the Rocky Mountains, visitors can also stop by the Curecanti National Recreation Area and see the Blue Mesa Reservoir. Located right near Breckenridge, Frisco is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado which sits about an hour and a half away from Denver. 11 must-visit mountain towns for this summer in Colorado. here, including a Mexican restaurant, some Chinese and Vietnamese food, and a great pizzeria. 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. 5 tiny Colorado mountain towns for a quieter weekend getaway Additionally, the crime rates in Mancos are very low, which makes it an attractive place for anyone, especially families looking for a cheap mountain town in Colorado. From Gold Rush-era charmers to Wild West wonders, Colorado's smaller burgs offer a pleasing mix of history, recreation, and relaxation. Inside, youll find: PS. Crested Butte has a true small-town feel, and youll find locals sitting on one of the many benches along Elk Avenue. It is themost affordable mountain town in Coloradoto taste history and sweet treats. In winter you should explore the ice caves in Colorado, the place feels no less than a Frozen Hollywood movie set. It is an ideal place to be close to nature with a cost of living index is 94.8 (USA average of 100). There are various restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisines, and if you love to get outside, youll enjoy the local hikes and climbs. You can enjoy. 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. Where is the cheapest place to live in the Rocky Mountains? 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. Its location is very convenient. 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. It is one of the major attractions of the town! 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 . This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. 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. If you click through and make a booking, I get a small kickback. Everyone dreams about living a quaint and rugged life in the Rocky Mountains, but many of the famous ski towns like. 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? Located along the Million Dollar Highway, Ouray is a must-visit Colorado mountain town in any season. 1. in 1984, and birthed the Shavano Chapter of the Columbine Poets of Colorado. With tons of variety in landscapes, there are plenty of must-see places in Colorado. Changing aspens can be explored along Kebler Pass, the scenic road connects the mountain towns of Crested Butte and Paonia. Westcliffe is tiny and quaint, and it has the atmosphere to match, with a. . , and although it mainly caters to tourists, its also quaint and homely. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. 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. 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. 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. Massive, two of Colorado's highest peaks. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Just outside of Fort Morgan sits the small town of Brush, Colorado. Photo Credit: Jesse Stephens (iStock; file photo). 1. Meanwhile, campers can pitch their tents in the nearby Gunnison National Forest with primitive to full-service amenities. Its a super cool event that is basically a giant beer festival but with skis. The place has some unbeatable formula to bring peace. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt. They might be located in or near the mountains, making it easy to access and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Population: 1,966 Cost of Living Index: 17% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $429,000. You can also go dog sledding through the Colorado mountains or spend your days fly fishing or golfing. Population: 2,690 Cost of Living Index: 7% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $492,000. Georgetown Lake is another popular attraction, drawing visitors every season. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Colorado Springs is widely known for being the home of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, award-winning restaurants, and amazing downtowns. The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In Colorado For 2022 - HomeSnacks A few towns that bring you the best of the mountains without being too isolated include: If you want to be close to the mountains, but still have access to the convenience of a city, then there are a few noteworthy areas to scope out. And, I believe, the most scenic towns in Colorado - tucked in mountains are affordable too. There is a small airport, so flying into Telluride is also an option. Hesperus Ski Area is one of the most affordable ski resorts in Colorado. The cost of living is 15% below the Colorado average. 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. A single adult on average spend $37,668 annually less than the annual cost of living for Colorado of $40,026. The 7 Cheapest Yet Great Places For Living In Colorado - OnlyInYourState Its location makes it a prime spot for outdoor recreation, including skiing, whitewater rafting, and ice climbing. A. Visiting Colorado mountain towns requires local insight to make your stay truly special. Sitting snug in Brush Creek Valley surrounded by 3,000 acres of mountain terrain, Snowmass Village is home to the monumental Snowmass Ski Area, the second-largest in Colorado. People come here to explore world-class hiking trails and ride motorized recreation trails with the best mountain bikes, camps, snowmobiles, and more. There is plenty of snow and Victorian buildings in this elevated town. 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. 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. 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. There are the bigger, established bases and the tiny one-street towns that force you to slow down and enjoy mountain life. The best mountain towns near Denver include: There are a lot of incredible mountain towns in Colorado and nearly all of them are stunning. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. 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. Idaho Falls, Idaho. If you are looking for outdoor activities, then Telluride is the place to go. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. Most jobs are in the hospitality sector. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. As the wildflower capital of Colorado, there are many beautiful trails to explore. If youre interested in history, youll also enjoy the range of museums that the town has to offer. The roads are full of eclectic merchants, boutiques stores, pubs, parks, pretty cafes, and modern moto motels. Because of its size, the town boasts access to some great amenities, including a wildlife refuge, Splashland, a recreation center, a brewery, a climbing wall, and much more. 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. Its my mission to pass on my wealth of knowledge to you. If youre into history, theres also the Trinidad History Museum that is packed with unique stories and features. Whatever you want to do, youll find something in Pagosa Springs. However, the jobs are seasonal and low wages positions. I recommend going out on the terrace at night to stare at the stars. Breckenridge. My sister brought me here, I was in college, my second year in 2016, and she use to stay in Pueblo. In fact, this incredible destination should be on every Colorado road trip itinerary. Breckenridge is about a 90-minute drive from Denver and sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains Tenmile Range. If youre intrigued by ice climbing, you can join in the fun with a guided trip to the ice park. So, which one is calling you? 10 Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement - US News & World Report In Fairplay,a median home value cost $186,400, which is less than the national median home value of $204,900. Fraser. Related: 7 Reasons to Quit Your Job & Become A Ski Bum: 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. 5 Gorgeous Mountain Towns You Can Actually Afford - Livability Estes is well known for its elk herds and their bugling calls in the fall during mating season. This post contains affiliate links. From here you can explore Clear Creek, either by rafting down the river or climbing the rock walls of the canyon. On the other hand, the health care cost is around $5,020 per year, higher than in other places in Colorado. The Rocky Mountains traverse the states core. Crested Butte. This gives me a paycheck while you get badass, free recommendations for the best Colorado mountain towns. If you'd like to get on top of the rock rather than within it, the park serves up world-famous climbing, too. 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. One of the cheapest places to live in Colorado, based on median home price, is Trinidad. Elbert and Mt. Photo Credit: benedek (iStock). You can also enjoy the hot springs when you visit Ouray. The housing cost on average is $380,800, greater than the national median value. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Classic Meets Modern: The Edwards House in Fort Collins. Hiking, biking, and river activities are just a few of the adventures on the menu. The town is located at the base of Guanella Pass, an iconic scenic drive. Another mountain town in Colorado that's worth exploring this summer is Aspen. As a great jumping-off point for exciting adventures such as the Alpine Loop, San Juan Scenic Byway, and the Colorado Trail. Brush. On average, adults working in Crested Butte pay a tax of $6,252 annually whereas working adults statewide offer an average of $7,011. Longmont. The town boasts a regional airport and junior college for higher education. 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 . 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 . At nearly 9,000 feet at the summit, the mountain offers 700 feet of vertical downhill. Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, which contains an even higher density of artifacts, and the Anasazi Heritage Center, a museum dedicated to the lives of the people who lived in the area 1,400 years ago, are nearly within walking distance of the town. Estes Park is a great basecamp for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. But this small town is nestled right at the base of the Rocky Mountains and offers a wide variety of things to do. 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. Trinidad is a wonderful place for those who enjoy the great outdoors, and with its highly attractive cost of living and low home prices, it is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado. Mancos sits five miles west of Mesa Verde National Park in Southwest Colorado in Montezuma County. La Junta (Population: 7,568) This eastern Colorado town is home to Otero Junior College and average annual mortgage payments of only $4,447! What is the best small town to live in Colorado? - 2023 Yes, from there it got its name Paonia. If youre looking for one of the best Colorado summer towns for adventure, look no further than Buena Vista (pronounced Bewna Vista)! 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. In the summer, you can take an incredible hike to Ice Lake or backpack sections of the Colorado Trail. The cheapest place to live near mountains in Colorado is Leadville. One of the best hikes in Telluride is Bridal Veil Falls, which starts right from the end of town. 10. 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. This is small-town living at its finest. What makes Salida stand out is its higher-end town with plenty of ways to kick back and relax in the mountains. You can also go for a hike from Monarch Lake Trailhead which takes you to the gorgeous Lone Eagle Peak. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. This gorgeous town is a must-see. Aspenis located about three and a half hours from Denver and is easily one of the most popular places in the Colorado mountains. . Top 9 Affordable Ski Resorts in Colorado The blog takes you through themost affordable mountain towns in Colorado,where you meet picture-perfect mountains, flower-filled fields, and happy life. Manitou Springs air has the power to rejuvenate your mind and make you feel the best about yourself. 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. You can also enjoy some excellent cuisine here, including a Mexican restaurant, some Chinese and Vietnamese food, and a great pizzeria. This post may contain affiliate links. Head to the Centennial State for sweet ski towns and artsy villages galore. During the fall, it's a popular gateway for leaf peeping Colorado's yellow aspens. For the mountain town experience super close to the city, make the just over half an hour drive from Denver to Idaho Springs. Population: 5,217 Cost of Living Index: 2% Above Colorado Average Median Home Price: $570,000. Error! Crested Butte is also a top spot for leaf-peepers. 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. The Orvis Hot Springs are close by, offering steamy pools situated in natural settings. The activities in Leadville include the scenic Leadville Southern Railroad, which offers a. and incredible alpine scenery that will not fail to impress. It is also the highest town in all of North America, at over 10,000 feet above sea level. 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. Telluride is located about six hours from Denver in the Colorado mountains. 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. There is plenty of snow and Victorian buildings in this elevated town. 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. , including a wildlife refuge, Splashland, a recreation center, a brewery, a climbing wall, and much more. Photo Credit: welcomia (iStock). 4. However, I heard from one of my friends that the town has now become nosier and lacks walkable space compared to the western side of the town. Population: 2,484. Youll find plenty to enjoy within this towns borders. Fancy designer boutiques and incredible dining options aside, Aspen is pretty darn beautiful too. This post may, Read More Discovering The Best 26 Reasons: What is Colorado Known for?Continue, Colorado is one of the nations most physically active, secure, outdoor-loving, and all-around naturally gorgeous states. From the breathless views and unique culture to quite affordable places to reside, Ill take you around the bestaffordable mountain towns in Coloradothat wont cause heaviness in your pocket. 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado: A Guide - UpNest The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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.
