Population: 2,614 Cost of Living Index: 11% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $350,000. Photo Credit: kojihirano (iStock). Stop by the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum and then take the Route of the Silver Kings to learn some mining history. Nearest mega resorts: None. This is small-town living at its finest. Heres were you can find the top attractions in Colorado: Planning a trip to Colorado? Every year, people flock from all over the world to experience the best mountain towns in Colorado. Brush. 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. Changing aspens can be explored along Kebler Pass, the scenic road connects the mountain towns of Crested Butte and Paonia. 3. As one of the most well-known mountain towns in the state, Vail is the perfect summer escape. A. Colorado Springs is the most affordable city to live with an average rent of $1553 per month whereas $1994 per month in Denver. Trust me, its a truly awesome experience! , and although it mainly caters to tourists, its also quaint and homely. Then, we scored all of the mountain communities in Colorado based on these categories to find the most affordable Colorado mountain towns. 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. Leadville is the highest town in North America sitting over 10,000 feet above sea level offering sheer Centennial State beauty than you can imagine. On the other hand, the health care cost is around $5,020 per year, higher than in other places in Colorado. The waterway is saluted during the FibArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas) festival and there's a hot springs pool in town, too . If theres one thing that makes the Rocky Mountain State so unique its an impressive lineup of the best mountain towns in Colorado. , with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. There are the bigger, established bases and the tiny one-street towns that force you to slow down and enjoy mountain life. 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. Stroll your way downtown where you'll find everything from trendy mountain boutiques to outdoor gear stores, and a colorful collection of restaurants and breweries. The resort also has night skiing and other base-side activities. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. For the mountain town experience super close to the city, make the just over half an hour drive from Denver to Idaho Springs. Breckenridge is about a 90-minute drive from Denver and sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains Tenmile Range. These whimsically painted buildings, part of the National Historic Register, make a guided tour through the gorgeous downtown a must. For a truly unforgettable summer, here are a few must-visit mountain towns scattered all over the colorful state. Also, Ive good news for young adults. Massive, two of Colorado's highest peaks. The San Juan Mountains surrounding Telluride are some of the most incredible peaks to explore in the state. 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. Georgetown is a former mining town at the base of Guanella Pass. Colorado is home to many beautiful residing places, 8 Most Romantic Getaways in Colorado Springs, 10 Insanely Cheap Places To Travel In The USA, 10 Best Places to Live in Florida in 2023, 11 Most Dangerous Cities In California To Avoid, 10 Insanely Cheap Countries To Live In Europe, 11 Cheapest Places to Visit in Florida in 2023, 14 Best Chocolates in Switzerland for Die Hard Chocolate Lovers, 11 Cheapest Places to Visit in California in 2023, 11 Best Budget GoPro For Kids Action Camera Reviews (2023), 10 Best Nude Beaches in Florida (With Dos and Donts), In July attend the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, Take a tour strolling along the Victorian-era buildings, To enjoy the fall colors drive to Kebler Pass, Cottonwood Pass, and Ohio Pass, Im a big fan of South Park, if youre like me, I recommend going to South Park City Museum, Fairplay is the hotspot of the worlds best trout fishing and features many animated TV shows on Comedy Central, On the 4th of July, Paonia celebrates Paonia Cherry Day, Walk around creative places like Blue Sage Centre for Arts, and Paradise Theatre, Go to Western Culture Farmstead & Creamery, Take the free mineral springs walking tour, Hike to reach the Garden of the Gods. 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. Also, if youre searchingfor cheapvacation spots in Colorado,it can be the best as you can spread out in the great outdoor activities. 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. Its cost of living index is 15% below the Colorado average. 4. You can also have some fun with llama trekking and the town even has a little theater, too. Population: 797 Cost of Living Index: 6% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $490,000. Known for its high-end lodging and restaurants, its not surprising to see celebrities walking the streets. Photo Credit: Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette. In the North Fork Valley, youll see a lot of people growing grapes, pears, cherries, apricots, peaches, and more. You can also enjoy the hot springs when you visit Ouray. Georgetown Lake is another popular attraction, drawing visitors every season. 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. County: Logan. The cost of living is 15% below the Colorado average. 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? 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. 5. The skiing is world-class, but theres so much more to Telluride. The tiny town of Silverton packs a real punch. At the base of Pikes Peak, west of Colorado Springs sits Manitou Springs, a funky artistic Victorian mountain town, and a hippie haven for families, retirees, and artists to reside. Do you want to know what life is like in Colorado mountain towns? Aspenis located about three and a half hours from Denver and is easily one of the most popular places in the Colorado mountains. Overall, its a quiet town that is good for families and has a. , making it one of the top affordable mountain cities in Colorado. 11. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Luckily to reside here you do not have to spend much because it is one of theinexpensive mountain towns in Colorado. Inside, youll find: PS. Also, I want you to know the pros and cons of living in Colorado before coming here. 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. Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Most of the stunning scenery in Colorado is located close to a mountain town. With a population of 7,606, its median housing cost is only $87,500, with a median income of $37,554. 4. Heres a map of the state to get oriented. Also, it is the most wonderful green space in the USA. Among other things in Telluride are the Sheridan Opera House (a performing-arts venue) and the Telluride Gallery of Fine Art. In the summer, you can take an incredible hike to Ice Lake or backpack sections of the Colorado Trail. With the lower than average cost of living, this will appeal to anyone looking for cheap mountain towns in Colorado. Frisco. During the fall, it's a popular gateway for leaf peeping Colorado's yellow aspens. So if youre looking to explore the best mountain towns in Colorado like a local, not a tourist, then youve come to the right place. It is also the highest town in all of North America, at over 10,000 feet above sea level. 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. With a population of only 8,200 residents, Trinidad is a friendly city that offers small town living. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Mesa Verde National Park. What was a mining town during the Victorian era has become today's charming town of Telluride. The highest town in the U.S., Leadville sits at a soaring 10,152 feet, doubling Denver's elevation and earning it the nickname "The Two-Mile High City." Instead of mining for gold, though, youll search for jackpots at one of the small towns nine casinos. It does not store any personal data. It is a destination for tourists. 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. With a preserved silver-mining district reaching 20 square miles and more than 70 square blocks of buildings dating back to the 1880s, it also offers plenty of historic fun. Glenwood Hot Springs is family-friendly, while Iron Mountain, right on the Colorado River, has a good vibe and a more relaxing ambiance. As Field and Stream Magazine state the town of Meeker is one of Americas Best Wild Places. 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. 1. A. 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. There is plenty of snow and Victorian buildings in this elevated town. One of the cheapest places to live in Colorado, based on median home price, is Trinidad. , with multiple cafes, ethnic food, and some fantastic eating experiences. It runs through the heart of the downtown area and is full of sights and sounds. It is the bounty of fairy tale towns. Estes Park is about a 90-minute drive from Denver. Over the summer you can skip the ski slopes and . The town is located at the base of Guanella Pass, an iconic scenic drive. 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. , where you can camp, hike, and enjoy some stunning Colorado weather. 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 a population nearing 15,000, Sterling is the most populous city east of Pueblo. Some of the most incredible mountain towns in Colorado happen to be located right near Denver. Youll never regret starting a family here as youll live a more organic and sustainable life. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. 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. Fraser is located within the Rocky Mountains, in Middle Park, and is a part of Grand County. good nightlife and a nice variety of rural and suburban, 6 percent lower than the average for Colorado, , which can make a difference to your weekly budget. Local Tip: In 2021 reservations are required to visit the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. There are also climbing experiences if that appeals to you, and you can visit the twin lakes and Mount Elbert in just a half hour drive. 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 . It is one of the most travel destinations in the state with a strong economy exclusively on coal mining and agriculture. Manitou Springs is one of themost affordable mountain towns in Coloradoas a single adult including housing, transportation, health costs, and taxes has to pay $34,531 per year. While the elk herds are most active during mating season, other activities and attractions are available year-round. As a great jumping-off point for exciting adventures such as the Alpine Loop, San Juan Scenic Byway, and the Colorado Trail. The place is always booming with tourists. Telluride, Colorado. Colorado hosts a variety of different flavors when it comes to mountain escapes. In the winter, youll find incredible skiing and snowboarding, and the list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer is long. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, with its opportunity to sled the tallest sand dunes in North America, is just an hour away. I remember vividly when I stepped out of the car for the first time I was stunned and felt connected. Westminster. 1. 6.) Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is definitely one of the best mountain towns near Denver. Large elk herds roam the town freely. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Colorado Springs is widely known for being the home of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, award-winning restaurants, and amazing downtowns. Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. Caon City. Whatever you want to do, youll find something in Pagosa Springs. It sits in the northwest of Colorado. 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. Fraser. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. Youll fall in love with thissmall mountain town in Coloradowhich sits at an elevation of 7,867 feet. Fancy designer boutiques and incredible dining options aside, Aspen is pretty darn beautiful too. The cheapest place to live near mountains in Colorado is Leadville. 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. 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. Lake City. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Estes Park. The byway to the top of the pass is one of the best scenic drives near Denver as you head through aspen groves and alpine terrain and take in amazing views of Mount Bierstadt. Im sure youll have some great memories here! One of Colorado's most popular skiing and snowboarding destinations, Steamboat Springs still serves up a serious amount of fun for summertime visitors, especially if you happen to like cowboy hats. Not to mention property prices in Colorado mountain towns have skyrocketed. Population: 9,671 Cost of Living Index: 19% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $236,000. Of all the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, this might be one of the best for getting out into nature. Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. The nearby mountains offer plenty of options for biking, hiking, and camping. It was winter and upon that it was my birthday. If youre looking for one of the best Colorado summer towns for adventure, look no further than Buena Vista (pronounced Bewna Vista)! The Wild West is alive and kicking in the hills of Steamboat 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. Thats why I created this mega-extensive guide to the best mountain towns in Colorado. where all the residents know each other, feel connected, and help each other out. If youre looking for a posh mountain experience, look no further than Aspen, Colorado. 6. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Hesperus Ski Area is one of the most affordable ski resorts in Colorado. Top picks for spring blooms include Trail 401, Dyke Trail, Doctor Park, Lupine, and Teocalli Trail. Its famous for its historic architecture and a great artistic culture, and although it mainly caters to tourists, its also quaint and homely. Another mountain town in Colorado that's worth exploring this summer is Aspen. 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. Even the famous visitors cant overshadow attractions like the Maroon Bells. If you'd like to get on top of the rock rather than within it, the park serves up world-famous climbing, too. There are a lot of awesome activities in Glenwood Springs to get stoked about. 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. From here you can drive to reach Twin Lake, a destination to spot the views of clear alpine water. 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. The town also provides all of its residents stunning views, and offers a wonderful community spirit. You can spot Pikes Peak in distance. 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. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt.

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