The West Elk Loop scenic byway and Kebler Pass are close by for a nice drive. You can also immerse yourself in history by taking a day trip just a couple of hours west toHovenweep National Monument. If you click through and make a booking, I get a small kickback. Frisco. 5.) This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. , including a wildlife refuge, Splashland, a recreation center, a brewery, a climbing wall, and much more. As a great jumping-off point for exciting adventures such as the Alpine Loop, San Juan Scenic Byway, and the Colorado Trail. Salida is a cozy mountain town located where the Arkansas River runs from the valley into Bighorn Sheep Canyon. 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. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. You can hit the trail on the best Vail hikes, backpack to Gore Lake, bike the ski hills, or take a scenic gondola ride. Thisll give you a deeper insight into the place. Some of the most affordable retirement mountain towns include: Asheville, North Carolina . Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. In summer, the temperature rose to make me feel happy and energetic. 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. 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. It sits an hour west of Colorado Springs in Teller County at the base of the backside of Pikes Peak with amazing vistas. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, with its opportunity to sled the tallest sand dunes in North America, is just an hour away. It is indeed thecheapest mountain town to live in Colorado. Do you want to explore the surrounding area? Required fields are marked *. Overall, its a quiet town that is good for families and has a. , making it one of the top affordable mountain cities in Colorado. 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 place is always booming with tourists. Meeker sits along the White River near the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and Routt National Forests. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There are several factors to consider, such as how close you are to amenities, tourist traffic, and access to suitable work. Massive, two of Colorados highest peaks. This makes Glenwood Springs one of the best mountain towns in Colorado if youre looking for unique things to see and do. It has some great outdoor activities, including rafting and some history tours, and if youre a fan of hot springs, youll be pleased to learn that its only about a10 minute drive to the relaxing Poncha Springs. 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. Known for legendary skiing thanks to its location at the base of the magnificent Tenmile Range, .css-1e1wdvt{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#0A5C80;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1e1wdvt:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:#0A5C80;}Breck (as locals call it) also boasts more than 250 structures dating back to the Gold Rush days. However, the jobs are seasonal and low wages positions. Just under a2 hour drive from Colorado Springs, Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. One of the best hikes in Telluride is Bridal Veil Falls, which starts right from the end of town. There is truly no place like Colorado in the summer, where countless outdoor adventures await. 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. Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center. . Youll fall in love with thissmall mountain town in Coloradowhich sits at an elevation of 7,867 feet. It is also just an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. Also, I want you to know the pros and cons of living in Colorado before coming here. This town is sometimes called the Switzerland of America and if you ever go, youll know why. Leadville. Everyone dreams about living a quaint and rugged life in the Rocky Mountains, but many of the famous ski towns like. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt. Fort Collins. 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. We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. Westcliffe is tiny and quaint, and it has the atmosphere to match, with a. . Yes,Paonia is known as Tree City USA because of the abundance of green space. Large elk herds roam the town freely. In the winter, youll find incredible skiing and snowboarding, and the list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer is long. 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. A. Leadville is a warm, close-knit community to live in the Rocky Mountains for all outdoor enthusiasts and retirees. 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. If youre into history, theres also the Trinidad History Museum that is packed with unique stories and features. It does not store any personal data. You can also enjoy shopping, stop by a restaurant, and so much more along the Riverwalk. At only 2.5 hours from the Mile High City, its a great weekend trip from Denver. Nearest mega resorts: None. , with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the community is tight-knit, which is critical for such a small town. Colorado hosts a variety of different flavors when it comes to mountain escapes. Manitou Springs. Population: 5,186. At nearly 9,000 feet at the summit, the mountain offers 700 feet of vertical downhill. The Best Small Towns in Colorado. And for this reason, Steamboat Springs is a small town that really shines as a place for an extended stay. 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. Aspenis located about three and a half hours from Denver and is easily one of the most popular places in the Colorado mountains. 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. 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. 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." Stop by the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum and then take the Route of the Silver Kings to learn some mining history. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Located in the southwest corner of the state, the box canyon village of Telluride offers up countless opportunities for adventure. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". There is plenty of snow and Victorian buildings in this elevated town. 2. To start the best up and coming Colorado towns, we have the small town of Fraser. , Leadville is another of the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, and it has a lot going for it. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Location: Check on Google Maps. 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. If youre interested in history, youll also enjoy the range of museums that the town has to offer. Known for its awesome cliffs and rugged canyons, Gunnison is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado if you want to get away from the crowds and experience the awesome beauty of nature at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Yes, from there it got its name Paonia. Its an old family town where all the residents know each other, feel connected, and help each other out. The Orvis Hot Springs are close by, offering steamy pools situated in natural settings. Looking for off-the-wall? It is one of the major attractions of the town! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. You can also enjoy the hot springs when you visit Ouray. Note: Estes Park is also the safest place in Colorado. Ive spent the last 13 years traveling all across Colorado. This is greater than the annual cost of living in Colorado of $40,026. where all the residents know each other, feel connected, and help each other out. While the elk herds are most active during mating season, other activities and attractions are available year-round. Serious sun, soaking and skiing await in Pagosa Springs, tucked away at the foot of the Continental Divide. In 2021, the town was home to about 8,100 local residents. Heres were you can find the top attractions in Colorado: Planning a trip to Colorado? A. Westcliffe sits in the south-central part of Colorado and is the tiny and most affordable area in Colorado. Be sure to pay a visit to the Breckenridge troll. 11 must-visit mountain towns for this summer in Colorado. Most jobs are in the hospitality sector. Youll find plenty to enjoy within this towns borders. A dozen of Colorado's "14ers" (mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet) encircle the town, and the Arkansas River runs right through it, providing kayaking, rafting, and tubing enthusiasts a good time all summer long. 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 . 11. Mancos features a small-town feel where almost all of the residents know each other. 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. This historic steam engine takes passengers on a scenic journey from the wild western town of Durango to the historic mining town of Silverton. Shoppers will want to peruse Ned's fantastic independent emporiums, kids will love the restored carousel from 1910, and music fans won't want to miss The Caribou Room, where national acts like the Rebirth Brass Band play. Then hit one of the many miles of trails in the area for a bike or a hike. Between the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains sit Westcliffe, one of thebest small towns in Colorado to live in. If you happen to see a herd, just remember to keep your distance. have gotten way too expensive in the last few years. I recommend going out on the terrace at night to stare at the stars. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. A single adult expense is around $38,795 annually which is less than the annual cost of living for Colorado of $40,026. 3. Lamar is a small plains town about 3 hours east of Pueblo and southeast of Colorado Springs. 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. Most Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado, FAQ: Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado. 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. There are a lot of awesome activities in Glenwood Springs to get stoked about. 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 also just an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. 11. , Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Do you know the peony flower? .css-2x3ibz{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;display:block;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;font-family:Kepler,Helvetica,Arial,Serif;font-size:1.25rem;line-height:1.2;font-weight:normal;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-2x3ibz:hover{color:link-hover;}}The Best Spring Getaway in Every State, Road Trip Books to Inspire You to Hit the Highway, A Nostalgic Look Back at Summer Through the Years, 15 Campsites in the U.S. Worth the Road Trip, Big Easy Livin' Beckons in Covington, Louisiana, The Most Beautiful Castles to Visit in America, These Beach Boardwalks Evoke Summertime Nostalgia. The variety of outdoor activities put this mountain town at the top of the list of best weekend getaways in Colorado. While it can get cold, its still popular winter destination thanks to its hundreds of skiable acres and affordable lodging. Most jobs are in the hospitality sector. For the thrill-seeking traveler, white water rafting may be just what you need this summer. 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. It was winter and upon that it was my birthday. Ive been to Westcliffe six times in my lifetime. You can also have some fun with llama trekking and the town even has a little theater, too. Fairplay is a Statutory Town in South Park sitting at an elevation of 9,954 feet above sea level. If youre interested in history, youll also enjoy, 4 percent lower than the national average. For a truly unforgettable summer, here are a few must-visit mountain towns scattered all over the colorful state. Meanwhile, campers can pitch their tents in the nearby Gunnison National Forest with primitive to full-service amenities. The population of 18,465 in 2017 makes it probably Colorado's largest mountain town too. 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. The resort also has night skiing and other base-side activities. 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. After visiting a few of these distinctive affordable Colorado towns, you can settle there permanently. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. With a population nearing 15,000, Sterling is the most populous city east of Pueblo. Im sure youll have some great memories here! . However, the median home value is $352,800, more significant than the national median value. 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. are very low, which makes it an attractive place for anyone, especially families looking for a cheap mountain town in Colorado. Though Idaho Springs has a lot of population, it is still anaffordable mountain town in Colorado. Another mountain town in Colorado that's worth exploring this summer is Aspen. 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. The word Ouray means The Arrow and the town was named this because it sits in a narrow valley with steep mountains on three sides. Hesperus Ski Area is one of the most affordable ski resorts in Colorado. Don't miss staying at WeeCasa, a tiny home hotel that's one of the country's most uniqueand adorableplaces to lay your head. During the fall, it's a popular gateway for leaf peeping Colorado's yellow aspens. 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. Idaho Springs is not only acheap place to live in Colorado Mountainsbut a great place to stop to reach the famous Colorado ski resorts. Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is definitely one of the best mountain towns near Denver. Stand-Up paddleboarding is one of the most exciting ways to explore the Arkansas River. Worry not though, magazine House Beautiful has listed the most affordable mountain towns in the USA to make that dream a reality. In Fairplay,a median home value cost $186,400, which is less than the national median home value of $204,900. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This post may contain affiliate links. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. 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. Its a win-win. You have permission to edit this collection. . Surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the San Juan Mountain range, the town is cradled within a box canyon, all of which provide the stunning scenery that . Thischeapest mountain town in Coloradois not only my favorite but everyones. It sits 10,000 feet above sea level. The waterway is saluted during the FibArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas) festival and there's a hot springs pool in town, too. For, Read More 2 Days in Colorado Springs Itinerary for the Perfect Weekend TripContinue, Your email address will not be published. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. The Breckenridge Historic District (mostly along Main Street) is filled with Victorian-style buildings. Here's a peek at what it looks like in the winter. The Maroon Bells put this town on the map as one of the most scenic places in Colorado. Brave the crowds and check out some of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, including Emerald Lake, Sky Pond, and, if youre more experienced and looking for an epic challenge, Longs Peak. There's wilder adventure afoot, too, with 100 miles of groomed winter trails in the area for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and more; in the summer The Arkansas River serves up stellar fishing. Idaho Falls, Idaho. Less than 100 miles from Denver, Fairplay offers agood nightlife and a nice variety of rural and suburban neighborhoods. Success! Its median home prices of $500,000 to $600,000 may also seem high, but those values are actually inline with the state average. Population: 8,280 Cost of Living Index: 20% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $182,000. Summer is very glorious. Living in a mountain town is the best way to achieve the ski-bum dream, but unfortunately, mountain homes don't tend to fit a ski-bum budget. The city sits "above the Clouds" at 8,465 in elevation and offers a backside view of Pikes Peak. Telluride. 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. 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 . Anglers will find fish aplenty thanks to the town's locale at the headwaters of the Rio Grande and San Juan rivers. , which is critical for such a small town. Hessie Trailhead is the start to a lot of the excellent hikes near Denver in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Brush. A single adult needs to spend $ 40,522 annually to afford a good standard of living. 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. In terms of living costs, its 4 percent lower than the national average, with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. The Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado for 2023. And for a unique adventure, dont miss the Telluride Via Ferrata, where you can traverse along rock faces using iron rungs and cables. 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. Thornton. Breckenridge might be a small town, but theres no shortage of things to do. Estes Park is home to the Rocky Mountain National Park. The San Juan Mountains surrounding Telluride are some of the most incredible peaks to explore in the state. , which is amazingly big given the small town that houses it. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. This mountain town just north of Boulder is home to Eldora Mountain and Eldora Nordic Center, so you can get your skiing fix. To determine the cheapest mountain towns in Colorado that are also nice places to live, we considered several main factors that make a town worth relocating to, such as: Then, we gathered data from official sources like the US government and the FBI via sites like AreaVibes and Niche.com. Outdoor enthusiasts love this town that is tucked away just north of the Gunnison National Park. Granby is the place to go if you want to splash around on the water in one of the best mountain towns near Denver. 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. Inside, youll find: PS. La Junta, stashed away amongst the ranches and farmland of the lovely Arkansas River Valley, sits at the intersection of what was once the celebrated Santa Fe Trail and the Trappers Trail. The waterway is saluted during the FibArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas) festival and there's a hot springs pool in town, too . 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. You can ski and golf in one of Colorados most picturesque towns. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt. With unbelievable views of the Sawatch Range and easy access to the Arkansas River, youll be spoiled for activities. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Fraser is located within the Rocky Mountains, in Middle Park, and is a part of Grand County. While its costs are the same as the Colorado state average, it is clear that the city is far from average. The town sits at an elevation of 6,320 feet. If youre looking for a posh mountain experience, look no further than Aspen, Colorado. Its cost of living index is 15% below the Colorado average. 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. The blog takes you through themost affordable mountain towns in Colorado,where you meet picture-perfect mountains, flower-filled fields, and happy life. Mancos features a small-town feel where almost all of. The Arkansas River flows alongside the town, offering plenty of scenic adventures to be enjoyed out on the water. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Population: 399 Cost of Living Index: 15% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $353,000. 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 . Woodland Park. These imposing 14,000-foot peaks are the most photographed in North America and are absolutely breathtaking. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The Riverwalk is among the most popular attractions. I was lucky to spend the last 10 months in themost affordable mountain town in Colorado, Crested Butte which is also calledColorados Last Great Ski Town.
most affordable mountain towns in colorado
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