She'd rather be dirty than done up. 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Ices Lakes Pictured. 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. 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. Oftentimes, even the biggest adventures require you to set up a base in a quaint mountain town. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. Summer is very glorious. With so much to do, its easy to see why this is one of the best small towns in Colorado. 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 . There are also, if that appeals to you, and you can visit the, Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the. 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. For the mountain town experience super close to the city, make the just over half an hour drive from Denver to Idaho Springs. Visiting Colorado mountain towns requires local insight to make your stay truly special. If you like national historic sites, you will also fall in love with this town. After visiting a few of these distinctive affordable Colorado towns, you can settle there permanently. Also, if youre coming for two days to Colorado, include these places in your itinerary. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. What are the cutest towns in Colorado? - 2023 Telluride, 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. Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. 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. 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. Most jobs are in the hospitality sector. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. In 1896, Colorado is well known as the mining capital. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. They might be located in or near the mountains, making it easy to access and enjoy the beautiful landscape. It is also just an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. The place has some unbeatable formula to bring peace. Fancy designer boutiques and incredible dining options aside, Aspen is pretty darn beautiful too. There are a lot of awesome activities in Glenwood Springs to get stoked about. The blog takes you through themost affordable mountain towns in Colorado,where you meet picture-perfect mountains, flower-filled fields, and happy life. Most Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado, FAQ: Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado. It is one of the most travel destinations in the state with a strong economy exclusively on coal mining and agriculture. 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. Ridgway. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Nicknamed "the Switzerland of America, you'll find this old mining town nestled in a beautiful box canyon. The rivers and lakes are so blue that they make the sky appear washed out. Estes Park is home to the Rocky Mountain National Park. If you happen to see a herd, just remember to keep your distance. Visitors are easily charmed by the town's natural beauty. Changing aspens can be explored along Kebler Pass, the scenic road connects the mountain towns of Crested Butte and Paonia. 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. What is the best small town to live in Colorado? If youre into history, theres also the Trinidad History Museum that is packed with unique stories and features. Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is definitely one of the best mountain towns near 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. The Maroon Bells put this town on the map as one of the most scenic places in Colorado. , where you can camp, hike, and enjoy some stunning Colorado weather. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. If you have an interest in gold mining, youll enjoy touring the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine and visiting the Cripple Creek Heritage Center. The West Elk Loop scenic byway and Kebler Pass are close by for a nice drive. The view of rolling hills and mountains is unimaginably gorgeous. Then hit one of the many miles of trails in the area for a bike or a hike. Outdoorsy types might want to leave time for a trek up nearby Quandary Peak, one of Colorado's 58 mountains that measure 14,000 feet or taller. 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. Crested Butte has a true small-town feel, and youll find locals sitting on one of the many benches along Elk Avenue. You can also enjoy shopping, stop by a restaurant, and so much more along the Riverwalk. You can also immerse yourself in history by taking a day trip just a couple of hours west toHovenweep National Monument. 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. 10 Best Budget-Friendly Colorado Vacations - Trips To Discover If youre intrigued by ice climbing, you can join in the fun with a guided trip to the ice park. Leadville. This is small-town living at its finest. 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. Temperatures have been known to drop as low as -31 degrees. 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. You may want to check out the Trinidad Lake State Park, which is just 8 minutes out of town, where you can camp, hike, and enjoy some stunning Colorado weather. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Location: Check on Google Maps. Nearest mega resorts: None. Yes,Paonia is known as Tree City USA because of the abundance of green space. . 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. It is also just an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. Whatever you want to do, youll find something in Pagosa Springs. in 1984, and birthed the Shavano Chapter of the Columbine Poets of Colorado. Heres how you can explore the best of the Centennial State like a local, not a tourist. Vail is about a two-hour drive from Denver. Mesa Verde National Park. Because of its size, the town boasts access to some. And be sure to visit the Breckenridge troll at the end of the Trollstigen Trail before you leave town! Despite its proximity to Denver, Federal Heights is still one of the cheapest places to live in Colorado. Our choices for the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado also take into consideration the desirability of each town, so that you would actually want to live in these places. 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. In the Tenmile Range sits Breckenridge, one of the highest ski towns nearly at the elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level. At Mesa Verde National Park in southern Colorado, visitors can retrace the ancient footsteps of the ancestral Puebloans who once lived in the park's magnificent cliff dwellings, and the entrance fee is affordable. The Cheapest Towns to Live in Colorado - Uncover Colorado Located along the famous Million Dollar Highway (one of the most beautiful drives in Colorado) this small mining town holds on to its immense charm making it one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. You can enjoy. Where is the cheapest place to live in the mountains in Colorado? - 2023 There was an error processing your request. 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. You can learn more about my privacy policy here. 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. 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. 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. Add to Steamboat Springs to your summer bucket list. 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. It is an ideal place to be close to nature with a cost of living index is 94.8 (USA average of 100). You can watch wild donkeys too here! The Arkansas River flows alongside the town, offering plenty of scenic adventures to be enjoyed out on the water. 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. Here is our terms & conditions that stipulates how you can use this site. 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. Fairplay is a Statutory Town in South Park sitting at an elevation of 9,954 feet above sea level. In the north-western part of the Rocky Mountains near West Elks American Viticulture Area in Delta County sits thisbeautiful mountain townof Paonia. It sees a lot of tourists during the warmer months, and has a good selection of outdoor activities and entertainment around the town. Colorado's Rocky Mountains are filled . Donkey Derby Days are the most beloved events Cripple Creek has to offer. In the North Fork Valley, youll see a lot of people growing grapes, pears, cherries, apricots, peaches, and more. 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. In terms of living costs, its 4 percent lower than the national average, with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. Population: 2,614 Cost of Living Index: 11% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $350,000. It sits an hour west of Colorado Springs in Teller County at the base of the backside of Pikes Peak with amazing vistas. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Trust me, its a truly awesome experience! County: Logan. The air in Paonia smells all fruity! Vail also offers plenty of summertime activities including golfing, hiking, festivals, farmers markets, and concerts in the square. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most-well-preserved archaeological sites in the U . This makes Glenwood Springs one of the best mountain towns in Colorado if youre looking for unique things to see and do. Cost of Living Index: 2% Above Colorado Average. A. The 10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Colorado | HOMEiA 21. Georgetown Lake is another popular attraction, drawing visitors every season. . 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. Population: 14,777. 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. You can explore nature and the rugged Rocky Mountains, Try to take part in the annual BurroFest, an event combining the antics of burros with interactive art, Go on wilderness trips like Mesa Verde Stables, Try to spend charismas tasting beer at Fenceline Cider, taking part in recreational activities, and a lot more, In winter, visit the White River Nordic Council, Marvine, and the famous 178 miles trail in Rio Blanco County, Come to gain knowledge about history at The White River Museum, Take part in Meeker Summer Rodeo Series ( June August), and Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trails (September), Take the Estes Park tramway ride to enjoy some incredible views of stunning valleys and mountains, Spend the evening at Estes Park breweries, Take the Leadville Southern Railroad, to enjoy the beautiful alpine scenery, Hike your heart out to Mt. The gateway to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain and Nordic Valley, this hidden gem, just 35 minutes north of Salt Lake City, sits at 4,280 feet and is adjacent to 170,000 acres of national forest. This place is my home and I love to explore here. Ideal for families, the town is also home to several good schools, local parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities. 11. It sits along Clear Creek Canyon commonly famous for radium hot springs for its therapeutic properties. On Main Street, picturesque storefronts from the 1890s house shops, inns, and restaurants, and for history buffs there are two fine institutions: the Creede Historical Museum and the Underground Mining Museum. America's 50 Best Small Towns in the Mountains | Far & Wide 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. The Orvis Hot Springs are close by, offering steamy pools situated in natural settings. It is the bounty of fairy tale towns. It was added to the. Heres were you can find the top attractions in Colorado: Planning a trip to Colorado? Also,asingle adult health care expense costs around $3,826 per year, compared to Colorado which cost $ 4,266 a year. The ambiance is very offbeat yet charming. While its costs are the same as the Colorado state average, it is clear that the city is far from average. Telluride is located about six hours from Denver in the Colorado mountains. Whatever you want to do, youll find something in Pagosa Springs. 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. 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? Framed by the San Juan Mountains, you can explore plenty of nearby hiking trails. 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. While Woodland Park is considered a suburb of Colorado Springs it definitely deserves a spot on the best places to retire in Colorado list. Crested Butte is also a top spot for leaf-peepers. 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. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, with its opportunity to sled the tallest sand dunes in North America, is just an hour away. As one of the most well-known mountain towns in the state, Vail is the perfect summer escape. Meanwhile, art aficionados flock to Salida's 20-some galleries and studios. are very low, which makes it an attractive place for anyone, especially families looking for a cheap mountain town in Colorado. Photo Credit: Wild Frog Photography (Flickr). As a great jumping-off point for exciting adventures such as the Alpine Loop, San Juan Scenic Byway, and the Colorado Trail. Leadville is about a two-hour ride from Denver. 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. This timeKelvindid not want to take me for aromantic getaway in Colorado Spring rather he told me he has planned a surprise for me. If you want to stay in a more peaceful area you can choose a neighborhood like Fall River Estates. Woodland Park. Adult lift tickets at Granby Ranch are less than one hundred bucks for a full day, with children 5 and under skiing free. 15 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado. Breck, as the locals call it, has a deep Gold Rush history. A single adult costs around $38,928 annually and the median home value is around $145,300. Estes Park is a great basecamp for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Outdoor enthusiasts love this town that is tucked away just north of the Gunnison National Park. A single adult expense is around $38,795 annually which is less than the annual cost of living for Colorado of $40,026. It runs through the heart of the downtown area and is full of sights and sounds. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt. In summer, the temperature rose to make me feel happy and energetic. Discovering The Best 26 Reasons: What is Colorado Known for? You can also have some fun with llama trekking and the town even has a little theater, too. 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. Idaho Falls, Idaho. As one of the best mountain towns in Colorado to live in, Salida is a happening place. 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. Colorado Springs is widely known for being the home of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, award-winning restaurants, and amazing downtowns. In 2021, the town was home to about 8,100 local residents. You can buy a home that cost around $179,100, which is very less compared to the national median home value. 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. If youre planning to come here for starting a new life, I would suggest reading the pros and cons of living in Colorado. There is plenty of snow and Victorian buildings in this elevated town. However, the jobs are seasonal and low wages positions. Elevation: 8,750 feet. Every day life seems so easy breezy! Inside, youll find: PS. 75% of the land is managed by the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the State. 5.) 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. Youll never regret starting a family here as youll live a more organic and sustainable 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. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt. Population: 797 Cost of Living Index: 6% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $490,000. , with multiple cafes, ethnic food, and some fantastic eating experiences. , but you can also enjoy things like trail riding, Rocky Mountain Wildlife Park, a ski resort, and rafting experiences. 1. Aspenis located about three and a half hours from Denver and is easily one of the most popular places in the Colorado mountains. 11 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado to Visit in 2023 [by a local] We start off our list of the most affordable mountain towns in Colorado with Manitou Springs. Some of Colorado's Top Places to Retire | Retirement in CO Not to mention property prices in Colorado mountain towns have skyrocketed. Whatever you do though, dont miss BrewSki in March. 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. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com. On average the total cost of living for a single adult is $36,642 per year. Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center. 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. It is voted #1 Most Affordable Town in Colorado as well as one of the Safest Cities in the state. Colorado Business Review 2022 states that Colorado outperformed in job recovery after the pandemic and became one of the 14th states in offering more stable jobs. Frisco. It is one of the major attractions of the town! Western vibes still thrive in the small town backdropped by the La Plata Mountains. In the winter, Ouray transforms into the epicenter of the ice climbing world. 22 Best Places to Live in Colorado - Updated with 2023 Data - Strategistico 11 Most Affordable Mountain Towns In Colorado Crested Butte is a remote town in Gunnison County where you can only breathe the fresh mountain air and no industrial population. With unbelievable views of the Sawatch Range and easy access to the Arkansas River, youll be spoiled for activities. 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. 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. 6.) 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. Skiing, of course, is king here come winter, but in the warmer months 750 miles of mountain biking trails make traveling on two wheels tempting. Do you know the peony flower? A breathtaking ride over Trail Ridge Road will bring you to Grand Lake and the west side of RMNP. Mancos features a small-town feel where almost all of the residents know each other. 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. 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. Mancos features a small-town feel where almost all of. 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. What gives Fort Collins the edge in 2023 is its relatively affordable cost of living. With so many things to do in Ouray year-round, youve got to visit this classic mountain town. From here you can explore Clear Creek, either by rafting down the river or climbing the rock walls of the canyon. Contents1 Where is the [] It was added to the National Register Of Historic Places in 1984, and birthed the Shavano Chapter of the Columbine Poets of 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. 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. The nearby mountains offer plenty of options for biking, hiking, and camping. Ouray is about a five-and-a-half-hour ride from Denver. The resort also has night skiing and other base-side activities. 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. Thats why I created this mega-extensive guide to the best mountain towns in Colorado. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. There is a small airport, so flying into Telluride is also an option. What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? There's an artist community here, which means good galleries, and tubing in the summer on the North St. Vrain Creek that winds through town. It is themost affordable Colorado mountain townin Larimer County sitting at an elevation of 7,522 feet. , including a wildlife refuge, Splashland, a recreation center, a brewery, a climbing wall, and much more. 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. , Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. 7. The town is located at the base of Pikes Peak, which is one of Colorados highest mountains at 14,115 feet. Estes Park is a great basecamp for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Like Salida, Ridgway is all about the arts, with galleries and studios, plus an historic theater and plenty of cool events like full moon art excursions. The place is bustling with gorgeous scenery, ranches, and adventurous biking trails. 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. 11 must-visit mountain towns for this summer in Colorado A. Westcliffe sits in the south-central part of Colorado and is the tiny and most affordable area in Colorado.

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