Related: 7 Reasons to Quit Your Job & Become A Ski Bum: Ned's Frozen Dead Guy Days, held each March, is a festival celebrating a Norwegian fellow who was cryogenically preserved outside of town following his death in the '80s. Maybe the most famous mountain town in Colorado, Vail is located in the Rocky Mountains about two hours west of Denver (if youre lucky enough not to hit the notorious traffic on I-70). If you want to stay in a more peaceful area you can choose a neighborhood like Fall River Estates. Leadville will take your breath away, and not just because its the highest incorporated city in the US at an elevation of 10,152 feet. Vail is a mecca for skiing, but youll find plenty of things to do in Vail in the summer as well. If youre interested in history, youll also enjoy, 4 percent lower than the national average. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Framed by the San Juan Mountains, you can explore plenty of nearby hiking trails. After all, this vibrant body of water has an amazing, 19-mile-long, paved, loop walkway that will take you all around the perimeter of the lake. If you have an interest in gold mining, youll enjoy touring the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine and visiting the Cripple Creek Heritage Center. Boulder, Golden, and Morrison have amazing mountain views while still being close to the action of bigger cities like Denver. Required fields are marked *. It sits just on the east of the Middle Fork South Platte River, northward to Alma and Hoosier Pass, and close to Breckenridge for skiing. Massive, two of Colorado's highest peaks. 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. One of the best hikes in Telluride is Bridal Veil Falls, which starts right from the end of town. 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. This place is my home and I love to explore here. 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. Estes Park has stored some astonishing views, fresh Rocky Mountain air, charming downtowns, and stunning views. 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. Fancy designer boutiques and incredible dining options aside, Aspen is pretty darn beautiful too. You can learn more about my privacy policy here. 12 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado [2023 Local Guide] Telluride is a picture-perfect mountain town in southwestern Colorado with a jaw-dropping backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. If you love reading, read the books of Louis LAmour, youll know why he loves Mancos so much! You have permission to edit this collection. Inside, youll find: PS. Here is our privacy policy that outlines how we handle your data. Stand-Up paddleboarding is one of the most exciting ways to explore the Arkansas River. Hessie Trailhead is the start to a lot of the excellent hikes near Denver in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Population: 2,690 Cost of Living Index: 7% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $492,000. It is one of the major attractions of the town! The town embraces a fun atmosphere with an annual fruitcake toss, pie baking contests, ghost tours, ice cream events, and a lot more. It is the most affordable Colorado mountain town in Larimer County sitting at an elevation of 7,522 feet. There are several factors to consider, such as how close you are to amenities, tourist traffic, and access to suitable work. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Meanwhile, Wolf Creek Ski area, just a few minutes away, snags the most snow in the state, more than 450 inches a year. When it comes to uncovering the best mountain towns in Colorado, youll have to visit these top hits. These whimsically painted buildings, part of the National Historic Register, make a guided tour through the gorgeous downtown a must. .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. Climbers with ice tools and crampons flock to the Ouray Ice Park for some frozen fun, and the pros join in at the annual Ice Climbing Festival. If you are looking for outdoor activities, then Telluride is the place to go. 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. 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. 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. Population: 8,280 Cost of Living Index: 20% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $182,000. 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. 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. 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. The town boasts a regional airport and junior college for higher education. Top 9 Affordable Ski Resorts in Colorado With a population of 7,606, its median housing cost is only $87,500, with a median income of $37,554. 22 Best Places to Live in Colorado Updated with 2023 Data, The 8 Best Places to Live in Southern Colorado in 2023, 7 Best Small Towns in Colorado to Raise a Family 2023 Update, 8 Richest Neighborhoods in Colorado in 2023 | Most Expensive Places to Live in Colorado, Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins Unbiased Guide | 2023 Update, Breckenridge vs Vail 2023 Guide Summer & Winter Adventures. 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 . 4. If you happen to see a herd, just remember to keep your distance. 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. Cripple Creek once used to be bustling with gold seekers and now is like a mini Vegas in Colorado. Westminster. Western vibes still thrive in the small town backdropped by the La Plata Mountains. Looking for off-the-wall? They might be located in or near the mountains, making it easy to access and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Theres also the National Mining Hall of Fame Museum, which is amazingly big given the small town that houses it. There is something for everyone on our list of the 9 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado. In the winter, youll find incredible skiing and snowboarding, and the list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer is long. 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. 3. The place is always booming with tourists. This is a wonderful place to be if you value peace and greenery, and most of the activities around the town reflect that. 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. Located along the Million Dollar Highway, Ouray is a must-visit Colorado mountain town in any season. Woodland Park. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". With a population of only 8,200 residents, Trinidad is a friendly city that offers small town living. Do you want to know what life is like in Colorado mountain towns? 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. With a population nearing 15,000, Sterling is the most populous city east of Pueblo. Check out my interactive map for the best mountain towns in Colorado. 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. Ive been to Westcliffe six times in my lifetime. I remember vividly when I stepped out of the car for the first time I was stunned and felt connected. 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. Ices Lakes Pictured. that is packed with unique stories and features. Colorado has countless little towns and villages situated snuggly in the Rockies. At 6,522 feet the winters are more mild (but still plentiful Rocky Mountain snow) and summers warmer than higher elevation towns. , which is critical for such a small town. Massive, two of Colorados highest peaks. Telluride. There are literally countless amazing small towns nestled in the mighty mountain ranges throughout the state. Do you know the peony flower? Meeker sits along the White River near the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and Routt National Forests. Ouray is a great summer destination. 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado: A Guide - UpNest 12 Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2023, 8 Most Romantic Getaways in Colorado Springs in 2023, 10 Best Hikes in Colorado Springs in 2023, Winter Wonderland: Top 4 Ice Caves in Colorado to Explore. 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.

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