most affordable mountain towns in colorado

If theres one thing that makes the Rocky Mountain State so unique its an impressive lineup of the best mountain towns in Colorado. Its median home prices of $500,000 to $600,000 may also seem high, but those values are actually inline with the state average. Framed by the San Juan Mountains, you can explore plenty of nearby hiking trails. At 10,151 feet, Leadville sits at the foot of Mt. A single adult costs around $38,928 annually and the median home value is around $145,300. Error! With so many things to do in Ouray year-round, youve got to visit this classic mountain town. , which is amazingly big given the small town that houses it. La Junta (Population: 7,568) This eastern Colorado town is home to Otero Junior College and average annual mortgage payments of only $4,447! Im sure youll have some great memories here! From here you can drive to reach Twin Lake, a destination to spot the views of clear alpine water. What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? You can also have some fun with llama trekking and the town even has a little theater, too. This timeKelvindid not want to take me for aromantic getaway in Colorado Spring rather he told me he has planned a surprise for me. Breckenridge. The Arkansas River flows alongside the town, offering plenty of scenic adventures to be enjoyed out on the water. 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. Woodland Park. Youll surely love this mellow vibe and beautiful life here. The Rocky Mountain State has a lot to offer the residents and tourists longing for the standard of living, quality schools, hospitality, pastoral landscape, and simple life. 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. Population: 2,690 Cost of Living Index: 7% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $492,000. 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. Outdoor enthusiasts love this town that is tucked away just north of the Gunnison National Park. Serious sun, soaking and skiing await in Pagosa Springs, tucked away at the foot of the Continental Divide. 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. Afterward, you can do a bit of fly fishing in the Yampa River before visiting local cultural institutions like the Tread of Pioneers Museum, the Steamboat Art Museum, and the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra. With unbelievable views of the Sawatch Range and easy access to the Arkansas River, youll be spoiled for activities. , with multiple cafes, ethnic food, and some fantastic eating experiences. 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. The best mountain towns near Denver include: There are a lot of incredible mountain towns in Colorado and nearly all of them are stunning. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. Georgetown is a former mining town at the base of Guanella Pass. 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. There is plenty of snow and Victorian buildings in this elevated town. What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? The giant troll, who goes by the name of Isak Heartstone, is truly a sight to see. There are several factors to consider, such as how close you are to amenities, tourist traffic, and access to suitable work. I was here from October to August, working, living, and enjoying my life. Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the community is tight-knit, which is critical for such a small town. Estes is well known for its elk herds and their bugling calls in the fall during mating season. 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. Ouray. Mancos features a small-town feel where almost all of the residents know each other. Thornton. 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. Elbert and Mt. 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. Longmont. Whether you want to make a trek or take a dip, Salida is the place. Estes Park is a great basecamp for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This post contains affiliate links. Population: 5,217. 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. 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. Breckenridge is about a 90-minute drive from Denver and sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains Tenmile Range. Though Idaho Springs has a lot of population, it is still anaffordable mountain town in Colorado. There was an error processing your request. 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. 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. Success! Top picks for spring blooms include Trail 401, Dyke Trail, Doctor Park, Lupine, and Teocalli Trail. It is the bounty of fairy tale towns. 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. Photo Credit: Dougal Brownlie, The Gazette. Alamosa. The town embraces a fun atmosphere with an annual fruitcake toss, pie baking contests, ghost tours, ice cream events, and a lot more. This town has a population of 14,000 residents over two square miles, making it a dense urban area. 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. You can watch wild donkeys too here! These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. A. Westcliffe sits in the south-central part of Colorado and is the tiny and most affordable area in Colorado. Caon City. It is one of the most travel destinations in the state with a strong economy exclusively on coal mining and agriculture. 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. Yes, from there it got its name Paonia. Frisco. The other highlight of Glenwood Springs is that it is home to several Colorado hot springs. Less than 100 miles from Denver, Fairplay offers agood nightlife and a nice variety of rural and suburban neighborhoods. 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. 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 . Population: 8,280 Cost of Living Index: 20% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $182,000. Meanwhile, Wolf Creek Ski area, just a few minutes away, snags the most snow in the state, more than 450 inches a year. Population: 5,430 Cost of Living Index: 3% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $545,000. If you're feeling extra adventurous, make the trek from Crested Butte to Aspen. 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. Estes Park has stored some astonishing views, fresh Rocky Mountain air, charming downtowns, and stunning views. You can buy a home with an average cost of around $205,800. Its an old family town where all the residents know each other, feel connected, and help each other out. Alternatively, if you love a good black diamond run then youll adore the challenging terrain at Arapahoe Basin before trying some cross-country skiing or snow tubing. 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. These are the best small mountain towns with populations of about 10,000 or fewer that are filled with charm and scenic adventures you'll love. Massive and Mt. Local Tip: In 2021 reservations are required to visit the Maroon Bells Scenic Area. You dont have to spend your time in the great outdoors to appreciate Leadville, though. What makes Salida stand out is its higher-end town with plenty of ways to kick back and relax in the mountains. . Western vibes still thrive in the small town backdropped by the La Plata Mountains. Its famous for its historic architecture and a great artistic culture, and although it mainly caters to tourists, its also quaint and homely. 7.) What isnt to love about being able to ride side by sides and snowmobiles down Mainstreet? Stand-Up paddleboarding is one of the most exciting ways to explore the Arkansas River. At only 2.5 hours from the Mile High City, its a great weekend trip from Denver. 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. The downtown area of Steamboat Springs is just as exciting and vibrant as the outdoor adventure scene. 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. Ive spent the last 13 years traveling all across Colorado. Estes Park. And because the city's median income is $115,069, Portland has the fourth best home price to income ratio in colorado. I recommend going to Chicken Creek trail to enjoy the mountain air and some peace. Over the summer you can skip the ski slopes and . 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. The Blue River runs through downtown Breckenridge and travels all the way to Silverthorne before meeting up with the Colorado River near Kremmling. 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. 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. Overall SnackAbility. It is also just an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. Yes,Paonia is known as Tree City USA because of the abundance of green space. 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. There is also a small airport for fly-in options. However, the jobs are seasonal and low wages positions. Boone, North Carolina. With its semi-arid climate, Colorado Springs is a perfect place, Read More 8 Most Romantic Getaways in Colorado Springs in 2023Continue, Colorado is a perfect destination with a mixture of everything Mountains, Plains, Deserts, and Lakes. The air in Paonia smells all fruity! You can ski and golf in one of Colorados most picturesque towns. Idaho Springs is not only acheap place to live in Colorado Mountainsbut a great place to stop to reach the famous Colorado ski resorts. This place is my home and I love to explore here. 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. It is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventure seekers. 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. If youre into history, theres also the Trinidad History Museum that is packed with unique stories and features. Most jobs are in the hospitality sector. There is a small airport, so flying into Telluride is also an option. 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. The skiing is world-class, but theres so much more to Telluride. Discovering The Best 26 Reasons: What is Colorado Known for? Our mission is to provide a digital resource with original insights on lifestyle and travel experiences. 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? Make a splash this summer in the mountain town of Buena Vista. Luckily to reside here you do not have to spend much because it is one of theinexpensive mountain towns in Colorado. 1. 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. In addition, there is a great range of restaurants and dining options, with multiple cafes, ethnic food, and some fantastic eating experiences. 1. You can also check out some of the easier hikes in Estes Park, such as Lily Lake, which is especially lovely when the aspens turn gold in the fall. On average, a single adult's expense is around $38,947 a year. , 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.

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