Population: 9,671 Cost of Living Index: 19% Below Colorado Average Median Home Price: $236,000. For a truly unforgettable summer, here are a few must-visit mountain towns scattered all over the colorful state. The housing cost on average is $380,800, greater than the national median value. 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. In 2021, the town was home to about 8,100 local residents. A median home value is around $183,300, less than the national median home value of $204,900. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. With unbelievable views of the Sawatch Range and easy access to the Arkansas River, youll be spoiled for activities. Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Outdoor Center. In western Colorado, Crested Butte is surely apretty place to live with your familyand the view of lush green fields. To start the best up and coming Colorado towns, we have the small town of Fraser. 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. Be sure to bundle up if you visit Leadville in the winter. Photo Credit: Daniel Case (Wikimedia Commons). Estes Park has stored some astonishing views, fresh Rocky Mountain air, charming downtowns, and stunning views. In the winter, youll find incredible skiing and snowboarding, and the list of things to do in Breckenridge in the summer is long. 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However if youre looking for the prettiest mountain town in Colorado, youll certainly want to scope out these amazing gems: The best Colorado mountains towns to visit in the fall are: The best Colorado mountain towns to visit in the winter are: The best Colorado mountains towns to visit in the summer are: Looking for amazing Colorado mountain towns? are very low, which makes it an attractive place for anyone, especially families looking for a cheap mountain town in Colorado. It is also just an hour and a half from Colorado Springs. Large elk herds roam the town freely. Meeker sits along the White River near the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and Routt National Forests. Oftentimes, even the biggest adventures require you to set up a base in a quaint mountain town. Everyone dreams about living a quaint and rugged life in the Rocky Mountains, but many of the famous ski towns like. Whether you want to make a trek or take a dip, Salida is the place. Its pretty and very interesting. The view of rolling hills and mountains is unimaginably gorgeous. The town embraces a fun atmosphere with an annual fruitcake toss, pie baking contests, ghost tours, ice cream events, and a lot more. Vail is about a two-hour drive from Denver. 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. , which is amazingly big given the small town that houses it. , and although it mainly caters to tourists, its also quaint and homely. 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. Colorado has countless little towns and villages situated snuggly in the Rockies. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. She'd rather be dirty than done up. You can buy a home with an average cost of around $205,800. Every day life seems so easy breezy! The Blue River runs through downtown Breckenridge and travels all the way to Silverthorne before meeting up with the Colorado River near Kremmling. Large elk herds roam the town freely. In 1896, Colorado is well known as the mining capital. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The place has some unbeatable formula to bring peace. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. And for this reason, Steamboat Springs is a small town that really shines as a place for an extended stay. It is one of the major attractions of the town! What is the most affordable mountain town in Colorado? Photo Credit: kojihirano (iStock). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Hiking, biking, and river activities are just a few of the adventures on the menu. Only a15 minute drive from Turquoise Lake, Leadville is another of the affordable mountain towns in Colorado, and it has a lot going for it. It is themost affordable mountain town in Coloradoto taste history and sweet treats. Crestline, California. This post may contain affiliate links. While it can get cold, its still popular winter destination thanks to its hundreds of skiable acres and affordable lodging. The median home value is $198,990 and a third of the homes within city limits sell for less than $74,000. If youre looking for one of the best Colorado summer towns for adventure, look no further than Buena Vista (pronounced Bewna Vista)! These whimsically painted buildings, part of the National Historic Register, make a guided tour through the gorgeous downtown a must. Meanwhile, art aficionados flock to Salida's 20-some galleries and studios. Trinidad. Most Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado, FAQ: Affordable Mountain Towns in Colorado. have gotten way too expensive in the last few years. If you'd like to get on top of the rock rather than within it, the park serves up world-famous climbing, too. The roads are full of eclectic merchants, boutiques stores, pubs, parks, pretty cafes, and modern moto motels. Colorado hosts a variety of different flavors when it comes to mountain escapes. It certainly makes the list of the best mountain towns in Colorado thanks to its incredible charm nestled in a stunning setting. The nearby mountains offer plenty of options for biking, hiking, and camping. Instead of mining for gold, though, youll search for jackpots at one of the small towns nine casinos. People come here to explore world-class hiking trails and ride motorized recreation trails with the best mountain bikes, camps, snowmobiles, and more. 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. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. If you're feeling extra adventurous, make the trek from Crested Butte to Aspen. Elbert and Mt. I thought he is planning to take me toChristmas towns in Florida. Estes is well known for its elk herds and their bugling calls in the fall during mating season. Head out for a sunrise hike on the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail to catch all of the highlights. At only 2.5 hours from the Mile High City, its a great weekend trip from Denver. The San Juan Mountains surrounding Telluride are some of the most incredible peaks to explore in the state. Ive spent the last 13 years traveling all across Colorado. The Orvis Hot Springs are close by, offering steamy pools situated in natural settings. Western vibes still thrive in the small town backdropped by the La Plata Mountains. It is indeed thecheapest mountain town to live in Colorado. Some of the most incredible mountain towns in Colorado happen to be located right near Denver. After visiting a few of these distinctive affordable Colorado towns, you can settle there permanently. You can also discover some Colorado history at Camp Hale, where the 10th Mountain Division used to train. Mesa Verde National Park. , which is critical for such a small town. The cost of living is 15% below the Colorado average. From Gold Rush-era charmers to Wild West wonders, Colorado's smaller burgs offer a pleasing mix of history, recreation, and relaxation. As one of the best mountain towns in Colorado for the luxury-inclined, Aspen is the place to be seen. 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. Florida is my hometown, so what can be a, Read More Winter Wonderland: Top 4 Ice Caves in Colorado to ExploreContinue, Looking for some of the best romantic getaways in Colorado Springs? The snow, the skiing, Christmas celebration were all amazing. Ouray is a great summer destination. Visitors are easily charmed by the town's natural beauty. Georgetown is one of the most charming mountain towns in Colorado. The place is bustling with gorgeous scenery, ranches, and adventurous biking trails. Vail also offers plenty of summertime activities including golfing, hiking, festivals, farmers markets, and concerts in the square. Youll fall in love with thissmall mountain town in Coloradowhich sits at an elevation of 7,867 feet. Often referred to as high-country playground, the 265,769 acre-park is known for its awe-inspiring landscape. It is voted #1 Most Affordable Town in Colorado as well as one of the Safest Cities in the state. Meeker has a huge market for fishing and hunting. 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. Every year, people flock from all over the world to experience the best mountain towns in Colorado. 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 . Although its still on the list of cheap mountain towns in Colorado, partly thanks to its amazingly low living costs and median home prices being below $250,000, Alamosa is one of the bigger towns on this list. I hope you've heard the name "the Imperial Express Superchair", yes, Breckenridge is home to North America's highest chair lift. With so many different activities and scenes, its easy to find the best Colorado summer towns to suit your adventure needs. Where is the cheapest place to live in the Rocky Mountains? With a population of 7,606, its median housing cost is only $87,500, with a median income of $37,554. If youre looking for a posh mountain experience, look no further than Aspen, Colorado. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. If you buy something through one of those links, you wont pay any extra penny, but Ill get a small commissionthat encourages me to deliver more helpfulcontent for you. 3. Granby is the place to go if you want to splash around on the water in one of the best mountain towns near Denver. 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. This is small-town living at its finest. 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 . The rivers and lakes are so blue that they make the sky appear washed out. The colorful meadows will not disappoint! If youre into off-roading, youll find some sick 44 roads to get rowdy on in Ouray. 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. If youre intrigued by ice climbing, you can join in the fun with a guided trip to the ice park. 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. Most of the stunning scenery in Colorado is located close to a mountain town. 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. 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. Find your next adventure in the summer mountain town of Breckenridge. Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Womans Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. There is a small airport, so flying into Telluride is also an option. Im sure youll have some great memories here! Steamboat Springs, Colorado. I recommend going out on the terrace at night to stare at the stars. The cheapest place to live near mountains in Colorado is Leadville. There are several factors to consider, such as how close you are to amenities, tourist traffic, and access to suitable work. Its location is very convenient. Make a splash this summer in the mountain town of Buena Vista. 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. Guanella Pass is also one of the very best places to see the fall colors in Colorado, but that makes it incredibly crowded during leaf-peeping season. As the name suggests, Pagosa Springs has some. This timeKelvindid not want to take me for aromantic getaway in Colorado Spring rather he told me he has planned a surprise for me. , 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. Elbert, Attend Leadvilles signature events like Leadville Boom Day, You can take the Historic train rides at the historic Buttle Theatre, Go for antique artifacts like Jail Museum and the Heritage Centre, Hike the Rainbow trail through Sangres to witness gorgeous views of the State, I recommend going to Venable Comanche Trail too, Enjoy the adrenaline rush with Liquid Descent Whitewater Rafting. On the other hand, the health care cost is around $5,020 per year, higher than in other places in Colorado. is, Pagosa Springs may be the place for you. There are also breweries to check out, and all in all, this is a very affordable place to live. 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. Meanwhile, Wolf Creek Ski area, just a few minutes away, snags the most snow in the state, more than 450 inches a year. , with cheap groceries but more expensive healthcare. These popular destinations feature amazing mountain scenery and are absolutely bursting with local businesses. Most jobs are in the hospitality sector. However, the median home value is $352,800, more significant than the national median value. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 5. Paonia. 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. . 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. , Trinidad is conveniently located on the I-25, and it offers some extraordinary surrounding views. Ouray. While Woodland Park is considered a suburb of Colorado Springs it definitely deserves a spot on the best places to retire in Colorado list. Thischeapest mountain town in Coloradois not only my favorite but everyones. If you love reading, read the books of Louis LAmour, youll know why he loves Mancos so much! You can also go dog sledding through the Colorado mountains or spend your days fly fishing or golfing. 21. Massive, two of Colorado's highest peaks. In addition, there is a great range of restaurants and dining options, with multiple cafes, ethnic food, and some fantastic eating experiences. Outdoor enthusiasts love this town that is tucked away just north of the Gunnison National Park. The West Elk Loop scenic byway and Kebler Pass are close by for a nice drive. All these, Read More 10 Cheapest Places to Live in Colorado: Cities with Lowest Cost of LivingContinue, Looking for a weekend getaway in Colorado Springs? Alamosa. Idaho Springs is not only acheap place to live in Colorado Mountainsbut a great place to stop to reach the famous Colorado ski resorts. 5. But this small town is nestled right at the base of the Rocky Mountains and offers a wide variety of things to do. Johnstown (Population: 13,306) Located just south of Fort Collins is Johnstown with its higher-than-average incomes, low cost of living and affordable housing. It does not store any personal data. The skiing is world-class, but theres so much more to Telluride. The Continental Divide runs straight through Colorado, along the crests of the The southeast, Read More 11 Warmest Places In Colorado For Your Next VacationContinue, Colorado can be a great place if you are looking to move to a state where you can enjoy amazing weather, plenty of outdoor activities, sports, food, and cultural activities. Known for its high-end lodging and restaurants, its not surprising to see celebrities walking the streets. Here's a peek at what it looks like in the winter. In winter, you can ski at nearby Winter Park as well. With a population of only 8,200 residents, Trinidad is a friendly city that offers small town living. Photo Credit: benedek (iStock). 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. Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and the community is tight-knit, which is critical for such a small town. In winter you should explore the ice caves in Colorado, the place feels no less than a Frozen Hollywood movie set. Fairplay is a Statutory Town in South Park sitting at an elevation of 9,954 feet above sea level. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. 11. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, with its opportunity to sled the tallest sand dunes in North America, is just an hour away. 3. It is a tourist spot so getting a job in the hospitality sector is not very difficult. Overall SnackAbility. .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. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You can also have some fun with llama trekking and the town even has a little theater, too. 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.