Are you considering moving to Colorado? Whether you are looking for a change of pace, a new job, or a better quality of life, Colorado offers plenty of opportunities for those who are ready for a change. With so many great cities to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start your search. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best cities to live in Colorado, based on factors such as affordability, quality of life, and job opportunities.
Colorado is known for its stunning natural landscapes, outdoor recreation, and abundant sunshine. However, it’s also home to some of the most vibrant and livable cities in the country.
Why Colorado?
Colorado is known for its natural beauty, world-class skiing, and outdoor recreation opportunities. However, there are many other reasons to consider moving to Colorado. For one, Colorado has a thriving economy, with a low unemployment rate and a diverse range of job opportunities. Additionally, Colorado offers a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and cultural amenities.
Top 11 Best Cities to Live in Colorado
- Denver
- Boulder
- Colorado Springs
- Fort Collins
- Aurora
- Golden
- Longmont
- Castle Rock
- Loveland
- Durango
- Grand Junction
1. Denver
| Population | 727,211 |
| Rental Cost | $1,530 |
| House Cost | $514,100 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.3% |
Denver, the capital of Colorado, is a vibrant and growing city with a lot to offer. Known as the Mile High City due to its elevation of 5,280 feet, Denver boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, numerous parks and outdoor spaces, and a booming economy, making it an attractive option for many people looking to move to Colorado. The city is also home to a diverse population, with a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees.
If you’re looking for a dynamic city with plenty of job opportunities and a high quality of life, Denver might be the perfect fit for you. The city is known for its beautiful parks, museums, and excellent restaurants. Some of the best neighborhoods to live in Denver include Capitol Hill, Cherry Creek, and Highland.
2. Boulder
| Population | 107,353 |
| Rental Cost | $2,207 |
| House Cost | $1,008,700 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.9% |
Boulder is consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in Colorado. Located just 30 miles northwest of Denver, Boulder is a picturesque city nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, hiking and biking trails, and world-renowned research university, the University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder attracts a mix of outdoor enthusiasts, academics, and entrepreneurs.
Some of the best neighborhoods to live in Boulder include North Boulder, Martin Acres, and South Boulder. With a strong focus on sustainability and a thriving tech industry, Boulder is a great place to live if you’re interested in innovation and environmentalism.
3. Colorado Springs
| Population | 478,221 |
| Rental Cost | $1,237 |
| House Cost | $370,200 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.4% |
Colorado Springs is located at the foot of Pikes Peak and is known for its stunning views, outdoor activities, and historic landmarks. Also, Colorado Springs is a scenic city that offers a high quality of life and an affordable cost of living. Home to the United States Olympic Training Center and numerous military bases, Colorado Springs has a diverse economy that includes healthcare, education, and technology. The city is also known for its natural beauty, with many parks, trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Some of the best neighborhoods to live in Colorado Springs include Old Colorado City, Briargate, and Downtown. Colorado Springs is also home to several military bases, which contributes to the city’s strong sense of community.
4. Fort Collins
| Population | 165,080 |
| Rental Cost | $1,536 |
| House Cost | $480,400 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.3% |
Fort Collins is another great city to consider if you are looking to move to Colorado. Located in northern Colorado, Fort Collins is a vibrant college town that’s known for its craft beer scene, outdoor recreation, and high quality of life. Home to Colorado State University, Fort Collins has a strong emphasis on education and innovation, with a growing tech industry and a thriving startup culture. The city is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities nearby. Some of the best neighborhoods to live in Fort Collins include Old Town, Fossil Lake, and University Acres.
5. Aurora
| Population | 379,289 |
| Rental Cost | $1,422 |
| House Cost | $363,600 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% |
Aurora is a diverse city located just east of Denver. It is a diverse and affordable city that’s a great option for those who want easy access to both Denver and the mountains. With a growing economy that includes healthcare, education, and aerospace, Aurora is a great place to live if you’re looking for job opportunities. Some of the best neighborhoods to live in Aurora include Tallyn’s Reach, Southshore, and Sterling Hills. The city also has many parks and outdoor spaces, including the 4,000-acre Cherry Creek State Park.
6. Golden
| Population | 21,299 |
| Rental Cost | $1,837 |
| House Cost | $575,000 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.3% |
Golden is a small town located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Golden is a historic city that’s known for its charming downtown area, outdoor activities, and of course, Coors Brewery. With a small-town feel and a strong sense of community, Golden is a great place to live if you’re looking for a laid-back lifestyle with easy access to outdoor activities. Some of the best neighborhoods to live in Golden include North Golden, South Golden, and Applewood.
7. Longmont
| Population | 101,591 |
| Rental Cost | $1,418 |
| House Cost | $439,800 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% |
Longmont is a quiet suburb located just north of Boulder, Longmont is a family-friendly city that’s known for its affordable housing, high quality of life, and a strong sense of community. With a diverse population and a mix of urban and rural areas, Longmont is a great option for those who want the benefits of a small town with the amenities of a larger city. The city also has a growing tech industry and a strong focus on sustainability, making it an attractive option for young professionals. Some of the Top neighborhoods to live in Longmont include Old Town, Prospect, and Prairie Village.
8. Castle Rock
| Population | 71,231 |
| Rental Cost | $1,786 |
| House Cost | $572,900 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.2% |
Located just south of Denver, Castle Rock is a scenic city that’s known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Some of the best neighborhoods to live in Castle Rock include Castle Pines, Founders Village, and Crystal Valley Ranch. With a charming downtown area and a strong sense of community, Castle Rock is a great place to live if you’re looking for a small-town feel with easy access to the great outdoors. The city also has a growing economy that includes healthcare, education, and technology.
9. Loveland
| Population | 78,014 |
| Rental Cost | $1,468 |
| House Cost | $418,900 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% |
Loveland is a small town located just south of Fort Collins, Loveland is a small city that’s known for its thriving arts scene and high quality of life. With numerous art galleries, museums, and sculpture parks, Loveland is a great place to live if you’re interested in the arts. The best neighborhoods to live in Loveland include Downtown, Mariana But. The city also has a strong economy that includes healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
10. Durango
| Population | 18,990 |
| Rental Cost | $1,435 |
| House Cost | $553,300 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% |
Located in the southwestern part of Colorado, Durango is a picturesque city that’s known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. With easy access to skiing, hiking, and rafting, Durango is a great place to live if you’re an outdoor enthusiast. Some of the best neighborhoods to live in Durango include Historic Downtown, Animas City, and Crestview. The city also has a vibrant downtown area with numerous shops and restaurants, as well as a strong sense of community.
11. Grand Junction
| Population | 64,985 |
| Rental Cost | $1,045 |
| House Cost | $251,200 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% |
Located in western Colorado, Grand Junction is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by those who are considering moving to Colorado. This city boasts a low cost of living, a vibrant downtown area, and world-class outdoor recreation opportunities. With numerous wineries and vineyards, Grand Junction is a great place to live if you’re a wine lover. The city also has plenty of parks and outdoor spaces, including the Colorado National Monument. Grand Junction is also home to Colorado Mesa University, which contributes to the city’s lively and intellectual atmosphere.
How to Choose the Best City for You
Choosing the best city to live in Colorado is a highly personal decision, and there are a lot of factors to consider. Some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a city include:
- Cost of living
- Job opportunities
- Quality of schools
- Outdoor recreation opportunities
- Cultural amenities
- Sense of community
Ultimately, the best city for you will depend on your own personal preferences and priorities.
Conclusion
Overall, Colorado offers a wide range of livable and vibrant cities that are perfect for anyone looking to relocate to this beautiful state. From Denver to Grand Junction, each city has unique attributes that make it a great place to live. So, whether you’re a young professional, a family, or a retiree, there’s a city in Colorado that will meet your needs. We hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the best city to live in Colorado.