8 Best Places to Live in Colorado

Few states capture the essence of the American West like Colorado. But the Centennial State is more than just cowboy hats, the Rocky Mountains, and a creepy blue horse statue at the airport. There is a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant urban life. Colorado has more culture than people give it credit for. There are incredible art scenes, dynamic historical sites, and countless outdoor activities for any level of adventurer. Families, retirees, and singles are flocking to this up-and-coming state because there is no shortage of things to do and places to explore. And the 300 days of sunshine doesn’t hurt things either.

Choosing where to live in Colorado can be both exciting and challenging. There are many things to consider when making a big move like this: job opportunities, lifestyle preferences, community vibe, and recreational options. Every prospective resident must prioritize proximity to the mountains, living in the heart of a city, or finding a quiet, small town out of the way. The good news is that Colorado literally has something for everyone. The variety is obvious but can be somewhat overwhelming.

Nevertheless, I have compiled a list of the top cities to live in Colorado to help you sort through all the options. To accommodate the wealth of variety Colorado has to offer, we have offered a breadth of cities from the heart of the mountains to the east on the plains, from north of the capital to the Spring in the south. You will have to sort through what you seek in your future home. As someone who has lived and traveled extensively across Colorado, I’m excited to share my top picks. Each of these cities brings something unique, offering a glimpse into what makes Colorado such a desirable place to live. 

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1. Colorado Springs – The 3rd Best Place To Live in The U.S.

Colorado Springs is its own mountain getaway, surrounded by incredible views of Pikes Peak and nature parks like Garden of the Gods. There is always something to see and do for all ages. You can take the Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway up to the top of Pikes Peak or wander the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum. For animal lovers, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo allows you to feed the giraffes, and the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center lets you interact with wolves and wolf-hybrids.

Don’t just take our word that Colorado Springs is an amazing city. In May 2024, Colorado Springs was named the third-best place to live in the country by U.S. News & World Report out of 150 cities. To be considered for this list, “a place had to have good value, be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life.” 

Despite being one of the more expensive cities in the state, it’s worth every penny for all the adventures, community, and experiences contained in one special city.

2. Longmont – Long Live The Mountains

Longmont is the best of both worlds. Located between Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, the views of the Rockies are breathtaking and surround the entire town. This immersion in nature might be one of the reasons why Longmont has the second-highest life expectancy (82.6 years) in the state. Additionally, Longmont is in Boulder County, which is tied for the lowest unemployment rate (3.4%) in the state.

Even though neighborhoods dominate this city, there are plenty of outdoor activities for adventure seekers. Some of the best spaces include Button Rock Preserve, Golden Ponds Nature Area, and Dickens Farm Nature Area. This northern town is within driving distance from the mountains, the capital, and the college town of Boulder. However, with all that this town has to provide, you’ll want to stay more often than you think.

3. Golden – For Hikers and Historians

Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Golden has the perfect combination of history and nature. It was one of the main stopping points during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush. It is also home to one of the most prestigious colleges for the sciences in the country: Colorado School of Mines. But don’t be fooled; Golden is far from a stereotypical college town.

Even though the Denver Metro area is home to over 150 microbreweries, Coors Brewery, one of the largest and oldest breweries in the country, is located in Golden. They offer tours and tastings, so you can see how this multi-million-dollar corporation is run. The downtown area boasts unique shops, cafes, and restaurants like the Golden Mill, an innovative food hall featuring local vendors and live music.

For outdoor fans, the city boasts numerous parks and trails, such as Clear Creek Trail, perfect for hiking, biking, and fishing. Lookout Mountain provides stunning views and excellent trails, while Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers extensive opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Finally, there are more museums to count in Golden: Golden History Museum & Park, Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, Boettcher Mansion, American Mountaineering Museum, Colorado Railroad Museum, and Mines Museum of Earth Science. Activities like this are perfect for families looking for fun and unique things to do during the summer or to fill the weekends between school days.

Aside from the natural beauty of being settled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Golden offers a plethora of outdoor activities, local businesses, and historical sites to fill your days while you settle into your new home.

4. Arvada – Old Town History

Arvada is the seventh most populous city in Colorado, and it’s no wonder why. This city has the ideal combination of historical buildings and houses with modern neighborhoods and amenities.

Olde Town Arvada is the heart of the city, featuring an array of unique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Popular spots like the School House Kitchen take the history of the town and make it modern and new. There is also an incredible German bakery, Rheinlander Bakery, with odd hours, so make sure you get there early for the freshest pastries. There are shops, eateries, and local businesses, and this area also hosts events like the Arvada Farmers Market and music festivals. So, there is always something on the calendar to explore in Olde Town.

Arvada is also home to the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, one of the best regional theaters in the state. For anyone looking for something creative to fill their soul, they will find it at the Arvada Center with award-winning theatrical productions, art galleries, and educational workshops. Finally, for any big readers, they will recognize the name Clive Cussler, who used to live in Arvada. There is even a museum that showcases over 100 rare and vintage automobiles, that was started by Clive Cussler himself! 

There is a reason this city is so popular amongst Coloradans, but believe me, there is still room for you to enjoy this bustling, historical, and culturally diverse city.

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5. Frisco – Vibrant Mountain Town

One of Frisco’s standout features is its proximity to renowned ski resorts like Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Keystone. These resorts offer world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter, as well as hiking, mountain biking, and scenic gondola rides in summer. It’s perfect for being close to the expensive ski towns without having to live directly in town. For water activities, the nearby Dillon Reservoir is perfect for boating, fishing, and paddleboarding.

Frisco’s Main Street is bustling with unique local businesses and eateries like Next Page Books and The Lost Cajun. The Frisco Adventure Park offers tubing, a bike park, and a skate park, ensuring year-round fun for all ages, including a disc golf course right by the lake. The town also hosts various events, like Wassail Days, adding to its vibrant community spirit.

There are quaint and delicious local eateries like Outer Range Brewing Co. and Butterhorn Bakery, that enhance Frisco’s charm. These shops and more around the area allow economically conscious people to support local businesses. Frisco is an ideal destination for those seeking an active and engaging lifestyle in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

6. Erie – Up-and-Coming Suburbia

Erie is north of Denver, and it is experiencing a building boom. It’s unsurprising why. This area is beautiful, with an array of mountain views, and the suburban neighborhoods are built with this in mind. The real estate market offers a variety of options, from charming historic homes to modern developments, catering to different tastes and budgets. The community’s focus on creating welcoming neighborhoods makes finding a home that suits your lifestyle easier. 

Moreover, Erie’s cultural scene is vibrant, with numerous community events, farmers’ markets, and festivals throughout the year. The town’s commitment to the arts and culture enhances its appeal, such as the Art Center of Erie and the Arts Coalition of Erie. This city combines small-town appeal with modern conveniences, strong community values, excellent education, and ample recreational opportunities, making it a fantastic place to live.

7. Littleton – Small Town Feel in a Big-Time State

If you are looking for a small-town vibe while still being close to the city and mountains, Littleton is your place. It has one of the best-rated school districts in the state and the largest number of restaurants per capita. Additionally, it’s only thirty minutes from Red Rocks Amphitheater and twenty minutes south of Downtown Denver.

Downtown Littleton has enough charm and activities to give you everything you seek. These walkable streets feature incredible local businesses like DIRT Coffee Shop, iN-TEA, Colorado Pinball Club, and PlayForge. There is even a professional local theater, Town Hall Arts Center, with diverse and engaging shows. This area offers year-round events such as the Ladies Only Sample Tour, Farmers Markets, and Candlelight Walk.

There is something truly special about Littleton; it’s a hidden gem within the Denver Metro area.

8. Deer Trail – Quiet Community out East

This eastern town has the smallest population on this list (1,068 as of the 2020 United States Census), but it definitely earns its spot. Only thirty minutes outside of Aurora, this is the ideal community for anyone working at Denver International Airport or on the eastern side of the state. A fun fact is that this small town was “Home of the World’s First Rodeo.”

The surrounding area, including the cities of Bennet, Strasburg, Byers, and Watkins, have local eats and exude the Blue-Collar, small-town feel. Yet, there is still plenty to do. The High Plains Raceway is an Amateur Racing Track that will get your adrenaline going. And in October, you have to check out the Mile High Farm Fall Festival. It’s an idyllic harvest festival that is right out of a romantic comedy. Finally, two libraries, Davies Library and Kelver Library, have plenty of free and fun programs for all ages.

Deer Trail and the surrounding areas are ideal for new families looking for an inexpensive town still close to the comforts of the city but far enough away to enjoy the quiet and calm.

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Conclusion

Colorado has been my home for over twenty-five years, and I hope you enjoyed learning about some of the best cities in this beloved state. Hopefully, this list challenges you to think outside the box regarding moving to Colorado. There are countless neighborhoods, cities, and communities to explore and enjoy in the Centennial State, more than just the big names of Denver and Boulder.

Colorado has something for everyone, whether you’re drawn to the bustling urban centers, the quaint mountain towns, or the scenic rural areas. It’s worth a visit because you will know right away which city is right for you. The best part is that even when you settle and pick your new home, you’ll be near enough to check out all the other amazing neighborhoods and local activities throughout the state.