The 10 Best Places To Live In Colorado

Colorado can be seen from near and far, and the lush valleys are ripe with wildflowers, flowing rivers, and waterfalls. Here are the best places to live in Colorado.

Colorado—known as the Centennial State because it became a state in 1876, exactly 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, is a beautiful place to call home.

10. Frederick, Colorado

Population: 15,406 Residents
Housing Market: $564,603
Crime Rate: 8.6/ per 100,000 People

Federick is the best place to live in Colorado. The city offers affordable living conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in Colorado. You can enjoy almost endless adventures without paying a hefty amount. Frederick has something for everyone. Take a 30 minutes drive from the city, and you’ll enjoy the beautiful views of the Flatiron of Boulder.

The city is also famous for brewery items as the Mountain Cowboy Brewing Company is located here. Frederick is satisfying when you compare it with its features. Moving to Frederick, Colorado.

The Economy in Frederick, Colorado

Frederick has an unemployment rate of 6.9%. The US average is 6.0%. Frederick has seen the job market increase by 4.1% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 50.1%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.

Tax Rates for Frederick, Colorado
– The Sales Tax Rate for Frederick is 5.4%. The US average is 7.3%.
– The Income Tax Rate for Frederick is 4.6%. The US average is 4.6%.
Income and Salaries for Frederick, Colorado
– The average income of a Frederick resident is $30,444 a year. The US average is $28,555 a year according to Best Places.

9. Windsor, Colorado

Population: 35,004 Residents
Housing Market: $589,502
Crime Rate: 6.7/ per 100,000 people

Windsor, Colorado is a safe place where everyone needs to spend his life. Those who are over conscious about crime issues can consider Windsor as the best place to live. Surprisingly, the city has a 75% less crime rate than the national average. Because of such relaxing stats.

The city is a perfect choice for families as it offers an excellent schooling system. With all this, it has a low unemployment rate, and low living costs. It means you get reasonable salaries, but you don’t have to spend much for a happy life here. If you have a family that loves doing cool activities, you’ll love moving to Windsor, Colorado.

The Economy in Windsor, Colorado

Windsor, Colorado has an unemployment rate of 5.6%. The US average is 6.0%. Windsor has seen the job market increase by 4.1% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 50.1%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.

Tax Rates for Windsor, Colorado
– The Sales Tax Rate for Windsor is 6.9%. The US average is 7.3%.
– The Income Tax Rate for Windsor is 4.6%. The US average is 4.6%.
Income and Salaries for Windsor, Colorado
– The average income of a Windsor resident is $36,082 a year. The US average is $28,555 a year according to Best Places.

8. Fort Lupton, Colorado

Population: 7,955 Residents
Housing Market: $474,880
Crime Rate: 9.9/ per 100,000 people

When it comes to enjoying beautiful hill views, you have to consider Fort Lupton as one of the best places to live in Colorado. It is a busy city where nine out of ten people are job or business owners. It will make you feel as if you are living in a city of well-mannered people. Fort Lupton offers them the best that they can get in Colorado.

The city has never increased its cost of living ever, and you can expect that it will offer affordable living conditions in the future too.

The Economy in Fort Lupton, Colorado

Fort Lupton, Colorado has an unemployment rate of 6.9%. The US average is 6.0%. Fort Lupton has seen the job market increase by 4.1% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 50.1%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.

Tax Rates for Fort Lupton, Colorado
– The Sales Tax Rate for Fort Lupton is 6.9%. The US average is 7.3%.
– The Income Tax Rate for Fort Lupton is 4.6%. The US average is 4.6%.
Income and Salaries for Fort Lupton, Colorado
– The average income of a Fort Lupton resident is $20,934 a year. The US average is $28,555 a year according to Best Places.

7. Lakewood, Colorado

Population: 161,694 Residents
Housing Market: $614,742
Crime Rate: 35/ per 100,00 people

Lakewood, Colorado is quickly becoming one of the most attractive cities in the United States for residents of all ages. In fact, Lakewood was one of ten communities in the nation to win the 2016 All-America Cities Award.

With close proximity to both Denver and the Rocky Mountains, there’s something new to explore indoors and outdoors every day. If you’re wondering what it’s like to live in Lakewood, here are a few reasons why this city is one of the best places to live in Colorado.

The Economy in Lakewood, Colorado

Lakewood, Colorado has an unemployment rate of 7.2%. The US average is 6.0%. Lakewood has seen the job market increase by 2.8% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 44.1%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.

Tax Rates for Lakewood, Colorado
– The Sales Tax Rate for Lakewood is 7.5%. The US average is 7.3%.
– The Income Tax Rate for Lakewood is 4.6%. The US average is 4.6%.
Income and Salaries for Lakewood, Colorado
– The average income of a Lakewood resident is $31,689 a year. The US average is $28,555 a year according to Best Places.

6. Castle Rock, Colorado

Population: 78,936 Residents
Housing Market: $717,173
Crime Rate: 29.6/ per 100,000 people

Castle Rock. Located between Colorado Springs and Denver, Castle Rock is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. The city is known for its top-notch shopping and dining, as well as for its many outdoor recreational opportunities and beautiful parks with 20 parks and 75 miles of trails, families can take advantage of nature and stay active year-round.

Families moved to the area for its excellent schools, low home prices, safe neighborhoods, and great quality of life, Castle Rock is an ideal place for those who want to raise a family outside the city and enjoy all that scenic Colorado has to offer.

The Economy in Castle Rock, Colorado

Castle Rock has an unemployment rate of 5.3%. The US average is 6.0%. Castle Rock has seen the job market increase by 2.8% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 50.1%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.

Tax Rates for Castle Rock, Colorado
– The Sales Tax Rate for Castle Rock is 7.9%. The US average is 7.3%.
– The Income Tax Rate for Castle Rock is 4.6%. The US average is 4.6%.
Income and Salaries for Castle Rock, Colorado
– The average income of a Castle Rock resident is $35,779 a year. The US average is $28,555 a year according to Best Places.

5. Aurora, Colorado

Population: 393,440 Residents
Housing Market: $502,000
Crime Rate: 29.6/ per 100,000 people

Aurora is one place in the Denver area where it’s still possible. If you are looking for a job, Aurora has tons of public and private employers located within its boundaries, such as the University of Colorado Hospital and Medical Campus Children’s Hospital, Colorado.

This fast-growing Denver suburb is one of the most popular places to live in Colorado. Newcomers will find a particularly diverse population, as well as dozens of parks and outdoor recreational spaces. Families and professionals working in the area have a lot of safe and beautiful neighborhoods to settle down in, even though it’s getting more challenging every day to buy a home.

The Economy in Aurora, Colorado

Aurora, Colorado has an unemployment rate of 7.6%. The US average is 6.0%. Aurora has seen the job market increase by 2.8% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 42.5%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.

Tax Rates for Aurora, Colorado
– The Sales Tax Rate for Aurora is 8.0%. The US average is 7.3%.
– The Income Tax Rate for Aurora is 4.7%. The US average is 4.6%.
Income and Salaries for Aurora, Colorado
– The average income of an Aurora resident is $24,732 a year. The US average is $28,555 a year according to Best Places.

4. Fort Collins, Colorado

Population: 176,000 Residents
Housing Market: $557,048
Crime Rate: 16.2/per 100,000 people

If your idea of a perfect place to live is surrounded by nature, culture, and history, Fort Collins is a great place to live.

Nature lovers can enjoy miles of biking, hiking, and kayaking. Culture lovers have the town’s historic buildings, art galleries, live music venues, and events located north of Denver, Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, several tech companies, and plenty of student amenities.

High tech companies are able to draw talented and well-educated workers thanks to the high quality of life Fort Collins offers. While many students choose to rent, home prices in Fort Collins are also much cheaper than in Denver or Boulder.

The Economy in Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins, Colorado has an unemployment rate of 5.6%. The US average is 6.0%. Fort Collins has seen the job market increase by 3.5% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 51.8%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.

Tax Rates for Fort Collins, Colorado
– The Sales Tax Rate for Fort Collins is 7.3%. The US average is 7.3%.
– The Income Tax Rate for Fort Collins is 4.6%. The US average is 4.6%.
Income and Salaries for Fort Collins, Colorado
– The average income of a Fort Collins resident is $28,921 a year. The US average is $28,555 a year according to Best Places.

3. Denver, Colorado

Population: 760,049 Residents
Housing Market: $608,955
Crime Rate: 30.7/ per 100,000 people

Denver’s location at the base of the Rocky Mountains provides a gateway to a slew of outdoor pursuits, although it is probably best known for its devout ski and snowboard enthusiasts.

Retiring in Denver allows you to have the best of all possible worlds, a city with a cool culture surrounded by some of the most amazing scenery in the world. The job market in Denver is especially strong, with an unemployment rate of just over three percent. Numerous industries and sectors have grown within the city, including biotech, health care, finance, and aerospace.

The Economy in Denver, Colorado

Denver, Colorado has an unemployment rate of 7.1%. The US average is 6.0%. Denver has seen the job market increase by 2.8% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 45.0%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.

Tax Rates for Denver, Colorado
– The Sales Tax Rate for Denver is 7.7%. The US average is 7.3%.
– The Income Tax Rate for Denver is 4.8%. The US average is 4.6%.
Income and Salaries for Denver, Colorado
– The average income of a Denver resident is $34,423 a year. The US average is $28,555 a year according to Best Places.

Things to do in Denver, Colorado

1. Denver Art Museum (DAM)

Opened in 1922, the Denver Art Museum (DAM) is one of the largest art museums in the West and is renowned for its magnificent collection of American Indian Art, as well as permanent and evolving collections of over 68,000 unique works from around the globe.

Located in the Civic Center in Denver in an award-winning building designed by Frederic C. Hamilton, the museum’s collections are spread over nine curatorial sections, ranging from architecture, design and graphics to Asian, New World, European and Modern art.

2. Coors Baseball Field Tour

Home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team, the 76-acre Coors Field is situated in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood with magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains and is famous for hosting the highest home runs in history.

Combining the nostalgic feel of a 1920s urban ballpark with 21st-century technology, Coors Field is renowned for its old-fashioned brick façade and famous signature clock, where fans meet before a game. Tours of Coors Field can be taken to explore the history of this famed stadium and the role it has played in the game of baseball.

3. Denver Zoo

Located in the City Park, Denver Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from 600 species that live in a variety of natural habitats across 80 acres of zoo land. Founded in 1896, the zoo was started with an orphaned black bear cub called Billy Ryan and has since grown into one of Denver’s most popular attractions.

If you are wondering what to do in Denver with kids on a beautiful sunny day, the zoo is a great choice. Other facilities at the zoo include the Endangered Species Carousel, showcasing some of the many endangered species, the Pioneer Train, which offers an exciting trip around the zoo’s carousel meadow and flamingo lake, and the Wild Encounters outdoor amphitheater, which is designed for wildlife presentations and educational programs.

2. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Population: 495,183 Residents
Housing Market: $469,987
Crime Rate: 23.6/ per 100,000 people

Colorado Springs, if you like, city life, but also enjoy the great outdoors. Colorado Springs may be the place for you. The city is a great place to live for professionals, retirees, and families, thanks to its reasonably priced neighborhoods, low cost of living, and beautiful outdoor parks. It is also known for its robust high-tech and sports industries, the overall cost of living in Colorado Springs is slightly more expensive compared with the national average.

But residents spend slightly less than the average American on groceries, utilities, and transportation.

The Economy in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs, Colorado has an unemployment rate of 6.8%. The US average is 6.0%. Colorado Springs has seen the job market increase by 4.1% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 48.4%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.

Tax Rates for Colorado Springs, Colorado
– The Sales Tax Rate for Colorado Springs is 8.1%. The US average is 7.3%.
– The Income Tax Rate for Colorado Springs is 4.6%. The US average is 4.6%.
Income and Salaries for Colorado Springs, Colorado
– The average income of a Colorado Springs resident is $29,355 a year. The US average is $28,555 a year according to Best Places.

Things to do in Colorado Springs, Colorado

1. Garden of the Gods Park

Garden of the Gods is a public park known for its large and colorful rock formations and is one of the top Colorado Springs CO attractions. It is located on North 30th Street and is a popular place for horseback riding, road and mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking. Listed as a National Natural Landscape, the 1,364-acre park features pink, red, and white vertical rocks made of sandstone and limestone.

With 15 miles of gorgeous trails, it is the most visited park in Colorado Springs. The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center has many exhibits about Native Indians, local plants and animals, minerals, and more. There are several available programs such as a Junior Ranger program, nature walks, and lectures. Garden of the Gods Park is one of the best things to do in Colorado Springs.

2. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Located on Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the only mountainside zoo in the U.S. The zoo has over 950 animals and approximately 180 species, 30 of which are endangered. Founded in 1926, the zoo is dedicated to conservation, education, and recreation.

The African Rift Valley exhibit features lions and zebras, but the giraffes are the most popular animals. Visitors can feed the giraffes that make up the largest herd of giraffes in the U.S. Other exhibits include Australia Walkabout, Bear Grottos, and many more.

3. Glen Eyrie Castle

Located on North 30th Street, Glen Eyrie is a castle built in 1871 by General William Jackson Palmer who founded the city of Colorado Springs. Sitting on 800 acres, Glen Eyrie was built in the English Tudor style with over 20 rooms and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The castle is also a conference center and retreat center: there are marriage retreats, men’s retreats, women’s retreats, and many more. If you are wondering what to see on a sunny day in Colorado Springs, the castle is set in an idyllic location where guests can admire delightful wildlife like bighorn sheep, deer, and wild turkeys.

4. Pikes Peak

At 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is one of the highest in the Rocky Mountains. Located in Pike National Forest about 12 miles from downtown Colorado Springs, the peak is named after Zebulon Pike, an early explorer of the area. Visitors can reach the top by driving on the Pikes Peak Toll Road or by riding the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

Dating from 1892, the cog railway trip starts in Manitou Springs and takes about three hours. Trekking is another way to get to the top; the 13-mile Barr Trail is one of the most popular trails. If you are looking for things to do in Colorado Springs with kids, this is a great road trip. From the summit, you can appreciate amazing views of the Garden of the Gods, the Continental Divide, and much more.

1. Boulder, Colorado

Population: 104,668 Residents
Housing Market: $1,027,432
Crime Rate: 13.5/ per 100,000 people

Boulder is known as the gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Boulder is one of the best places to live in Colorado.

Boulder has been named the happiest place in the U.S. with its year-round outdoor activities, talented chefs, breweries, and vibrant downtown. With a population that strongly supports environmental protections, Boulder is considered one of the best cities for liberals. Living in Boulder is like living in a small, safe, clean, beautiful city, surrounded by tons of access to nature.

Residents here enjoy pristine natural surroundings, which include mountain streams and lush forest areas that provide opportunities to hike fish, and bike. The cool mountain breezes of the foothills keep the city from ever getting too hot in the summer, and winter weather doesn’t start until late.

The Economy in Boulder, Colorado

Boulder, Colorado has an unemployment rate of 5.1%. The US average is 6.0%. Boulder has seen the job market increase by 2.7% over the last year. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 44.4%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%.

Tax Rates for Boulder, Colorado
– The Sales Tax Rate for Boulder is 8.8%. The US average is 7.3%.
– The Income Tax Rate for Boulder is 4.6%. The US average is 4.6%.
Income and Salaries for Boulder, Colorado
– The average income of a Boulder resident is $37,406 a year. The US average is $28,555 a year according to Best Places.

Things to do in Boulder, Colorado

1. Pearl Street Mall

The Pearl Street Mall is a central hub for shopping, dining, arts, and entertainment for visitors and locals alike. A famous Boulder attraction, the mall is home to a wealth of shops, restaurants, galleries, and businesses, all of which reflect the warm and welcoming charm for which Boulder is renowned.

With a red brick pedestrian walkway for easy access to the mall, Pearl Street is a year-round gathering place. Shoppers hurry along with their bags, couples stroll by shop windows, diners fill the terraces and revelers pack the bars. Musicians and performers fill the air with music while children play in colorful jungle gyms.

2. Fiske Planetarium

Based at the University of Colorado, the Fiske Planetarium is a popular attraction for both locals and visitors who love the stars. The Planetarium features a variety of exhibits, presentations, and shows about the sky, the stars, and the universe.

Visitors are surrounded by a 65-foot diameter screen, spectacular visuals, and incredible sound while the star machine displays over 20 million stars and the Milky Way. Visitors can also enjoy late-night laser shows with a new state-of-the-art laser system, as well as the popular Friday night stargazing at the Sommers-Bausch Observatory.

3. Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

Founded in 1972. The Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMOCA) is a dynamic art museum that presents significant contemporary artworks. With the aim of educating and inspiring creative experiences and exploration through regional, national, and international exhibitions, presentations, and performances, BMOCA hosts contemporary art exhibitions and events throughout the year.

Located in a 1906 historic landmark building in downtown Boulder, the museum presents a wealth of educational programs for audiences of all ages and interests. These programs include Media Live, Summer Games, and Your Brain on Art.

4. Boulder Chamber Orchestra

Since its establishment in 2004, the Boulder Chamber Orchestra (BCO) has been Boulder’s premier chamber orchestra, featuring world-class musicians and playing to sold-out audiences throughout the year.

The BCO, which has been hailed as nothing less than “superb,” is currently under the musical directorship of Bahman Saless. Sales have conducted a variety of other renowned orchestras, including the Martinu Philharmonic, the Timberline Symphony, and the Round Rock Symphony Orchestra.