Should you’re planning on transferring to Colorado, add these cities to your listing.
Colorado is a mecca for tall mountains, excessive prairies, ample out of doors recreation, and a extensively diverse local weather. Throughout its 5 distinct areas (all above 3,000 toes), the state gives a mixture of historical past, allure, and journey, making it a fantastic place to name dwelling. Persons are making the most of this, too; Colorado’s inhabitants grew by practically 15% from 2010 to 2020 – nearly twice the nationwide fee.
Pure alpine magnificence is certainly one of Colorado’s defining options. The Rocky Mountains dominate most of Western Colorado, with 58 mountain peaks rising above 14,000 toes (often called fourteeners). Deserts, basins, canyons, and the headwaters of enormous rivers additionally dot the west. Japanese Colorado is nearly totally dwelling to excessive plains.
Colorado’s local weather is outlined by extremes. A dry, alpine surroundings permits for big temperature swings between summer time and winter and day and evening. The truth is, the vary between the state’s highest and lowest recorded temperatures is 176°F. As such, it’s frequent for a snowy day to be adopted by a 60°F day after which again once more. Summer season thunderstorms and hail are frequent within the west, whereas tornadoes can happen within the east.
Round 85% of Colorado’s inhabitants lives simply east of the Continental Divide inside the Entrance Vary City Hall, which roughly stretches from Fort Collins to Pueblo. Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs are situated right here.
Given this range in each panorama and way of life, it’s no shock that individuals are drawn to all corners of the state. However which Colorado cities actually rise above the remainder? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the perfect locations to stay in Colorado, rating them on qualities reminiscent of affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You could find extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
The very best locations to stay in Colorado
Fort Collins, CO
Denver, CO
Boulder, CO
Wheat Ridge, CO
Longmont, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Englewood, CO
Arvada, CO
Loveland, CO
Centennial, CO
1. Fort Collins, CO
Inhabitants:170,376Median Sale Worth:$565,000Median Hire Worth:$1,795Average Commute Time:20 minutesUnemployment Charge:4.2%
Fort Collins tops our listing as the perfect place to stay in Colorado. Fort Collins (FoCo or Alternative Metropolis to locals) seamlessly mixes historical past, training, recreation, and big-city facilities, all inside a navigable structure. This, mixed with its relative affordability, helped the town earn high marks. Colorado State College has a campus within the metropolis as properly, giving a vibrant power to the world. Fort Collins is a bit slower-paced than Denver and Boulder, although.
Fort Collins is located on the Cache La Poudre River alongside the Entrance Vary, with tall, jagged mountains virtually in its yard. Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park can be simply 35 miles west, dwelling to Longs Peak, the closest 14er. Inside the metropolis, Horsetooth Mountain Open Area is a well-liked possibility for day hikes, whereas huge parks, many lakes, and lengthy trails are dotted all through the world.
One of many metropolis’s main sights is its historic downtown, Previous City Fort Collins, which has every part you want packaged inside only a few blocks. The neighborhood has over twenty restored historic buildings, European-style walkways lined with flowers and Tivoli lights, and house for out of doors live shows on the Previous City Sq.. Over 84 eating places and a lot of the metropolis’s 21 craft breweries are situated within the space, too.
Public transportation can be pretty strong for a metropolis of its measurement, with 21 native bus routes and three regional routes. This, paired with nice bikeability, makes getting round a breeze.
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2. Denver, CO
Inhabitants:716,577Median Sale Worth:$595,000Median Hire Worth:$1,902Average Commute Time:25.4 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.1%
Denver, the most important metropolis and capital of Colorado, is second on our listing of the perfect locations to stay in Colorado. Initially an Previous West metropolis, Denver is a hub of historical past, tradition, out of doors recreation, and innovation. Town’s sunny local weather (although not 300 days), pure magnificence, and nice facilities have helped it grow to be a preferred nationwide hub. The Denver Nuggets, Denver Broncos, and Colorado Rockies preserve native sports activities followers completely happy, too.
Nestled on the base of the Rockies, a mile above sea stage, Denver affords unparalleled entry to the outside. From snowboarding and snowboarding at close by resorts like Vail and Aspen within the winter, to mountaineering and mountain biking in the summertime, out of doors fans have all of it only a quick drive from downtown. Moreover, Denver’s in depth community of parks, trails, and inexperienced areas permits for straightforward adventures. Sloans Lake Park and the South Platte River Path are common choices.
Denver can be very simple to navigate with no automobile. Served by RTD Denver, there may be bus and lightweight rail service all through the metropolitan space, working seamlessly with the world’s already walkable and bikeable structure. Moreover, Amtrak’s in-progress Entrance Vary Passenger Rail is meant to assist join your complete Entrance Vary Hall, additional enhancing mobility.
Denver’s local weather is dry and sunny, with scorching summers and snowy winters. Its excessive elevation helps preserve temperatures comparatively cool year-round, too. Wildfire dangers are a rising concern, nonetheless.
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3. Boulder, CO
Inhabitants:105,898Median Sale Worth:$726,000Median Hire Worth:$2,376Average Commute Time:19 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.6%
Steadily rated the happiest and fittest metropolis within the nation, and residential to a big college and an abundance of pure product firms, Boulder has loads going for it. That mentioned, Boulder is dear, with median home costs practically double that of Denver. A couple of third of the town’s inhabitants (~37,000) are college students on the College of Colorado Boulder.
Boulder is a historic metropolis that has been by means of great progress and alter over the previous century. A well-liked strategy to expertise the town’s historical past is by strolling across the historic downtown and visiting one of many 1,000 companies on the Pearl Avenue Mall. Whereas many basic companies are gone, you possibly can nonetheless go to some gems, together with Dot’s Diner, Walnut Cafe, and the Outback Saloon. Elsewhere, you’ll discover an enormous number of craft and micro breweries, small eating places, and native retailers.
A defining attribute of Boulder is that its residents are obsessive about the outside. On the doorstep of the Flatirons, the town is dwelling to actually lots of of trails, parks, open areas, rivers, hills, and extra. You may tube Boulder Creek, cling within the solar at Eben G Positive Park, hike to the highest of Chautauqua State Park to see an out of doors live performance, or climb at Boulder Canyon.
Lastly, Boulder sees a exceptional quantity of snow yearly – practically twice as a lot as Denver. That is due to its favorable location nestled within the Rockies. Snow can fall as early as September and as late as June in Boulder, though the season is shrinking.
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4. Wheat Ridge, CO
Inhabitants:31,804Median Sale Worth:$625,000Median Hire Worth:$1,609Average Commute Time:23.9 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.1%
Subsequent on our listing is Wheat Ridge, a small Denver suburb recognized for its agricultural historical past and mountain views. It’s situated between Edgewater and Golden within the foothills of the Rockies. Loads of facilities, a excessive per-capita earnings, and easy accessibility to the outside helped Wheat Ridge declare the quantity 4 spot on the listing. Public transportation can be enough, with RTD-Denver offering mild rail service through the G Line.
Wheat Ridge was beforehand the most important producer of carnation flowers on this planet, which helped it earn the nickname “Carnation City.” These days, it’s primarily a suburban city with a super location between Denver and the mountains. A number of the hottest spots in Wheat Ridge embrace Mr. Biscuits, Heinie’s Market, and Belfiore Italian deli.
One other one of many highlights of the town is its out of doors recreation – primarily the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt, which runs adjoining to Clear Creek. The greenbelt accommodates a number of trails, lakes, and the most important quantity of open house within the metropolis. The Clear Creek Path is the longest and runs from Golden by means of Wheat Ridge, with seven miles of paved path.
Greater than 20 parks dot the town’s panorama, with Crown Hill and Berkeley Lake among the many hottest. Wheat Ridge can be filled with lakes and reservoirs created from reclaimed gravel mines, particularly as you get additional west. Tabor, Prospect, Bass, and West Lakes are all inside strolling distance to the west.
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5. Longmont, CO
Inhabitants:98,630Median Sale Worth:$540,000Median Hire Worth:$1,700Average Commute Time:25.4 minutesUnemployment Charge:3%
Situated midway between Denver and Fort Collins, Longmont is available in at quantity 5 on our listing of the perfect locations to stay in Colorado. Longmont is thought for its craft breweries and agricultural previous, which you’ll be able to be taught extra about on the Agricultural Heritage Middle. And most significantly, Longmont’s out of doors recreation is top-notch. Numerous parks, trails, and open areas are woven amidst the town’s gridded structure, with the scenic St. Vrain Greenway, Golden Ponds Park, and Union Reservoir the preferred.
Longmont is comparatively flat in comparison with Denver and Boulder and extra faraway from the Rockies, however mountain escapes are nonetheless properly inside an hour from city. Within the winter, Longmont sees an analogous quantity of snow as Denver and Fort Collins, averaging round 45 inches. Nevertheless, because of the area’s excessive elevation and coinciding robust solar, constant floor snow cowl is uncommon, with most snow melting in a day or two.
Annual occasions are common within the space. Residents collect for occasions just like the Longmont Farmers Market, the Longmont ArtWalk, and the Longmont Oktoberfest to rejoice group and tradition. Town’s craft brewery scene additionally brings individuals collectively, with native favorites like Left Hand Brewing Firm and Oskar Blues Brewery main the best way.
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6. Colorado Springs, CO
Inhabitants:488,664Median Sale Worth:$458,000Median Hire Worth:$1,650Average Commute Time:22.8 minutesUnemployment Charge:3.7%
Coming in at quantity six is Colorado Springs, the second-largest metropolis within the state. Colorado Springs is legendary for its parks, historical past, and college-town vibe, providing a extra inexpensive big-city way of life simply an hour from Denver. You may uncover the area’s previous on the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum or Previous Colorado Metropolis, whereas the College of Colorado, Colorado Springs and 11 different schools present nationally-known training.
Colorado Springs is an athlete’s paradise. The Manitou Incline, a cable tram turned steep 2,744-stair climb, and Pikes Peak, with a well-known uphill/downhill marathon reaching an elevation of 14,115 toes, are particularly common and simply exterior of city. Town is not any stranger to high-level athletes both, with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Coaching Middle within the middle of the town.
Should you’re on the lookout for nightlife or issues to do on the weekends, it’s possible you’ll run out of choices earlier than lengthy and need to head north to Denver. Fortunately, you don’t even want a automobile to take action; the Bustang Categorical Bus Service affords routes to Denver, Fort Collins, and extra. Should you do need to keep inside Colorado Springs, some common night hotspots embrace Mansion, Gasoline Alley, and Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub. Public transportation inside the metropolis is restricted, although.
The realm’s local weather is just like Denver however usually hotter and drier. Winters are nonetheless normally snowy and summers are sunny and scorching.
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7. Englewood, CO
Inhabitants:34,275Median Sale Worth:$595,000Median Hire Worth:$1,650Average Commute Time:23.1 minutesUnemployment Charge:2.7%
Like most cities within the area, Englewood’s beginnings may be traced to the 1800s gold rush. Located alongside the South Platte River, the town slowly grew till it linked with Denver, however at all times retained its small-town western really feel. As we speak, Englewood is a Denver suburb recognized for its handy location, good high quality of life, and nice views.
Broadway is the oldest road within the metropolis and stays the primary thoroughfare, with all of the fixings you would need. The Gothic Theater, ZOMO, Moes, and The Brutal Poodle are native favorites for leisure and meals alongside Broadway. Two blocks from the road is CityCenter Englewood, one of many hubs of the town offering entry to facilities together with public transportation, eating, and inexperienced house.
Parks, golf programs and nation golf equipment are scattered all through the world, too. Harvard Gulch Park, Centennial Park, and Damaged Tee Golf Course are common choices. Outside recreation isn’t arduous to search out, both, with the South Platte River Path, Mary Carter Greenway Path, and Pirates Cove Water Park close by.
Importantly, public transportation is usually accessible all through the town. Mild rail service to Denver is obtainable through the D-Line, whereas the Free Trolley affords 19 stops connecting the town, together with the sunshine rail station, many companies, and two medical amenities.
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8. Arvada, CO
Inhabitants:121,414Median Sale Worth:$667,000Median Hire Worth:$1,900Average Commute Time:26.2 minutesUnemployment Charge:2.8%
Simply north of Wheat Ridge however extending properly into the Rockies, Arvada is the eighth metropolis on our listing of the perfect locations to stay in Colorado. A suburb of Denver, Arvada was beforehand recognized for its celery and gold, however is now dwelling to very large open areas and golf programs, meandering creeks, and easy accessibility to big-city facilities.
Town is common amongst these trying to be nearer to the mountains however inside a bigger metropolitan space. RTD-Denver’s G-line connects Arvada to Denver through mild rail, though sitting in visitors is frequent, particularly for commuters. Homes in Arvada are likely to get costlier the additional west and nearer to the mountains you go.
Exploring the mountains is a well-liked pastime amongst locals. Simply exterior of city is White Ranch Park, with miles of trails and two campsites. And just a few miles additional are dozens of smaller mountain peaks, most with trails and beautiful vistas. Eldorado Canyon State Park is a very common spot.
Inside metropolis limits, there’s much more to do. Renting a kayak or tenting at Standley Lake, assembly furry associates on the huge Westminster Hills Canine Park, or working alongside the Ralston Creek Path are a few of dozens of native out of doors sights. For these on the lookout for nice meals and wealthy historical past, Olde City Arvada is the place to go. Inside this central hotspot, 12 Volt Tavern, Girl Nomada, and Bread Winner’s Cafe are three of dozens of eating places.
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9. Loveland, CO
Inhabitants:79,352Median Sale Worth:$499,000Median Hire Worth:$1,695Average Commute Time:25.6 minutesUnemployment Charge:2.8%
Nestled within the plains between Longmont and Fort Collins, Loveland is thought for its inexpensive value of residing, small-city really feel, and close-knit group. Housing and rental costs are 12% and 14% decrease than Fort Collins, respectively.
Loveland’s topography is pretty flat: Inexperienced fields, patches of timber, and small lakes cowl the panorama till you hit the mountain foothills west of city, when timber grow to be denser. Much like Longmont, many mines are nonetheless in operation all through the world. Unsurprisingly, Loveland and surrounding cities have an industrial and agricultural historical past, and the scent of cow pastures might float in on the outskirts of the town.
Loveland is a close-knit metropolis filled with allure and gatherings. Well-liked occasions embrace the Sweetheart Pageant, Bluegrass & Brews Pageant, and Medieval Pageant, offering locations for locals and guests to get collectively. Many festivals are held downtown or at Fairground Park. Whereas nightlife and facilities are usually much less diverse than in Fort Collins and Denver, many individuals desire a slower tempo of life.
Much like most cities in Colorado, out of doors recreation is ample in Loveland. Boyd Lake State Park, Lake Loveland, and Satan’s Spine Open Area present the widest array of leisure alternatives, whereas many lakes and smaller parks dot the panorama. Loveland can be the closest massive metropolis to Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park.
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10. Centennial, CO
Inhabitants:106,883Median Sale Worth:$660,000Median Hire Worth:$2,400Average Commute Time:25.8 minutesUnemployment Charge:2.5%
A suburb of Denver half-hour southeast, Centennial is a reasonably upscale metropolis with excessive median sale and lease costs. Town may be very unfold out, too, so that you’ll possible want a automobile for errands.
Breweries are one of many largest attracts of the world, alongside quiet residential streets, massive housing heaps, and handy entry to Denver alongside the E and R mild rail traces. Resolute and Two22 are a number of the favourite breweries amongst locals. For many who need some meals to associate with their craft beer, Pollo Lima and Sukiya Ramen serve scrumptious world cuisines.
A fantastic half about residing in Centennial is that it has big-city facilities with out the hustle and bustle. Loads of massive firms have workplaces in Centennial, together with Comcast, Nordstrom, and UnitedHealthcare, whereas many neighborhoods are constructed as developments surrounding a golf course or nation membership. The suburban metropolis is laid out on a grid, with many facilities alongside Arapahoe Highway.
Outside recreation is common as properly, after all. Cherry Creek State Park is the most important within the space, whereas Willow Spring Open Area, deKoevend Park, and the Willow Creek Path are different hotspots. Snowy winters are frequent and might flip parks right into a winter wonderland.
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Methodology
Redfin’s Finest Locations to Dwell rankings are supposed to assist dwelling searchers make an knowledgeable resolution when selecting the place to stay. To try to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes under consideration a number of key components, together with entry to healthcare, open out of doors house, navigability, housing traits, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or higher had been thought of for our Colorado listing. Extra details about our methodology may be discovered right here.
Information legitimate April 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
