9 Best Places to Live in Colorado

Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. From its snow-capped peaks to its lush state parks, Colorado is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. Home to great museums, sports teams, and music venues, Colorado has something for everyone, whether you’re raising small children or settling in as a retiree. If you’re building a new home in the Centennial State, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best places to call home.

1. Colorado Springs

Housing cost to income ratio: 5.30%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.70%

Violent crime index: 23.6

Nonviolent crime index: 52

Cost of living index: 104.5

Colorado Springs lands as the best place to live in Colorado. This beautiful city lies along the foot of the Rocky Mountains, making it a great city to live in if you want easy access to the Rockies. Famous destinations include the Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. The United States Air Force Academy, a prestigious military academy, is a prominent feature of this city. From a vibrant economy to outdoor recreation, find what speaks to you in Colorado Springs.

Your Colorado adventures can be year-round from beautiful springs seasons to up to 57 inches of snow per year, there is fun to be found. Dog lovers will be glad to know that Colorado Springs is canine-friendly; with 165 pet-friendly restaurants and many outdoor spaces welcoming dogs, your furry best friend will never feel left behind. With a location at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and skiing will allow you to enfold yourself in nature as well as at abundant parks and wildlife refuges.

Are you a runner? The Pikes Peak Marathon is challenging from the base of Pikes Peak to the summit. You don’t have to be a runner to enjoy the summit views at Pikes Peak. Take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit or enjoy a drive up.  Into aviation? The Colorado Springs Air Show is a spectacular sight featuring both military and civilian aircraft. Colorado Springs knows how to kick off the holiday season with its Festival of Lights at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

The Cave of the Winds has its share of adventures surrounding this stunning complex of caves.  The magnificent sandstone and limestone formations at the Garden of the Gods will have you mesmerized with great hiking opportunities among the nearly 1,400 acres. Check out some of the museums including the Pioneers Museum and the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy.

The military, healthcare and tourism industries are the backbone of the strong economy in Colorado Springs. Along with a variety of small businesses and over 30 Fortune 500 companies, the United States Air Force Academy, Progressive Insurance, Memorial Hospital Central, Lockheed Martin, and Penrose Hospital are some of the largest employers. The economy of Colorado Springs is strong and diversified. The city has a low unemployment rate and a high median income.

When looking to settle down, schools are always important. From the military academy to the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs to Colorado College, upper education is covered. Find excellent public and private schools including the many outstanding schools including Cheyenne Mountain High School, The Vanguard School Junior High, Fountain Valley School, and The Colorado Springs School. 

Colorado Springs is home to a variety of popular restaurants, including seafood restaurants, steak restaurants, and Mexican restaurants. Some of the most popular restaurants include The Rabbit Hole, Bristol Brewing Company, and Oscar’s Steakhouse.

From its natural beauty to healthy lifestyle to a family-friendly atmosphere, it doesn’t get better than Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs leans politically liberal. With excellent healthcare and education, select Colorado Springs or one of the popular nearby suburbs including Woodmoor, Monument, and Gleneagle. Mountain views, an elevated quality of life, and abundant outdoor recreation all draw potential residents to Colorado Springs. Start your search for a new home in the Colorado Springs area today!

2. Greeley

Housing cost to income ratio: 5.75%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.94%

Violent crime index: 20.9

Nonviolent crime index: 43.9

Cost of living index: 105.9

If you’re looking for a big city with small-town charm, look no further than Greeley, Colorado.  Home to more than 100,000 residents, Greeley is one of the more populated cities on our list. Live an hour away from the Rocky Mountains on the high plains. Greeley is known for its friendly atmosphere, great outdoor recreation, and low cost of living.

Greeley has long served as a business hub. Its vibrant economy in Northern Colorado works with a mindset of combining growth, industry, and jobs. This fast-growing city is home to delicious restaurants, a variety of small businesses, entertainment, and outdoor recreation. Larger employers include the University of Northern Colorado, Monfort Beef Company, UCHealth Greeley Hospital, and North Colorado Medical Center.

Plenty of breweries allow you to meet up with friends. Many of the breweries are dog friendly. Looking to enjoy the outdoors? Take a bike ride on the Poudre Valley bike trail. Spend your time walking through the Greeley Creative District, which features performance venues, museums, and art galleries.

While Greeley receives 41 inches of snow and 15 inches of rain per year, the 300 sunny days are perfect for having a family picnic or hike at Island Grove Regional Park. The Greeley Stampede is a much-anticipated July event for rodeo and Western heritage. Outstanding musicians bring their best performances at the Greeley Blues Jam. Downtown Greeley hosts the Greeley Art Walk with art and live music. Check out the concerts, plays, and musicals at the Greeley Civic Center or hear a beautiful  performance of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dog lovers have breweries and other spots to bring their furry friends. The Greeley City Park has a dog park, lake, and a walking trail. There’s even a small park for your fur babies, the Greeley Downtown Dog Park. Take the dog along when you purchase local produce, food, and wares at the Greeley Farmers Market.

Greeley leans politically conservative and has 25 hospitals and 65 schools. Higher education can be found at the University of Northern Colorado and Aims Community College. The University of Northern Colorado takes pride in its students-first approach and is one of the largest universities in the state. The public and private schools are equally ready to serve your family.  The area has a strong healthcare system, and providers offer a wide range of services. Notable healthcare is found at UCHealth Greeley Hospital and North Colorado Medical Center.

From seafood to comfort food to steaks, find something to tempt your taste buds. Local restaurants worthy of your time and money include The Kitchen and Los Chingones. There’s plenty to keep boredom at bay. Visit some of the local brew companies and bars including Syntax Spirits Distillery and Cocktail Bar, Crabtree Brewing Company, and Patrick’s Irish Pub. If you prefer suburban living, check out popular suburbs like Glenmere/Cranford, Downtown, and Kelly Farm. Northern Colorado is a beautiful place to settle down. Look at some of the inviting new home communities in the Greeley area and find the perfect fit for your family.

3. Pueblo

Housing cost to income ratio: 6.18%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 3.16%

Violent crime index: 47.3

Nonviolent crime index: 90.4

Cost of living index: 85.2

Located 45 miles south of Colorado Springs, Pueblo is another big city with the heart of a small town. Pueblo leans politically liberal and is served by seven local hospitals. Families will love the diverse educational opportunities for their kids; with 65 schools, you can make the best academic decision for your child. The choices are many from accredited online schools to District 60 and District 70 Pueblo City Schools to private schools, your children can find the comfort and educational opportunities that work for your family. Pueblo Community College, the Colorado State University-Pueblo, and IntelliTec College are here to serve your post-high school educational needs.

With 13 inches of rain and 25 inches of snow per year, Pueblo experiences less precipitation than other nearby Colorado cities, making it a good choice for those seeking a drier place to call home. The 259 sunny days can be spent walking down the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo (bring your dog!), visiting the local farmers’ markets, or venturing west to Lake Pueblo State Park.

Pueblo, Colorado is a great place to live for people who are looking for a low cost of living, a mild climate, and a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Pueblo residents love to grab the fishing poles, hiking boots, and skis to explore nature in this part of the state.

Get ready to enjoy community events. The Colorado State Fair is a 12-day event that takes place every September. The fair features livestock shows, concerts, rides, and games. Discover live music, food, vendors, and a pepper eating contest at the September two-day Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival. Summer brings the Pueblo River Festival with activities and live music on the Arkansas River.

Dog-friendly places are the norm in Pueblo. Your furry friends can spend time at the dog park, walking trails, and lake at Lake Pueblo State Park and Runyon Lake Park. The Pueblo Riverwalk welcomes dogs on the Riverwalk as you stroll near the Arkansas River.

Explore some of the cultural attractions and museums. Aviation lovers will appreciate WWII to present day aircraft at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum. Take in a performance at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center. The El Pueblo History Museum tells the story of Pueblo’s history from the Native Americans to the present day.

Easy services and healthcare round out the perks of living in Pueblo. Parkview Medical Center and St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center are excellent healthcare providers. An array of employers bolsters the Pueblo economy. Pueblo is home to the world’s largest steel mill, Evraz Pueblo Steel Mill. Colorado State University Pueblo, Parkview Medical Center, and St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center are some of the major employers offering job opportunities.

As the oldest city in the state, Pueblo is a welcoming city sure to elevate your Colorado lifestyle. Choose to live in Pueblo in one of the amenity-rich new home communities. Make a great investment in your family and future in Pueblo.

4. Grand Junction

Housing cost to income ratio: 7.09%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 2.84%

Violent crime index: 21.5

Nonviolent crime index: 62.8

Cost of living index: 95.9

Located in western Colorado, Grand Junction is a great place to put down roots. Known as the gateway to Colorado Wine Country, you will discover over 20 vineyards. Thriving vineyards leads to delicious wine tastings at spots like Whitewater Hill Vineyards, Graystone Winery, Two Rivers Winery, and Confre Cellars. There’s more to this city than wine. With a stunning scenery, warmer and drier weather, and abundant recreation, you will fall in love with Grand Junction.

Folks here can expect only around 10 inches of rain and 16 inches of snow per year. Enjoy one of the parks along the Colorado River. Take Fido to the dog park or one of the 25+ restaurants that are dog friendly. Get your adrenaline pumping with fun races at the Grand Junction Motor Speedway. The city is surrounded by stunning mountains, rivers, and lakes, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, camping, snowboarding, rock climbing and white-water rafting. Excellent trails to explore include the River Trail, the D Trail, and the Monument Canyon Trail.

Enjoy the cultural attractions including the botanical gardens. Find amazing art at the Art Center of the Grand Valley. Learn and grow at the Grand Junction Children’s Museum, the Cross Orchards Historic Site, and the Museum of Western Colorado. The Colorado National Monument Wine Festival, Balloons Over Grand Junction, and the Grand Junction Off-Road Expo are just some of the community events to pique your interests.  Talented performances are found at the many performing arts venues including Avalon Theatre, Mesa Theater, and the Grand Junction Symphony.

Grand Junction has a growing economy, with major employers in the healthcare, education, energy and renewables, and manufacturing sectors. Academic opportunities at the Mesa County Valley School District 51, the 15^th largest in the state, await your family. Serving approximately 21,000 students, this district is committed to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. Colorado Mesa University has a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs while Mesa State College is a two-year public college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Along with great schools, healthcare won’t be a concern. St. Mary’s Hospital and Community Hospital are full-service hospitals that offer a variety of medical and surgical services. Grand Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center provides care to veterans. There are plenty of shops, retailers, grocery stores, entertainment venues, and restaurants.

Grand Junction is the home of the Colorado National Monument, a stunning geological formation that includes towering cliffs, red rock canyons, and ancient dinosaur fossils. Mesa Verde National Park features well-preserved cliff dwellings from the Ancestral Puebloan people. It’s easy to see why Grand Junction makes our list. Start your search for the perfect new home in the Grand Junction area today!

5. Fort Collins-Loveland

Housing cost to income ratio: 7.41%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.47%

Violent crime index: 16.2

Nonviolent crime index: 37.1

Cost of living index: 116.7

Fort Collins and Loveland are about an hour’s drive north of Denver. In addition to easy access to the capital city, the metropolitan area offers residents plenty to see and do. Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University. This growing area is found in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Beautiful scenery, outdoor recreation, excellent amenities, and cultural activities will keep you fully engaged in these Colorado locales. Fort Collins is the largest city in the area, with a population of over 160,000. Loveland is a smaller city, with a population of over 70,000. The two cities are located about 15 miles apart and are connected by a major highway.

The intrigue of living in the Fort Collins-Loveland, Colorado area is seen in its beautiful parks, museums, and vast open spaces. Connect with nature and picnic along Boyd Lake. Take Fido to one of the many dog parks. The bike-friendly Fort Collins will have you stopping by the ice cream shop on a relaxing bike ride. Residents receive an average of 233 days of sunshine annually. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend their free time fishing, biking, hiking, camping and more surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lakes.

There are numerous hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy to challenging. Some popular hiking trails include the Lily Lake Trail, the Horsetooth Rock Trail, and the Arthur’s Rock Trail. Enjoy the network of bike paths and trails, making it a great place to bike for both recreation and transportation. Some popular biking trails include the Poudre River Trail, the Spring Creek Trail, and the Mason Trail. Popular fishing spots include the Cache la Poudre River, the Big Thompson River, and Horsetooth Reservoir. Camping ranges from primitive camping to welcoming campgrounds including the Horsetooth Mountain Park Campground, the Lory State Park Campground, and the Roosevelt National Forest Campground. Skiers have their choice of driving to Eldora Mountain Resort or Beaver Creek Resort.

Enjoy Colorado fun at the Tour de Fat and the Old Town Loveland Art Festival. Loveland is known as the “Sweetheart City” because of its many heart-shaped sculptures and its annual Sweetheart Festival. Check out the exhibits at museums including the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery and the Loveland Museum & Gallery. Take a tour of the Budweiser Brewery for a behind-the-scenes experience. Fort Collins was on the cutting edge of brewery popularity and has its share of delicious ales, brews, and craft beer.

The strong economy has a number of major employers in the healthcare, education, and technology sectors. There is an array of job opportunities at many major employers. Find great career paths at Colorado State University, Poudre Valley Health, UCHealth, Odell Brewing, New Belgium Brewing, Budweiser, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Raytheon Technologies, and Intel.

With 85 schools in the metropolitan area, parents have their pick of educational opportunities for their children. Colorado State University, a four-year public university, offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. There is also Aims Community College, a two-year public college that offers a variety of associate degrees and certificates. Excellent healthcare is available at the two major hospital systems in the area, Poudre Valley Health and UCHealth.

Fort Collins and Loveland are politically liberal. The quality of life in Fort Collins-Loveland is ideal for young professionals, retirees, and growing families. Excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, nightlife, outdoor recreation, and more make this a great Colorado choice.  Start searching for the perfect new home in the Fort Collins-Loveland area. If you’d prefer to live in the suburbs, check out Lyons, Timnath, and Severance.

6. Denver

Housing cost to income ratio: 7.79%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.86%

Violent crime index: 30.7

Nonviolent crime index: 50.8

Cost of living index: 128.7

Colorado’s capital offers residents urban delights and opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The Rocky Mountains lie just west of Denver, providing plenty of hiking and scenic driving avenues. Further into the liberal city, you’ll find hosts of attractions like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the Denver Zoo, and no shortage of breweries (most of which allow your dog to come along). The Mile High City is a vibrant, Colorado locale perfect for launching all your Colorado adventures.

Denver residents can expect up to 60 inches of snow per year, so don’t forget to pack your boots and snow gear! Spend the 245 sunny days strolling downtown or visiting the northern Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. City Park, Washington Park, and Cherry Creek State Park are just a few spots to connect to nature. One of the most appealing things about living in Denver is the city’s proximity to nature. Just a short drive from the city center, you can find yourself hiking in the Rocky Mountains, fishing in a mountain lake, or skiing down a world-class slope.

Denver has much to offer potential homebuyers. Imagine going to sporting events at Coors Field, Empower Field at Mile High, and Ball Arena.  The Denver Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, and Colorado Avalanche are all part of the welcoming attractions in Denver. Enjoy some amazing performances at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. Enjoy touring the Denver Mint. The Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science have intriguing exhibits.

For medical care and education, Denver residents have their choice of 13 hospitals and 49 schools. Denver welcomes college students to the University of Denver, the Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado State University Denver, Regis University, and Denver Seminary.  Some of the most notable hospitals in Denver include the University of Colorado Hospital, the Denver Health Medical Center, the Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center, the Centura Health St. Anthony Hospital, and the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children.

Denver is filled with the flavors you crave. Enjoy Spanish cuisine at Rioja or savor the locally sourced ingredients at Acorn.  Wood-fired cooking is the exciting feature of Mercantile Dining & Provision. Hungry for Italian food? Tavernetta is a local favorite. Denver nightlife is always hopping with bars, clubs, and live music venues. Visit LoDo (Lower Downtown), RiNo (River North Art District), and Capitol Hill for a variety of fun with breweries, clubs, and restaurants.  Speaking of breweries, don’t miss out on the crafts and brews at the Great Divide Brewing Company, Coors Brewing Company, and Oskar Blues Brewery.

With a thriving economy supported by major employers like Kaiser Permanente, the University of Colorado Denver, Ball Corporation, Denver Public Schools, and United Airlines, you’re sure to find exciting career paths. Tourism, healthcare, aerospace, and technology industries boost the Denver economy along with many small businesses.

Denver is full of intrigue. As a major economic and cultural hub, it offers a diverse population and a thriving arts and culture scene. Live in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in a vibrant and growing city. Whether you are looking for a city lifestyle, a quiet suburban community, or a mountain getaway, Denver has you covered. If the big city feels too big, try local suburbs like Holly Hills, Cherry Creek, or Superior. Fall in love with a new home in the welcoming Denver area. The hard part will be narrowing down your search from the innovative home designs and locations.

7. Durango

Housing cost to income ratio: 8.16

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 2.78%

Violent crime index: 16.3

Nonviolent crime index: 48.1

Cost of living index: 119.2

The first word that comes to mind when you see Durango, Colorado is charm! This scenic Colorado town in the southwestern part of the state is filled with local eateries, bars, shops, and more. This liberal-leaning town with plenty to offer is a popular tourist spot. Durango is vibrant and growing. It is known for its stunning scenery, mild climate, and abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Discover a thriving arts and culture scene, and a diverse population. Durango’s diversity includes a population of over 20,000 people from all over the world.

For a truly unique experience, you must take a train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Wind your way along the scenic 45+ miles from Durango to Silverton and experience stunning views of Animas Canyon from a historic steam train. With a short stop to eat and shop in Silverton, the train returns to Durango. Once is not enough! Experience it from an interior or open car or go big and ride in the Presidential Class car. Fun holiday themed train rides are also a great way to experience the train.

Enjoy the other many adventures in Durango including riverside parks, the Animas River Trail and the Colorado Trail, and ice skating. Fishing, camping, skiing, and biking are all popular activities. If you have a green thumb, you’ll enjoy the Ohana Kuleana Community Garden, where folks are welcome to grow food and share it with the community. Durango experiences a mixture of snow and sunshine throughout the year, and you can expect 260 days of sunshine and 67 inches of snow annually.

The town also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Durango Blues Train, the Durango Film Festival, and the Durango Arts Center’s Festival of the Arts. Stroll through the art galleries and museums. Sample some delicious craft brews at local breweries, clubs, and pubs. The Durango Arts Center and the Henry Strater Theatre are two spots for cultural attractions.

Stop in to the historic Strater Hotel and have a drink at the Diamond Belle Saloon. This Old West-style setting has Ragtime piano players and handcrafted cocktails. Some of the most popular nightlife areas in Durango include Main Avenue and East College Avenue. For an outstanding steak, the Ore House will satisfy your palate. Durango has its share of enticing breweries offering a variety of craft beers. Steamworks Brewing Company, Animas Brewing Company, and Breckenridge Brewery Durango all have delicious brews and flagship beers.

Healthcare and educational services are stellar in this town. Fort Lewis College is a four-year public liberal arts college. Durango is served by the excellent Durango Public School District 9-R. For medical care, Mercy Regional Medical Center and Southwest Memorial Hospital provide a wide range of services.

Of course, the economy is supported by tourism, healthcare, and education. Major employers playing a roll in Durango include Mercy Regional Medical Center, the City of Durango, Fort Lewis College, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The scenic, charming town of Durango will win you over with one visit. If you would like to make it a permanent stop, consider some of the popular nearby neighborhoods including Falls Creek, The Cliffs, and Timberline View Estates.

8. Steamboat Springs

Housing cost to income ratio: 10.74

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 2.01%

Violent crime index: 15.6

Nonviolent crime index: 34.9

Cost of living index: 144.8

If you dream of living in a winter wonderland, look no further than Steamboat Springs! Located in Northern Colorado, this liberal city is home to Steamboat Ski Resort, which includes six mountain peaks. This large and popular ski resort offers a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Discover everything from live music venues to outdoor music in this inviting town.

Live in the Rocky Mountains in a growing town full of friendly people. It is known for its stunning scenery, excellent skiing and snowboarding, and vibrant downtown area. Downtown Steamboat Springs will have you people watching, shopping the art galleries and shops, and dining at delicious eateries. Fun community events include the Steamboat Springs MusicFest. This annual event features a variety of musical performances, including classical, jazz, and folk.

Other local attractions include Yampa River Botanic Park, Steamboat Creates Historic Art Depot, and Steamboat Art in the Park. Old Town Hot Springs features eight spring-fed pools. This winter resort town is blanketed with a hefty amount of snow every year – an average of 154 inches, to be precise. There’s plenty of sunshine, too; 299 sunny days will leave you feeling refreshed after the snow. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities to hike, fish, camp, ski, bike and more.

Steamboat Springs is also home to the annual Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, which has produced several Olympic athletes. The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo is one of the oldest and most prestigious rodeos in the nation.

If you require medical care, the city has two hospitals offering a wide range of services. Steamboat Springs Medical Center and Yampa Valley Medical Center serve the community and provide several jobs. Steamboat Springs includes 10 schools as well. A two-year public community college, Colorado Mountain College, is located in Steamboat Springs. Emerald Mountain School is a private school option along with excellent public schools.

Tasty flavors and delicious beverages await you at restaurants and breweries. Aurum will tempt your taste buds with locally sourced ingredients. Seafood and American cuisine are found at The Chart House. Looking for a delicious sandwich or burger? Carl’s Tavern is the right choice. Get your fill of craft beer at Oskar Blues Brewery, Storm Peak Brewing Company, and Mountain Tap Brewery.

Steamboat Ski Resort, the Steamboat Springs Medical Center, Colorado Mountain College, and the City of Steamboat Springs are some of the major employers adding to the strong economy. Many industries including healthcare, education, retail, and construction make up the employers in the area.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a beautiful mountain town located in the Rocky Mountains and is a great place to live for people who love the outdoors and enjoy a small-town lifestyle. If you’d like to live near the resort without living in the city, try suburbs like Cimarron Hills, Woodland Park, and Stratmoor.

9. Boulder-Longmont

Housing cost to income ratio: 13.02

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.84%

Violent crime index: 13.5

Nonviolent crime index: 40.9

Cost of living index: 167.4

Live to the north of Denver in the Boulder-Longmont metropolitan area. Spend your days at the unique breweries and shops of Longmont, or the museums and outdoor mall of Boulder; whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. The metropolitan area is ultra-liberal, and the presence of the University of Colorado Boulder campus gives the city a youthful feel. The Boulder-Longmont area is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, including the Flatirons, the Indian Peaks, and the Roosevelt National Forest.

Between Boulder and Longmont, there are over 140 restaurants that are dog friendly, not to mention plenty of parks and trails where your dog can tag along. Never worry about where you’ll receive your medical care or where your children will attend school; 20 hospitals and 56 schools have you covered on both fronts! The University of Colorado Boulder is a public university and one of the most prestigious in the country. The University of Colorado Boulder is a major economic driver for the region. Front Range Community College and Naropa University are two more post-secondary institutions.

Enjoy 245 sunny days annually but prepare for cold winters that yield upwards of 82 inches of snow per year. Some examples of ways to connect with this Colorado scenic beauty include snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, biking, and ice skating. Chautauqua Park features 8,000-acres of stunning views of the Flatirons and a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and rock climbing. The Flatirons are iconic rock formations that are popular with hikers and climbers.

Community events that bring residents and tourists together include the Colorado State Fair, the Boulder International Film Festival, the Boulder Creek Festival, and Taste of Colorado. Museums and cultural attractions are sure to impress. Visit the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art and the Denver Art Museum to see amazing art collections. Enjoy an array of performances at the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, the CU Boulder Performing Arts Center, and the Boulder Theater.

Major employers in the area include technology companies like Ball Aerospace, Boulder Ventures, and Techstars. The healthcare industry is another strong employer with Boulder Community Health, UCHealth Boulder Medical Center, and Longmont United Hospital. Find great career paths with Boeing and Lockheed Martin, Coors Brewing Company, and Netapp.

Looking for fun spots to meet up with friends and family? The Pearl Street Mall is a pedestrianized mall in downtown Boulder filled with bars and clubs. Walnut Street in downtown Longmont has a variety of bars and breweries. Live music and events are found at Oskar Blues Brewery and Left Hand Brewing Company.

The Boulder-Longmont, Colorado area is a great place to buy a new home for people who love the outdoors, value education, and appreciate a vibrant arts and culture scene. It offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, a strong economy, excellent schools, and a dog-friendly environment. Boulder is active in the environmental movement and has many new home communities utilizing sustainable building materials and practices. For suburban life, check out neighborhoods like Superior and Louisville. Get a coveted address with a new home in the Boulder-Longmont area.

This list was compiled using statistics for cost of living, average housing costs, average childcare costs, and crime indices.