Site icon Life Storage Blog

Best Places to Live in Colorado

Life Storage
Daytime photo of downtown Denver skyline. Featured image for Best Places to Live in Colorado.

Known for its abundant natural beauty, Colorado is home to many cities that are great for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. If you’re thinking of moving to Colorado, here are the best places to live in the Centennial State!

Aurora

As the largest suburb of Denver, Aurora is one of the top cities to live in Colorado for singles and young professionals looking for higher education or wanting to start a career. With abundant opportunities for job seekers, Aurora’s major industries include aerospace, healthcare, technology, and education, and top employers include UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Raytheon Aurora, Kaiser Permanente, and more. Additionally, Aurora offers excellent post-secondary education at institutions such as the Community College of Aurora, Pickens Technical College, or the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. And with plenty of fun things to do year-round, the Gateway to the Rockies will keep you out and about! Gather with friends and family at annual festivals and events like Global Fest, the 4th of July Spectacular, or S’mores on the Shore. Enjoy live jazz performances, attend line dancing on Tuesdays, or wander through the many retail shops at the Stanley Marketplace. Enjoy the flavor of a Grilled Pork Chop Dinner, 12 oz T-Bone Steak, or Rosie’s Santa Fe Rice Bowl at Rosie’s Diner. Or chow down Smothered Tamales, Stuffed Sopapillas, or a Mexican Steak Sandwich at El Chubby’s Mexican Restaurant.

Boulder

Situated just northwest of the capital of Colorado, Boulder is a vibrant city that provides the ideal environment for young professionals and families wanting to plant roots. Not only is Boulder seen as one of the best places to live in the U.S., but it ranks amongst the top cities for careers, as well, with the City of Boulder, Boulder Community Health, and other local companies offering top opportunities for employment in Boulder. While children can attend top-rated schools like Bear Creek Elementary School, Summit Middle Charter School, and Fairview High School in the Boulder Valley School District, those interested in pursuing higher learning can enroll in classes at Naropa University or root for the Colorado Buffaloes as a student at University of Colorado Boulder. Looking for things to do in Boulder? Take advantage of programs like Youth Summer Camp and Bike Lessons, or bike down one of the many trails at Valmont Bike Park. Rock climb outdoors or join a fitness class or take private climbing lessons at the Boulder Rock Club. Order authentic British fare like Yorkshire Pudding before digging into a Reuben, Shepherd’s Pie, or Steak and Chips at The Hungry Toad. Or catch up with friends over dinner and enjoy an Italian Beef Sandwich, Buffalo Burger, or Jumbo Char Dog at Mustard’s Last Stand.

Castle Rock

If you’re looking for a smaller Colorado city, consider living in Castle Rock. One of the best cities to live in Colorado, this Douglas County gem is known for its stunning landscape, rich local history, and quiet, safe environment that’s perfect for families. With an unemployment rate below the national average, Castle Rock is also one of best places to live in Colorado for young adults seeking employment across industries such as local government, technology, manufacturing, and retail. To top it off, Castle Rock’s amenities are unmatched. Try your hand at the Ninja Course, Adventure Tower, or four-story Sky Trek aerial trekking course at The EDGE Ziplines & Adventures. Take part in the two-day event where you can enjoy performances put on by artists from all over the country, art activities for children, and lots of tasty dishes from food truck vendors at Castle Rock Artfest. Treat yourself to brunch in Castle Rock with Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Fajitas, or a Breakfast Burrito at La Loma. Or select from meals like Grilled Salmon with Sweet Potato Casserole, Portobello & Porcini Mushroom Ravioli, or The Chop at the Union American Bistro.

Colorado Springs

Looking for an affordable place to live near the Rocky Mountains? Look no further than Colorado Springs! This stunning city offers quick access to Colorado attractions like the majestic Pikes Peak and the scenic Pikes Peak Highway, so residents can enjoy breathtaking mountain views and outdoor recreation opportunities. Also known as Olympic City USA, Colorado Springs is home to higher education opportunities at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and jobs in Colorado Springs range from industries like finance and cybersecurity to advanced manufacturing and aerospace. For families with ties to the military, Colorado Springs is a top choice due to its close proximity to military bases like Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base, and even the United States Air Force Academy. Not to mention, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Colorado Springs! Put on your tennis shoes and embark on a hike, explore flora and fauna on a Segway Tour, or go horseback riding at the beautiful Garden of the Gods. Check out animals such as emus and alligators in the Australia Walkabout, leopards in the Asian Highlands, or orangutans in the Primate World at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Bite into a Fat Kid Grilled Cheese, Monte Cristo, or Prime Philly before ending your meal with Fried Ice Cream at Mother Muff’s Kitchen & Spirits. Or satisfy your appetite with Steak Street Tacos, a Jumbo Bratwurst, or Meatball Mozzarella at Santana’s Vegan Grill.

Denver

As the capital of Colorado and one of the biggest cities in the U.S., Denver is a great place for young adults looking for a bustling city with lots of opportunities. The Mile High City offers a continuously growing job market and diverse industries such as aviation, digital communications, energy, and healthcare. A variety of major companies are headquartered in the area, including Aimco, Liberty Energy, and Leprino Food. As one of the best cities for renters, Denver is also an excellent choice for students taking advantage of academic opportunities at the University of Denver, University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, or Regis University. Plus, Denver’s vibrant cultural scene includes everything from world-renowned museums to fun outdoor activities! Get up close with stingrays, meet penguins, or attend the annual Flock Party at the Denver Zoo. Buy tickets to explore rotating exhibitions like Composing Color and Wild Things, or walk through permanent collections such as Indigenous Arts of North America or Arts of the Ancient Americas at the Denver Art Museum. Dig in to French Toast & Vermont Maple Syrup, Breakfast Tacos, or Duck Hash at The Bindery, a top spot for brunch in Denver. Or chow down Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken, Carne Appaloosa, or a Bison Pastrami Reuben at Appaloosa Grill.

Durango

Don’t want to live in a big city in Colorado? No problem! Surrounded by mountains, Durango, Colorado is great for young professionals and families looking for a laid-back community to call home. This Southern Colorado city offers an unemployment rate over 2% lower than the national average, with top Colorado jobs in the healthcare field found at companies such as Mercy Hospital Durango and Animas Surgical Hospital. Students of all ages can benefit from the Durango School District, which ranks among the top in the state. Not to mention, locals looking for recreational activities will love what Durango has to offer! Test your skills with axe throwing, go white water rafting, or fly through the air on a Zipline Tour at Durango Adventures. Make your way through the Durango wilderness on the Shamrock Express, attend Narrow Gauge Day, or book a Skyway Tour at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Choose pizza flavors such as the Italian Spicy Hawaiian, Lemon Rucola, and Bianca Prosciutto, or build your own pizza at Fired Up Pizzeria. Or devour dishes like Oscar’s Southwest Chili Verde and Cheese, the Durango Burger Melt, or the Foreman Burger at Oscar’s Cafe.

Fort Collins

Fort Collins, also known as Choice City, is a vibrant Northern Colorado city that attracts residents of all ages. This area appeals to families thanks to top-rated Fort Collins schools like Zach Elementary School, Liberty Common School, and Fossil Ridge High School. Fort Collins is also home to employers across diverse industries, with companies such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise, UCHealth, and Colorado State University for working professionals to explore. As one of the best beer cities in the U.S., visiting local breweries and trying new Fort Collins beers is a popular pastime in the area. But that’s not all the city offers! For outdoor recreation lovers, there are also plenty of parks, trails, and waterfront activities to enjoy. Looking for family-friendly activities in Fort Collins? Check out exhibits like Healthy Steps, Animal Encounters, or The Tot Spot with your kids at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Immerse yourself in nature and stroll through gardens like the Garden of Eatin‘, Prairie Garden, or Undaunted Garden at The Gardens on Spring Creek. If you’re in the mood for seafood in Fort Collins, order the Atlantic Rock Lobster Tail, Golden Brown Jumbo Shrimp, or Braised Sirloin Tips at Charco Broiler. Or fill your belly with Vegetable Gnocchi, Pork Osso Buco, and Vino Meatballs with Hot Buttered Rum to drink at Cafe Vino.

Greeley

Interested in living in a community that offers the amenities of a large city but the charm of a small town? Greeley, CO, may be what you’re looking for. This small Colorado city has a thriving economy with diverse employment opportunities across industries such as education, healthcare, energy, and agriculture. When looking for jobs in Greeley, you can check out top employers in the area like JBS USA, Banner Health, and Greeley-Evans School District 6. If you would like to pursue higher education, Greeley is home to the University of Northern Colorado as well as Aims Community College. Plus, young adults and families can find plenty of things to do in Greeley! Spot hundreds of scale locomotives and explore exhibits like the Lionel Trains Collection or C&S 10583 Caboose – 1919 at the Colorado Model Railroad Museum. Join the Junior Bowling Program, sign up for a tournament, or go for a strike during Cosmic Bowling at Highland Park Lanes. Enjoy a meal of Drunken Noodles, Tropical Fried Rice, and Grilled Pepper Lime Shrimp at Ambrosia Asian Bistro. Or sink your teeth into Cowboy Queso, Chicken Pesto, and Media Noche, or enjoy the Prime Rib Dinner for Two on Thursdays at The Cow Saloon & Eatery.

Lakewood

Nestled at the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, Lakewood is a scenic city perfect for young adults, families, and retirees. Students can acquire their degrees at affordable prices at the Red Rocks Community College, while employers like Jeffco Public Schools, FirstBank, and even the City of Lakewood provide great opportunities for professionals looking for jobs in Lakewood. Retirees, on the other hand, have a large selection of independent living communities in Lakewood to choose from, such as Brookdale Meridian Westland, Lakeview Senior Living, and Cadence Lakewood. And if you want to live somewhere that’s surrounded by plenty of options for entertainment, Lakewood is your go-to city! Stop by the Red Rocks Hall of Fame, go for a hike or bike ride, or catch one of the many concerts that take place at the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater in Morrison. Watch live martial arts demonstrations or take part in the dragon boat races at the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. Go kayaking or paddleboarding on the weekends at Sloan’s Lake Park. Get authentic Asian dishes like Spicy Tuna Naruto Rolls, Lobster Tempura Rolls, or Okinawa Rolls at Orion Sushi. Or feast on all-day breakfast meals like Biscuits & Gravy, Southwestern Fried Steak, or Eggs Benedict at Danny Ray’s Food & Spirits.

Pueblo

Located near the heart of Colorado, the City of Pueblo is a great choice for those seeking budget-friendly mountain living! Pueblo is one of the most affordable places to live in Colorado, with an average cost of living that is 17% lower than the state average and 6% lower than the national average. You can find job opportunities in a range of fields with employers like Pueblo Memorial Airport, EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel, and St. Mary-Corwin Hospital. And there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Pueblo to keep busy in your free time! Get out on the water and go sailing, fishing, or waterskiing, or set up a picnic, hike on the trails, and go camping at Lake Pueblo. Grab the kids and meet live animals in exhibits like the Serengeti Safari or Islands of Life at the Pueblo Zoo, or head next door to enjoy amusement park rides and special events like Princess Night or Superhero Night at The Rides at City Park. Drop by to order a Patty Melt, Red Chili Burger, or Rigatoni Dinner at family-owned Pass Key Restaurant. Or go out for Mexican food in Pueblo and enjoy appetizers like Chili Steak Fries paired with dishes like the Mexican Stir Fry or Veggie Enchiladas at 3 Margaritas Pueblo.

***

Life Storage has self storage with month-to-month rentals in Colorado to help your moving process go as smoothly and conveniently as possible. Our Colorado storage facilities are equipped with climate-control systems and security features to keep your items safe all throughout the year. Here are a few storage center locations nearby:

City statistics from AreaVibes

This post was originally published 07/26/2018, and last revised on 03/27/2024 with updated information.

About the Author

Life Storage

Rent storage near you at the right price. We'll show you what size storage unit you need, rent you a moving truck and more. We make self storage simple!

Exit mobile version