Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2025

If you're thinking about moving to Colorado, you're not alone. Colorado is one of the fastest growing states in the nation, with Colorado Springs ranking number six for searches from inbound out-of-state residents looking to move.

In Colorado, breathtaking beauty is a constant companion, with the majestic Rocky Mountains framing your everyday view. The state's robust job market, enjoyable weather, and abundance of outdoor adventures position it as one of the premier living destinations in the U.S.

However, certain cities in Colorado stand out for their unique appeal. If you're on the hunt for the perfect spot to call home, we've got you covered. With the added insights from ViewCation, we've highlighted the best places to live in Colorado to help you make an informed decision. Before you dive in, check out this great video from ViewCation on YouTube:

Best Places to Live in Colorado

How We Chose the Best Places in Colorado

While what constitutes the "best" city or town can vary widely, we made our selections based on consideration of economic opportunities, rent prices (presenting a mix of both high-end and affordable neighborhoods), overall desirability and trendiness of an area, transit scores/location, and features of a neighborhood that make it either appealing or outstanding.

Also, all of the rental data included here comes from the current listings on our website. Where possible, we have included median rates, and if those aren’t available, we defer to starting rents. Transit scores come from walkscore.com and census information comes directly from the U.S. Census website.

1. Denver

• Population: 711,463
• Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,962
• Median Household Income: $78,177
• Walk Score: 61
• Transit Score: 45
• Bike Score: 72

Denver is at the top of the list for its thriving tech scene, sunny days, microbreweries and brewpubs, outdoor fun, and low unemployment rate. Denver is not only the best place to live in Colorado, it's also one of the best places in the United States, attracting young professionals to its thriving job market and also because it's one of the best places for remote work.

Despite the growing population and rising rent costs, Denver offers a more affordable cost of living in Colorado compared to other cities. Popular neighborhoods include the posh Cherry Creek, bustling LoDo, and downtown amenities with top-tier entertainment, shopping centers, and dining.

2. Boulder

• Population: 104,175
• Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,122
• Median Household Income: $92,466
• Walk Score: 56
• Transit Score: 47
• Bike Score: 86

Looking for a town that personifies the Colorado nature and an outdoorsy lifestyle? Boulder lies in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with gorgeous views of snow-capped peaks. When it comes to Boulder vs. Denver, the city holds its own. It is a hotbed for entrepreneurship and earned the title of America’s Startup Capital, attracting young professionals and recent grads from The University of Colorado. Just keep in mind that you may pay a bit more to rent in Boulder than Denver.

Locals enjoy sunny weather, tons of outdoor activities, good public transit, and hundreds of bike trails to explore, making Boulder among the Happiest City in the US and the Fittest City in the US. Beyond the outdoors, take your pick of shopping and dining, farm-table bites, and shops and breweries at Pearl Street Mall.

3. Colorado Springs

• Population: 483,956
• Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,486
• Median Household Income: $71,957
• Walk Score: 36
• Transit Score: 19
• Bike Score: 45

Living in Colorado Springs is great for those who want to save a bit of cash each month. The city boasts an average cost of living in Colorado lower than nearby cities but with plenty of amenities and perks that rival Denver and Boulder.

Stunning nature and outdoor recreation activities are also a highlight of the area, including Pikes Peak and the famous Garden of the Gods, with 1,300 acres of picturesque sandstone formations, hiking, biking, and climbing. Check out the best Colorado Springs neighborhoods to get a better sense of what it's like to rent in one of the most affordable places in Colorado.

4. Fort Collins

• Population: 168,538
• Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,575
• Median Household Income: $72,932
• Walk Score: 37
• Transit Score: 28
• Bike Score: 78

Home to Colorado State University, Fort Collins attracts both college students and job seekers. Just over an hour from Denver, many residents choose Fort Collins for a quieter pace of life that's still close to big city amenities. Of course, you can commute, but locals love staying in town and enjoying the remote-work lifestyle. With over twenty breweries, the city also proudly describes itself as the Craft Beer Capital of Colorado.

Job seekers also love the tech scene, small-town feel, and modest rents compared to nearby cities. In addition, locals embrace the laid-back lifestyle with accessible biking and hiking options.

5. Castle Rock

• Population: 76,353
• Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,607
• Median Household Income: $121,388
• Walk Score: 11
• Transit Score: n/a
• Bike Score: 40

Situated 30 miles from Denver, Castle Rock is so called for the centerpiece butte in Rock Park with hiking trails leading to a beautiful scenic overlook. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, the small-town, friendly atmosphere blends rural and residential living with 6,000+ acres of open space and 265 acres of parks.

The city is also home to the “largest open-air outlet center in the State of Colorado,” with over 100 outlet stores, drawing families and young professionals looking for an idyllic backdrop with low crime rates.

6. Aspen

• Population: 6,949
• 2-bedroom Rents Start at: $6,500
• Median Household Income: $89,625
• Walk Score: 90
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 92

Nestled in the stunning Roaring Fork Valley of the Rocky Mountains lies Aspen, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places to live in the state, with luxurious amenities and a vibrant cultural scene. Beyond the world-renowned ski resorts, outdoor enthusiasts will find hiking, mountain biking, and more.

The town hosts top-notch performances, concerts, galleries, theaters, and museums, including the Aspen Music Festival. However, the high-end scene also comes with a hefty price tag, making Aspen a playground for the wealthy. For that reason, expect to pay a lot more for rent in Aspen, and also to consider single-family homes over apartments.

7. Littleton

• Population: 45,195
• Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,769
• Median Household Income: $82,997
• Walk Score: 40
• Transit Score: 29
• Bike Score: 45

The Denver suburb of Littleton is a great place to call home, just far enough from the hustle and bustle of downtown Denver, but still connected by the RTD light rail. Downtown Littleton offers a unique look and feel with a historic atmosphere, shops, restaurants, and quaint eateries.

To take advantage of Colorado’s outdoor fun, Roxborough State Park isn’t far to enjoy 4,000 acres of trails and nature surrounded by stunning red rock formations. Renters will find that Littleton prices are similar to those in Denver at large.

8. Longmont

• Population: 100,758
• Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,690
• Median Household Income: $83,104
• Walk Score: 39
• Transit Score: 25
• Bike Score: 58

Some people in Colorado liken Longmont as a sister city to Boulder, with plenty of opportunities to work in the tech startup culture and take advantage of STEM opportunities. Graduates also love the remote culture with some of the fastest internet speeds in the country, as ranked by PC Mag, and the city even has its own fiber optic internet service called NextLight.

Locals head to Robert Mountain or Rocky Mountain National Park for outdoor recreation as the go-to hiking destinations.

9. Grand Junction

• Population: $58,892
• Starting Rent: $1,300
• Median Household Income: $58,892
• Walk Score: 32
• Transit Score: —
• Bike Score: 55

Located in the heart of Colorado wine country, Grand Junction is a popular destination for renters looking for apartments and single-family homes for rent. Downtown Grand Junction is walkable with bars, breweries, restaurants, and wineries while boasting older architecture and unique features, including murals and artwork.

If you prefer proximity to nature, one of the best Colorado neighborhoods includes The Ridges, home to three impressive parks with ponds and plenty of trails. Grand Mesa National Forest is also a reasonable drive to skiing, snowmobile riding, camping, gorgeous trails, fishing, mountain biking, horse-riding, and more. Locals find employment in education, local government, the State of Colorado, Colorado Mesa University, and St. Mary's Hospital.

10. Greeley

• Population: 109,323
• Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,432
• Median Household Income: $60,601
• Walk Score: 39
• Transit Score: —
• Bike Score: 47

The smaller city of Greeley lies about an hour and a half drive from Denver, where apartments, townhomes, and a smaller selection of single-family homes dominate the rental markets. While you'll find a bit less availability in Greeley than in some larger cities, you're also more likely to score a deal on rent.

Locals include college students and long-term residents who take advantage of the breweries, restaurants, and events at the University of Northern Colorado. Artists also make themselves at home with a creative district that hosts many events.

11. Lakewood

• Population: 156,605
• Median 2-bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,794
• Median Household Income: $75,343
• Walk Score: 43
• Transit Score: 31
• Bike Score: 56

Lakewood lies about 20 minutes west of Downtown Denver, with mountain views and easy access to camping or hiking spots. Luxury units and apartment communities are the go-to rental options but are still relatively affordable compared to other cities like Austin and Washington. As a larger city, Lakewood doesn’t have a reputation as one of the safe places to live in Colorado, so practicing personal safety and brushing up on your apartment security know-how can help you avoid any dangerous situations.

Belmar, the city's largest mall, has tons of stores, a movie theater, and restaurants, while Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park is a popular destination for locals looking for a breath of fresh air and a taste of local history. The nearby Belmar Park sits at 132 acres and offers a gorgeous view of the sprawling lake and surrounding foliage.

12. Louisville

• Population: 20,975
• 2-bedroom Rents Start at: $1,895
• Median Household Income: $125,124
• Walk Score: 42
• Transit Score: 32
• Bike Score: 71

You're not on the wrong blog; Louisville isn't just the name of a city in Kentucky, but also a fabulous place to live in Colorado. As one of Colorado's smaller cities, Louisville is located just east of Boulder and has several quiet neighborhoods with a suburban feel. Its peaceful, relaxed vibe makes it popular with families and retirees, and consistently rated as one of America's best places to live.

Louisville's historic downtown includes Steinbaugh Pavilion, a concert venue and Farmer’s Market during the summer months, and an ice skating rink in the winter. In addition, Louisville boasts a solid dining and bar scene with robust nightlife. Rental options in Louisville include luxury units within apartment communities, single-family homes, units in multi-family homes, and more.

13. Aurora

• Population: 389,347
• Median 2-Bedroom Rent: $1,783
• Median Household Income: $72,052
• Walk Score: 43
• Transit Score: 35
• Bike Score: 53

Aurora is the third largest city in Colorado and sits just east of Denver. It grew to prominence as the home of a large military base (originally Buckley Field, it has been renamed to Buckley Space Force Base), but is today known for its new development and amenities around former airfields. Locals have access to several public reservoirs and parks, steady job growth, and a reasonable cost of living compared to Denver. However, these days, you might pay as much in rent in Aurora as the big city.

Beyond getting in and out of Denver for nightlife and fun, you're also near the Plains Conservation Center and less than an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains. The city also has its share of craft beer, cafes, ethnically diverse eateries, and festivals.

14. Durango

• Population: 19,223
• Average Overall Rent: $1,100
• Median Household Income: $68,550
• Walk Score: 37
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 52

Durango has a plethora of outdoor activities, including skiing, mountain climbing, and rafting. Renters have their picks of breathtaking views between the Animas River Valley and Sun Juan Mountains featuring national forests, trails, resorts, a fish hatchery, and more. After a day outdoors, locals quench their thirst at Steamworks Brewery or Durango Beer and Ice Company.

While the nightlife isn't incredible, you can join the crowd at Wild Horse Saloon, El Rancho Tavern, and Starlight Lounge. Depending on who you ask, the 71 inches of annual snowfall can be a win, but not so much the traffic. Make sure you love the mountaintop lifestyle and consider a remote job to avoid the traffic in and out of Durango.

15. Evergreen

• Population: 9,307
• 2-bedroom Rents Start at: $1,775
• Median Household Income: $133,488
• Walk Score: 50
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 12

Evergreen offers a rural lifestyle and idyllic snowy winters. You’re only 40 minutes from Denver, opening up job opportunities while enjoying a more relaxed pace in Evergreen. The community is active outdoors on trails, in the mountains, and at Evergreen Lake. Or play a round of golf at Evergreen Co Golf Course. Just make sure you have a solid four-wheel drive.

Beyond the outdoors, Evergreen's artist community enjoys a strong craft, art, and music scene where the streets downtown come to life with quaint shops and galleries.

16. Pueblo

• Population: 112,368
• 2-bedroom Rents Start: $934
• Median Household Income: $46,766
• Walk Score: 37
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 47

Pueblo was initially a major part of the steel industry. Today, the city is best known for its vibrant arts and culture scene with the Pueblo Symphony, Steel City Theater Company, and Sangre de Cristo Arts & Center Center. In addition, the city is home to scores of eateries and authentic cuisine.

Pueblo has a lower median household income and more of a blue-collar reputation, offering lower rents, stunning mountain views, and a 45-minute drive to Colorado Springs. For those looking to save a bit of cash, it is also one of the cheapest place to live in Colorado.

17. Fort Morgan

• Population: 11,439
• 2-bedroom Rents Start at: $995
• Median Household Income: $51,250
• Walk Score: –
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: –

Located in northeastern Colorado, Fort Morgan boasts a charming agricultural community with a strong manufacturing industry and Western vibe, making it one of the best cities to move to start a new life. Enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and a cost of living that won't break the bank.

With a manageable commute to Denver, it's a great option for those seeking a new start. While you won't find many apartments in Fort Morgan, it is a good place to look for a rental deal on single family homes. Overall, it's a more affordable alternative to neighboring cities.

18. Eagle

• Population: 7,538
• 2-bedroom Rents Start at: $4,000
• Median Household Income: $97,724
• Walk Score: 21
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 29

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Eagle offers a peaceful retreat with stunning views and endless outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. Enjoy a thriving arts and culture scene and easy access to nearby ski resorts, such as Beaver Creek and Vail.

Much like Fort Morgan, you're less likely to find an apartment in Eagle than a single-family home. However, it's still a more affordable option compared to areas like Aspen.

19. Gunnison

• Population: 6,695
• 2-bedroom Rents Start at: $3,000
• Median Household Income: $46,324
• Walk Score: 70
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 76

Gunnison offers some of the best small-town living in all of Colorado. This tight-knit community is surrounded by stunning views of the Rocky and West Elk Mountains and offers plenty of outdoor activities, from winter powder sports to summer hiking and fishing.

Though small, the town also has a thriving arts and culture scene, thanks in large part to the influence of Western Colorado University. With classes in everything from pottery to dance, and a diverse mix of residents, including young professionals, retirees, and students.

20. Frisco

• Population: 2,952
• Starting Rent: $4,000
• Median Household Income: $101,817
• Walk Score: 75
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: 62

Frisco, Colorado, is a picturesque mountain town that serves as a perfect basecamp for skiers and snowboarders. It's home to the Nordic Center for cross-country skiing and scenic trails. In the warmer months, locals enjoy biking, fishing, and boating on nearby Lake Dillon.

The town hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Frisco BBQ Challenge and the Fall Fest. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafes to explore in Frisco's charming and historic downtown.

21. Grand Lake

• Population: 15,860
• Median 2-Bedroom Rent: $1,395
• Median Household Income: $69,353
• Walk Score: –
• Transit Score: –
• Bike Score: –

Grand Lake, the final charming mountain town on our list, offers breathtaking natural beauty thanks to the town's main attraction, its namesake lake. As the largest natural lake in Colorado, Grand Lake draws locals and visitors alike for boating, fishing, and swimming in the summer, and for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Grand Lake is also the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, offering scenic hiking trails and panoramic mountain views. The town hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Buffalo BBQ weekend, the Grand Lake Arts and Crafts Festival, and the spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show. You can find a variety of apartments in Grand Lake, with many located in the vibrant downtown area.

Looking for an Apartment in Colorado?

The best places to live in Colorado feature outdoor recreation opportunities, a thriving arts scene, and tight-knit communities. From Colorado Springs to Grand Junction, there’s something for just about any kind of person in Colorado. If you’re ready to enjoy some Colorado living, get started with our personalized quiz to find your dream Colorado apartment!