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Moving to Colorado: What It’s Like to Live in the Centennial State
Colorado attracts people who want both professional opportunity and immediate access to some of the world's most spectacular nature. Its mix of outdoor recreation and a thriving economy makes it one of the most consistently desirable states in the country.
Newcomers often come for the mountain lifestyle, hiking, skiing, biking, but stay for the sense of balance between work and well-being. The state’s population growth has been steady for over two decades, driven by professionals from California, Texas, and the Midwest looking for a cleaner, more balanced pace.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Colorado added roughly 80,000 new residents in 2023, keeping it among the top 10 fastest-growing states. Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins continue to lead that growth, while mountain and Western Slope towns attract remote workers and second-home buyers.
Cost of Living in Colorado
Colorado’s cost of living varies dramatically between metros and mountain regions, but overall it sits slightly above the national average, mostly due to housing.
- Home prices: The statewide median sits near $525,000, but that number climbs to $600,000+ in Denver and Boulder, while smaller cities like Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Grand Junction average closer to $400,000–$450,000.
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment typically ranges $1,600–$1,900, depending on the market.
- Utilities: Moderate year-round; natural gas costs rise in winter, offset by low summer A/C use.
- Taxes: State income tax sits at 4.4%, with property taxes well below the national average.
- Insurance & transportation: Costs remain average unless you live in mountain or wildfire-prone zones.
Colorado isn’t cheap (unless you're moving from Cali), but many find the trade-off worth it — salaries in tech, healthcare, and engineering tend to run higher, and quality of life is among the best in the country.
TL;DR: Colorado Regions at a Glance
Region---------------------------------What Works --------------------------Good Fit For
Denver Metro---------------------------Jobs, nightlife, transit access------------Young professionals, families
Front Range North ----------------------College towns, innovation, outdoors------Remote workers, academics
(Boulder, Fort Collins, Loveland)
Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak Area--------Affordable, military, mountain views-------Families, military, retirees
(Grand Junction, Montrose, Durango)
Western Slope--------------------------Scenic living, affordability----------------Remote workers, outdoor enthusiasts
(Grand Junction, Montrose, Durango)
Mountain Towns------------------------Skiing, scenery, tourism------------------Remote professionals, retirees
(Aspen, Breckenridge, Steamboat)
Southern Colorado----------------------Lower housing costs, slower pace--------1st-time buyers, remote workers
(Pueblo, Trinidad, Cañon City)
Where in Colorado Should You Live?
Denver Metro
Denver anchors the state’s economy with jobs in tech, finance, healthcare, and aerospace. Its urban core mixes new apartments with historic neighborhoods, while suburbs like Lakewood and Centennial balance cost and convenience.
What Works: Career opportunity, active culture, and strong transit system.
Watch Out For: Expensive housing and rising competition for family-friendly neighborhoods.
Front Range North (Boulder, Fort Collins, Loveland)
This stretch blends university energy and outdoor life. Boulder’s economy skews toward startups and research, while Fort Collins offers a more affordable, family-oriented college-town vibe.
What Works: Education, bike culture, and innovation.
Watch Out For: High real estate prices and limited inventory.
Colorado Springs & Pikes Peak Area
Colorado Springs is booming with defense, healthcare, and tourism jobs. It’s more affordable than Denver but still close enough for weekend trips north.
What Works: Cost balance, clean air, mountain scenery.
Watch Out For: Rapid growth and limited rental stock.
Western Slope
Cities like Grand Junction and Montrose draw people who want scenic living at half the Denver price. These areas are growing remote work hubs, especially for outdoor-minded professionals.
What Works: Space, affordability, and access to national parks.
Watch Out For: Fewer job options and distance from major metros.
Mountain Towns
Aspen, Breckenridge, and Steamboat Springs remain dream locations for many, though with steep price tags. These communities thrive on tourism but have strong year-round cultures.
What Works: Outdoor access, small-town feel, and community pride.
Watch Out For: High cost of living and seasonal rental pressure.
Southern Colorado
Pueblo, Trinidad, and Cañon City offer affordability and a small-city pace with mountain backdrops. Creative entrepreneurs are finding new life in these overlooked towns.
What Works: Affordable housing, slower lifestyle, and access to open space.
Watch Out For: Smaller job markets and fewer amenities.
Best Cities in Colorado to Consider
Denver
Fast-growing, energetic, and the state’s cultural hub.
Colorado Springs
Affordable, family-friendly, and military-strong.
Boulder
Innovative and outdoorsy with top-tier schools.
Fort Collins
College-town energy with stable housing markets.
Golden
Close to Denver but mountain-adjacent.
Grand Junction
Affordable and scenic, ideal for remote workers.
Durango
Outdoor access and independent character.
Pueblo
Budget-friendly with a community-driven feel.
Is Colorado Right for You?
Colorado works for those who want the outdoors and access to opportunity. It rewards an active lifestyle and values-driven living, whether that means mountain trails or downtown breweries. Costs can sting, but the state’s balance of wages and well-being keeps people anchored for the long haul.
FAQs About Living in Colorado
Q: Is Colorado expensive?
A: Yes, housing runs high in the Front Range, but salaries and lifestyle balance offset it for many.
Q: What are the safest areas?
A: Erie, Louisville, and Castle Rock often top safety rankings statewide.
Q: Do you need a car?
A: In most places, yes. Denver’s light rail helps, but the state is built for driving.
Q: How’s the job market?
A: Strong — tech, aerospace, renewable energy, and healthcare dominate, with unemployment below 4%.
Q: How’s the weather?
A: Dry, sunny, and varied. Denver gets 300 days of sunshine a year, but expect winter snow and mountain chill.
Q: Are wildfires a risk?
A: In forested regions, yes. Many communities have active mitigation and preparedness programs.
Ready to Find Your Colorado Fit?
From mountain towns to growing metros, Colorado offers outdoor living with economic stability.
Take the LookyLOO Quiz to find your perfect Colorado city and save it in your Movebook.