Colorado is one of the states with the most abundant natural beauty. With the Rockies, deep green forests, and flowing rivers, it is a paradise for those that enjoy the great outdoors. Numerous locations across Colorado attract tourists and new residents en masse. From Boulder to Aspen, there are countless towns and regions that are well-known across the country.
If you’re looking to move to Colorado and want to settle somewhere with gorgeous views and outdoor activities, some incredible scenic towns are wonderful places to live seasonally or full-time. Let’s look at ten stunning Colorado towns that make ideal places to set down roots.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is mountain living at its finest. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, with an elevation near 9,000 feet above sea level, it is the perfect place for ski-lovers. The Crested Butte Mountain Resort is top-notch, summer brings some of the best mountain biking in the state, and Elk Avenue is a quaint downtown area with shops and restaurants. With a permanent population of under 2,000, Crested Butte has unparalleled nature access and is mostly quiet three seasons of the year.
Estes Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the stunning areas that Colorado offers, home to elk, bears, and one of the most important wildlife regions in the United States. Estes Park is the perfect home base for someone looking to spend their time adventuring in the National Park. It is a small town right at the base of the park, known as a popular summer spot, but it makes for a gorgeous year-round home. It provides scenic access to one of the most beautiful parks in America.
Fort Collins
Fort Collins is a city just a short drive north of Denver, a classic Colorado town with great food, shops, and proximity to nature. It is right at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills, and it is a vibrant college-town with tons of picturesque hiking areas. There are museums, a great downtown area, and access to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, with the well-known Horsetooth Falls. It has a great local community and a population of just over 165,000, making it a small city with incredible natural scenery.
Loveland
Loveland is a short drive away from Denver, with a bustling mid-sized town and tons of outdoor activities. While winters in Loveland get frigid, they’re also the perfect time for hitting the slopes at the Loveland Ski Area, where 1,800 acres of skiing and boarding await. In the summer, you can enjoy strolling around the town’s top-notch outdoor spaces and participate in the town’s many arts and community festivals.
Greeley
Greeley is a city in Colorado with over 100,000 residents within its borders, located roughly 50 miles northeast of Denver. Greeley offers a great blend of urban and rural living, with a large agricultural community and a bustling small-city lifestyle combined. It is 4,000 feet above sea level and has an intriguing history memorialized in the numerous museums and learning centers within the small city. It has a large local art scene and a stampede that has been going on for 100+ years.
Buena Vista
You’ll find Buena Vista in central Colorado, and you won’t want to miss this small town that exists nearly 8,000-feet above sea level. With the Rocky Mountains and the Arkansas River, this small town has a laid-back mountain vibe that visitors and residents adore. The thick layer of snow that covers this town makes it a winter paradise, and there are plenty of outdoor hiking and exploration opportunities. With a small but tight-knit population and incredible mountain views, Buena Vista is a great place to live.
Grand Junction
Grand Junction is a mid-sized city in Colorado that has something for everyone. First off, if you’re a wine lover, chances are Grand Junction will be a dream location, as it is known as the center of Colorado’s wine industry. If you are an arts and culture appreciator, Grand Junction’s Museum of the West has incredible historical displays. For nature lovers, Colorado River State Park and Colorado National Monument are massive parks with unique landscapes.
Durango
Durango is a small city in southwest Colorado close to the New Mexico border. It’s known as a railway hub, where the Railroad Museum is located, and the 19th century Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been restored to allow for a scenic rail trip. This former mining town also has great proximity to the mountains, which of course means unmatched skiing come wintertime. It is a small city that has a ton of fun activities to offer.
Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs is a small-town paradise that embodies the great experiences Colorado has to offer. Surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, Pagosa Springs is a natural paradise with the San Juan River running through the town. It also has a deep forest that surrounds it. The defining feature that sets Pagosa Springs apart is the hot springs in the town, which make for a top-notch spa and hydrotherapy relaxation experience. There are also old cultural ruins from the ancient Puebloans.
Pueblo
Pueblo is a mid-sized city in the southcentral area of Colorado. It has a ton of great cultural and nature-oriented offerings. Pueblo is home to numerous upscale restaurants and craft breweries and the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, which has boat rides, art, and community events. Nearby, you can find Lake Pueblo State Park. This area is a perfect summer spot, with tons of fishing, camping, and boating, as well as great hiking. Pueblo is a city with ideal proximity to nature and numerous outdoor excursion opportunities.
