Living in Colorado means shredding the slopes in the winter and hiking the miles of trails in the summer. It also means drinking craft beers, enjoying public art, historic downtowns and world-class entertainment.
When people outside of the state think of Colorado, they often think of skiing on world-class mountains or the bright city lights of Denver. While Denver is the state capital and the state’s most populous city, other cities offer locals great communities filled with their own strong schools, economy and entertainment options.
Here are 10 of the best places to live in Colorado.
- Population: 121,272
- 1-BR median rent: $1,200
- 2-BR median rent: $1,378
- Median home price: $599,900
- Median household income: $84,717
- Walk Score: 44/100
Located 11 miles northwest of Denver, Arvada appeals to those who prefer a suburban environment with a very active community. In addition to the Arvada Center for Performing Arts, those living in Arvada gravitate toward their historic shopping district in Olde Town.
Arvada’s extensive trail system connects to a number of other trails giving locals and visitors access to 125 miles of gorgeous hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.
- Population: 379,289
- 1-BR median rent: $1,575
- 2-BR median rent: $1,850
- Median home price: $485,000
- Median household income: $65,100
- Walk Score: 47/100
Considered a gateway to the Rockies, living in Aurora means never tiring of outdoor activities to enjoy whether that’s biking along the many trails, hitting a round of golf at the golf courses or taking in the reservoirs.
Aurora is a cultural destination, too, and locals appreciate having access to a vibrant cultural arts district, art galleries and public art throughout the city. One of the state’s largest indoor marketplaces, Stanley Marketplace, is open daily and features more than 50 independently-owned Colorado businesses, from food and drinks to boutiques, fitness facilities and health practices.
- Population: 105,673
- 1-BR median rent: $1,760
- 2-BR median rent: $2,295
- Median home price: $1,270,000
- Median household income: $69,520
- Walk Score: 63/100
Tucked in the foothills of The Flatirons, Boulder is where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains. Those living in Boulder appreciate all that nature has to offer from rock climbing to skiing.
Boulder is a walkable city and its historic downtown, surrounded by the Flatiron Mountains, is a popular meeting spot for friends to meet up for coffee, dining or retail therapy. Pearl Street Mall, in particular, is a colorful four-block-long pedestrian mall that often features street performers.
- Population: 478,221
- 1-BR median rent: $1,197
- 2-BR median rent: $1,529
- Median home price: $460,000
- Median household income: $64,712
- Walk Score: 37/100
The second-largest city one of the best places to live in Colorado, Colorado Springs has several neighborhoods within its boundaries. Downtown has access to locally-owned shops, museums and restaurants, while Norwood is centrally-located. There are also more affordable areas like Pikes Peak Park southeast of downtown.
Colorado Springs has a strong military community since five military institutions, including the Air Force Academy and U.S. Army, have bases here. The average rent for apartments in Colorado Springs runs between $1,200 to just over $1,500 for one- and two-bedroom units.
- Population: 727,211
- 1-BR median rent: $2,103
- 2-BR median rent: $2,788
- Median home price: $595,000
- Median household income: $68,592
- Walk Score: 71/100
Denver is known as The Mile High City thanks to its elevation at 5,280 feet above sea level, which is precisely one mile. Living in Denver means postcard views of the Rocky Mountains, farm-to-table cuisine, local craft breweries and outdoor living.
Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the historic Victorians in Larimer Square and Lower Downtown (also called LoDo by locals), as well as the modern buildings throughout the city. The cost of living is higher in Denver than in other parts of the state but with a walk score of 71, it’s easy to get around Denver without needing a car.
- Population: 170,243
- 1-BR median rent: $1,382
- 2-BR median rent: $1,657
- Median home price: $499,000
- Median household income: $65,866
- Walk Score: 42/100
The last city on Interstate 25 before you hit the Wyoming border, Fort Collins is in northern Colorado. The city is 60 miles north of Denver and situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains alongside the scenic Cache Le Poudre River, where those who live in Fort Collins enjoy world-class whitewater rafting.
The family-friendly community includes a charming downtown, Swetsville Zoo and the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Fun fact: Fort Collins is home to 20 craft breweries and produces 70 percent of Colorado’s craft beer and 7 percent of the craft beer in the country.
- Population: 157,935
- 1-BR median rent: $1,764
- 2-BR median rent: $1,962
- Median home price: $539,000
- Median household income: $66,740
- Walk Score: 51/100
Just shy of eight miles west of Denver, Lakewood is one of the capital’s suburbs and tucked against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Great schools and an active community make Lakewood very appealing for those who want easy access to Denver without the hustle and bustle of a larger city. Apartments in Lakewood are a bit more affordable than in Denver, and the area offers locals hundreds of hiking and biking trails, lakes and creeks and local breweries.
- Population: 48,065
- 1-BR median rent: $1,814
- 2-BR median rent: $2,452
- Median home price: $600,000
- Median household income: $76,015
- Walk Score: 47/100
A suburb of Denver, Littleton is a family-friendly community 10 miles south of the capital. Kids can try out their hockey acumen or other activities at the South Suburban Complex and Family Sports Center, and in the summer, get a tennis game in or cool off at Splash Park at Robert F. Clement Park.
The suburb is home to some of Colorado’s best-rated public schools and while the walking score is at 47, the RTD light rail with stops in Littleton makes it easier to commute to Denver and nearby cities.
- Population: 57,706
- 1-BR median rent: $2,491
- 2-BR median rent: $2,287
- Median home price: $756,000
- Median household income: $110,934
- Walk Score: 26/100
A suburban city loaded with arts and culture and 30 minutes from Denver, those who live in Parker love meeting up with friends at nearby coffee shops or parks. Cherry Creek River flows through this family-friendly community and Sulphur Gulch Trail travels along its namesake and onto Cherry Creek Trail, making this one of the best places to live in Colorado.
- Population: 141,464
- 1-BR median rent: $1,834
- 2-BR median rent: $1,759
- Median home price: $578,100
- Median household income: $79,411
- Walk Score: 39/100
Located about 11 miles straight north of Denver, Thornton combines the advantages of a suburban community with easy access to larger city amenities and attractions. The suburb is a family-friendly community complete with movies in the park, summer concerts and a Harvest Fest in the fall.
Arts enthusiasts love taking in all the public art throughout the city and taking advantage of the Globeville Riverfront Art Center (GRACe) which is home to over 80 visual artists working on various media, from painting and fiber arts to photography and jewelry-making.
Find an apartment for rent in one of the best places to live in Colorado
There’s more to Colorado than just great skiing and outdoor living, although those who love the outdoors will find plenty to keep them entertained. No matter your budget or lifestyle preferences, there are great apartments for rent in Colorado. The hard part will be narrowing down your choices.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a median calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Apartment Guide and Rent.com as of October 2021.
Median home prices are from Redfin as of October 2021.
Population and median household income are from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The information in this article is for illustrative purposes only. This data herein does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.