Top 10 Places to Buy a Home in Colorado

Colorado has been a tourism hotspot for years. Increasingly homebuyers are choosing our colorful state when looking to relocate. Why wouldn’t you? The “Centennial State” is awash with natural beauty, vast outdoor recreational activities, a booming economy, and dozens of fantastic cities with friendly tax rates. The only problem you might run into when deciding to move to Colorado is choosing which city fits you best. Colorado has something to offer everyone. To help guide you through the Colorado marketplace, we have listed our choices of the top 10 places to live in Colorado.

You do not think of moving to Colorado without thinking of Denver. It is one of the largest cities in the state and home to some of the most prominent businesses. The weather is well known for being fantastic, as locals love to boast about enjoying 300 days of sunshine a year. The citizens of Denver tend to be progressive, friendly, and very proud of the “Mile High City.” The economy is consistently good, with a heavy emphasis on healthcare and wellness, aerospace, bioscience, IT software, broadcast and telecommunications, financial services, and energy. Denver citizens have the benefit of living in a fast-paced city stocked full of high-end amenities, restaurants, and parks while also being close to some of Colorado’s most beautiful natural attractions.

Thirty miles north of Denver lies the beautiful town of Castle Rock. Named for the castle-shaped rock formation perched on a mesa on the edge of town, Castle Rock is situated on the southern edge of metropolitan Denver and serves as the seat of Douglas County. Real estate in Castle Rock is a natural choice for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. This community boasts 50 parks, trails spanning 88 miles, and 57,000 acres of open green spaces. The city's central location allows you to be close to big city attractions while staying in a small-town environment. But don’t think you will be losing out on any amenities by living in Castlerock! There are several shopping outlets in Castle Rock, as well as the Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course.

Highlands Ranch is a little less than 15 miles south of Denver. What was once a plot of land set aside for cattle has now been transformed into one of the most highly sought suburbs of metropolitan Denver. Combining fantastic weather, spacious luxury neighborhoods, and a multitude of outdoor amenities has allowed this town to grow rapidly. Highlands Ranch is also home to the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion, a magnificent 250-acre historic park that reflects the life and times of early pioneers in Colorado. The views in Highlands Ranch are incredibly hard to beat.

Aspen is known the world over, famous for its culture of good health, entertainment, and outdoor sports, especially skiing. While Aspen has a rich reputation for being an international tourist destination, the citizens maintain a bit of a luxury western feel, complete with ranches, rodeos, and horseback riding. There is an abundance of top-rated chef-driven restaurants, bars, and coffee shops dotting Aspen, and the arts and cultural scene are world-class, with Aspen playing host to several anticipated festivals throughout the year, including the world-famous FOOD & WINE Classic.

Grand Junction has long been known as one of the best places to live in Colorado and the second-best place to retire in the United States. A lower cost for housing and utilities allows the citizens of this beautiful hidden gem to spend more time on the things that matter to them. With loads of sunshine and fantastic temperatures, the residents of Grand Junction enjoy spending their time outdoors on one of their five golf courses, including the historic Lincoln Park golf course, which opened in 1926. Don’t worry if golf is not your thing; the Colorado National Monument, Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Grand Mesa National Forest, and the Colorado River are all in proximity to Grand Junction as well as the Mesa Mall, western Colorado’s premiere shopping destination.

Aurora, located 25 minutes from Denver, is the third largest city in Colorado. Often referred to as “the gateway to the Rockies,” this active city is a great place for family-friendly residency. The job growth in Aurora has been strong, with the healthcare and tech sectors helping to boost employment numbers. This city's cultural arts district provides an anchor to its rich, creative programs, including the Aurora Symphony Orchestra, the Aurora History Museum, and the Art in Public Places program.  Aurora would be a great choice for those searching for a family-friendly environment with excellent educational opportunities and a multitude of fun activities for all ages, as well as some of the most exciting houses available in Arapahoe County real estate.

Colorado Springs, approximately 60 miles south of Denver, is the second-largest city in Colorado. Settled in the shadow of Pikes Peak, the town's high elevation and clean air make it an excellent place to train athletes. “The springs” is home to the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, playing a large part in Colorado’s long-standing tradition of sending athletes to the Winter Olympics. The city is separated into several charming neighborhoods, including the exciting bustle of downtown, several modern housing developments, and the historical charm of Old Colorado City.

Forbes recently crowned Fort Collins as the best place to live in Colorado, as well as the state’s most underrated city. It’s not too difficult to see why. This town, home to Colorado State University, has been growing quickly, and yet it still manages to maintain a small-town feel. Fort Collins hosts a large number of live events throughout the year and is well known for its prolific number of craft beer breweries. While the interior of the city is constantly growing, with luxury shopping and housing becoming more available, Fort Collins still has a hearty culture of outdoor activities, hosting several marathons and having easy access to outdoor trails and open spaces.

Boulder was named the “happiest city in the United States” in 2017 by National Geographic. Sitting in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains Front Range, Boulder is a perfect setting for those who love outdoor living. Boulder Creek offers kayaking, tubing, and swimming, while Boulder Reservoir can serve up wakeboarding and water skiing. If you would rather hit the trails, Boulder Canyon is local, while you can find Indian Peaks Wilderness, Eldorado Canyon State Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park minutes away.

Lakewood is one of the nicest places to live in Colorado. Sitting southwest of Denver, Lakewood combines the best of all worlds: great schools, friendly neighbors, low unemployment rates, instant access to open spaces and hiking trails, and an abundance of affordable luxury housing, including single-family luxury homes, condos, and newly built townhomes. Bear Creek Lake Park is central to Lakewood, offering fishing, hiking, kayaking, an archery range, and horseback riding.

When you are ready to buy your new Colorado home, let the agents at Denver R.E.S help you. Contact a realtor today.