If you’re looking for a place to live with a focus on health and nature, Colorado is a great choice.
Home to the world’s largest hot springs swimming pool and the world’s largest flat-top mountain, the Centennial State is sought after by families, young people, and everyone in between.
If you’re thinking about moving to Colorado, this post will give you everything you need to know.
If you’re looking for a local mover to help you relocate, don’t forget to check out our complete guide to hiring movers in Boulder CO!
A Short History
Colorado was the 38th state to join the union in 1876. It’s the eighth largest state by landmass and is located in the Rocky Mountain region in the west.
The natural resources attracted the ancient Pueblo people and later, Plain Indians. It wasn’t until the late 1500s that European settlers first came here and gave it the name Colorado because of the red-colored earth.
Fast forward to 1858, gold was discovered in the region and the trade boomed. Now, Colorado is one of the most desirable places to live in the US with a population of 5.6 million.
What it’s Like Living in Colorado?
Colorado is known for its high quality of living. It has great amenities, gorgeous weather, and some of the best scenery in the states. Colorado residents take health and wellness seriously, so there is an active outdoor lifestyle with plenty of hiking, cycling, and green spaces.
Top Things to Do in Colorado
There is no end of things to do in Colorado state, you’ll never be bored living here. Here are our favorite things to do in the state.
Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park
Millions of people from across the world come to Rocky Mountain National Park for the trails and unbelievable views. There are 147 different lakes and 355 miles of trails for hikers of all skill levels.
Visit Denver
Wherever you live in Colorado, Denver is a must-visit. The Mile High City has tons of museums, restaurants, cafes, and even the zoo to explore. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is a particular favorite for families, but you could easily spend the day wandering around Denver Botanic Gardens.
Surf at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Colorado is landlocked, so you won’t get any traditional surfing. But sand surfing down the huge dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a fun way to spend a Saturday.
Garden of the Gods
Just outside of downtown Colorado Springs, you’ll find the impressive rock formations in the Garden of the Gods. It’s a great walk in the sunshine and you’ll get some great views on the Perkins Central Garden Trail and the Palmer Trail.
Hike the Flatirons
Of course, no list of the best things to do in Colorado is complete without mentioning the Flatirons. If you’re ever in Boulder, you have to hike the Flatirons. The huge sandstone peaks have miles of hiking trails and incredible views.
Real Estate in Colorado
The median list price in Colorado is $561,000 and the average price per square foot is $249. It’s significantly more expensive than the national average, as expected, because CO is such a popular place to live.
Denver is the most popular area, with an average listing price of $650,000.
There’s an eclectic mix of home styles in Colorado, from Colonial and Colorado farmhouses to contemporary and craftsman homes.
If you’re looking to rent, a one-bed apartment will cost an average of $1389 per month. Whereas a two-bed will be more in the region of $1,750, depending on the neighborhood.
Colorado Neighborhoods
If you’re looking for the best neighborhoods in Colorado, here are the four most popular (and hardest to get into).
1. Castle Rock
Around half an hour outside of Denver, Castle Rock is popular because of the incredible amenities and open spaces. It overlooks the Colorado Valley so you get all the advantages of being within a city without feeling like you’re in the hustle and bustle.
2. Boulder
Boulder is incredibly sought-after because of the outdoor lifestyle. Boulder Canyon and Eldorado Canyon State Park are on your doorstep in Boulder, so hiking, biking, and climbing are all local favorites.
3. Colorado Springs
This is a more affordable area of Colorado and has the small-town charm that makes it another favorite. Another great area for nature lovers, there is plenty of outdoor activity for families. It’s also home to the US Air Force Academy.
4. Denver
This is by far the best place to live in Colorado. Right in the heart of the action, there is no end of restaurants, cafes, bars, sports, museums, and everything you could want in a city. It’s even in the top five cities for breweries and bars per capita – so if you’re looking for nightlife, this is the place for you.
Schools in Colorado
There are 4,595 schools in Colorado ranging from preschools to private schools. If you’re a young family looking for a great school district, the top five rated schools in the entire state are:
- Creede School
- Black Rock Elementary
- DSST Middle School @ Noel Campus
- Bear Canyon Elementary School
- Pawnee School PK-12
Costs of Living in Colorado
Colorado is above the national average for living expenses, so it’s important to think about the cost of living when you’re looking to move here.
According to a study, these are the average costs of living in CO:
- Utilities: $214.00
- Food: $553
- Healthcare: $340
- State taxes: $398.92
- Transportation: $627.61
When you take everything into account (including a mortgage), it costs an average of $5,600 a month to live in Colorado.
But don’t forget that the average income is also higher and there are plenty of high-paying job opportunities to give that lifestyle.
Planning on Moving to Colorado?
If you’re planning on moving to Colorado, you’ve picked an incredible city. From the community atmosphere to the outdoor lifestyle, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the happiest places in the United States.
If you’re looking for a reliable moving company to help you relocate, we can help. At Free Range Movers we have a range of moving services to help your move to Colorado go as smoothly as possible.
And if you haven’t started the packing process yet, make sure to check out our packing guide to make your life much easier.