12 top places to live in Colorado -2-

Colorado Springs has exploded in popularity over the years because of its proximity to the state capital, breathtaking scenery and burgeoning food and craft brewery scenes. The population is around 490,000, but the growth rates are remarkably high, which has earned Colorado Springs the title of the second-largest city in the state. Anyone hoping to relocate here will have their pick of neighborhoods, each different from the last. The cost of living here is around 5% higher than the national average. Still, it's remarkably more affordable to put down roots here than in Denver, which makes it an attractive option for growing families and young professionals willing to live outside the state capital.

Residents never grow bored in this vibrant, active and lively city. The natural beauty provides an excellent backdrop for adventures like hiking Pikes Peak, soaring down white-water rapids, cycling the local parks and trails, visiting the mountain zoo and taking leisurely strolls through the community's variety of museums and attractions. Anyone itching for a burst of adrenaline will appreciate soaring over the Royal Gorge on the country's highest zip line, and those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground can spend hours taking in the scenery at the iconic Garden of the Gods. After working up a sufficient appetite, locals recommend making a pit stop at one of the many local breweries, such as Cerberus Brewing Company, to refuel with drinks and appetizers.

What is the job market like in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is known for its aerospace and defense sectors, with major employers like Northrop Grumman (NOC) and Lockheed Martin (LMT) contributing significantly to the local economy. The tech industry has expanded rapidly, too, drawing in companies like Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Oracle (ORCL). Healthcare is another boon to the area, led partly by local giants like Penrose-St. Francis Health Services and UCHealth. Tourism and outdoor recreation round out the significant industries in the city, with plenty of opportunities for careers in hospitality or adventure sports companies. There are plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs across all sectors in Colorado Springs.

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Denver

Putting down roots in Denver means you can prepare to embrace a clever blend of urban sophistication with outdoor adventure. Otherwise known as the "Mile-High City" due to its elevation at around 5,280 feet, this popular western destination has a worldwide reputation for its vibrant cultural scene, world-class museums, theaters and music venues, and endless outdoor recreation and exploration opportunities.

Sports fans are equally happy to call this city home with its many professional teams, ranging from the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies to the Denver Nuggets. Denver is a big-time foodie city, so whether looking to eat local, satisfy brunch cravings or try something off-the-beaten-path, residents have endless options to choose from.

Professionals and growing families are glad to find the city boasts a strong economy with significant industries like technology, healthcare and energy, all adding to a better sense of job security and market diversity.

The housing market can be competitive and varies significantly depending on what buyers are interested in. The overall cost of living is around 11% higher than the national average and 5% higher than the state average, and one study suggests a salary of around $71,000 is needed to live comfortably in the city.

What is there to do outside in Denver?

One of the most compelling reasons to move to Denver is the access to outdoor activities. This area is a veritable paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an abundance of adventures all year long. Residents have easy access to hiking, mountain biking and trail running, and world-class destinations like Rocky Mountain National Park and Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre are close enough for weekend excursions.

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In the winter, world-class skiing and snowboarding await in nearby resorts in Aspen, Vail and Breckenridge, and Denver itself boasts a substantial network of urban parks and green spaces like City Park and Cheesman Park. South Platte River also runs through the city and is an excellent resource for anyone interested in kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing.

Fort Collins

Besides being a downright beautiful place to live, Fort Collins is an active, vibrant and thriving community in the northern region of the Centennial State. Bolstered by the presence of Colorado State University, which acts not only as a draw for new residents but also as a major employer in the community, making the city a great place to settle down for recent college grads. Fort Collins enjoys a strong and diverse economy with technology, education and healthcare industries. Its desirable location against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains also makes it easy to hike, bike and explore the breathtaking natural beauty this part of the country offers.

Families and young professionals are often drawn to this burgeoning city partly because of the vibrant cultural scene. Fort Collins has a reputation for being a "craft beer mecca," and you'll never want for new breweries to explore on a leisurely Saturday afternoon.

Low crime rates, excellent healthcare facilities and a strong sense of community also make up the city's bones, which understandably leaves an impression on anyone hoping to raise their children in a place that offers diverse educational and entertaining attractions and opportunities.

What is there to do in Fort Collins?

You can get up to just about anything in Fort Collins. Outdoor enthusiasts like exploring the Horsetooth Reservoir, Cache la Poudre River, and miles of hiking and biking trails in the surrounding Rocky Mountains.

Because the city is known for its craft beer, connoisseurs can find a multitude of local breweries that offer tours and tastings. History buffs can visit the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery and the preserved 19th-century Old Town district. At the same time, art lovers can spend their days soaking up the community's many galleries and cultural events.

Families are equally pleased with their hometown and like to spend time at places like the Fort Collins Museum, the Gardens on Spring Creek and the interactive Fort Fun amusement park.

Greeley

With a population of around 109,000 people and the title of the 10th most populated city in the Centennial State, Greeley inarguably makes a list of best places to live for families, professionals and retirees.

Besides being a short 50-mile jaunt to the state capital, Greeley boasts a reasonable cost of living, top-rated healthcare, excellent schools and many entertaining and educational activities, events and attractions. Paired with its vibrant and growing economy, it's no wonder more and more people from the region are choosing to put down roots in this active and lively community.

Greeley locals will be quick to note that they love spending time in the great outdoors. Colorado often sees more than 300 sunny days per year, and the four distinct seasons combined with the iconic western landscapes means you can find something to do outdoors no matter what the weather brings. Ice skating at Greeley Ice Haus and sledding at one of the 57 city parks are common winter pastimes, while summer brings everything from hiking the lengthy Poudre River Trail to golfing at Highland Hills. You can even find indoor water parks complete with lazy rivers and adrenaline-rushing waterslides for children and adults of all ages. The city is also home to many quality grade schools and plenty of popular events like the Greeley Stampede and Greeley Blues Jam.

What is the economy like in Greeley?

Greeley is a much more affordable place to settle down for anyone looking to keep a Colorado zip code. The median income is around $47,000, and the average housing costs are almost half what you would find in Denver. The job market runs the gamut from positions in agriculture and education to healthcare and natural gas exploration, as well as manufacturing roles and careers in technology and transportation.

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Littleton

Bursting with Gold Rush stories, outdoor adventures, and a burgeoning craft beer scene, Littleton could easily take the cake for the best place to live in the Centennial State. Putting down roots here places you a short 20-minute drive from Denver. Still, the slower pace of life offers the chance for residents to exhale from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a more leisurely time surrounded by friends, family and some of the most scenic natural landscapes the Rockies offers.

Despite being only 13 square miles in size, Littleton is packed with fun things to do and delicious things to eat (and drink). Bacon Social House and Kate's Wine Bar are popular haunts for those keen on all things culinary and craft brew. At the same time, the historic downtown is ripe with galleries, boutiques and curiosities like The Chocolate Therapist, the Walk the Chalk Festival and the Colorado Pinball Pub.

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Families are drawn to the community's distinctive schools, easy commute to the state capital and a multitude of family-friendly gems like the Littleton Historical Museum, Chatfield State Park and Foothills Ice Arena - indeed, Littleton ranks as one of the 5 Best Cities for Families in Colorado.

Is it expensive to live in Littleton?

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