outside denver metro
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Colorado areas
Deciding where to live in Colorado is a hard decision - not just because it's a large one but because Colorado is home to so many amazing spaces. Your unique story, lifestyle, goals, and interests are the determining factor in which area is right for you. Take our Colorado Profile Quiz below and learn about the different areas of Colorado - Urban, Suburban, Mountains, and Rural - and more specifics on all they have to offer.
Below you have a curated breakdown of the Top 3 Locations in each Colorado area, comparable across the board by everything from cost of living to population density and snow level - always supported by the experienced voice of Tiffany Hughes, the CO Mortgage Gal.
Outside Denver Metro
With increase in metropolitan home prices and the ability to telecommute, more and more families are moving to less known and less expensive towns around the state. North and South of Denver along the I-25 Corridor, there are several small towns that offer big benefits to living outside Metropolitan Denver as well as East in more rural communities, and South in the four corners region of the state. I have lived in just about every region of the state at one time or another and have travelled to and through these areas as well. They are all, unique in their own special way and have a lot to offer based on your preferred lifestyle. Many of which have made the Top 150 Best Places to live in the U.S. 2021-2022, According to US News and World Report. Keep checking back, as we will add new areas and towns regularly to help you make the best decision about where you would like to live when you decide to make the move and relocate to Colorado.
The CO Mortgage Gal's Top Areas Outside Denver Metro to Consider are:
Fort Collins
population
174,081 (2021)
Elevation
5,003 FT
Average Home price
$470,000
Schools
Poudre School District RE-1
Climate
Moderate to Extreme
It is no wonder that Fort Collins is ranked as #17 Top Places to Live in the U.S., due to its beauty and laid back lifestyle. Fort Collins has so much history and character, from the trolly that runs down Mountain Avenue and it's historical homes, to 'Old Town' structures and buildings with stories from another time, more than a century ago.
This town is well known for its craft beer and outdoor recreation. Being home to New Belgium Brewery and close proximity to Lory State Park, Horsetooth Reservoir and Poudre Canyon, it is not uncommon to spend the morning hiking or mountain biking in the foothills and hanging out on a patio at a brewery or distillery in the afternoon. This town offers a unique, laid back lifestyle not easily found in other cities around Colorado.
Fort Collins is home to Colorado State University, the second largest public state University in Colorado. It is home to more than 33,000 students, many of which stay through the summer and after graduation because of the beauty and chill atmosphere . With the influx of students every fall, it does increase the population of the town by nearly 20% in the fall.
Fort Collins has some great claims to fame. It's the home to author, Temple Grandin. A League of Their Own (1992 movie featuring Madonna and Tom Hanks) had scenes filmed at CSU and Walker. Walker Texas Ranger was also filmed in this small town. But, the most famous fact of all is that downtown Ft. Collins was the inspiration behind Disney’s Mainstreet.
Climate: Fort Collins has a January low of 15 degrees and a July high of 87 degrees.
Average Snowfall: 48 inches/yr
Learn More about Living in Fort Collins:
Why the colorado mortgage gal loves Ft. Collins:
"Growing up in this town truly shaped who I am today. I love this town, it has so much down home love and character without too much political or city influence to lose its true authenticity."
— Tiffany Hughes, Mortgage Professional
Boulder
population
105,003 (2021)
Elevation
5,328 FT
Average Home price
$736,600 (June 2021)
Schools
Boulder Valley School District
Climate
Moderate to Extreme
Boulder, Colorado is a gorgeous little town set at the base of the Flatirons in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. This town is primarily known for its beautiful campus at the University of Colorado, its historic collection of high priced homes in the downtown district and its close proximity to the foothills providing a multitude of outdoor activities.
It was once known as a popular hippie town back in the 1960’s, but has now become more known for outdoor activities, progressive politics and home to a hand full of well known tech companies such as Apple, Cisco, IBM and Google Boulder.
In all its beauty and charm, Boulder has become one of the most expensive cities in Colorado due to the limited regulations on building out and up. They have preserved their open land and limited the ability to build up, unless it is part of University of Colorado. With the limited amount of building space available and the continued high demand to live in Boulder, It is now 30% higher than Denver and 76% higher than the rest of the nation to buy a home in Boulder. So, if you are thinking of moving to Boulder for the amazing views and lifestyle, it will come with a very expensive price tag.
Boulder's Claim to Fame: Consistently topped the lists for happiest and healthiest places to live in the US. Ranked #1 on US World Report for “Best Places to Live 2021 – 2022”.
Average Snowfall: 71 inches/yr
Why the colorado mortgage Gal loves Boulder:
"Boulder is such a beautiful town with so much character and unique charm. I love that it is only 20 minutes from Eldora ski area, which is fantastic place for young kids to learn to ski."
— Tiffany Hughes, Mortgage Professional
