The Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2023 for Young Adults
Why do you want to move to Colorado? That is the question to ask yourself. Is it the mountains? Is it the people? Do you want the secluded area of Jefferson County where it’s just dirt roads, mountain views, and few people? Or do you want the hippie lively city of Denver with a lot to do, tons of people to meet, and busy streets? Are you someone who wants to move to Colorado but does not know where they will fit in best? . Well, I was once in your situation and I was faced with the same questions.
The best way to make an informed decision about where to move to Colorado is by getting the advice of people who have done it. Colorado is my favorite state in the United States, but where you choose to live is important to make sure you get exactly what you’re looking for.
Not only am I going to give you the best places to live in Colorado in 2023 for young adults, but I am going to break down why each location is perfect for what you’re looking to get out of where you live.
Most people who move to Colorado in their 20’s and 30’s are looking for adventure and a way to connect with nature. If this is how you feel, you’re on the right track. Colorado has everything you are looking for as a young adult looking for adventure, purpose, social activity, and career oriented goals. Colorado is primarily a young state and tends to be a state that people in there 20’s and 30’s flock to.
In this article I will give you the top 5 best places to live in Colorado in 2023 for young adults and the reasons why each town or city would suit your needs. Ultimately, the decision is left to you but life is short to not climb that damn mountain, and in Colorado you can climb some of the biggest.
Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2023 for Young Adults
#5 Denver, Colorado.
Are you surprised? Denver of course makes the list of the best places to live in Colorado in 2023 for young adults. If you love to socialize and want a busy city feel, this is the place for you.
The job market in Colorado is booming and if you’re looking to make big moves with your career, Denver is most likely the way to go. Denver also has an international airport, making it easy for those who travel to get to and from Denver.
Denver is a walkable town and even though it gets cold, there are more sunny days than Florida! Therefore, it could snow in the morning, and all the snow could be melted by the afternoon and you could be walking down the streets of Denver in your t-shirt in January.
Location
What are the highlights of living in Denver, Colorado?
The job market in Denver is booming, and you likely wont have a tough time finding work close by due to many corporation’s being based out of this city. According to a new study released by career builder, Denver has the 7th highest salary average in the United States, for a average of $80,500 annually.
Denver is home to the Colorado Rockies and Coors Field Stadium where tickets are not that pricey to enjoy a good baseball game. Denver also has Ball Arena where many popular artists preform.
Other popular attractions in Denver are: union station, Denver botanic gardens, Denver art museum, the Denver zoo, Lamier street, the international church of cannabis, the downtown aquarium, and much more.
What is the Cost of living in Denver?
The Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2023 for Young Adults
#4 Breckenridge, Colorado.
Breckenridge is certainly an expensive town to live in Colorado, but it is not as pricey as the other popular mountain towns such as Vail and Aspen. Breckenridge also is more attractive to young people compared to the other ski towns.
Where is Breckenridge Located?
I-70 runs through the popular mining towns: Idaho springs, Georgetown, and Silver Plume as well as three popular ski towns: Loveland, copper mountain, and Vail. Right before Copper Mountain you will get off interstate 70 in the town of Frisco, Colorado and continue about 20 minutes south towards Breckenridge.
What are the highlights of living in Breckenridge?
Breckenridge is a popular ski town where many tourists visit for winter activities. If you love the snow and the activities that come with winter, Breckenridge is the town for you. Breckenridges center is Main Street with an adorable ski town vibe that has resturaunts, breweries, bars, stores, and cafes. P.s…I scream gelato and Crepes a la cart are a MUST on main street.
Breckenridge’s outdoor activities are endless, whether its winter skiing or summer hiking there is always something to do in Breckenridge to enjoy nature. Breckenridge has one of my favorite views on boreas pass road, it is a narrow dirt road that leads to a beautiful view of Breckenridge. You can’t live in Breckenridge without trying to hike on of Colorado’s famous 14’ner’s, Quandary Peak. I hiked Quandary Peak in June 2022, and it was one of the most exhuasting and rewarding things I have ever done in my life.
What is the Cost of Living in Breckenridge?
While Breckenridge is an incredible place to live it is also 78% higher than the rest of Colorado. The cost of living in Breckenridge is 145% higher than the national average, but 16.8% more affordable than living in its neighbor mountain town, Vail.
The median housing price in Breckenridge is over $965,000, typically you will not find a house for less than a million dollars in this popular mountain town. If you can swing the price, Breckenridge is certainly a dream town to live in for young adults in 2023.
The Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2023 for Young Adults
#3 Arvada, Colorado.
Do you want to live in a great location that is close to everything in Colorado but don’t want to get stuck with a hefty monthly price tag?
Arvada is one of the most affordable places to live in Colorado in 2023. There are certainly towns in Colorado that are cheaper, but in terms of location this hot spot is a winner for anyone who is trying to move to Colorado on a budget.
Where is Arvada Located?
Arvada is about 20 minutes west of Denver. It is located about 1.5-2 hours from the mountain towns like Vail and Breckenridge on I-70. The Red Rocks Amphitheater is only about 20 minutes from Arvada. The Rocky Mountains and Colorado Springs are both about a 1.5 hour drive from Arvada, making it a central location to all of the hot spots of Colorado.
What are the highlights of living in Arvada?
Arvada has a great nightlife scene in Olde Town Arvada. It is a little street closed to traffic with restaurants, events, breweries, and boutiques. This urban artsy town has many events with free music on the weekends which is great for those who like to go out and socialize. Lady Nomada is a modernized western tex-mex restaurant with amazing margaritas and ambiance.
Arvada is also close to many mountain trails, the red rocks amphitheter, Boulder, and Denver. The location and price of this town make it one of the best places to live in Colorado in 2023 for young adults.
What is the Cost of Living in Arvada?
Although Arvada is the more affordable area west of Denver, it is still 13% more expensive than the United States average. Compared to the popular mountain towns, Arvada is on the cheaper side, with the same access to all the amazing attractions Colorado has to offer.
The average rent in Arvada in 2023 is generally around $1452-$1725 for a one bedroom apartment. The Arvada housing market is very competitive however, along with the rest of Colorado. The average housing price in Arvada as of late 2022 is $580,000.
If you are looking for some of the cheapest places to live in Colorado, Arvada is on the list along with Loveland, Aurora, Fort Collins, Longmont, Thornton, Brighton, Greenly, and Northglenn. Colorado is an expensive place to live, but you can still make it happen in one of these wonderful mountain towns.
The Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2023 for Young Adults
#2 Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is only about 25 minutes northwest of Denver and it is a beautiful hippie town with gorgeous mountain views. If you wanted a great social scene but more connected with nature, Boulder is for you.
Boulder has the famous strip, pearl street with shopping, restaurants, bars, and street entertainment. Boulder is also home to the famous flatiron mountains which houses the popular flatiron trails, Chautauqua Trailhead, and the royal arch trailhead.
Boulder is one of the most popular places to live in Colorado for young people, and after experiencing this lively mountain town, I understand why.
Where is Boulder Located?
What are the highlights of living in Boulder, Colorado?
This suburban city is bustling with things to do as one of the most popular cities to live in Colorado. The famous Pearl Street is a strip of stores, restaurants, bars, and entertainment that lie within view of boulders flatiron mountains. Avanti is a 4 story food market which has also become a popular nightlife scene in Boulder on Pearl Street. Pearl street hosts many events, concerts, and festivals all year round making it a great place to live in Colorado for young adults.
One of the most popular things to do in Boulder is outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, trail running, are more common activities here in Colorado than you would see is any other state. If you wanted to pick up an outdoor activity, this is the place to do it. This community thrives on an active lifestyle and love for the outdoors.
Some of the best hikes in Colorado are right here in Boulder. The famous flatiron mountain trails, the royal arch trail, Santina’s trail, flat iron vista trail, and Eldorado canyon trails and all within 15 minutes of each other.
What is the Cost of Living in Boulder?
Boulder is an expensive town compared to other towns in Colorado. The cost of living in Boulder is about 28.9% higher than the national average, and prices are expected to increase over the next year. Average rent in Boulder in 2023 is $1850 for a one bedroom. The housing market in Boulder is pricey with an average median of $950,000 in 2022.
The Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2023 for Young Adults
#1 Golden, Colorado
The number one spot on the list of places to live in Colorado for young adults is the beautiful mountain town of Golden, Colorado. This up and coming town is a place you want to snag before it blows up in 2023.
Golden was not always a hopping town in Colorado, it has recently seen an influx of young people moving there due to its location, downtown growth, outdoor activity access, and growing food scene.
Golden has many popular hiking areas such as: North Table Mountain, South Table Mountain, White Ranch Park, Clear Creek Valley, and Lookout Mountain.
Golden has a historic downtown that has been updated and built up with tons of restaurants, breweries, and shops. Golden is home to the famous Coors Brewery and there are also 8 other craft breweries in this stunning mountain town. The Colorado school of mines is a school located in the city with a popular geology museum.
Golden is right where the suburbs meet the desolate mountains making it a prime location and the best place to live in Colorado.
Location
What are the highlights of living in Golden?
- Outdoor Activities: With easy access to the mountains, Golden is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and more.
- Historic Downtown: Golden has a charming downtown area with brick storefronts and historic buildings that date back to the 1800s. You can stroll through the streets, visit local shops and restaurants, and explore the history of the town.
- Cultural Attractions: Golden is home to several museums, including the Colorado Railroad Museum and the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum. These museums offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the area.
- Local Events: Golden hosts several annual events, including the Buffalo Bill Days festival, the Golden Fine Arts Festival, and the Colorado Cowboy Gathering. This year they started an event called Goldens in Golden, where all golden retrievers gather in downtown golden, how cute is that? These events offer opportunities to celebrate the community and its culture.
- Scenic Views: With the mountains as a backdrop, Golden offers stunning views of the surrounding area. You can take a drive up Lookout Mountain for panoramic views, or hike up one of the nearby peaks for an even closer look at the scenery.
What is the Cost of Living in Golden?
The cost of living in Golden, Colorado is 17% higher than the national average. The average rent in Golden as of the end of 2022 in $1695 for a one bedroom. Golden has a competitive housing market with the average housing median price being $732,000.
The Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2023 for Young Adults
Some other best places to live in Colorado in 2023 for Young Adults
- Beaver Creek, Colorado
- Castle Rock, Colorado
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Westminster, Colorado
- Broomfield, Colorado
- Parker, Colorado
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado is an amazing place to live for young adults. Whether you are single and looking to meet people, in a relationship looking to indulge in nature with your partner, or you have a family and want to raise your kids in an area with a ton of kid-friendly outdoor activities, Colorado checks all the boxes.
2 responses to “The Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2023 for Young Adults”
Thank you for this. What do you think about Longmont?
Oh my gosh, thank you for all these great tips and advice