BroncoFan

Galeton is a tiny town with only 141 inhabitants and lies in the upper north part of Colorado. There are no real amenities in this town and since it is so small there are no schools outside of an elementary. The elementary gets about average marks when it comes to state testing standards. Once the kids are done with elementary, they transfer to the schools in Eaton which are only about 10 minutes away. Eaton is also where residents of Galeton can eat out and do a little shopping, although not much as Eaton only has a population of about 4,700. The closest, decent sized town is Greeley which is about 20 minutes to city limits.

The homes in Galeton are mostly very small, single family homes. As you drive through town they seem a bit close considering how much land surrounds the place. There are also a fair share of mobile homes. As with many smaller towns, the median household income here is below state average, but so are the housing prices.

Richfield, Utah is one of those small towns that lies on Interstate 70 and has everything a traveler needs. There's more than a few hotels, gas stations, and restaurants. Many of the townspeople work in these types of places as this is one of the only decent sized towns in this part of Utah. You can find gas in other places, but for the most part, Richfield is it. Although I have stayed in Richfield several times, I will never forget how it looked the first time I drove in. There are gorgeous green valleys that are just breathtaking, all with the backdrop of snow capped mountains behind. It is one of the prettiest towns I've ever been in and though about staying in for more than just a night or two. In the outer lying areas there are a lot of small farms and ranches and you can see cattle grazing and horses running about. Although the town has just over 7,500 people, it seems smaller, in a friendly, down home kind of way. The people are all very nice, and they certainly don't rush around at the speed they do in the bigger cities. There's a relaxed attitude here where it seems as if people just enjoy one day at a time.

Although the median household income here is below the average of Utah, housing prices here are lower as well. The retail industry is the most common, which isn't surprising considering how much the town caters to travelers. The crime rate here is lower than the national average, and some years much lower. The school have very mixed reviews but overall they are about average when compared to the rest of Utah. Overall, I think this would be a neat little town to live in. The people are friendly, there's a declining rate of unemployment, and some spectacular views.

Roggen is a small farming community with only 523 residents. As it lies on I-76 there are also a lot of truckers who call this home as it's easy to jump on the highway. The homes are laid out on acreage and no two are alike. It's a pretty area in the spring and summer when things turn green, but can look cold and stark in the fall and winter. Although the average household income here is lower than the states average, so are the housing prices. There are a variety of sizes and shapes, but in the mix are some really cute, little older homes that look as if they've seen a lot of years and come out still looking nice.

There are no amenities in Roggen and as of the last time I passed through, I don't remember seeing any restaurants either. There is an elevator branch here but not much else. Residents need to travel elsewhere for shopping or dining and while there are a lot of little towns along I-70 where you can find things, Denver is just under an hour away, so it would be feasible to make the trip every week or two.

I would think this little town would appeal to those who don't like the big city or who want to try their hand at farming. There's lots of land here for cheaper than a lot of areas, nice people, and quick access to the highway.

Idledale is a small town just northwest of Morrison. This pretty area lies among winding streets in the foothills of the mountains. There are only 252 residents here and you can find a variety of home types at different prices scattered about. The median household income is around $70,000 which is about $15,000 more than the state average, although to buy a home here costs about $40,000 less than the state average. This makes the cost of living very good.

The area itself has no amenities so residents must travel to town to groceries to dine out. During the winter months the roads here can get icy and slick, but road crews do their best to keep it clean and passable. The schools here get above average ratings when compared to the rest of the state.

This would be a good area to live in for someone who doesn't like to be in the city but wants to be close enough for work or shopping.

Drake is a small little stop along Highway 34 located in the Big Thompson Canyon. As a Colorado native, I have to pause when I hear 'Big Thompson Canyon' as it always reminds me of the horrific flooding and the lives that were lost here when I was a very little girl. Back in 1976 was the worst flash flood the state has ever seen. During a four hour period, the mountains around Estes Park received between 12-14 inches of rain. The normally 18 inch deep water quickly rose to a wall of over 20 feet, and went barrelling down the canyon. This was during a time when there were no cell phones and no way to warn those farther down the canyon since the wall of water tore out phone poles (along with power lines, bridges, and homes) as it went. A state trooper lost his life trying to warn others and guide them to safety. In all, 144 people lost their lives and another 150 were hurt. Homes were literally washed away as were cars, many found with people inside them. The flood cost the state over $35 million dollars in damage, and took months to fix and repair roads, bridges, and homes. In 2001, 25 years after the horrific flood, a memorial marker was placed near the town of Drake listing the names of those who lost their lives.

Although Drake is a beautiful area, it is in a canyon with roads that wind back and forth. The easiest access is to Loveland and Estes Park, although the road to Loveland would seem to me to be easier to travel. It's well maintained, even in the winter, but as with many areas of Colorado, if there's enough snow, it may just be better to wait a day or two. Due to the high walls and angle of the sun, most of this area gets plenty of sunshine in the summer, but in the winter it's hit and miss, depending on where you are.

The cost of living in Drake is high, and even some of the smaller rustic cabins can cost what an average house does in town. While there are some great views and good fishing, Drake does have a lot of traffic at times, especially during the summer months. There are some bed and breakfast places, campgrounds, and an RV park, but overall there isn't much in the way of businesses or restaurants. I think the area is just lovely, but it has such graphic memories for me I couldn't live there.

Masonville is located just southwest of Fort Collins and is within 15 miles of Fort Collins, Drake, Loveland, Berthoud, Timnath, and Glen Haven. There is no real town here to speak of, but there is a small little mercantile. There are some homes on a lot of property and there is also an area with a few mobile homes, although from what I can tell they are pretty much clustered together. Overall, this is a very pretty area with gorgeous green fields and lots of foothills all around.

For anyone looking into ranching or just being a bit more remote, this seems like a great place to be. It's so close to so much and yet when you're here it seems as if you're a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The fields are so pretty and the whole area just has a serene feel to it.

Ridgway, Colorado is located in the southwestern part of the state, about 1/2 an hour south of Montrose. This town of only 928 lies at an elevation of 6,985 feet, and has some pretty incredible views, mostly of Mt. Sneffels. Since the town lies directly on the intersection of Highway 62 and 550 there is a lot of tourist traffic in the area considering some of the great spots to visit in Colorado are relatively close by. In addition to producing the Grammy Awards here, Ridgway also has several famous residents. Ralph Lauren, the fashion designer has a home here as well as Charles Ergen, founder of EchoStar, Danny Thompson, race care driver, and Peter Hessler, writer for both The New Yorker and National Geographic.

The main industry in Ridgway is construction, followed by accommodation and food services. The median household income is $56,798, and although this is about average for Colorado, the home prices here are pretty high with a median average of $386,209. This number is a bit inflated due to some of the properties in the outer lying areas which are on some acreage and have some pretty nice homes on them.

The schools in Ridgway all have above average results on testing standards, with the high school getting the highest marks. This is impressive as it typically works the other way, with scores dropping off as students get older.

Overall, I think this would be a great little town to live in. There are some great properties, scenic views, and enough restaurants to not make the residents want to leave just for a bite to eat. The people are friendly and there is a ton of outdoor activities nearby.

Globeville is a busy area of town that has been around for many years. You can see this in the very old churches in the neighborhood such as the St. Joseph Polish Catholic Church, which is visible from I-70 just east of I-25. For years this area has been heavily populated by immigrants. In the beginning it was Polish, Slavic, Russian, and German, although those demographics have certainly changed. This area gets very congested with traffic and although it may be convenient for residents to hop on one of these two major highways, I wouldn't recommend living here. This now predominantly Hispanic area (~75%) has traditionally low incomes and almost 23% live below the poverty line. Although some of the homes in the area are well kept, some of them are run down and a bit shabby looking, although you can certainly find a few gems here and there.

There is a lot of industrial business in this area and it detracts from the neighborhood. As you're driving down Washington Street, which is a major road in the area, it just feels a bit dingy with the buildings, several liquor stores, and just an unclean appearance. On the southwest side of I-25 and I-70 it's a bit of a different vibe. The schools of Auraria Campus have taken an old hotel and turned it into dorm rooms for students going to school there. They have a shuttle which takes students from there to the campus and they have a variety of things for the kids to do while there, such as a bowling alley. So depending on which part of Globeville you're in, you can have a very different opinion of it.

The Central Business District of Denver is a nice area with a professional but casual vibe to it. There are tons of things to see and do here, including art galleries and museums, and some good restaurants. Back when I had more time on my hands I used to love to come down here to just people watch for a while. It's a great area for transportation and there is a free shuttle ride along the 16th Street mall.

I'd recommend this area to anyone visiting the Denver area for a stroll around the city to do some shopping or just to see what Denver is all about.

Silver Cliff lies just over an hour west of Pueblo, and right next to West Cliff. These two small towns have grown next to each other, so it can be hard to distinguish one from the other. Silver Cliff has 590 residents and many of them work in construction or retail. The median household income is $44,650 and almost 17% of residents are living below the poverty level. Although there are different types of housing here, it's mostly single family detached homes, all on a little bit of property.

The area can look really pretty when it starts to green up in the springtime, and there are some really nice views of the mountains in the distance. Although I've only been here a couple of times, I have always found the residents to be very nice and friendly. There aren't too many amenities, although there is a lot to do if you're an outdoorsman.

Redlands is a really pretty area of western Colorado. It lies adjacent to both Grand Junction on the east and to Colorado National Monument, which is just southwest of it. CNM is a gorgeous park with incredible rock formations dating back 1.7 billion years ago. The formations stand tall and the canyons resemble those of the Grand Canyon. For anyone who is up in this area, it is well worth the visit to see this beautiful park.

Redlands itself has 8,685 residents, and many of the homes are single family. The homes are spread out, and although they are in neighborhoods, no one is stepping on anyones toes here. The yards and landscaping are all nice and well kept, and it's a very clean looking area. Although Grand Junction is just next door, there are enough stores and restaurants to keep residents within the city limits most of the time.

Many residents work in retail trade or professional, scientific, and technical services. The median household income here is $69,381 which is significantly higher than the state average. However, many of the homes here are much higher than the state average as well. A median priced single family home can go for around $344,877. In some of the newer areas the homes are semi-custom and tend to be a little closer together, compared to the older parts of Redlands.

The schools here are good and with so many outdoor adventures nearby, I think this would be a great place to raise a family.

As of the last census there are only 177 people living in the small town of Crowley, which lies just under an hour east of Pueblo. The most common industry is retail, which most of the people working in this field have to commute to do. The median household income is $19,256 with almost 32% of the residents living below the poverty level. On a good note, you can purchase a cute little single family detached home here for around $39,237. The town looks like it did years ago and the houses all have nice yards and the churches are all within walking distance. Although it's a bit remote, La Junta is just over a 1/2 hour away and there are more options for shopping and dining there, although for better options Pueblo is the place to go.

Although there isn't much to Crowley, there are some nice reservoirs nearby and I could see this being a neat little town for someone who wants to get away from it all and live on the cheap. It's close enough to shopping and dining that it doesn't take hours to do a trip, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle of city life. In town there is the Crowley County Heritage Center which is on the National Register of Historic Places. This used to be the old schoolhouse and it is a pretty neat old two story brick building.

Crestone is a rather unusual little town located in a remote area of southern Colorado. Although there's only 128 residents, the town has over 24 spiritual communities and centers, including the Temple of Consciousness (which is currently for sale if anyone is interested). The median household income here is $41,080, although the average median home goes for around $284,400, so the cost of living here is pretty high. Retail trade is the most common industry with over 32% of the population in it. The second most common industry is construction.

Many of the properties in Crestone are very unique and rely heavily on solar power. You can even find classes here on how to build your own solar powered home.

There are a couple of bed and breakfast places in addition to the spiritual centers and there are a lot of outdoor options for things to do nearby. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is less than an hour away and the nearby mountains have tons to do and see. There are some great views from this town as well.

It's amazing that Crestone has carried on after all these years. It got its start back in 1880 after gold was found nearby in Burnt Gulch and the population got to 2,000, however, in the surrounding areas on cattle ranches and homesteads there were over 10,000 people. Crestone has seen a rise and fall of the population over the years, at one point hitting a low of 40. Although not many residents call it home, it is busy with frequent visitors for hiking ,camping, and the spiritual centers. There are two cafes in town and a small natural grocers, but outside of that, there isn't much.

Fruitvale is located in between Grand Junction and Clifton on the western slope of Colorado. This town offers a variety of housing options, such as traditional neighborhoods and a rural setting where you can find small goat farms and green orchards alongside fields of growing corn. The cost of living here is really good, especially compared to some of the other towns close to Grand Junction. A median household income here is around $58,321 (about $3,000 over state average) and you can get an average median priced home for $227,000 which is about $10,000 lower than the state average, making the cost of living here pretty good.

The area in and around Fruitvale is very green and to the north are the Bookcliff Mountains which are very cool to see. There are tons of orchards in this area with all kinds of fruit trees and you can often find fruit stands along the road selling excellent, fresh fruit. This area is much less busy than nearby Grand Junction although being right next to Grand Junction allows residents to have a lot of amenities very nearby.

Fruita is a pretty area just west of Grand Junction off of I-70. About 12,600 people call Fruita home in this green valley that lies along the Colorado River. There are some really nice older homes in town and also some more, newer, and larger homes north of the highway. Although Grand Junction is so close and there are over 12,000 people living here, it always seems really quiet and laid back to me. There are tons of families living here and the schools are above average pretty much across the board. Although the median household income here is a bit higher than the state's average, so are the prices of homes, although it seems to even out in the end as far as cost of living. The main industry in Fruita is healthcare and social assistance, followed by construction, and then mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction.

While I would find it hard living this far from the Front Range, if I had to live on the Western Slope I would certainly consider Fruita. It has a nice family atmosphere with a couple of really good locally owned restaurants, a great dinosaur museum for kids, good schools, and a real laid back feel compared to the hustle and bustle of nearby Grand Junction. Less than 10 miles from Fruita heading towards Utah is a cool trail (about a mile and a half) called Rabbit Valley which has turned up some great dinosaur fossils. Recently they found the skull of what's thought to be the world's oldest Iguanodon skull. I've hiked this trail with my kids and it's pretty easy and there's marked stops along the way where you can see the imprints of dinosaur bones in the rocks. Some of the fossils they have found have come from Camarasaurus, Allosaurus, and Camptosaurus. There is also some great camping and mountain biking in the area.

Fort Lupton is a small town of almost 7,500 residents and lies just north of Brighton. The town itself is pretty quiet, unless you live by the train tracks which go through the center of town or near Highway 85. There has been a surge in population in the last 10 years with many new homes going up, and the increase of almost 10% of residents is evident to anyone who knows what Fort Lupton used to look like. Now there are more modern homes and a great golf course, along with some more modest homes in town which are still nice although small. During the mid 2000s there was a pretty high crime rate although it has significantly decreased over the last eight or so years. The schools here are traditionally pretty bad, rating only a 3 on a scale of 1-10, so there is great need for improvement. One nice thing about Ft. Lupton is there is a small, community college here. So for those residents who are looking to save money on a traditional four year degree, they can start at Aims Community College which is in town.

The town's population is about 55% white, followed by 42% Hispanic. The median household income in Fort Lupton is $49,170 which is just a bit below the average for Colorado. You can purchase an average, detached single family home here for around $183,000 so the cost of living is a little better here than some other places. The most common industry is construction, followed by retail trade.

About nine years ago when we were looking to move, my husband and I narrowed down our search to two places and Todd Creek was one of them. Unfortunately, we chose the other town and have regretted our decision ever since. The draw to Todd Creek for us was the location, which lies on either side of E-470. It's a quick trip to the airport, and also to other places we frequent, such as up E-470 through Lafayette to 36 and right to my favorite mall, Flatirons. You can find some beautiful semi-custom homes here, all on a few acres. There are some older homes here as well, although I don't know much about them. The area is wide and spread out and some of the roads are still dirt.

It's close to downtown and many other cities, so there is a ton of shopping and dining nearby in a few directions. The convenience of Todd Creek makes it desirable for many. While most of the newer homes are rather pricey, they are gorgeous on the inside. The median household income is $111,027 which is double that of the rest of the state. The homes are in the median price range of $550,000. The largest industry in Todd Creek is construction.

Westcliff, Colorado is located about an hour southwest of Canon City. This town of only 590 people is quiet and serene, pretty and clean. Although there aren't a lot of businesses here, there is a Family Dollar, a local chiropractor,a market, gas stations, and a couple of bed and breakfast places, one right on main street in a cute little home that looks as if it's been there for many years. For anyone who works out of there home and likes the quiet life, this may be a town to look into. The people here are friendly and nice, and the town has a real small town atmosphere.

Currently, homes in Westcliff are going for around $200,000 and the median household income is about $32,351. Unfortunately, almost 34% of the town's population is living below the poverty line. This can come as a surprise to anyone who has been here as the town is very nice looking and you don't see the types of homes you would associate with living in poverty. The crime rate here is really low, as are most smaller towns like this. Over 80% of the residents are white and the town's main industry is retail trade, followed closely by construction.

Overall, Westcliff is a really cute, good looking little town. Although it's remote, it may be the perfect place for someone looking to be part of a smaller community which has good schools for the kids.

Indian Hills is tucked up at the foot of the mountains west of Littleton and east of Evergreen. I go to Indian Hills at least once a summer because it is such a scenic place and my kids love to go to "Tiny Town." Tiny town began as Turnerville when a gentleman by the name of George Turner began building miniature buildings to entertain his young daughter back in 1915. It lay on the route for the Denver-Leadville stage coach and after only five years it was large enough to open to the public. After only four years of being open to the public, Tiny Town began drawing crowds of over 20,000 per year, all of them braving the rough mountain roads to get there. By the year 1927 Tiny Town was needing more attention than Mr. Turner could give it so he sold it. At the time there were over 125 of the miniature building including a post office, grocery store, school house, and more. They are all 1/6 actual size. Over the years there were several floods that damaged the place, but someone was always willing to get it back in shape. Some of the buildings had to be rebuilt (and were done to original spec) and recently in an old building nearby there were found some of the original houses Mr. Turner built, still in excellent condition. These houses are now on display in Tiny Town. During the early 1990s a train going around the property was put in and there is a little gift shop and concession area. At the far end is a playground for children and there are many places to have a picnic. Although it's not wildly amazing, it is a fun thing for families to do and see, and it can easily take up a summer afternoon.

The rest of Indian Hills has a lot to offer. It's close enough to the 'big city' to be close to shopping and dining, but far enough away to feel as if you're really in the mountains. Some of the views are really nice and when you go to the little ice cream shop in town the people are very friendly. Homes here can cost a pretty penny with an average home price of just under $400,000 but the salaries of residents are some of the highest in the state. There are almost 1,300 people living here so it's not really big enough for it's own school system, although there is an elementary here, which gets the highest rating possible. The most common industry is construction, followed by insurance and finance.

Overall, I think Indian Hills would be a great place to live, especially for those who love the mountains. There's plenty to do nearby in the outdoors and yet you're close enough to be near good hospitals and a lot of shopping and dining options.

Edwards is a pretty town located just west of Vail. There are ~10,000 residents in this mountain town in which many of the residents work in accommodation and food services. This industry is followed closely by construction, and in town you can see a lot of areas where building materials are stored. With the many resorts located nearby it's no wonder the largest industry includes accommodation and food services. Although the median household income in Edwards is over $30,000 higher than the state average, the homes here are almost $400,000 higher. Although this number includes many of the larger, custom built homes on premium land, there is still a very high cost of living in Edwards. Typically, everything in the mountains costs a little bit more, from food to gas to clothing, and when you add it up it can be prohibitive for some people to even consider living here.

When it comes to schools in Edwards it is really a mixed bag. They go from pretty terrible to very good, depending on the school. If you were to average them out though, they come out to being standard middle of the road for Colorado. However, with housing prices so high and so much money from property taxes you would think the residents would be able to have higher rated schools.

Another drawback to Edwards is that I-70 goes right through it. Since there's a Wendy's and gas station together this makes for a convenient stop for many travelers and there can be a lot of traffic. Once you get into the actual town where the homes are it mellows out and is nice and peaceful. There are definitely some great views here and I can see why some people would be drawn to the area.

Cedaredge is a small community with only about 2,250 residents. This isn't a true mountain town, although it lies at an elevation of 6,230 feet. There are some great views of the mountains around town though. Cedaredge lies in the Surface Creek Valley at the base of the world's largest mesa, Grand Mesa. Many things have stayed the same since the U.S. Army drove out the Ute Indians back in September of 1881. There are still many areas which are great for farming and ranching, and there are numerous orchards in the valley. The winters here are mild with light snow while the summertime can get pretty hot.

Educational services is the largest industry in this predominantly white town (almost 90% white). The median household income is $34,481 and although this is much lower than the state's average, it fall in line with housing prices. Most of the homes around town are single family detached, and there is a small area where there is a group of mobile homes. Most of the homes here lie on a little bit of acreage, even the ones in town, giving this area a more rural feel. There are numerous trees along the streets making this a very pretty place, especially in the spring and summertime.

There are four schools in town and students typically score higher than state average on testing standards. Overall there is a great community feel to the place - one where neighbors know and care about one another. One drawback to Cedaredge is how remote it is. The closest town is Delta, and Delta itself has under 9,000 residents so it's not too big either. For big shopping or a wide variety of dining options, residents can travel to Grand Junction which is just over an hour away.

Durango is certainly one of Colorado's hidden gems. I first discovered it when I had some friends go to school at Ft. Lewis College and I was immediately impressed. Although the town has almost 17,000 residents, in so many ways it seems smaller and more intimate. The homes are all charming and many of them have front porches where residents can sit and enjoy the views. Many of the homes are older and have a victorian look to them and from what I've seen they are all well taken care of and the area as a whole looks nice and well kept. There are some newer, more modern homes for sale up near the hospital though.

This predominantly white town (79%) works mostly in accommodation and food services, followed closely by educational services. The median household income is $44,209 and the average price for a detached home is $441,620. While this is really high, it does take into account some of the larger homes on some acreage which can go for well over several million dollars. However, when I looked online I found several of the smaller homes in town (typically less than 1,000 sq. ft.) were going for the low $300,000s which I personally think is highly overpriced.

There are numerous things to do in and around Durango that you're really only limited by your imagination. There's tons of hiking, camping, fishing, whitewater rafting, hunting, and more. It really is an outdoor lovers dream come true. In addition to all the outdoor activities, there are some pretty incredible views. Only about a half an hour away is Mesa Verde National Park which is a wonder to see in itself.

The one big drawback to Durango is the crime rate which is extremely high. I can only assume this is due in part to the college students and 'opportunistic' crime which is common near many campuses. Other than that one issue, I think Durango would be a great place to live for anyone who likes being near the mountains and loves the outdoors.

I was just in Clifton last weekend and I couldn't believe how much it has grown since I was there last (being fair, it's been well over 10 years). There are a lot of strip malls and many more restaurants than I ever would have thought. Although it's much more populated and busy, it is still a nice area. Clifton is very clean and has some great views of Mt. Garfield and also down along the river. At times, it is hard to distinguish it from its close neighbor, Grand Junction.

There are about 20,000 residents in Clifton now and although the median household income is lower than the state average, so are the home prices. All in all, it seems to be about equal.

There are tons of things to do in this neck of the woods and I can understand the desire to live here. There are a lot of outdoor activities available, tons of fresh fruit, and many organic farms nearby.

Dolores has long been populated by different people. Many archaeologists believe there have been people here for several thousands of years, including both the Ute and Navajo tribes. There are many Indian ruins nearby and it's believed that even the white man has been in the area since the early 1830s. It's no wonder people came here as it is very beautiful and the river nearby provided food and water. To this day fly fishing is still very popular in this area, as are many other outdoor sports such as hunting, camping, hiking and the like.

The largest industry in Dolores is currently accommodation and food services as there are more than a few bed & breakfast and hotels in the area. There are also more than a handful of locally owned restaurants. The median household income here is $38,451 and the housing costs are in line with the incomes.

There are only 936 people living in Dolores as of the last census, but for residents who may want more shopping and dining options or medical services, they only need to travel about 15 minutes to Cortez, which is a much larger town of about 10,000. The town's makeup is predominantly white at 84%, followed by Hispanic.

Lincoln Park lies just south of Canon City and is a mostly residential area. I've never been able to put my finger on it as to why, but it reminds me of an inner city residential area for some reason. The homes are smaller, single family homes for the most part and many of the residents work in Canon City. The largest industry here is retail trade and the median household income is $38,725 which is considerably less than the state average. However, you can also purchase a home here for much less. A single family detached home goes for around $208,512. The home prices here do reflect some issues in the area. In the 50s and 60s there was uranium being mined here and it contaminated the water and land. Although uranium diminishes over time, it never really goes away, so residents do have some risk factor for things such as cancer and fertility issues.

The area itself is located close to many things to do, such as hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, fishing, and many other outdoor adventures. The Royal Gorge Park is also close and has an amusement park, a 1,500 ft. suspension bridge, and is well known tourist attraction.

One drawback to the area is the prison system. There are maximum security prisons in both Canon City and nearby Florence. On the good side, these do provide a lot of jobs for the local population.

Rangely, Colorado lies right near the Utah border in northern Colorado in a remote location. Almost 45% of the town's population of 2,351 works in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas exploration, followed by educational services. The median household income in Rangely is $58,744 which is slightly higher than Colorado's average, although you can get a median priced home here for around $128,703 which is almost $100,000 below the state average, making this a place with a great cost of living. While the town is small, there is sufficient dining and shopping for necessary needs, although for larger shopping residents travel to Vernal, Utah which is about an hour away or to the much larger Grand Junction which is about an hour and 45 minute drive. So, Rangely is pretty remote.

One of the great things about Rangely is that there is a ton to do here. There's fishing, golf, hunting, swimming, and 16 different petroglyph sites to see hailing from the Ute and Freemont tribes. For visitors there are several motels and about 10 locally owned restaurants.

Westcreek is a very small little area northwest of Monument and there are only 129 residents as of the last census. The homes in this area are all on acreage and you can often see horses and barns scattered about. Other than the main road (State Highway 67) the roads are all still dirt and it can get dusty in the summers here. There are plenty of pine trees about and overall the area is very pretty. The average household income is much higher than the state of Colorado but the homes here cost more as well, most likely due in part to the amount of acreage many of them are on. There's no shopping or dining here and the closest decent sized town is Monument, although there's no real direct route to Monument, so it's easier for resident to just go into Woodland Park or Colorado Springs, which takes about 35-40 minutes in good weather.

The majority of residents (over 92%) are white with over 50% of the population working in educational services. The second most common industry is retail trade which is followed by health care and social assistance. The rate of unemployment here is lower than the rest of the state, and although there was some during the economic downturn, it was much less here than in most cities and towns.

Growing up in Colorado I've seen the incredible growth of Broomfield. There used to be so many open fields and space and it seems as if most of that is gone now. I have mixed feelings about Broomfield in that there are some really nice areas, but as one of the other reviewers has said, there are also some dated areas. The other thing I dislike is how it always feels to me that if you're in the heart of Broomfield it can seem like it takes forever to get to any of the highways. Traffic here is never good and I've personally noticed some impatient drivers (although they seem to be everywhere nowadays). There are a lot of strip malls which I think detracts from the personality of the place, but on the other hand there is a lot of shopping for whatever you need very close by. There are numerous restaurants to choose from, although many of them are the chain type with independent, locally owned being few and far between.

There are a lot of housing options in Broomfield, and the average median home price as of 2009 was $262,904. The median household income for Broomfield was $76,380 that same year, so the cost of living is pretty decent. For Broomfield being so populated (~56,000) it has a pretty low crime rate year after year. The town is predominantly white at 80% and the largest industry is healthcare and social assistance.

Brookside, Colorado lies just southeast of Canon City by about 10 minutes. This area still has some uranium contamination, or what the Navajos used to call the 'yellow death.' This contamination has been found to cause cancer, birth defects, bronchitis, infertility, and arthritis. Although the majority of the mining was done in the 50s and 60s, there is still concern over what is still around from that time as uranium never completely decomposes. This is very unfortunate because the area itself is very pretty. Brookside lies on both sides of the Arkansas River and you can see lush greenery all around. I really like how this area is laid out in that the houses are close to neighbors, but nobody is on top of someone else. They all have nice sized yards with large trees. Most of the homes are single family houses, but there are a couple of mobile homes here as well. Driving through town you pass corn fields and open spaces which gives the illusion of being in the country. There are a couple of abandoned houses and a church around town, a sign of those who have chosen to leave I suppose.

The major industry in Brookside is construction and the median household income is $62,605 which is a good deal above Colorado's average. You can also purchase a single family detached home here for around $251,493 so in comparison to the rest of Colorado the cost of living is pretty much the same, it's the cost to someone's health which needs to be weighed before living here. There are currently 233 residents who are willing to take that chance. Outside of housing there isn't much to do here. There are no restaurants or shopping, although Canon City is just a few minute drive away.

Approximately 5,300 people call Brush, Colorado home. This small town lies on both sides of I-76 although the majority of the homes are south of the highway. There isn't much to Brush outside of housing other than a gas station, small hotel (Econolodge if I remember correctly), and a Wendy's, which stays busy from traffic passing through. There are no real stores to speak of so residents have to travel to Fort Morgan or Sterling for shopping and more dining options. This area is popular with truck drivers as they have quick access to the highway, although manufacturing is the largest industry here. The median household income is $38,692 while an average, single family detached home costs around $126,500. The town is roughly 60% white, followed by 36% Hispanic.

Some of the neighborhoods of Brush have been around for years and are made up of older, small single family homes. There is also a newer area with more modern homes which are mainly two stories. There are a couple of older apartment complexes in the town as well. Most of the streets are wide and tree lined and in the spring and summer months it is really green here. There is a cemetery in town which is one of the best tended cemeteries I've ever seen.

Vail, Colorado is known for ski resorts, celebrity sightings, and expensive real estate. While this is what most people first think of, there is much more to know about. When I first thought about writing about Vail, I had mixed feelings, because there is both good and bad to Vail. Although it is one of Colorado's true mountain towns, you don't get the welcoming vibe you do from most of Colorado. The people I've encountered here all seem a bit cold and distant, without the normal friendly welcoming feel of what I think most natives are capable of. I do understand that many people just come to Vail to work and are seasonal, but it doesn't seem that way to me at other ski resorts in the state. True Coloradans have always had a welcoming, friendly air about them.

Another thing I dislike about Vail is the parking situation. When you're in town it is so crowded and there are barely enough parking spots. Some of the parking lots are so tight you have to wait for other people to move before you can drive through. There's a lot packed into some of the areas and it almost seems as if parking was an after thought. It also stinks that I-70 goes right through town as it really detracts from the landscape. I also don't care for the look of some (many) of the buildings. They seem old to me even if they aren't. Mostly I'm talking about the ones on the north side of the highway.

In many regards, Vail is very overpriced. Not just the real estate, but everything right down the to McDonalds. It's as if the name of Vail itself commands higher prices just because you are able to say you were in Vail, which seems a little ridiculous.

On the plus side, Vail is a very pretty place, although I prefer it in the summertime. When you first come over the hill and are descending into the town it is a nice scenic view and looks just peaceful. Growing up in Colorado I learned to love the mountains from a young age and I appreciate them for what they are worth which makes me like Vail even though I don't care for many aspects of it.

If I were asked by a non-Coloradan whether or not to ski or vacation in Vail, I would suggest other options such as Beaver Creek just down the road a bit. I have found people to be a bit more friendly and although it too is a bit overpriced, it isn't near as bad. As for the actual skiing, I really couldn't say as I quit skiing some years ago. I do know the price of lift tickets seems to be very high now and I'm surprised so many families still go up so frequently.

The actual town of Vail has 5,292 residents as of the last census. The most common industry is obviously accommodation and food services, although the median household income is over $12,000 higher than the state average. The cost of living here is very high though and an average, single family detached home costs around $1,132,461. The high cost of living doesn't leave Vail as an option for many people. For residents with children, the schools in Vail are all rated very good and students continually score well above state averages.

Overall I would say Vail is a nice place to visit once and say you've been there, but to get your money's worth there are better places with nicer people.

De Beque is a small town along I-70 about 40 minutes outside of Grand Junction. Other than a few subdivisions and ranch/farm land there isn't much here. In town is a gas station with a Subway and there is a new restaurant that has just opened. On the west side of the highway you can see a lot of houses and on the east side there are a few old farms which look as if they are still in use. The homes are mostly small single family with a lot of mobile homes, but it doesn't resemble an ill looking mobile home park at all. The homes (including the mobile ones) are well tended and have nice yards with fencing around them, groomed lawns, and nice shrubbery for the most part.

The median household income in De Beque is $63,069 which is almost $8,000 over the Colorado average, but the housing prices are much lower, although this does include the prices of mobile homes. But if you don't mind smaller homes, the cost of living here is pretty good. For shopping, residents have to travel to either Grand Junction or Glenwood Springs, and although Grand Junction is closer, I would prefer the drive to Glenwood Springs as it is such a great town.

As far as industry is concerned, construction is prevalent with education and mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction not far behind.

I have always liked Eads, probably because I'm fascinated with history and the past and when I'm in Eads I feel like I've been transported back in time. The main street in town is wide with plenty of parking on the street and buildings dating back to around the 50s I would guess. This area was always popular with many different Indian tribes, and eventually the town became known as one of the popular railroad stops. Farming has been in the area for a long time, and large portion of the town still works in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting. Second to this industry is health care and social assistance as there is a hospital, medical clinic, and nursing home in Eads. Not bad for a small town with only 611 people.

Although the median household income is only $35,944 (much lower than Colorado's average), you can purchase a home here for about $$65-70,000 which is WAY below the state's average. Most of the homes in town are small, single family residences with a few mobile homes scattered about. In some of the out lying areas you can find larger homes on more acreage as with most smaller towns.

The town's residents are almost 95% white and there is almost no crime. Even during the worst of the recession in the U.S., the unemployment rate in Eads was very low when compared to other areas in the state.

Eads has three public schools, although the elementary and middle schools share the same campus on Maine Street, while the high school is located on West 19th Street. The schools look well kept and the community has high praise for them. The town also has some really nice baseball fields for the kids to play on.

Overall I think Eads would be a great place to raise kids if you were looking for a true, small town atmosphere.

The city of Bow Mar started years ago and there are numerous neighborhoods which reflect the time period they were built. Many of them are from the 50s and 60s, but there has been quite a change in recent years. There are now some seriously stately homes which go for well over a million dollars and an incredibly nice country club, Pinehurst CC, which is in the area and offers quiet a few things to do. One home currently on the market is going for $3 million and has 9 bathrooms. I hope it comes with a maid.

The latest data I could find was for 2009 and the median household income was $131,148 with a median detached home price of $938,456. Both of these numbers have gone up significantly since the early 2000s. The major industry here is professional, scientific, and technical services followed by health care and social assistance. The majority of the residents (94%) are white.

Much of the area is surrounding lakes which offer residents some great outdoor activities. There is also a very low crime rate.

I've only been to Ward once, but it was enough for me. When I think of quaint little mountain towns, Ward does not come to mind. In fact, I rather dislike it. When you begin to drive through town the mountains look like they do in many other areas of the state, pretty and green. But once you're closer into the heart of Ward things take a strange turn. There are dogs roaming about and there are numerous cars scattered about. Some look like they work and like the driver just disappeared, while others look as if they have rusted into place over the decades. There is an inconsistency about Ward that leaves me wanting to leave.

Although the cost of living is really good for the mountains, it comes at too high a price for the likes of me.

When I think of Canon City, I generally think of all the touristy things to do here. Along with the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, there is whitewater rafting, Dinosaur Depot museum for kids, the Museum of Colorado Prisons, hiking, horseback riding, and just generally good sight-seeing. The suspension bridge is 1,053 feet in the air and not for the faint of heart. I'm not afraid of heights and it still gives me a rush every time we go there. The town itself has long been a popular place, beginning with many different tribes such as the: Sioux, Ute, Kiowa, and Comanche. The area has a mild winter climate due to its location and there used to be many hot springs in the area which the Indians used. The city is now known mostly for the state penitentiary which is located here.

There are many jobs in Canon City due to the penitentiary, such as law enforcement, health care, and social workers. There are close to 1,000 prisoners currently incarcerated in Canon City. There is also a prison in nearby Florence, so law enforcement officers are in demand in this part of Colorado. Construction workers are also in demand here. The median household income is $34,199 which is lower than the state average, but you can also purchase a home here for much less.

The town is predominantly white at 85%, followed by Hispanic, which is pretty common for cities and towns in Colorado. The schools here are good and rank pretty high academically. Most years, the city boast a higher than average crime rate when compared nationally.

Campion is a small town of only 2,076 residents. It lies south of Loveland and several miles to the west of I-25, so it doesn't have the traffic that some of the towns along I-25 do. It is a relatively peaceful area with homes in traditional neighborhood settings as well as some in more rural areas. One subdivision in particular always makes me smile. There is a subdivision that has gone up around an old farm house and right on the street is what looks like a small grain elevator. I can imagine the frustration of the farmer when homes began to invade his space. The streets here are all tree lined and the town is very green and lush looking in the spring and summer. Many of the homes here remind me of the kind you can find in Loveland, just north of the town. They are ranch style and made out of neutral colored brick.

The average home in Campion goes for around $270,000 which is higher than Colorado's average, but wages here are higher as well. The median household income is $69,089 which is about $14,000 more than the state average. The main industry is construction, followed closely by health care and social assistance. Within a 15 mile radius of Campion there are three hospitals or medical centers. The town's population is made up of primarily Caucasian resident, who make up 82% of the townspeople.

While there are few amenities in Campion, it is within close driving distance of many places such as restaurants, shopping, and other businesses. This would be a great place to raise children in a quiet, close community without the feel of a large town.

Berkley, Colorado can sometimes be confused with the neighborhood Berkeley in Denver. These two places are very different, have a different vibe, and can't in any way be confused with one another once you've been to both. Berkley, Colorado has ~11,200 residents and is a very busy part of town. There are some mobile home neighborhoods as well as traditional neighborhoods, and many businesses. Most of the main streets have pawn shops and used car dealerships, including the over-advertised "Rocky's Autos." Signs on many of the streets are in both English and Spanish as the population here is almost 56% Hispanic, followed by Caucasian at 37%. The median household income here is $34,212 which is very low considering some of the surrounding areas. You can purchase a median average sized home in Berkley for about $163,569, which is also very much below the state of Colorado average.

In my opinion, there are two saving graces to Berkley. I recently found myself in this town, near the 64th and Pecos Street area. As I was walking along, I had several people wave to me, which is unheard of in many busy parts of town such as this. I also found a great trail system for walkers, joggers, or cyclists. I took a path from near Broadway (not in the neighborhood) to Pecos and this roughly 1.5 miles portion of the trail was pretty incredible. I passed a small lake with lots of geese, walked along a small river where I saw a turtle swimming about, saw a huge variety of birds, squirrels, and believe it or not, a coyote crossed my path about 15 feet in front of me. Since I'm from the 'country' I don't get bothered by coyotes like some might, so I thought it was awesome to see it up close. There are warning signs on the trails about the coyotes, and parents with small children should be wary. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go any further, although if the rest of the trail system through this neighborhood is anything like what I saw, it's pretty awesome.

The main industries in Berkley are retail, followed by construction. This isn't hard to believe as there are so many businesses here and on many of the side roads you can see numerous construction sites with large trucks and semis. While I personally wouldn't care to live in this area, I can see the potential of some neighborhoods. Before moving in though, I would highly suggest people check with the local police department to find out any important information regarding the area they are looking at.

Aspen has long been known as the place to find the rich and famous. Some famous residents include David Geffen, Michael Dell, David and Charles Koch, Robert Wagner, Kevin Costner, and the infamous Charlie Sheen. With names (and bank accounts) like that, you know you can find some amazing properties. Along with multi-million dollars homes, there are many upscale restaurants and shops to accommodate these people. However, there is also another element to Aspen. It is a genuine town with regular people who can be extremely nice and friendly. So yes, there's lots of glitz and glamour, but just as much hometown feel for the locals who live here year-round.

Aspen is also known for it's slopes. Skiing here is a must and at an elevation of 7,820 feet, you can find some of the best there is. There are four different options for skiing here: Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. They all lie within the White River National Forest and Snowmass is the largest of them with 21 lifts. Aspen Highlands is the smallest with only 5 lifts. There's world class dining both on the mountains and in town as well. In addition to the great skiing, there is plenty to do in the off seasons as well. Outdoor enthusiasts can find some great mountain biking, fishing, hiking, and more. The area in and around Aspen is incredibly beautiful regardless of what season you're here.

Many of the residents work in the accommodation and food services industry as well as retail. This isn't a surprise since Aspen is such a touristy place. The median household income here is $56,161 which is slightly higher than the state average, HOWEVER, a median priced single family detached home costs around $1,310,000 so the cost of living is pretty bad. Not the worst in Colorado, but pretty close. Compared to nationwide standards, Aspen costs 257% more to live in than the rest of the nation.

Although there have been fluctuations, Aspen is overall a pretty safe place. There is a low unemployment rate, with many of the resorts, restaurants, and stores in town able to provide a lot of jobs. As with many ski towns, a good portion of people come in just for ski season, such as instructors.

For year round residents with children, the schools here are academically excellent. On a 1-10 scale with 10 being highest, they all rate at an 8 or above. Overall, Aspen is a great Colorado ski town that has a lot to offer. In addition to great amenities and recreation, there is a steady population that is able to make a good living here while being able to enjoy the great outdoors.

Olathe is known around Colorado for great corn that is grown in this area and shipped around the state. Although agriculture is big here, the most common industry is construction. This sleepy little town is home to 1,845 people and is loaded with gorgeous green trees lining the streets. Most of the homes are small single family residences with a few mobile homes thrown in. Many of the houses were built in the early 1900s and are still charming little structures. Many of the residents who live here are generational and their families have been in the area for years.

The median household income is $ 31,074 and there is under 17% of people in Olathe living under the poverty line. There are different housing rates depending on what you're looking for, but one of the small, older 2 bed/1 bath homes in town will cost you right about $50,000, which coming from the prices on the Front Range seems unbelievable. Obviously, for a house with farm land or a newer build, it costs much more, in the range of over $200,000.

There is only one school in Olathe, an elementary, which gets pretty poor reviews and has pretty low test scores on state standardized tests. The older kids are bussed to Montrose which is only about 15 minutes away. Montrose is also where residents can go for shopping, dining and more amenities, although it is still not a big town itself. There's just a few more options is all.

Outside of wanting to farm, Olathe seems a bit remote for most people.

Moffat is a tiny, remote town southern central Colorado. With only 116 residents, there are no businesses or restaurants. The homes are all laid out in a rural fashion and even traveling to the closest, decent sized town of Alamosa takes over 40 minutes. Over half of the population works in accommodation and food services, and there are bed & breakfast places as well as outdoor sporting attractions, such as hunting.

The median household income in Moffat is $17,665 with over 42% living in poverty. A median priced detached house costs about $195,500, so the cost of living isn't good, nor are there any jobs. The unemployment rate here is higher than I've seen in any town and it likely won't change any time soon.

Orchard City has a very unique feel to it. It seems as if you're in a rural area, but the homes are closer than that. The streets are all tree lined and give the impression of countryside, but neighbors are never very far away. The homes are all well taken care of with groomed lawns and yards. It is very green here and the town likely got it's name from the many orchards nearby. There are about 3,100 people who call Orchard City home. There are no daycare centers, no restaurants, and no businesses here, it is just a little town full of single family residences. The nearest town is Delta, which is only about 15 minutes away. Delta has about 9,000 residents and offers several locally owned restaurants, several fast food places, day care centers and more.

The most common industry here is healthcare and social assistance, followed closely by mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction. The average household income is $46,531 while an average priced home goes for around $169,843.

When driving up I-70 I often take the time to stop in Silver Plume. This isn't a popular stop for tourists as there are no gas stations or restaurants (outside of a tea room), but what brings me here is the charm of the place. Every time I'm here, I feel as if I've been transported back 100+ years. Silver Plume started around the time of the gold rush in the late 1850s and many of the houses still standing here today were built in the late 1880s. There are charming homes with little white picket fences, and although it lies along I-70, there is really no noise from traffic. The most noise you'll get here is when walking near the river which runs through town. As with some older towns, there are buildings that should probably be torn down, and they can detract from the aesthetic appeal, but overall I find these interesting as well.

This small, quaint town would be a great place to call home, especially for anyone who enjoys the mountains and all the adventures they have to offer. It's close to great skiing, hiking, and the rest. The homes here go for a bit under state averages, but there really isn't any employment here either. The median household income is $31,426.

Berthoud is a quiet, peaceful little town between Denver and Fort Collins. There are just over 5,000 residents living here and they have great views of the mountains and some incredible sunsets. There are several restaurants here, but not too much in the way of shopping, although the town is close enough to some larger cities that residents don't need to travel far. The schools are all above average with the elementary being one of the highest in the state. The kids here all score way above state averages on testing standards as well.

The most common industry in Berthoud is health care and social assistance, with a median household income of $66,292. This is about $10,000 more than the average for the state of Colorado. Over 85% of the working residents in Berthoud travel to other places to work. You can get a median priced home in Berthoud for around $233,306 which is just under the state's average, so the cost of living here is pretty good.

With the scenic views, great schools, and good cost of living, Berthoud would be an ideal place to call home for many families.

Avondale, Colorado lies just east of Pueblo by about 20 minutes. This small town has a lot of older, single family homes which still have chain link fences around them. Although it reminds me of the 70s, it's such a great way to still be able to see and talk with your neighbors, unlike the large wooden fences separating many of the newer homes today. They all seem to have good sized yards, perfect for children or a family pet.

The largest industry in Avondale is manufacturing, followed by retail trade. Many of the residents commute to Pueblo for their jobs since it is pretty close. The median household income in Avondale is $34,971 with almost 22% of the people living below the poverty rate. To purchase a median priced home here would cost about $77,680 although this figure includes mobile homes. The price for a single family detached house is more around $165,000.

The town's population is a good mix of both white and Hispanic, with Hispanics being a bit more common. Unfortunately for the children in this community the schools are below state standards.

Merino is a small town of just 284 residents and lies in the upper northeast corner of Colorado. Many of the homes here are small single family houses and mobile homes, which are spread out on good sized yards. The streets are tree lined with large trees which give a lot of shade in the summertime. Most of the roads are still dirt, making for a mess when it rains or snows.

The main industry in Merino is manufacturing, followed by professional, scientific, and technical services. The median household income is $38,615 with about 20% of the residents here living in poverty. The homes here are inexpensive as well, compared to Colorado averages and you can buy a median priced home for around $105,500.

There are no real amenities here, so residents must travel elsewhere for things such as shopping or dining out. Sterling is the closest big town, and with almost 15,000 residents, there is a pretty good variety of restaurants here. It's only about a 20 minute drive to Sterling.

The schools in Merino are about average when you compare them to the rest of the state. This would be a good location to live in for a truck driver who frequently uses I-76 or for people on a limited budget who like living where you know all your neighbors.

Orchard Mesa lies just east of Grand Junction. There are approximately 6,836 people living in this mostly rural type of setting. There are no restaurants or other amenities here but since it lies next to Grand Junction, a city of almost 60,000 people, there are numerous places to eat and shop within just minutes of Orchard Mesa. Grand Junction also has a lot of employment as well as a college.

The main industry in Orchard Mesa is healthcare and social assistance and the median household income is $52,906, just shy of Colorado averages. To purchase a single family residence here would cost around $217,950, which is about $20,000 lower than the average so the cost of living is pretty decent. Many of the homes here are spread out and on a bit of land, perfect for growing a large garden or having some small animals.

Avon is a great little town in Colorado, especially for those looking for great skiing. It is a convenient place to stay for those heading up to hit the trails at Beaver Creek. Although there are a lot of tourists, this would be a great place to call home, provided you didn't live by the interstate. There are some great houses in Avon that have spectacular views of the great Colorado Rockies, although they do come at quite a price. There is tons to do in the town with a lot of great restaurants and fun shops, in addition to the outdoor adventures.

Avon does have it's downside though as I-70 runs through it. In addition to the many tourists, there are numerous gas stations, fast food restaurants, and places for those traveling through to just stop for a quick break.

For those who live in Avon there are a lot of job opportunities in the accommodation and food services industries, as this is the largest industry by far, followed by construction. The median household income is about $49,000 and an average single family detached home here costs about $753,000 so the cost of living isn't too practical for most people. For those who can afford to live here the schools are very good and the crime rate pretty low.

Fort Garland is rich in history from the Civil War era. This small town of just 433 residents has a wonderful historical museum dedicated to the Civil War, all within five of the original buildings which made up the fort (originally 22 buildings). It's easy to spend an afternoon just learning about the history and then having dinner at a locally owned restaurant. There is also a very old Catholic Church in town, Holy Family Catholic Church, which is neat to see. In addition to the historical side of Fort Garland, there are some pretty incredible views here of the surrounding mountain range.

The main industry in Fort Garland is accommodation and food services and the median household income is $23,210 with about 18% of the population living in poverty. Purchasing a home here is much cheaper than the Colorado average and a single family detached home will cost you about $106,600. Some of the homes in town are very well tended and look nice, but there is also a small area with mobile homes that is very run down looking.

I grew up going to Arvada to visit my Aunt and Uncle every so often. They lived on the west edge of Arvada near the Jolly Rancher factory, which was always fun to go visit. The area they lived in was spread out and had tons of fields to explore and play in. Arvada has grown quite a bit since then and there are tons of neighborhoods to live in. You can find small to large houses, apartment, condos, and everything in between. Many areas of Arvada are very nice, although some of them are older and a bit run down, depending on where you are. It wasn't until recently that I discovered Olde Town Arvada which has been nicely designed and has a ton to offer. There are some really great restaurants and bars there.

Arvada has the benefit of being in a great location. As it lies in between I-70 and Highway 36 there are two ways to get up into the mountains for all types of recreational fun. Although there are numerous areas of Arvada that have a ton of traffic, it seems to be concentrated on the major roads, especially those connecting to the highways, such as Wadsworth. There are also numerous lakes and reservoirs in and close to Arvada which is nice. Although the major roads seem to have an endless array of strip malls, many of the neighborhoods are quiet and peaceful. Shopping and dining is always close, but so are the comforts of home.

The largest industry in Arvada is professional, scientific, and technical services, although many industries are represented here. The median household income in Arvada is over $10,000 higher than the state average, but home prices here are comparable with state averages making the cost of living here good. In addition to this, the schools in Arvada rank very high when it comes to state testing standards as well as parental ratings. It's rare to see so many schools in such a populated area with all high marks.

Overall, Arvada seems to be a great place to live for professionals, singles, and families. There are tons of cultural events and although there are well over 100,000 people living here, it still maintains the feel of a smaller place.

Arboles, Colorado lies adjacent to the New Mexico border in southwestern Colorado. This small, remote town has 280 residents as of the last census, and many of them are older than the average age of Coloradans by about 15 years. The area itself is very pretty and lies next to Navajo Reservoir. The median household income here is much lower than the state average, but so are the home prices with the exception of those on large properties overlooking the reservoir. Other than outdoor adventures, Arboles doesn't have much to offer. There are no real restaurants and not much else other than a couple of RV parks, several churches, a postoffice, and very small grocery store. Ignacio lies just 20 minutes to the northwest though, and although it too is a small town, there are a few locally owned restaurants as well as a Subway.

Other than the highway which runs through Arboles, all of the streets are still dirt. The homes are mostly small and spread out with a lot of trees and shrubbery around. Most of the town doesn't have a good view of the reservoir, you have to be up a little high to see it. There is a ton of wildlife here and I'm sure it's popular with hunters and fishers.

Pleasant View is an area with mostly single family homes, although you can find some apartments here as well. The area has a lot of trees and from the early spring to early autumn there is green everywhere you look. There are some nice views of the foothills as well. Some areas of Pleasant View have traditional types of neighborhoods, although some areas are more spread out and have more of a rural feel to them as some of the homes are on a bit of land. Most of this area is quiet and you can't tell that I-70 is so close by. The location of Pleasant View is really nice as it's close to Golden and has great access to getting up the mountains for a day of skiing or hiking. This area has a lot of shopping and dining options within just minutes.

The major industry for the residents here is retail, most likely due to the closeness of a large mall nearby. The median household income here is $40,400 which is about $15,000 less than the state average. However, you can also purchase an average single family home here for a bit less as well. This figure includes condos so that skews with the amount. An average single family detached home here is a little higher than the state average by about $30,000.

The schools here are in Jefferson County and although JeffCo has some good schools, the elementary in West Pleasant View gets pretty bad marks. On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest, it scores only a 2. Compared to some other schools in the area this is pretty low.

Overall this would be a nice, mostly quiet, convenient neighborhood to live in for someone who worked nearby. With quick access up to the mountains and a lot of shopping and dining options nearby this could be a great place for those who work in town but love to head up to the mountains.

Alamosa East is home to 1,458 residents. Although it's connected to Alamosa by several roads, it has its own feel to it. It is much more rural and the homes are more spread out and on acreage. You can find single family homes that are nicely kept as well as some mobile homes that are in disarray.

The median income of Alamosa East is $42,892 which is much higher than that of Alamosa. A single family detached home in Alamosa East will run you about $145,593. Alamosa East has all the benefits of being close to a larger city but has the country, open space feel to it.

Alamosa is home to 8,818 people, not including the college kids who attend Adams State for the better part of the year. It is a nice little town with many smaller single family homes lined up along tree lined streets. There are a variety of shopping and dining options and the town has some great views of the mountains. In the surrounding areas there is a ton to do, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.

The local schools here are pretty average and students tend to score about average on state testing standards.

The main industry in Alamosa is educational services, followed by health care and social assistance.The median household income is $27,873 with over 32% living below the poverty rate. Unemployment here is high and much greater than in the rest of the state or nationwide. You can purchase an average single family detached home here for $173,710 which is almost $100,000 below the state average.

One big drawback to Alamosa is the crime rate. It continually ranks above average for crime compared to the rest of the country year after year, with most types of crime being represented in those numbers.

Starkville, Colorado isn't like your average town. It's a long shaped town which parallels the highway. This is a popular stop for people driving through and has more than a handful of restaurants and fast food places, along with several hotels. These businesses employ a lot of the townspeople and the main industry here is accommodation and food services. The median household income is $52,582 which is just below the state average, but you can buy a single family detached home in Starkville for just $188,330 which is considerably lower than the state average, making the cost of living here pretty good.

Many of the homes lies west of the railroad track on just one or two streets. There are no real 'neighborhoods' like in many cities and towns, but rather this area looks almost rural. The homes are spread out and on some acreage. Outside of employment, Starkville doesn't have a whole lot to offer. There's no real amenities or much to do, but it is close to Trinidad Lake State Park which offers a lot of outdoor activities.

There are only 59 residents here and the majority are Hispanic (about 75%) and the rest mainly white. Trinidad is the closest big town and it lies just north by about 10 minutes.

Pierce is a small town of just 837 residents and lies just east of Fort Collins. The homes here are typically small single family residences and there is a definite family oriented feel to the place. There's a nice, large baseball field with bleacher for games in the summer and several churches. As far as amenities go, there isn't much, but since Fort Collins is so close, Pierce doesn't seem really remote.

Most of the homes in town are well taken care of and it seems like a nice, clean, green town. As with many small towns, the water tower dominates.

The main industry in Pierce is educational services and the median household income is $48,551. You can buy an average single family detached home for around $150,886.

Fraser, Colorado is home to 1,219 residents who have pretty great views of the surrounding mountains. The town lies just north of Winter Park, which has some really great skiing. There are a handful of restaurants, both locally owned and fast food chain types, some businesses, and a small medical clinic. The main street that goes through town is where you'll find most of the businesses, and it's a typical busy street, but when you get into the housing area there are some great older homes as well as some newer ones. Due to the location of the town, home prices here are higher than the states averages, but incomes are a bit lower. The housing prices are in part due to some of the custom built homes in the surrounding areas which are multi-million dollar homes.

The main industry in Fraser is accommodation and food services, probably since many of the residents are employed by the ski resort or some of the local bed & breakfast places. The second most common industry is retail.

This would be a great town to live in for younger people who wanted to work at the resort or were looking to be ski bums. The people are pretty friendly, the views are nice, and it's close to an array of outdoor activities. The town is also really good for public transportation and has busses and a train.