Yes, Colorado is a good place to live, if sunshine, mountain air, and year-round outdoor adventure are what you're after.
But that’s not the whole story. Colorado’s population grew by nearly 15% between 2010 and 2020, yet more people left the state in 2023 than moved in.
This shift suggests a more complex reality behind the state’s longstanding appeal. Understanding the full picture, economic opportunities, outdoor living, and rising challenges, can help you make a fully informed decision about relocating to Colorado.
What You'll Learn
What are the biggest advantages of living in Colorado?
What challenges or downsides should you seriously consider?
What should you know before relocating to Colorado?
Overview
Yes, Colorado is a good place to live for those seeking outdoor activities, a healthy lifestyle, and a strong job market, but it may not be ideal for those prioritizing affordability or avoiding natural disaster risks. The determination of "good" depends on individual priorities and needs.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Natural Beauty & Outdoor Recreation
Colorado offers extensive access to national parks, hiking trails, ski resorts, and various outdoor activities like mountain biking and rafting.
Healthy Lifestyle Culture
Colorado is known for its focus on fitness, farmers’ markets, and low obesity rates, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Strong Job Market & Economic Growth
The state has a diverse and growing economy, especially in technology, aerospace, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors.
Quality Education & Higher Learning
Colorado invests in education, with strong public school districts and renowned universities.
Environmental Leadership & Green Living
Colorado is a leader in sustainable living, with progressive policies related to green building, recycling, and solar energy.
High Cost of Living
The state faces high housing prices and living expenses, especially in urban areas like Denver and Boulder.
Wildfire Risk and Other Natural Disasters
Residents should be aware of risks like wildfires, flooding, hail, and snowstorms.
Altitude and Dry Climate Challenges
Newcomers may experience altitude sickness and need to adjust to the dry climate.
Other Notable Considerations
Travel and Transportation Access
Denver International Airport offers extensive travel options, but rural areas often require personal vehicles.
Traffic Congestion and Overgrowth
Major cities and highways experience traffic congestion due to population growth.
The Truth About Moving to Colorado
Moving to Colorado is an investment, financially, emotionally, and logistically. Like any major decision, it requires a full understanding of the risks and rewards.
Over the years, Colorado has built a strong reputation for high quality of life. The state offers stunning natural beauty, a diverse economy, and access to outdoor activities year-round. But not all who move here find what they expect.
While the state ranks high in areas like higher education, job opportunities, and environmental leadership, it also presents real challenges, particularly in housing costs, infrastructure, and altitude-related health issues.
Pros of Living in Colorado
1. Natural Beauty & Outdoor Recreation
Colorado’s scenery is a daily experience, not a once-a-year vacation. Whether you’re waking up to mountain views in Fort Collins or planning a weekend drive through the Pikes Peak region, the outdoors is part of your routine.
The state is home to four standout national parks:
Rocky Mountain National Park – With over 415 square miles of protected wilderness, it's a haven for wildlife, hiking trails, and scenic drives. This park alone welcomes more than 4 million visitors annually.
Mesa Verde National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 600 cliff dwellings and relics of ancient Puebloan culture.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Named for its steep, shadowy canyon walls. It’s one of the least crowded parks, offering a more peaceful experience.
Great Sand Dunes National Park – Home to the tallest dunes in North America, plus alpine lakes, wetlands, and forest trails.
Add to that 58 mountain peaks over 14,000 feet, thousands of hiking trails, dozens of ski resorts, and endless outdoor adventure possibilities. Colorado gives you year-round access to:
Mountain biking
Snowboarding
Whitewater rafting
Trail running
Rock climbing
And thanks to the state’s dry climate, outdoor days don’t get canceled often. The sunshine year round is real, over 300 sunny days per year, depending on where you live.
Whether you’re heading to Gods Park in Colorado Springs, hiking near Pikes Peak, or camping in the western half of the state, you’ll never run out of places to explore.
2. Healthy Lifestyle Culture
Colorado has ranked among the top 10 healthiest states in America for years. The natural beauty outside plays a big role, but so do the people.
You’ll find:
Farmers’ markets with local, organic produce
Community-supported fitness (yoga in parks, neighborhood biking groups)
Low obesity rates and high physical activity levels
In 2022, Colorado had one of the lowest adult obesity rates in the country at 25.1 percent, reflecting the state’s strong culture of physical activity and outdoor living.
3. Strong Job Market & Economic Growth
The Colorado economy is strong, diverse, and growing, especially in the Front Range cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins.
Top sectors include:
Technology (Google, Oracle, Palantir)
Aerospace (Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace)
Healthcare (UCHealth, Children’s Hospital Colorado)
Renewable energy (Vestas, Namasté Solar)
Military bases and defense (NORAD, U.S. Air Force Academy)
For young professionals, the combination of career opportunities and outdoor balance makes cities like Fort Collins and Colorado Springs top choices.
4. Quality Education & Higher Learning
Colorado invests heavily in higher education and K–12 systems. The state’s best public school districts include Cherry Creek, Boulder Valley, and Douglas County. Many schools offer advanced placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and dual enrollment programs.
Top universities include:
University of Colorado Boulder – Known for research, business, and environmental sciences
Colorado State University – Based in Fort Collins, with strengths in veterinary medicine, engineering, and agriculture
University of Denver – A private school with strong graduate programs
United States Air Force Academy – Located in Colorado Springs
Whether you're raising kids or planning to return to school yourself, Colorado requires investment in education, and it shows.
5. Environmental Leadership & Green Living
From wind farms to compost bins, Colorado leads the way in sustainable living. Its progressive policies extend into housing, transit, and city planning.
Many areas encourage:
Green building codes
Public recycling and composting
Solar incentives
Walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods
Cities like Boulder and Denver rank high for bike-friendliness and access to green space.
6. Variety in Cities, Towns, and Landscapes
Not everyone wants to live in downtown Denver, and that’s okay. Colorado living offers choices for every pace of life:
The Mile High City (Denver) – Colorado’s largest urban center
Colorado Springs – Military hubs, suburban living, and fast access to the outdoors
Fort Collins – A college town with breweries, tech startups, and family-friendly suburbs
Manitou Springs – Artsy, laid-back, and right at the base of Pikes Peak
Clifton – A fast-growing small town with affordable neighborhoods on the western half
Whether you’re retired, raising a family, or building a business, Colorado has popular cities and hidden gems to explore.
7. Travel and Transportation Access
Getting around Colorado isn’t perfect, but it’s improving. For national and international travel, Denver International Airport is one of the largest in the country, with 200+ destinations.
In cities like Denver and Boulder, Regional Transportation District (RTD) light rail and public bus systems support car-free commuting. There’s also a growing network of bike lanes, electric scooters, and pedestrian zones in urban centers.
For rural areas, car ownership is often essential, but infrastructure continues to improve across the Pikes Peak area and along the I-25 corridor.
The Cons of Living in Colorado
1. High Cost of Living
One of the biggest concerns is the high cost of everyday life. In many cities, housing prices have surged in recent years. Data from Zillow shows that home prices in Colorado are well above the national average, especially in places like Fort Collins, Boulder, and the Pikes Peak area.
On top of that, essentials like groceries, gas, and healthcare can cost more than in surrounding states. Combine those expenses with rising property taxes, and it’s easy to see why affordability is one of the state’s biggest drawbacks.
For renters, the housing market is extremely competitive. Many desirable neighborhoods have limited inventory and high demand, pushing monthly rent beyond reach for lower and middle-income families.
2. Wildfire Risk and Other Natural Disasters
Colorado’s natural landscape is breathtaking, but it also comes with serious risks. Longer, hotter summers and lower rainfall have made wildfires more common. Between 2020 and 2022, multiple fire seasons destroyed hundreds of homes in both rural and suburban areas.
In addition to wildfires, residents deal with:
Flash flooding during the summer months
Hailstorms that damage vehicles and rooftops
Ice and snowstorms during long Colorado winters
If you're planning to buy property, make sure it's not in a known fire zone or floodplain. And be prepared for rising insurance rates in areas with a history of damage.
3. Altitude and Dry Climate Challenges
Newcomers often underestimate the impact of living at higher elevations. Cities like Denver (5,280 feet) and Colorado Springs (6,035 feet) require your body to adjust to thinner air.
Common symptoms during the first few weeks include:
Headaches
Shortness of breath
Insomnia
Fatigue
Dehydration
This is especially tough for retirees or anyone with respiratory conditions. On top of that, Colorado’s dry climate can cause skin irritation, chapped lips, and nosebleeds if you’re not properly hydrated.
Although the low humidity can feel refreshing, it also increases wildfire danger and contributes to water shortages in some areas.
4. Limited Transit in Rural and Suburban Areas
While Denver and Boulder have solid public transportation, most of the state doesn’t. In smaller towns or mountain communities, daily life often requires a personal vehicle.
The lack of rural transit options means longer commutes and higher fuel costs. This can be especially difficult for seniors, students, and people with disabilities.
And even in cities like Colorado Springs, the public transit network is often limited in coverage and frequency, making car ownership nearly essential.
5. Traffic Congestion and Overgrowth
With more people relocating to Colorado every year, infrastructure hasn’t kept up. Highways like I-25 and I-70 are frequently backed up, especially during rush hour and holiday weekends.
Growth has been strongest in major cities and along the Front Range, creating:
Increased traffic congestion
Strained utilities and school systems
Construction delays and roadwork
For long-time residents, this overgrowth feels overwhelming. And for new arrivals, it may clash with the image of peaceful mountain living.
6. Competitive Housing Market
Colorado’s housing market is one of the hottest in the country. There’s strong demand, but not enough homes, especially in places like Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs.
Even modest homes in these areas can attract dozens of offers within days. Many buyers need to offer over asking price, waive inspections, or pay cash to be considered. For renters, vacancy rates are low and application competition is high.
This level of housing competition makes it harder for first-time buyers and those relocating from more affordable states to settle in.
7. Crime in Some Urban Areas
While many parts of Colorado are safe and welcoming, not every city has the same record. Pueblo, parts of Colorado Springs, and some Denver neighborhoods report higher rates of property crime and violent crime.
It’s important to research before choosing a neighborhood. Crime maps, school ratings, and local reviews can help you find areas that fit your needs.
Ready to Move to Colorado? AmeriFreight Car Shipping Will Help Get Your Vehicle There
If you’re planning a move and Colorado is on your list, getting your vehicle to your new city should be one less thing to worry about. Whether you're considering a cross-country shift or simply heading into the mile high region from a nearby state, AmeriFreight Car Shipping helps you ship your car or motorcycle safely, on time, and with care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does it snow in Colorado?
Yes, it snows across most of Colorado, especially during the winter months. Cities like Colorado Springs and Fort Collins get moderate snowfall, while the mountains see much more. If you're living in Colorado, you'll need to prepare for snowy roads, but the snow also supports some of the best outdoor activities in the country.
What state is moving to Colorado the most?
Recent data shows Texas is the top state sending new residents moving to Colorado. The Centennial State attracts people with its strong job market, scenic views, and welcoming environment, especially in Fort Collins, Denver, and Colorado Springs.
Are people moving out of Colorado?
Yes, some are leaving due to rising housing costs and the high cost of living. While the Colorado lifestyle still appeals to many, others are trading it for states with lower home prices and closer alignment to the national average.
What city has the most crime in Colorado?
Pueblo currently has the highest crime rate in Colorado, followed by parts of Colorado Springs. Researching the best neighborhoods before relocating can help you find safer options, especially if you're considering living in Colorado long-term.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, real estate prices, commute times, and community features are subject to change. We recommend consulting with licensed Colorado-based real estate professionals, local government sources, or community organizations before making any housing or relocation decisions.
