Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs is a great little town with about 1,700 residents. Although it's known as a tourist town it is also a great little place to call home. The townspeople are very friendly whether you're there for an hour or several days. There are many cute little shops and eateries all which cater to the tourist crowd but tasty enough to keep the townsfolk coming back. One of my personal favorites is Beau Jo's pizzeria. They have several locations throughout Colorado but the one in Idaho Springs is my favorite. It's in a really old building that has so much charm. If you venture up the old creaky stairs to the restrooms there is a large window you can look out of and see a natural waterfall. All the residents seem cheerful and laid back in this town which has the claim of having the first significant find during the gold rush.

Traffic within Idaho Springs is pretty non-existent, but due to it's location right off of I-70 it can get backed up on the highway on busy weekends from people driving into the high country or trying to get back down the mountain. Instead of waiting in traffic I would suggest getting off and taking a nice stroll through the town.

The schools in Idaho Springs are all average when it comes to test scores but I can attest that the kids here are not. When my oldest daughter had a game against the school here a few years back, the kids were about as friendly as could be. During the game they would compliment our team on a nice play and several of them came over to our team after the game and just wanted to talk and visit and find out about what it was like we lived. It was a really nice experience for the girls on our team to be greeted with such warmth and friendliness.

Although Idaho Springs is wedged in between two mountains the views are awesome. You can't see real far in any direction, but that doesn't seem to matter. It's probably it's prettiest during winter when there is a light snow falling.

I have never had any issues with parking, even in the tourist spots. There is a lot of parking on the streets but there are also big, free parking lots in town centrally located. The homes here are all very nice and many look as they probably did years ago. Overall, this little town is very pleasing to the eye.

I can understand someone wanting to live here. It's tucked away far enough from the big city to feel like you're in the heart of the mountains but close to skiing, wildlife, and a laid back atmosphere in a great little community.

I have lived in Idaho Springs for about four years now. I am a Colorado native and must say that I love calling Idaho Springs home. The charm, friendliness and unique experiences from shopping and dining in the town are a must experience. A do not miss is the Heritage Museum and Visitors Center and Argo Gold Mill. Take your kids on a field trip to one of many museums, gold panning, ice cream at the local shops and finding a unique souvenir from this mountain town is a sure way to create a lasting memory.