Kit Carson

Kit Carson got it's start in 1838 when the famous guide, scout, and Indian fighter began a trading post nearby. The railroad later came through here and the town was moved to be closer to the railroad. The town has survived three fires, two started by warring Indians and one by drunken cowboys. The town became one of the biggest spots for shipping cattle in the country, which meant an abundance of jobs for the locals. With the money came a town right out of the old west with gambling, saloons, and men with six shooters on their belts. As with many towns in Colorado, the population dwindled as the jobs and railroad moved elsewhere. Nowadays, only 232 people call Kit Carson home.

Although there are still ranches and farms scattered throughout the area, the oil business has helped to keep some of the residents here going. Educational services is the number one industry here followed closely by agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting. The median household income here is $55,548 which is actually $118 more than the state average. However, the homes prices here are on average $54,142 which is a whopping $183,658 LOWER than the state average. Translated, this is probably the best cost of living comparison I've ever seen.

Located about 100 miles due east of Colorado Springs, the town of Kit Carson is out on Colorado's eastern plains just 30 miles from Kansas. There are only about 200 people that live in the little dry and dusty town. The community is centered around agriculture and livestock and there is a low cost of living and some fairly low income living.

Founded by mountain man and scout, Christopher Houston "Kit Carson" the town still has a pioneer feel. The wild west still lives in the quiet plains. The town has an interesting history, the entire town was burned to the ground three times! The kindred strength and spirit that often comes from catastrophe is still famous in the town and there are some families that have been in the area for many generations and remember the history of the area.

Looking at some real estate, I found only one property for sale on a popular online real estate site, a 45 acre dusty, grassy lot with a classic Colorado 3 bedroom log cabin for $150,000. Try to find that near the Front Range and your looking at 3-4x the cost.