BroncoFan

I have lived in Arapahoe County for the last 10 years and overall I have enjoyed it. It was the first county in Colorado and has the third highest population of counties in Colorado. Although there are plenty of cities and urban areas to choose from, there is also a lot of country living as well. The county was named after the Arapaho Indians which roamed the plains back when Colorado was just a territory. The county started out larger than it is today; it used to stretch all the way to the Kansas border.

Overall I'd have to say the quality of living in Arapahoe County is really good. It has some great parks, really good trail systems, and some of the best schools in Colorado. Although it's not in them mountains, they aren't far away from the western side of the county. Every year Arapahoe County holds its annual fair at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds. It's pretty big with competitions, rodeos, a carnival, and other attractions.

For anyone considering moving to Colorado, Arapahoe County has close to the lowest mill levy rate in Colorado.

South Neighborhood is located in Littleton and has pretty quick access to C-470 to get to the mountains or to the west or south side of the Denver metro area. There are several parks and the McLellen Reservoir in the neighborhood as well. Most of the housing in this neighborhood is made up of single family dwellings which are (for the most part) kept in good condition. Streets are lined with large shade trees and there are outdoor pools in the neighborhood for kids and families to enjoy. There are numerous businesses in the area so there's not much need for residents to venture too far away.

Coal Creek, Colorado sometimes gets confused with Coal Creek Canyon, which is close to Golden. Although similar in name, they are very different places. Coal Creek is home to 343 people as of the last census and this town offers all rural living. It lies just a few miles southwest of Florence, Colorado and many of the residents work in construction and the health care field.

The median household income here is about $15,000 less than the state average, although the housing prices are incredibly cheaper. This would be a good place to have a small farm or just get away from it all.

Laporte, Colorado is a small town of ~2,450 people. It lies just northwest of Fort Collins amid gently rolling hills with beautiful vistas in the distance. Many residents who live here work in Fort Collins which is only about 10 minutes away. Laporte is a great area for families who want to be near Fort Collins but are looking for less expensive housing. On average, the homes in Laporte are about $30,000 less expensive than the rest of Colorado. Income levels tend to be less here as well. There aren't a lot of businesses in Laporte other than a few restaurants and gas stations, and the few other small town businesses you'd normally find in a small community like this (i.e. a local vet, etc.). Construction is overwhelmingly the largest industry followed by health care and social assistance.

The schools in Laporte typically rate slightly higher than average when compared to the rest of the state. However, this little town is very family-friendly and you can often see children playing about when driving through. There are many single family homes, condos, and even a few apartments.

Overall, this is a good small town to live in for anyone who works in Ft. Collins but is looking for less expensive housing options for themselves or their family.

We have friends who live in Columbine and we've always enjoyed going to their home for dinner. The area has some nice homes, good amenities, and is really close to the mountains which is always a plus. However, since the Columbine HS tragedy some years ago, this area became known for all the wrong reasons. It's a nice, relatively quiet area with tons to do and pretty great highway access. There's no lack of shopping or dining nearby, so residents never have far to travel.

The area is primarily white, upper middle class. The household income is higher than the state average but so is the cost of homes. When it comes to industries, there is no one overwhelming winner, there are quite a few represented.

There are some scenic spots in Columbine and also some really good parks. Not far away is a biking trail that goes along C-470 and you can get in a really great workout on it from all of the hills along the highway. Other than being known for the tragedy that occurred here, I think this is a nice area with a lot to offer its residents.

Lochbuie lies just north of Brighton off of I-76, making it convenient for residents to shop or go out to eat not too far away. Lochbuie itself doesn't have much of anything outside of an elementary school and a Subway. The homes in Lochbuie are pretty small and tightly packed into the area. Most of the homes are those pre-fab type which are built and then transported to the location where they will stay. So these smaller homes have no basements and about half of them have no garages either, meaning many residents have cement pads right in front of their homes where they park and some park on the street, making street parking less than stellar.

The median income in Lochbuie is right in line with the rest of the state, but the homes prices are so much cheaper that living in Lochbuie gives residents a pretty good bang for their buck. The downside is there are no real amenities to speak of and there isn't much in the line of work unless you're willing to travel.

Sheridan lies right off of Santa Fe Drive and Hampden (285) southwest of Denver. Although Santa Fe, Federal, and Hampden are typically very busy streets, most of the side streets aren't as congested and hectic. This is a busy area of town, although there are golf courses and parks all about. There are some streets with fabulous older trees, probably dating back well over 100 years. When I think of Sheridan, I typically think of a well established, older neighborhood. Just to the west of Sheridan is Ft. Logan cemetery, and you'll also find Mullen High School here, a private high school that started back in 1931. Although it started as a strictly boys schools, girls were allowed to attend in 1989. Mullen is known as one of the best academic high schools in the state. They also have a great football program and have made it to state numerous times.

Overall this older Denver suburb has a lot of good amenities nearby. There are some great hospitals (Swedish and Craig's), a really great YMCA, close access to the mountains, and numerous places to shop.

Many of the houses here are on the smaller side compared to today's standard. Many are made of brick and have been around for well over 50 years, and due to their quality construction will probably be around another 50 as well. A lot of the homes here have detached garages, which look almost as if they were an afterthought (maybe they were?). There are a lot of long time residents living here and many friendly folks have known their neighbors for years.

I have always thought of Mead as a potential place I'd like to live. When you drive through town it reminds you of years gone by where things moved a little slower and the hustle and bustle of life wasn't quite so present. This tiny ranching community has all the things you'd expect from a small town of only 3,775 residents. This rural area plays host to acres of farmland and crops, silos, several churches and a great bar-b-que restaurant. Outside of a few other businesses and the post office, there isn't too much to Mead.

Those who live in the older part of town typically have charming little homes which were built years ago, each with its own character and style. The homes in Mead for the most part are immaculate and the landscaping is truly beautifully done. People living here tend to take pride in their homes and it truly shows. Mead also has subdivisions with newer homes and there are some big, nice custom homes outside of town as well. The typical income in Mead is higher than the state average, but the housing prices reflect this as well.

As with most small towns in Colorado (and probably everywhere) there is a low crime rate. Outside of the farmers and people who work in town, many folks commute for work. Longmont is just a short drive as are a few other nearby towns. There is a high concentration of white residents (87%) with many of them hailing from German ancestry.

For potential residents checking this area out, the schools are above average and the middle school gets some of the highest marks in the state, both from a testing standpoint and parental ratings. The schools fall within the St. Vrain Valley School District. The local parks are a lot like the landscaping here: immaculate and tidy looking. There are also some great views of the mountains. I think this would be a great little town to call home for those looking to raise children or who want to live a simpler life and be out of the busy cities nearby.

Cimarron Hills is located just east of Colorado Springs and for the most part is a quiet little suburb of the much busier and larger city to the west. Cimarron Hills is filled with mostly single family homes with a few condos and apartments thrown in the mix. The schools located here are about average when you look at test scores and parental reviews. Although there aren't a lot of amenities here, you can find just about anything you need within a short driving distance. For those who prefer public transportation there are more than a few bus stops located throughout the neighborhoods.

The area is quiet and clean looking and you can see the mountains from more than a few locations here. The median family income is $51,000 which is about $4,000 less than the Colorado average, although you can get a home here for almost $60,000 below the state average, making the cost of living in Cimarron Hills pretty good.

Overall this would be a good, less expensive area for anyone who works in the Springs and wants to live in a primarily family-based neighborhood.

Santa Fe has long been one of my favorite places to visit. I first went there about 15 years ago on business and fell in love immediately.There is a great, laid-back feel to it and it's paradise for anyone who loves to explore shops, art and culture for hours on end. It's also a great location for outdoor enthusiasts, with great hiking trails for different levels of fitness, river rafting, plenty of parks to enjoy the sunshine, and unlimited locations to bike to. There's also camping, boating, fishing and other water sports at the nearby Cochiti Recreation Area. Within about a 40 minute drive are several locations which have ancient petroglyphs. Ranger stations and visitor centers offer numerous books on the area and you can find interpretation of the petroglyphs in small, easy to carry books for just a few dollars. Short hikes provide a look back into time like few other places can offer.

Santa Fe boasts over 250 art galleries and there is something for everyone here. Paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery, textiles and jewelry abound in art galleries featuring local and famous artists. Visitors can find an abundance of Native American art, with every other kind in the mix right up to contemporary. In downtown Santa Fe there are numerous shops, restaurants and galleries to explore. As you walk along outside of the adobe buildings there are always chili pepper strands hanging out to dry, which lend to the Native American feel of the city. Whether you're a typical tourist looking for a t-shirt or a more selective buyer looking for the perfect gift to take to someone back home, this place has it. One thing I would highly recommend seeking out while you're here is the incredible Native American jewelry made out of silver and turquoise. Even if you're not a fan of turquoise the silver pieces are stunning. I find myself leaving with several bracelets every time I'm down there. Often while you're walking about downtown you can meet with the sellers who work directly with the artisans and they are more than willing to talk with you at length about the artist who created your piece. You can tell the pride they take in their work as every item seems to be unique, flawless, and beautiful.

Although there is world class cuisine in Santa Fe, you're just as likely to find a small hole in the wall diner that has some of the best Mexican food this side of the border. I've eaten in many places in Santa Fe and can't think of one place I wouldn't go back to. There are even a couple of culinary schools here that offer classes to the general public. For those with a passion for photography, the Santa Fe Workshops is the place to go. This small school offers week long intensive classes for those interested in photography and the visual arts. You'll find world-renown teachers (think National Geographic, etc.) who take a week from their busy schedules to teach students from all over the world. The school also offers remote classes in different locations around the world. However, if you decide to take a local workshop, there is no lack of beauty in Santa Fe to feast your lens on. From ancient ruins to the worlds oldest church structure still standing to the beauty of the sky with clouds you can almost touch, Santa Fe is like a kaleidoscope of colors to feast your eyes on.

There are numerous museums to visit with everything from art to history, although you can see history still standing at the San Miguel Mission which was built sometime between 1610 and 1626. Although it burned down, it was completely rebuilt in 1710, so still quite old for a church in the U.S.

Santa Fe has approximately 69,000 residents although it never really feels that big to me. The only real drawback to Santa Fe is the crime rate which is almost always higher than the national average, although it is typically non-violent crime such as auto theft and burglary. The schools here are overall pretty good, with more than a few getting top marks across the board. Although there can be a little traffic on some roads it is certainly bearable when compared to larger cities. Compared to the rest of New Mexico, it's pretty costly to live in Santa Fe, although it's still good when you compare it to the rest of the nation.

If given the opportunity, I would highly recommend visiting Santa Fe. The city offers so much and has incredible hospitality. The people are friendly and you can't help but want to go back as soon as possible to find more hidden gems to explore.

Growing up I had more than a few friends who lived in Ponderosa Hills. Many of the homes were built in the mid 70s, although there are newer ones scattered about. They are all on property, with about five or so acres. It's a quiet area with Inspiration being the busiest street as it takes residents down into the town of Parker. Although this is a strictly residential area, shopping, dining, and numerous amenities are within just a 5-10 minute drive. This would be a good area for someone who may want a horse or two and feel like they are out of the city, but still have everything within a quick drive.

University is aptly named due to the University of Denver, a private university located here. The Iliff School of Theology is also here as well. I am often in this neighborhood as I enjoy a good game of hockey and other than the Avalanche, the Richie Center at DU is the best place to see one. As a visitor to the area I get frustrated with the traffic on University and especially when you come off of I-25 it can be a nightmare at rush hour. However, if you're willing to pay a few bucks there are plenty of parking lots open during the game and sometimes on a weekend night you can find street parking. For anyone interested in seeing a game at Richie Center (all the college sports teams play there), the arena is really nice and extremely clean compared to other venues. I guess that's par for the course since it's a private university.

When I was younger one of my best friends attended DU and I'd often visit her in the dorms, which I'd say were average. When she moved out she lived in a nice older home in the neighborhood and many of those older brick homes are still there, commanding a hefty price. The neighborhood itself has tons of large, older shade trees and beautiful brick homes they just don't make anymore. There are a ton of small cafes and restaurants within walking distance, but you need to take heed at night. This area unfortunately has a higher crime rate when compared to many other similar areas, and a lot of it seems to be opportunistic crime and assault. It's not unusual for University to be on the news with a reporter telling residents to be on the lookout for someone.

Another good thing about University is its location. Just a sort drive to Denver or shopping further south. It's also really close to Washington Park, one of the best parks in all of Denver. People who live in University tend to really like it and are more than willing to pay a higher price to live here. Although things do quiet down a bit at night, there is always something going on, as is normal for an area with such a strong presence of college aged kids.

Parker North is comprised of mainly businesses that line Parker Road. You can find doctor's offices, dentists and orthodontists, gas stations, a Dairy Queen, and a bank. There is also a fire station. However, on the furthest southeast corner there are some homes in a small neighborhood. These single family homes go for around the mid $200,000s and many were built in the 80s. This area along Parker Road is busy with traffic and Parker Road can get backed up around here during peak travel times.

Rowley Downs has been a staple in Parker for many years. There are some homes here that date back to the 70s although the majority were built in the 80s with new additions still coming in the 90s. The yards are all well groomed and overall it is a very neat and clean looking subdivision. The main road is a large loop with streets connected to it. The homes are all single family and range from three bedroom to five and start around the mid $300s (unless they are a foreclosure or short sale). The front yards are well tended and the back yards are decent sized.

Although there are no businesses in the neighborhood, there is a ton of shopping and dining within just several minutes. The neighborhood itself is quiet, but located in a busier area of Parker. The schools here are all very good as well. There is a relatively new hospital in Parker which is only about 10 minutes away as is a lot of other amenities, such as a couple of rec centers.

Several years back when my husband and I were considering moving we looked into Idyllwilde. Whoever developed this area did a really great job. Instead of bulldozing the land and rearranging the landscape, they chose to incorporate the natural beauty of the area into the setting. There are rolling hills with tons of Evergreen trees and the homes, although some are close together, have enough open space around them to make it feel as if you're not right on top of your neighbors like in some areas. There is a really nice clubhouse with a pool and it seemed to me as if there was a good dose of neighborly spirit.

When we were looking, homes were in the neighborhood of $350,00-$500,000 range, although those numbers may have changed. While it seems almost as if you're in the mountains because of the scenery, Idyllwilde is close to many amenities. A good variety of shopping and dining options are within a few minutes and Parker Road leads to either the Tollway or you can take Lincoln up to I-25. The schools here are really good as well.

Growing up in Parker we had friends that lived in Ponderosa East. The area really hasn't changed much since then, and it is still a very nice area. The homes here are all on a bit of property, about five acres for most, and many residents own horses. The homes are all unique looking and vary in size. Homes in this area are currently going from anywhere around the mid $200s to almost $800,000, depending on the home and amount of acreage. There are some gorgeous newer homes and most of the lots are full of evergreen and pine trees.

As with other neighborhoods in this part of Parker, it's about five or six miles to shopping and dining, but there are two completely different directions you can go, offering residents a lot of choices. The schools kids go to here are very good and rank really high. This would be the perfect spot for someone wanting to feel away from it all, but still wanting to be close to amenities.

Until recently, Smoky Hill Trail Estates was a quiet area with only a handful of homes, most built in the late 60s to early 70s. These homes are off the beaten path and unless you drive over a hill on a little side street you wouldn't even know they're there if it weren't for all the mailboxes lined up on Inspiration. However, there has been a lot of activity here recently with new homes going in on the southeastern side of the boundary. The newer homes are like the older ones in that they are all on good sized lots, and this area is so high up on Inspiration that there are some incredible views of the mountain ranges, from Pikes Peak all the way to Long's Peak. What's surprising about these new homes going up is that although they are larger than many in the area, they aren't huge like you'd imagine for the views they have and how Parker's real estate can get so costly.

Although the homes here are just a few minutes from Cherokee Trail High School, the property lies within Douglas County so the kids have to travel a bit farther for school. The trip down Inspiration is pretty quick to get to Parker and during the winter this is one of the streets they keep very well maintained. For shopping or dining, residents could just as easily head to Centennial via N. Piney Lake Road where there is a ton of shopping and dining options.

Being a strictly residential area, there are no stores or restaurants here, but you do get a lot of wildlife. There are frequently deer, rabbits, and foxes running about. Many people around here have horses and there's always a ton of family pets. This is a quiet area that would be a nice place to retire or have a few animals and garden.

I can remember as a young girl going to what is now Ponderosa Summit and exploring for hours on end. We lived just across Tomahawk Road and when I was little there were no homes here. It was just a very large piece of land that had great hills, valleys, and trees to explore. Every summer the fields would be covered with gorgeous orange hues from the Indian Paintbrush flowers scattered about. I used to pull out the little inner tubes and suck on the ends which had a sweet nectar inside of them. There was also an abundance of cacti, so you always had to be careful. As I got older I'd often ride my horse here, just strolling along the faint trails at a leisurely pace. I can remember the land coming up for sale and my mom wanting to buy it. My father would ask why she wanted it and they would argue about whether or not it was a good investment. Looking back, now that there are million dollar homes here, it probably would have been a good investment.

Speaking of the pricey homes, there is one in particular that always catches my eye. It's near Inspiration Drive right off Summit Ridge Road to the west. It has rock walls and a turret and reminds me of a small castle. I love looking at this home so much, I stopped one time to ask if they minded if I got the name of their builder. The sweet lady who lived there told me her husband, a lawyer by trade, designed it. She was kind enough to show me around the main floor and it is as spectacular on the inside as it is on the outside. The entrance is grand in an almost commanding way. I can only imagine most of the homes here are just as wonderful. I know of one that has an outdoor pool and is also very nice. Each home here is costly, but unique. They are all on a bit of land which I would guess to be at least five or so acres. There are still trails weaving in and out around the homes and people will often take their dogs for a walk or ride their horses here, just like I used to.

The area is only about five miles from the town of Parker, so shopping and dining are close by. The only drawback to this area lies on the western side of the subdivision. There are those large, really tall electrical towers which some think can cause long term damage to those who live close to them. Outside of that, I think that for the money this is a great place to live. A few of the homes on the western side have great views of the mountains and those that are on the eastern side have some pretty scenic things to look at as well. There are a lot of deer in the area, along with rabbits and the occasional fox. For those with children they go to Douglas County School District which is very good, and the high school is Chaparral. Overall, Ponderosa Summit is beautiful and worth looking into if you can afford it.

When I first saw the development of Rockinghorse going up, I was kind of sad. They tore out a few older homes and one was where one of my childhood friends lived on some property. So needless to say, I wasn't too thrilled with the new development. Since that time, I've found that I really like the new area a lot more than I ever imagined I would. It's a very clean and neat neighborhood and the houses are just lovely. Although most are unique there are some that exhibit a similar layout. It's pricey to live here, as most of the homes go for about 1/2 million. The area isn't crowded yet, but I have a feeling that more homes will be built soon on the western side of the area. I bet the homes on the top of the hill have a great view of Pikes Peak.

Although there are no businesses in the neighborhood, the people living here have the unique advantage of being equally close to both Parker and Centennial. The kids who live here go to Douglas County Schools, which are highly rated and the high school is Chaparral. Overall I really like this area, but think that for the price, there may be better options with more land.

O'Brien Park Road is near Main Street and Parker Road in a very busy little area. There is a lot to do right here for children and adults alike. The O'Brien Park has a great big play area with two large playgrounds for kids of all ages. There are also baseball fields and the O'Brien Water Park which is a great place to visit in the summer. They have two water slides, a water play park for kids, and a good sized pool. There are covered areas with picnic tables and a large area to rent for summertime birthdays or parties.

Just across the street is an ice cream shop, more than a few shops, and several bars and restaurants. This area always seems to be busy with people milling about and enjoying the park with the gazebo or eating at one of the many restaurants here. I love this part of town, especially in the winter around Christmastime. There are these very large trees (I would think close to 100 years old) the town decorates with these huge snowflake lights and the poles along this area are all decorated nicely as well.

O'Brien Park Road also leads to a lot of housing when traveling northbound and around the curve. There are town homes and condos just off of Victorian Drive and they have all that O'Brien Park Road has to offer within walking distance. Although there are no homes on the road itself, this is a nice area that I wouldn't mind living near.

Meeker has a small population of just over 2,500 and is located in the northwest quadrant of Colorado. Although near the mountains, Meeker is flat for the most part but you can see hills all around. Some areas are filled with Evergreen trees and green all year long, whereas other areas of Meeker have a lot of boulders and sagebrush along with dirt and tumbleweeds, giving it an almost old west feel. Some of the hills you drive through going into the town remind me of the Bookcliffs in Grand Junction, but on a much smaller scale.

Some of the homes just outside of Meeker are large and custom built and many were built out of logs to better blend into the scenery. As you enter town, there are some mobile homes and small houses. Most of the businesses in Meeker lie along State Hwy. 789, and a good number of the residents work in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction followed by construction. The average household income in Meeker is $48,896 and you can buy an average, single family detached home here for around $193,615.

For anyone who likes small town living, this would be a nice place to call home. Although it's remote, there are a lot of outdoor activities to keep one busy. Hunting is popular as is mountain biking, wildlife viewing (including wild horses), snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and ice fishing. One drawback to winter sports here is the amount of avalanches, so it's imperative to let people know where and when you're going somewhere, especially if it's in the nearby mountains.

The town's population is primarily white and tends to vote conservative. The crime rate is very low, although when there is crime it tends to be non-violent, things such as burglary and theft, although the occasional barroom brawl does happen. Meeker also has a traditionally low unemployment rate, especially when compared to the rest of the state.

Geographically speaking, Meeker has a higher rate of earthquakes when compared to the rest of Colorado, although they still aren't of a significant magnitude.

The writer Verlyn Klinkenborg was born in Meeker in 1952 and has written many non-fiction novels such as The Rural Life and The Last Fine Time.

Grand Lake, Colorado is a wonderful small mountain town which lies next to a very large lake, hence the name of the town. There are numerous homes here all spread out and the town is definitely geared towards catering to tourists who come here to fish, hunt, and just explore the great outdoors Colorado has to offer. Although there are only 452 residents, there are numerous bars and cafes in town, many of which are highly recommended. The entire town is considered 'rural' and many of the homes have a great view of the lake out their back door. Driving through town you don't see many buildings that look out of place, as many are built from wood and really blend into the beautiful scenery all around.

Every time I've been to Grand Lake I've had the same feeling. Why don't I live here?? The townspeople couldn't be friendlier, the area is just beautiful, there are so many things to do here, and life just seems to move a bit slower. Although Grand Lake would be a wonderful place to live, it is also a great place to visit. The one drawback of Grand Lake is the cost of living. An average home here goes for about $365,903 which is much higher than the state average (by about $105,000), however, the median household income is lower than the state average by about $5,000.

Many of the residents work in accommodation and food services due to the many cabins and lodging options available to tourists. The next common industry is construction. Although the jobs seem to be here, because they are lower paying, almost 31% of the residents are living in poverty. The rate of unemployment in Grand Lake is also higher than in the rest of the state, although that peaked in 2011 like many areas of the country.

I would recommend anyone who is considering visiting Colorado take a look at Grand Lake, especially those who are into the outdoors. There are also some cute little touristy type of shops in town, cafes and local bars. For those who want a bit of culture while visiting, Grand Lake also has the wonderful Rocky Mountain Repertory Theater which has performances throughout the summer. Overall, Grand Lake is the perfect place to get away to.

Gypsum, Colorado is a lovely area just off of I-70. It lies roughly between Vail and Glenwood Springs, so there are a lot of fun things to do close by, such as hiking, skiing, camping, hot springs, and more. The population of Gypsum is currently 6,515 with the majority being white at 53% and the next largest race being Hispanic at just shy of 45%. The average household income here is $78,519 which is over $20,000 higher than the state average. However, buying a home in Gypsum is much more costly than in other parts of the state as well. As of 2012, the average home price was $378,738. Many of the residents work in construction and educational services.

I've been through and in Gypsum many times and I've always thought it would be a nice place to live. There's so much to do in this part of the state and from what I've witnessed, the townspeople all seem very friendly. The homes tend to get nicer the farther you get from the interstate and there are some really beautiful ones here. Although pricey, I would certainly consider living here.

Garden of the Gods Road has a lot of restaurants and gas stations for locals or those who are traveling down I-25 who need to stop. There are some incredibly pretty views and the area always seems very clean, safe, and sound. Although not directly connected to Garden of the Gods, the park is just a short drive over and well worth the extra few minutes to see this amazing rock park that has walking trails around it.

Erie is a small town that lies just west of I-25. There are some nice farming areas around the town and many of the homes in town are smaller and have been there for many years. There are also some newer areas, which have some very nice homes and are the reason the median priced home is so high in Erie ($325,174). There are also some residents who commute to Boulder and Denver as many work in professional, scientific and technical services. The median household income in Erie is $107,064 which is almost double what it is for the rest of the state.

The area itself is pretty and the cute little homes in town lie along tree lined streets. The old town hall is a cool brick building and there is a nice community vibe here. The location is great for anyone who needs to work in the city but wants to feel away from it all when they are home. While there aren't a ton of restaurants, there is a good amount for a town of this size (pop. 19,272), and plenty within a decent driving distance. Overall, I think Erie would be a nice place to call home.

Deckers is an unincorporated town which lies at an elevation of 6,400 feet in central Colorado. Most natives know of Deckers for the incredible fly fishing that's available here along the South Platte River. Outside of a small convenience store/ice cream shop there isn't any shopping or dining unless you're staying at one of the bed and breakfast places. This is a hilly, mountainous area with mostly dirt roads and it can get tricky getting up there in the winter when there's been a lot of snow.

Some years back I had friends that lived in Deckers and it was always a nice, peaceful weekend when I went up there. You can hear the wind blowing through the trees and if you're lucky enough to live by the river, you've got an ideal spot. I think that overall you'd have to be pretty dedicated to living the quiet life to settle in Deckers. Although it's really pretty, it is a bit remote for some people.

Superior is a nice area with plenty of shopping and single family homes. The great thing about this town is the location. It's close enough to both Denver and Boulder to commute, yet it lies near the base of the Rockies, so there is quick access to heading up to the mountains for all of the recreational adventures there are. There is a ton of shopping at Flatirons Mall and at strip malls. There are a lot of restaurants to choose from as well. The town has some great parks and has always seemed to be a friendly, welcoming place to raise a family.

A lot of the homes is Stratmoor are beginning to show the signs of aging in this older community. On the west side of the highway, the homes are all mostly single family and although the same is true for the east side of the highway, they tend to a bit smaller on the east. There are some very cute starter homes on the east side which give the appearance of being newer. The average home price in Stratmoor is $138,034 which is quite a bit lower than the state average. The average household income levels here are lower as well, at about $34,903. This may be in part due to the fact that many residents here are in the military and of those who aren't, many work in accommodation and food service.

One drawback to Stratmoor is that it lies on either side of I-25, so there is noise from the highway. The highway doesn't really get too backed up here though because it is a ways out of Colorado Springs. There are nice views of the mountains in some areas and in some of the neighborhoods on the western side you feel cozy with the foothills right outside your window. Although many of the homes are showing signs of aging, there are a few here and there that are real eyesores and it's too bad the city doesn't address them as it would help the area overall.

Stratmoor may be the perfect solution for those who work in Colorado Springs but need less expensive housing than you can find there.

South Fork is a small town in Southern Colorado which has a population of only 376. The town gained notoriety in the movie National Lampoon's Vacation as the Griswald family stopped in South Fork to spend the night at a campground there. Although the area is lush with plenty of trees and beautiful, this area has the typical Alpine climate with hot summers that can turn briskly cold after sunset and nights in the winter sporting temps below zero. Not for the faint of heart…

The population is primarily white and many of the residents work in retail or accommodation and food service. This is a popular area for vacationers, resulting in this type of work. Although the income level here is lower than many other areas of the state, you can also purchase a home here for a little less. Many of the homes are spread out and on some acreage, offering a great place to raise horses or other small farm animals. A lot of the residents here have taken the time to build homes that blend into the scenery instead of detract from it, which is neat. Some of the luckier residents live next to the Rio Grande River and have great properties with fishing and incredible views.

St. Mary's is one of those small, hidden gems of Colorado. In addition to the excellent hiking in the beautiful mountains of Colorado, there is a really great atmosphere up here. The St. Mary's Glacier hike is well worth the drive and energy expended to get up the mountain. The surrounding views are spectacular and the drive up to the town is scenic. For visitors interested in Colorado history, there is the small ghost town of Alice here. There is even a small museum at the old schoolhouse.

The town itself is small with only 283 residents, most of who work in retail or construction. The median household income is $46,558 and a lot of the town's residents live in the Silver Lake Condominiums. The condos, being cheaper than houses bring down the average housing price quite a bit here.

Overall I would recommend St. Mary's for tourists or Coloradans who just want to get away for a while.

PIne Junction is a small town that lies along Hwy. 285 about 25 minutes SW of Denver. The homes here are all spread out with lots of trees growing along the streets. Most of the residents here know each other and there is definitely a sense of small town community here. There are a couple of small shops, but for the most part residents need to travel elsewhere for food and groceries. Conifer is just about 10-15 minutes away and is where the Pine Junction kids go to school, although the elementary lies between the two towns.

Depending on what you're looking for, you can find homes in a variety of price ranges here. In 'town' they go for around the low to mid $200 range, but you can find homes upwards of $700,000 not too far away. This sleepy little town would be a nice place to raise kids and although you could commute for work to Denver, it may not be practical, especially during the winter.

Edgewater lies just west of Sloan's Lake in north Denver. This suburb has been around for a long time and has many long time residents still living here after many years, giving it a real sense of community. Most of the homes are older and were built in the 1950s although some date back to the beginning of the century. Although these homes are much older than in some neighborhoods, they still command a pretty price. Some of the smaller two bedroom/one bath homes go for over $200,000 while the larger homes can get upwards close to $450,000 mark. The streets are lined with old, large shade trees which are very nice in the summer time. However, since many of the homes are older they don't come with garages, so there is a lot of cars parked on the street.

Although there really aren't any restaurants within the borders of Edgewater, other than a Taco Bell, there are a lot of choices for both shopping and dining very near by. Some of the main roads near the suburb are major arteries, such as Sheridan and Colfax, which can get very busy during peak travel times. For those who like to head into the mountains, heading up Colfax to I-70 is a pretty straight shot and can get you to skiing within a decent time frame.

Being in Eads is much like what you'd think it would be like living back in the 50s or 60s. Things here just move at a slower place. When you travel down main street, the street is wide with lots of room like they used to make roads a long time ago, and the building are all brick. The homes are all smaller and charming, many with pretty gardens and lovely patios. They all have a unique look and there are sidewalks in front, and you can often see residents walking around.

Around Eads there are a lot of farms and agriculture is the second largest industry here behind health care and social assistance. There is a very small hospital in Eads which doubles as a nursing home on one side. There are a couple of doctors in town as well.

The current population of Eads is 622. One good thing about these small, self-sufficient towns is that when the economy turns down like it did in 2010, fewer people seem to lose their livelihood. Although the median household income here is well below the state average, you can get a very charming home in town for around $55,000. This town would be a great place to raise kids for those who want to get away but still be part of a community.

I've always liked Grand Junction, from the first time I visited when I was really young. This town of 60,000 often seems bigger than it is, and it has been and probably will always be very diverse. There are plenty of residential neighborhoods, but there's also a lot of homes on several acres, and also large farms and ranches. Grand junction is known for the incredible amount of fruit grown here and also the amount of wine produced.

For the outdoorsy folk there's tons to do up here. There are a lot of mountain biking trails, hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and even hunting. The Colorado River runs along I-70 for part of the way here and you can see it trailing off to the southern side of Grand Junction. The Book Cliff Mountains are really something to see. They almost look like mountains made of sand and the last time I was passing through I saw a group climbing one of them, which I didn't know people could do. It's also a short drive to Colorado National Monument, which has some unique and beautiful mesas and canyons. Much of the land surrounding Grand Junction is BLM land, which is public land.

The largest industry here is health care and social assistance, followed by education and construction. The cost of living in Grand Junction isn't really good though. Although housing prices are comparable with the rest of the state, the median income is almost $10,000 less. The crime rate here is also pretty high compared to a lot of other Colorado cities. It's often higher than national averages in several categories.

One thing I really like about Grand Junction is some of the older buildings. Settlers arrived in the area in the 1880s and there are still some very cool, older buildings still standing. The city got its name because the Colorado River and Gunnison River both meet here.

I've had several friends who have attended college here and really liked it. Although I no longer get to Grand Junction very often, it definitely has an appeal for me. If my husband or I had to move there for work, I wouldn't think twice about it as it's a cool place with tons to do.

Simla is a small rural town on the Eastern plains of Colorado and as of 2012 there were 619 residents. With such a small population in Simla, there aren't many amenities. Some of the homes are on property outside of town, but the ones in town are small, with some being mobile homes. There is a small cafe, a couple of places to fill up, and a meat locker. Other than a few other small businesses there isn't much here.

The average household income in Simla is $29,555 and the largest industries are health care and social assistance, followed by construction. The average median priced home here is $97,252, which is much lower than the state's average.

Lyons is a nice little Colorado town that is a lot like you'd imaging a small Colorado town to be like. There are some very cute homes here with nice yards and very friendly neighbors. There are a few little shops in town, one that specializes in Indian art which is really cool, and a couple of restaurants and a little grocers.

The area itself is pretty with lots of trees and parks. Some streets have a sidewalk on one side and a few of the houses have little picket fences. It's a pretty close drive to Boulder and Estes Park for larger shopping or dining.

The median household income here is well above the state average and comes in around $72,812, but the homes and land up here are expensive as well. A median sized family home goes for around $318,749 which is over the state average by almost $100,000. The residents here work in a large variety of industries, with no one industry standing out.

The schools here all get excellent ratings. There is a small elementary and a combined middle/high school. They rate high on state standardized tests as well as parental opinion.

Overall, I think Lyons would be a great place to live and raise a family. The people are friendly, the scenery is pretty, and the atmosphere laid back and welcoming.

Dransfeldt Road is a long road in Parker which has numerous businesses on it. There are auto body shops, grooming salons, a police station, and other types of businesses. This isn't a residential area, though.

Clarke Farms is a nice, family-oriented subdivision located just west of Parker Road in the town of Parker. The homes are all single family and have decent sized yards and backyards. Many of these homes were built in the 80s and are in good shape, with many of the residents taking good care of the yards and landscaping.The schools here are good and Cherokee Trail Elementary is located within the neighborhood in walking distance of the houses. My oldest daughter went to school there for a couple of years and I was very impressed with her teachers, who I believe are still there.

There isn't any traffic within the neighborhood, but Jordan Road can get busy as can Lincoln Avenue for residents trying to get West to I-25. Just north of the subdivision by a couple of miles is the tollway for quicker access to either I-25 or out east heading towards DIA. While there are no businesses (with the exception of a martial arts school) or restaurants in the neighborhood, there are options going in almost every direction. There are numerous stores close by, and Park Meadows Mall is only about a 15 minute drive away. The subdivision is also very close to a bike trail that goes west to Littleton or down south to Franktown. It's well maintained and a very pretty ride the whole way. The Parker Rec Center is also just across Lincoln Avenue and offers many classes, a large gym, swimming pool, and workout equipment.

Overall I think this would be a good area for people to live in if they worked in the area or somewhere close, such as the Denver Tech Center. The people seem to be friendly and there are many things to do nearby.

I grew up the better part of my childhood in Black Forest Estates in east Parker. The homes here are single family and each one is on about five acres. The land itself here is very pretty with tons of rolling hills, pine trees, and wildlife all around. My mom still lives here and frequently has deer, rabbits, and a huge variety of birds around. About ten years ago there was a mountain lion spotted in the area, but no one knew where he came from or where he ended up. Many of the families who live here have been here for years and know each other. You can often find the neighbors helping each other out with plowing after a big snowstorm or just checking in on one another throughout the year. It eases my mind to know my mom has some really great neighbors, since she's getting older and I live about an hour away.

Some of the residents here have horses or other small farm animals. Although a few head of cattle are allowed, you rarely see them anymore. On the outskirts of Black Forest Estates there is some newer construction, but most of the homes here were built in the 70s and 80s. They are all unique, with no two looking alike.

Since Black Forest Estates is a strictly residential area, there are no stores or restaurants to speak of. Whether you take Inspiration Drive or head down to Main Street to get into the town of Parker, it's about five miles either way. When you get into the town there are numerous restaurants and stores with anything you need really. If you take the back way (Inspiration Drive heading East) you can easily get to Southlands which is only about 10 minutes away. This gives residents another great option for shopping and dining.

For families that have children, the schools for this area are very good, all of them located in Douglas County School District. The high school is Chaparral which is a newer high school that has been built since I left. When I lived here we went to Ponderosa which is considerably farther away, although kids before me had to travel all the way to Castle Rock to go to Douglas County High School. During those days, the kids had over a one hour trip on the bus. As Parkers population continues to grow, so do the amount of high schools (and middle and elementary).

Overall, I think this would be a great place for those who would like to be away from the big city, but be close enough to have shopping and dining available nearby. The land is still just as fun to explore when you're a kid as it was back then. There are numerous plants and animals to see, such as Indian Paintbrush, cactus, deer, and foxes. Things out here seem to move a little bit slower and there's plenty of room for those who want to have a variety of animals to raise for fun or food.

Located just East of Canon City, Penrose is a small town with a population of 3,582 as of the last census. The population was 12% lower than the previous census, most likely from people moving due to job loss. The town itself does not have much to offer in the way of amenities, but it would be a convenient place for people who worked in Canon City or Florence as they are both within a 15 minute drive. There are several businesses in town, such as a Wells Fargo Bank, a barber shop, and a neighborhood market. Most of the homes are spread out, unlike many small towns in Colorado. Some yards are gated or fenced, but mostly it's just single family homes built up on streets without sidewalks or street lights.

The town, for the most part is white (88%) and tend to be more conservative. The median household income is $46,541 which is almost $10,000 less than the state average, but you can also get a single family home here for around $164,000 making the cost of living pretty good.

Penrose is one of those areas that doesn't have a lot of water in it, so it can get really hot and dry in the summers. The landscape is dotted with sagebrush and sandy dirt, while trees are few and far between. It almost has a high desert feel to it.

Watkins was once called Box Elder because of the creek that used to run through it. Technically, the creek bed is still there but when there is water in it, it isn't much. There are currently 653 people living here according to the last census. Watkins isn't a typical town, not even a typical small one. It is divided by I-70 and lies in both Arapahoe and Adams County. On the Adams side there is a gas station, and two smaller restaurants, Biscuits Cafe and Lulu's. Biscuits is popular with many of the truck drivers who stop to get gas at the Tomahawk Gas Station, which accommodates large semis. Lulu's is a bit more upscale and has some really good food, but the prices are a bit high for what you get. They also often have bands playing on the weekends.

Also located on the Adams County side is a post office and O'Malley's Merchantile which offers all kinds of things to outfit ranches and farms. You can find poultry for sale and all types of feed. There are a few houses scattered about, some looking a bit run down until you get away from I-70. There is also a small motel for travelers who may have gotten stuck with I-70 being closed during any of the winter storms out this way.

On the Arapahoe County side of Watkins there is a large subdivision with some very nice homes, a firing range, and a business where you can board your dog. The homes are all spread out on a couple of acres and it's overall a quiet area.

The reason I say Watkins isn't really like a town is because there is no real central place with small businesses or a community center or anything like that. I always just think of it as a place to stop for gas and not much else. The post office here does process passports, which is a convenient place to go for many people living on the Eastern corridor, especially since there is almost never a line there.

There are no schools in Watkins as it's too small, so kids are bussed to the Bennett School District. There are no real shopping options in Watkins either, so residents have to trek to the Bennett King Soopers for groceries or head into Aurora. Watkins is quiet and for those who don't mind living next to a major interstate, it is a quick trip into town while still maintaining a somewhat rural feel. It's close to DIA and also the Front Range Airport.

Timnath is a small town of 626 people. The population has blossomed since 2000 and has shown a growth rate of 180.7%. The popularity of the Front Range and many people moving to Colorado are most likely the cause of this. What used to be a small farming community has changed somewhat from a small town with farms dotting the area to some custom homes being built on large plots of land. The homes in town are very cute and look well manicured. The streets are clean and tree lined and very appealing to look at.

The largest industry in Timnath is finance and insurance. The median household income is $80,139 while the median average home price is $304,294. Timnath is also very well located for people who work in Ft. Collins, Windsor, Loveland, or Longmont. This quiet town would be a nice place to raise children and the two elementary schools here are very well rated.

Dupont lies right next to Derby and is a busy area which has a lot of industrial looking areas around it. It does lie adjacent to Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge which is a great place to visit if you want to do a nature walk or go to watch birds. There is no camping here, it is a place to go for a day outing only. The homes located in Derby are mostly single family, and depending on which street you're on, you can find some that are cookie cutter looking or on other streets you can find a variety of homes which are all different looking.

I personally don't care for this area as there are so many industrial areas around it. It is close to a lot of shopping and fast food restaurants though. Housing prices are modest compared to many areas of Colorado, and you can buy a detached home for around $174,000. The median household income here is lower as well. Many of the residents work in construction or the service industry.

Some of the yards are nicely tended while others look as if they haven't had any attention in quite some time. You can find a variety of fencing and in some areas it just looks a bit haphazard.

Livermore is a small, spread out community in Northern Colorado, not far from the Wyoming border. There is no real town to speak of although you can find a small restaurant called the Western Ridge Restaurant and Resort and there's a small grocery/gas station along the highway. Many of the homes here are spread out and on some land. There are mostly single family homes, many with barns for horses and cattle, although you see the occasional mobile home also. There are no real amenities in town, but Fort Collins is less than a half an hour away and is large enough to offer many shopping and dining options.

Livermore is relatively close to Red Feather Lakes, which is a great place to get away and do some fishing or canoeing. It is also located just south of Red Mountain Open Space, which is a 15,000 acre space which has trailheads for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders to explore. It's open from March 2nd through November 30th of each year, and closes from December through March due to the weather.

Livermore may be a good place to buy land for those looking to have horses or to ranch. It's a bit remote so without much to do, it's not a place everyone would want to be. There are currently 5,370 residents spread out and there is a median household income of $59,321, which is a little higher than the state average. The median home price is $307,225 which is higher than the state average as well, but this is mainly due to the amount of land many of the homes are on. The town is predominantly white (over 94%) and the most popular industry is professional, scientific, and technical services.

Columbine Valley is an upper middle class neighborhood just west of Santa Fe Drive next to Littleton. The homes here are all single family and fairly unique, unlike a lot of cookie cutter neighborhoods that are popular now. The homes are all very well tended with nice yards and large shade trees. The median priced home here runs about $664,813 and many of the residents work in professional, technical, and scientific services. The average household income in this area is $118,283, which is considerably higher than the state average.

The population in Columbine Valley is over 94% white. The area is very peaceful and has virtually no crime. There are numerous parks and lakes in the neighborhood and the east side border runs along the South Platte River. It is a really lovely area and when you're in the middle of it, it feels almost isolated from the busy areas that surround it. This would be a lovely neighborhood to raise a family in because of the low crime rate, good schools, and numerous parks and lakes.

Granby is a great little mountain town located in Northern Colorado. It is close to many wonderful outdoor adventures for those serious about hiking, camping, fishing, boating, backpacking, and hunting. The town itself has just under 2,000 residents and many of the homes in town are small, single family homes which are fairly reasonably priced. You can also buy some land with gorgeous views and build yourself, although the property up here can get expensive.

Over 87% of the population here is white and the most popular industries are construction, followed by accommodation and food services. The median household income is right in line with the rest of the state, although the in town housing prices are about $30,000 lower than the rest of the state. When it comes to politics, the residents here are just about down the middle of the road when it comes to voting Republican or Democrat.

There are a lot of tourists to this area, but it's the nature of the beast being there is so much to do here, and since many of the residents make their living off of them. Overall, I think this would be a nice little town to call home.

Cook Street is a nice street with older brick buildings and large, beautiful shade trees. Considering it connects to Colfax, the street is quiet with little traffic. City Park is on the north end of the street and offers many things to do. Many of the residents know each other and have lived here for a long time. I was born just a couple of streets away at Mercy Medical Center, which is no longer there. East High School is just west of here, and it is a solid school. I would recommend this area for professionals who work in Denver or at one of the nearby hospitals. Buyer beware though, the homes here are pricey.

I've been going to City Park for years now. When I was younger we would always go to the zoo, and it's amazing to me that it has been opened since 1896. As I got older, I had a friend who lived just off of 17th and I loved visiting her there. Being across from the park always seemed so calm and serene. As long as you stay away from Colfax, the traffic isn't bad either. Nowadays I go there mostly to take my kids to the zoo and Denver Museum of Nature and Science. There is also a planetarium although I haven't been there since high school.

The park itself is huge and offers tons of space for taking a jog, enjoying a picnic, or even riding the paddle boats in Ferril Lake. There is a great view of this lake and of the Denver skyline from the balcony in the museum. For the most part, when you're here it's a laid back atmosphere, much different than the city which is so close.

There are numerous businesses, restaurants and bars up and down Colfax. It's a quick drive to downtown so this would be a great place for people who work downtown to live. East High School, which has had some problems in the past has now really turned around and a much younger friend of mine graduated there just several years ago. She said she really enjoyed going to school there and thought the teachers were really good.

The median household income in City Park was $52,165 in 2010, while the rest of Denver averaged $45,526. I don't know how accurate this is as some maps show City Park as going as far south as Colfax, while others show it ending at 17th Avenue. The average detached home price was a very high $666,193 compared to the rest of Denver at $329,547. While the housing prices are high, it may be worth looking into this neighborhood if you're a professional working downtown or at one of the nearby hospitals.

Dove Creek is a small town just east of the Utah border. This small town has only 735 residents and not much to offer in the way of restaurants or amenities. There are a couple gas stations and motels for travelers who find themselves in this part of the state. The largest industries here are construction and educational services, followed by administrative and support and waste management services.The median income here tends to be much lower than the state average, along with the housing prices.

This would be a good area for farming or agriculture and maybe someone who drives a semi for a living.

Bellvue is located centrally in Northern Colorado and lies in the Pleasant Valley.This area is very lush looking and green, with foothills for a backdrop. In the small town there is only one business that I know of, a small store, and within the town are small family homes shaded by large trees. There are about 2,000 people that call Bellvue home, living in town and in the surrounding areas. This is a good area for agriculture and along the valley you can see green fields in all directions.

This is a small, close knit community where many people have been living here for years. You can find a typical single family home for anywhere in the low $200,000 range, unless you're looking for property, then the cost can go much higher.

Although there are no big stores or restaurants here, Ft. Collins is only 20 minutes away, and there's tons of stores and dining options there.

I think Bellvue would be a great place to call home as it's a friendly little town with some cute homes, it's a really beautiful area, it's quiet and peaceful, and some great amenities aren't far away.

Bailey, Colorado is located along 285 about an hour west of Denver. I've had the pleasure of visiting this little town a lot over the years and it has really come to grow on me. The 'town' itself is pretty small with just a couple of restaurants, a small gift shop, and gas station, but within the outer lying areas, it is really beautiful and scenic. The schools here are pretty amazing and have nice views and in the high school cafeteria there is a large fireplace and the seating is booth style like you would find in a nice restaurant. When you're seated there you can look out at the mountain across the highway and it is very picturesque - I can only imagine how beautiful it is to be there during the winter and seeing snow fall. We have friends who recently moved to the area and they have elementary aged children, and the kids are allowed to go sledding at recess. That must be so much fun for them!

The people who live there are all so friendly and quick to make conversation with visitors. There are some small to average size homes around town, but once you get a little farther away you can find a lot of large, custom built homes on some property for well ino the millions.

Being in the mountains there are a ton of great outdoor things to do near Bailey. There's fishing, hiking, camping, hunting & more. I've been up to Bailey in the winter and the roads are well maintained. The one drawback is that there is only a two lane road going from Bailey to Conifer, which is where the nearest grocery store is. Conifer is about 20 minutes away in good weather.

The town itself isn't set up like a regular town with business lining the streets. The buildings are more spread out and when you're looking around you can see some older buildings and log cabins. There are a few bed & breakfast type of places on the outskirts of town and some great lush valleys you can drive through in the spring and summertime. This is really a lovely area with lovely people and definitely a place I would consider if I were moving to the mountains.

Dinosaur is located very close to the border of Utah in Northwestern Colorado. This small town has only 339 residents and most of the area is spread out with houses on a little bit of land. There are small, single family homes as well as mobile homes in the area. The main roads through town are paved, but many of the side roads are still dirt. Many of the residents have been drawn to the area because of the jobs in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction. The median household income here is well below state averages, but so are the housing prices. The town has a high percentage (over 24%) of residents living under the poverty level.

Dinosaur does get its fair share of visitors to the area. Nearby is Dinosaur National Monument, numerous hiking and biking trails, and scenic auto routes. The roads are aptly named with names such as Brontosaurus Blvd. and Stegosaurus Freeway. Overall the area is hot and dry in the summer as this region has very low humidity.

There are several of restaurants in town, a couple of gas stations, and a couple of small motels. There isn't too much else to offer as Dinosaur is rather remote and its hard to think of many people going to the area if it weren't for the Dinosaur National Monument.

Marble, Colorado is a one of the most scenic spots in the state. The beauty of this area is enjoyed by the 132 residents that call Marble home, as well as the lucky tourists that get to see it. This quaint little town lies in Western Colorado and is rather remote. The tight knit community has great schools for the kids who live here and there are numerous outdoor activities including cross country skiing, hiking, camping, and hunting.

The largest industry in Marble is health care and social assistance, followed by construction. The median household income here is $44,161 which is significantly lower than the rest of the state. However, an average median home price is much higher than the rest of the state by about $100,000. This number is skewed by some of the larger homes on property outside of town as there are some really cute little homes in town. The town is about 92% white.

Johnstown is a small town with a population of just under 10,000. The town began in 1902 when Harvey Parish first learned of the railroad coming through the area. He plotted the town and businesses began springing up. While there are newer areas of the town which have bigger houses, the older houses in town are smaller but have a quiet charm about them. They are all individual looking, although in some areas they are packed together a bit close. The town itself is rather peaceful since it lies a bit off of I-25 to the east. This does make for a quick commute to the highway for those who may work in another town. There is a definite laid back feel to Johnstown which is refreshing when compared to the big cities. The estimated income here is about $16,000 more than the state average, although the average median home price here is about $15,000 less than the state average. This makes the cost of living here really good.

For families who have K-12th grade children, the schools here rate a bit over average compared to the rest of Colorado. Although I've only been in Roosevelt High School, it was a bit dated, but very clean. There does seem to be good school spirit throughout the town.

Another benefit for those living in Johnstown is that it is close enough to a big city so shopping and dining options aren't too far away. Although it's east of I-25 it is close to the mountains, which you can see from many parts of Johnstown.

Overall, this is a quiet, clean little community that seems as if it would be a good place to raise a family.

Derby, Colorado is sometimes confused with being a part of Commerce City, although most places in Derby use Commerce City on their mailing label. Derby and Commerce City lay adjacent to one another and there is no real distinction as to where one stops and the other starts. As with Commerce City to the south, Derby is highly populated with Hispanics, which make up almost 65% of the population, followed by White at 32%. This neighborhood has some small single family homes as well as many apartment buildings. I do like how many of the homes have the old fashioned chain link fences, allowing residents to visit with one another. It kind of takes you back to another time.

The median household income for Derby is $39,032, which is significantly lower than the Colorado state average at $55,430. Many of the residents here work in blue collar professions and the largest industry is construction. The median household income is lower here, and so are the home prices. While the median home price in Colorado is $237,800, in Derby it is $149,898. The poverty level in Derby is right around 23%. Almost 40% of Derby residents have not received a high school diploma.

While there are some cute single family homes here which are on nicer streets, there is a rather run down feeling to the area as a whole. There are a lot of industrial type of businesses southwest of the area which pollute the air and there are many warehouses and trucking businesses here as well. In my opinion, the two don't mix well to make a good, safe neighborhood. There are a couple of restaurants and various businesses, but for shopping and dining residents pretty much need to head elsewhere.

Overall I wouldn't recommend Derby for families with children as the schools in the area traditionally score really low on state testing standards. There are also some run down areas with less than appealing yards and homes.

I've been to Garden City many times and never knew it wasn't considered Greeley until seeing a map recently. I have been here for several reasons, and I always seem to stop at the Subway as there isn't too much else in the way of healthy food options. This small town has only 235 residents, although it can get very busy since Hwy 85 runs through it. There are numerous businesses here and the homes that are located in Garden City tend to be on the small side with an average cost around $155,000, which is in line with the lower average household income of $20,224. Almost 37% of residents here live below the poverty rate.

The most common industry in Garden City is manufacturing, followed by accommodation and food services, then health care and social assistance. There are numerous restaurants on this side of town, although many of them lie within Greeley boundaries. There is also a rather large Lutheran Good Samaritan community which has senior housing as well as assisted living and skilled care just north of the city so for residents who work in health care they have this option or the nearby hospital.

Overall the looks of Garden City don't appeal to me as this seems to be a busy area with not much to offer in the way of clean and neat subdivisions or housing areas. There's a lot of businesses in the area and this part of town is just not appealing.

Gleneagle is one of my favorite areas of Colorado. The homes here are all individual looking and the yards are all well tended and nice. There are incredible views of the mountains just west of the highway and some pretty amazing sunsets to boot. We have friends who live here and whenever we go down for a BBQ they have neighbors over as it seems to be a pretty tight knit community. Although there isn't a lot of options here for shopping and dining, Gleneagle is so close to Colorado Springs that residents can get whatever they need without a far drive, yet live in a quiet beautiful area without the hustle and bustle of the bigger city.

There is an 18 hole golf course located here which has some pretty incredible views and is a gorgeous course, which is open to the public. It fits in perfectly with the incredible scenery it has for a backdrop.

The median household income in Gleneagle is $109,208 which is almost double that of the rest of Colorado. However, home prices here are high as well, coming in around $355,000 for a median priced home. The majority of the residents here work in professional, scientific, and technical services followed by educational services. This is definitely a family oriented area as almost 80% of the households are families. The current population is 6,611 with the majority of the residents (over 89.7%) being white, followed by Hispanic and then Asian.

For families who can afford a little more expensive home, I would highly recommend Gleneagle. The family oriented atmosphere, along with great schools and surrounding beauty make this community a great place to live.

La Veta is a small town in southern Colorado and the name literally means 'the mineral vein' in Spanish. This area was first settled by the white man in the mid 1800s and was placed on a trail that had been used by both Comanche and Ute Indians. A fort was originally built here to supply Denver mining camps with supplies. In 1876 the train came through and a little wooden schoolhouse was also built for the children who lived near the town.

There are now about 800 residents and driving through town you can see nice little homes along the tree lined streets. There are even some older adobe looking homes which are neat to see. The town is very green and there are some great views in the distance. of the beautiful mountains.

La Veta has an incredibly low crime rate and in 2009 not one crime was reported. Even for a small town where people tend to know one another, this is unusual.

As La Veta is off the beaten path, there aren't a lot of shopping or dining options in town. The nearest large city is Pueblo which is about an hour away. This nice little town would be a great place to retire or for those who like a small town atmosphere.

I seem to find myself in Pueblo West several times a year. If I'm ever traveling to the zoo or somewhere else on the west side of Pueblo I usually get off the highway early and drive through this area even it it takes a little longer. I love how the area is spread out and many of the homes use xeriscaping in their yards. In some ways, it reminds me a lot of being in Arizona. many homes in this town are on some acreage and you can find some small farm animals and horses about. There are also more traditional subdivisions where the homes are all a little closer. Overall, the schools here are pretty good and they rank higher than average when it comes to state wide comparisons.

There are enough restaurants and shops in Pueblo West that I would think residents wouldn't have to leave often unless they wanted to. However, since Pueblo is so close the drive wouldn't be far anyway. The cost of living in Pueblo West is very good. The average median household income is just shy of $59,000 which is about 4K higher than the state average, but you can buy a nice single family home here for $182,179 which is almost 55K less than the state average.

There are almost 30,000 residents in this quiet area and many of them work in retail trade and health care and social assistance. The majority of the residents are white, followed by Hispanic.

Henderson, Colorado is a rapidly changing area. This used to be a big area for farming and ranching, and while there are still some small farms and older homes here, there are new developments popping up everywhere. Most of these developments have two-story, single family homes and are pretty close together. There is a lot of water in the area, with lakes and streams, and just west of Highway 85 off of 120th is a great bicycle path. There are also places to go for nice nature walks and spend some quality time outdoors.

Although there isn't a lot of shopping in the area, this town is located right next to Brighton and Northglenn, so shopping and dining are never far away. There are plenty of gas stations and a few strip malls for other needs. It would be a convenient location for someone to live in if they worked in Denver or any of the other surrounding areas. Although traffics seems to not be bad for the most part, it can get a little congested on both Highway 85 and 120th as you head west, but this happens mostly at peak driving hours.

The schools in Henderson rate anywhere from average to below average, which is unfortunate. Both the middle and high school have pretty new buildings which are very nice on the inside. Overall, this is primarily a family based area with many housing options.