Fun fact: Since it’s located roughly one mile above sea level (and the air pressure is lower at that high of an altitude), the water boils at only 202 degrees Fahrenheit in Denver. For future homeowners moving in from out of state, this means that you might be cooking your pasta about 30 seconds faster than almost everyone else in the USA.
While that’s not the #1 reason that the state attracted 232,000 new residents in 2023 – the year of the latest Consumer Affairs report – it’s still a pretty neat fact you’ll be telling your friends back home if you decide to move to the Mile High City yourself.
In this article, we’ll highlight the 8 most popular places in Colorado to move.
Denver: The Mile High City
Denver stands as Colorado’s crown jewel, combining big-city amenities with easy access to outdoor recreation. The state capital offers world-class dining, professional sports teams, and a vibrant arts scene. Recent market data shows Denver County closed 582 home sales with a median price of $737,500, representing a 5.8% increase in sales activity year-over-year.
The city’s diverse neighborhoods range from trendy LoDo (Lower Downtown) to family-friendly suburbs like Stapleton and Green Valley Ranch. Denver’s strong job market, anchored by industries like aerospace, technology, and healthcare, continues to drive population growth and housing demand.
For homebuyers in Denver’s competitive market, traditional financing isn’t always the answer. Self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs often find success with non-QM loans, which offer more flexible qualification criteria than conventional mortgages.
Boulder: Where Adventure Meets Innovation
Boulder perfectly balances outdoor recreation with intellectual pursuit, home to the University of Colorado and numerous tech companies. This city of about ~106,000 residents sits at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills, offering unparalleled access to hiking, climbing, and skiing.
Boulder County recorded 308 home sales with a median price of $885,000, showing steady 1.0% growth in sales volume. The premium pricing reflects Boulder’s desirability and limited housing supply, constrained by open space regulations and geographical boundaries.
The city’s Pearl Street Mall, extensive bike path network, and commitment to sustainability make it particularly attractive to young professionals and families. Boulder’s strong rental market also makes it appealing to real estate investors.
Colorado Springs: Military Heritage and Natural Wonders
Colorado Springs combines military tradition with stunning natural attractions like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Home to multiple military installations including Peterson Space Force Base and Fort Carson, the city offers stable employment and a strong sense of community.
El Paso County, which encompasses Colorado Springs, saw 943 home sales with a median price of $495,000, representing impressive 9.9% growth in sales activity. This affordability compared to Denver and Boulder makes Colorado Springs increasingly attractive to first-time homebuyers and growing families.
The city’s expanding tech sector, led by companies in cybersecurity and aerospace, provides diverse career opportunities beyond the military. Colorado Springs also boasts excellent schools and family-friendly amenities.
Fort Collins: College Town Charm
Fort Collins blends the energy of a college town with the sophistication of a thriving business community. Home to Colorado State University, the city maintains a youthful vibe while attracting major employers in brewing, technology, and clean energy.
Larimer County, where Fort Collins is located, recorded 450 home sales with a median price of $602,500, showing strong 18.7% growth in sales volume. The city’s craft beer scene, extensive trail system, and Old Town historic district contribute to its appeal.
Fort Collins consistently ranks among the best places to live in America, thanks to its educated population, environmental consciousness, and balanced lifestyle opportunities.
Douglas County (Castle Rock Area): Suburban Excellence
Douglas County, including Castle Rock and surrounding communities, represents some of Colorado’s most desirable suburban living. With 563 home sales and a median price of $754,900, the area showed remarkable 18.5% growth in sales activity.
This region offers excellent schools, master-planned communities, and easy access to both Denver and the mountains. Castle Rock’s historic downtown and proximity to outdoor recreation make it particularly popular with families seeking space and amenities.
The county’s strong property values and continued development make it attractive to both homeowners and investors looking for long-term appreciation potential.
Aurora: Diversity and Growth
Aurora, Colorado’s third-largest city, offers cultural diversity and relative affordability compared to Denver. Located in Arapahoe County, which recorded 597 home sales with a median price of $590,000, Aurora provides access to Denver’s job market while maintaining its own distinct character.
The city’s Anschutz Medical Campus, major retail developments, and improving downtown area signal continued growth and investment. Aurora’s diverse population and authentic international dining scene add to its appeal.
Recent infrastructure improvements and urban renewal projects are transforming Aurora into an increasingly attractive option for homebuyers seeking value in the Denver metro area.
Jefferson County (Lakewood/Littleton Area): Established Communities
Jefferson County combines established neighborhoods with mountain proximity, recording 547 home sales with a median price of $710,347. Areas like Lakewood and Littleton offer mature communities with excellent schools and recreational facilities.
The county’s location provides easy access to downtown Denver while maintaining a more relaxed suburban feel. Established neighborhoods feature tree-lined streets, local parks, and strong community connections.
Jefferson County’s stable housing market and quality of life make it particularly attractive to families and professionals seeking long-term stability.
Grand Junction: Western Slope Gateway
Grand Junction serves as the largest city on Colorado’s Western Slope, offering a different pace of life compared to Front Range communities. Mesa County recorded 237 home sales with a median price of $412,500, providing significant affordability advantages.
The area’s wine country, outdoor recreation opportunities, and lower cost of living attract retirees and those seeking a slower pace. Grand Junction’s growing healthcare and energy sectors provide employment stability.
For those prioritizing affordability and outdoor access over urban amenities, Grand Junction represents excellent value in Colorado’s housing market.
Current Market Trends Across Popular Colorado Areas
Colorado’s housing market shows interesting regional variations. While some areas like Douglas County and Larimer County experienced strong sales growth (18.5% and 18.7% respectively), others like Mesa County saw slight declines (-2.1%). However, inventory levels have generally increased across most markets, with many areas showing 20-40% more homes available compared to the previous year.
This increased inventory provides more options for buyers, though median prices remain elevated in most desirable areas. The market appears to be normalizing after several years of extremely tight supply conditions.
Financing Your Colorado Dream Home
Colorado’s diverse housing market means buyers need flexible financing options. Traditional mortgages work well for W-2 employees with steady income, but many successful Coloradans are self-employed entrepreneurs, business owners, or have non-traditional income sources.
For these buyers, alternative financing programs can make the difference between getting approved or being denied. Let’s break down some of the key options available:
Bank Statement Loans
Perfect for self-employed borrowers who can’t provide traditional W-2s or tax returns, bank statement loans use your business bank statements to verify income. This option is ideal for entrepreneurs and business owners who write off significant expenses, making their tax returns show lower income than their actual cash flow.
P&L (Profit & Loss) Loans
P&L loans allow borrowers to qualify using profit and loss statements prepared by a CPA or tax professional. This financing solution works well for established business owners who have clean financial records and want to showcase their true earning potential without the constraints of traditional income documentation.
DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) Loans
For real estate investors looking to build their Colorado portfolio, DSCR loans focus on the property’s cash flow rather than personal income. These loans are perfect for investors purchasing rental properties in Colorado’s strong rental markets like Boulder, Denver, or Fort Collins.
These creative financing solutions help qualified borrowers secure homes in Colorado’s competitive markets, ensuring that non-traditional income sources don’t become barriers to homeownership in the Centennial State.
Making Your Move to Colorado
Each of these popular Colorado destinations offers unique advantages, from Denver’s urban sophistication to Grand Junction’s affordability and outdoor access. Consider factors like commute times, school districts, recreational opportunities, and long-term growth potential when making your decision.
Colorado’s continued population growth and economic diversification suggest strong long-term prospects for most of these markets. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to relocate from another state, Colorado’s popular destinations offer opportunities for nearly every lifestyle and budget.
The key to success in Colorado’s housing market is working with knowledgeable professionals who understand both local conditions and creative financing options. With proper preparation and the right lending partner, your Colorado dream home is within reach.
The Bottom Line: Most Popular Places in Colorado
Colorado’s most popular places to live offer diverse opportunities, from urban excitement to mountain tranquility. Current market conditions show healthy activity across most areas, with increased inventory providing more choices for buyers.
At Defy Mortgage, we understand that Colorado attracts independent-minded individuals who often don’t fit traditional lending boxes. Our specialized loan programs help entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and other non-traditional borrowers secure financing in Colorado’s competitive markets.
Whether you’re drawn to Denver’s energy, Boulder’s innovation, or any of Colorado’s other popular destinations, we’re here to help you navigate the financing process and achieve your homeownership goals in the Centennial State.
