For 2022, Colorado's GDP was around $371 billion, an increase of 2.4% from 2021. This growth has played a large role in attracting new residents to the Centennial State. Another attractive draw of Colorado is its abundant outdoor activities and gorgeous scenery: The majority of the Southern Rocky Mountains mountain range is in Colorado, and the state is home to part of the Great Plains and the northeastern section of Colorado Plateau. Skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing are popular activities, as are hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering.
Colorado may be a beautiful place, but is it safe? The state does have an above-average crime rate—property crimes happen at a rate of 31.35 per 1,000, compared to the national rate of 19 per 1,000. At the same time, some cities in Colorado have crime rates lower than the national average. Whether the area of Colorado you call home has a crime rate that is low or high, making sure your home and family are protected is paramount.
Keep reading to learn more about the best places to live in Colorado.
Best places to live in Colorado
Colorado is full of cities that have scenic views and access to beautiful hiking trails.
Castle Rock
Castle Rock is one of the safest cities in Colorado, and it has a population of nearly 82,000. The city's population has been growing at an annual rate of 3.6%. The city is predicted to reach around 130,000 to 150,000 residents.
You can enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado while living in Castle Rock. There are 110 miles of trails, 6,680 acres of open space, and 55 parks to give you a breath of fresh air when you want to unwind. Money magazine regularly recognizes Castle Rock as one of the best places to live, and it’s located just 30.9 miles from Denver, giving you convenient access to the major city if needed.
The crime rate in Castle Rock is lower than both the state and nation's average. Property crimes occur at a rate of 15.56 per 1,000, and the overall crime rate is only 16.08 per 1,000.
Parker
Parker also has a below-average crime rate, making it one of the best places to live in Colorado. Its property crime rate is 17.72 per 1,000.
Parker is close to Denver, making it the perfect place to live if you enjoy visiting big cities but prefer a homier location for everyday life. Parker strives to maintain a hometown atmosphere and a high quality of life.
Downtown Parker features Western-Victorian architecture, and there are open spaces throughout the city. With highly rated public schools and a calm nightlife, Parker is a family-friendly place to live.