Are you looking for a place where you can both be active and enjoy a slower, more fulfilling pace of life? If so, look no further than Colorado! Living in the Centennial State means waking up to fresh mountain air, spending the day exploring the outdoors, and ending your day at a cozy cafe or a local brewery. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, skiing, or simply soaking in the scenery, the state has plenty of options that make staying active feel effortless. Want to know more? Well, you’re in the right place because, in this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best places in Colorado for an active yet relaxed lifestyle.
Boulder
Boulder is often the first place people think of when they imagine an active lifestyle in Colorado, and for good reason. It truly offers the best of both worlds. On one hand, Boulder’s downtown is a great spot for work and networking. Pear Street, in particular, is a wonderful, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of independent shops, locally owned restaurants, and even live music at night. On the other, just a few miles away, are some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the state, just waiting to be explored.
Furthermore, what makes Boulder especially appealing is its strong sense of community based on principles of health and wellness. There are running groups, yoga classes, pickleball tournaments or anything else you can think of! Even if you never hiked before, after moving to Boulder, don’t be surprised when you suddenly catch yourself waking up early in the morning to hit the trails with your new local friends.
Steamboat Springs
If you love skiing but don’t want to live in a resort town filled with tourists for a few months each year, Steamboat Springs is a perfect alternative. Nicknamed “Ski Town, USA,” it still attracts winter sports enthusiasts each year, but the lifestyle here never feels rushed or crowded. Moreover, the best season to live in Steamboat Springs isn’t winter – it’s spring and summer. Once the snow melts away, you can spend beautiful clear-sky days hiking to Fish Creek Falls, biking the Yampa River Core Trail, and paddleboarding on the lake.
Fort Collins
If biking is your thing, you’ll love Fort Collins. This northern Colorado town is known for its extensive bike paths, making it one of the most cycle-friendly places in the state. You can ride along the Poudre River Trail, head into the foothills for a more challenging route, or simply cruise through Old Town to grab a coffee.
Beyond its cycling culture, Fort Collins is also known for its craft beer scene. As a home to more than 20 breweries, the town has perfected the art of blending social life with relaxation. So, after a long, active day, don’t be surprised if you find yourself on an outdoor patio with your friends, sipping a locally brewed beer, and taking in the positive energy of Old Town.
Salida
When talking about the best places in Colorado for an active yet relaxed lifestyle, Salida often flies under the radar but not under ours! Simply put, this town is a paradise for hikers, kayakers, and mountain bikers. On the one hand, you have the Monarch Crest Trail, which is a must for serious cyclists. On the other, you have the Arkansas River, which offers incredible whitewater rafting and paddleboarding.
Despite all the outdoor action, Salida is known for its calm, artsy, liberal vibe. The historic downtown is filled with galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants, usually open long after the sun sets. It’s the kind of place where you can have an epic outdoor experience every day and still feel like you’re part of a tight-knit community.
Vail
Similar to Steamboat Springs, Vail is best known for its world-class ski resort. However, there’s so much more to this mountain town than just winter sports. During the warmer months, much like the rest of Colorado, Vail transforms into an ideal spot for hikers, mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for breathtaking scenery. Of course, there is an upside to Vail compared to the larger cities – no crowds.
Whatever you do or wherever you go, you won’t feel like you’re one of the thousands of tourists. Instead, you’ll feel right at home. And, if you decide to make this place your home, you’ll have no trouble finding a moving team in Vail that will help you make a seamless transition!
Evergreen
If you want to live in the mountains but still be close to Denver, Evergreen is a fantastic option. This charming town sits just 30 minutes from the city, making it easy to enjoy slow mountain life without feeling too far from the action. If you ever start missing the crowds and dynamics of a big city, you can practically teleport to the center of Denver in under an hour.
When it comes to the main draw of this town, it’s probably Evergreen Lake. Located at the heart of the town, this lake offers year-round activities like kayaking in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Meanwhile, the surrounding forests feature countless trails, including those in Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, which are perfect for hiking and mountain biking.
Finding Your New Home
Every one of these towns offers something unique, but they all share the same core appeal: the chance to explore the outdoors and stay active while truly enjoying life. If you’re still deciding where to move, here’s a quick breakdown of what might be the best fit for you:
- For a mix of city perks and outdoor fun: Boulder or Fort Collins
- For a quiet mountain retreat: Evergreen or Salida
- For a ski-focused lifestyle without the intensity: Steamboat Springs or Vail
Moving to Colorado
Relocating to Colorado is an exciting opportunity to embrace an active, outdoor-focused lifestyle, but it’s important to plan your move carefully. Experts at Columbine Moving and Storage Colorado suggest scheduling your move during the shoulder seasons, ideally spring or fall when the weather is more predictable and demand for moving services is lower. Generally, this makes the process smoother and gives you a chance to settle in before peak outdoor adventure seasons begin.
Final Thoughts
It might be hard to choose between these cities, all considered among the best places in Colorado. However, no matter where you land, this state makes it easy to embrace an active lifestyle without feeling like you’re constantly on the go. It’s about finding that perfect rhythm where adventure and relaxation meet in the best possible way.