Thanks to all of those mountains and the ample amount of outdoor recreation they offer, many Americans have dreams of moving to Colorado. After all, the local economy is strong, there's a good job market in the Centennial State, and there's a seemingly never-ending number of bucket list-worthy spots to visit.
A recent data analysis conducted by USA Today's Homefront brand sought to determine which cities were the best (and worst) places to live in Colorado and the top pick is a spot many newcomers probably fail to even consider.
In order to make their determination, the publication compared 22 Colorado cities across 16 different 'quality-of-life' metrics, including factors like walkability, crime rates, local activities, and weather hazards.
Ranking worst on the list of 22 spots were Brighton and Commerce City – brought down by low scores when it came to the local school systems, as well as a high cost of living.
Meanwhile, Denver ranked low, as well, ending up in 19th, impacted by high crime rates, which also brought down Aurora's rank, with this city east of Denver landing in the 17th spot.
Colorado Springs and Boulder ranked near the middle of the pack, 9th and 8th, respectively.
When it came to the top ranking city, Grand Junction took the honors as the 'best place to live' in Colorado, despite being home to the second-lowest median income ($62,993) among cities that were included in the analysis.
While locals might not bring home as much dough in this western Colorado city, the cost of living is much lower, and the city lacks crowding while offering plenty of opportunities to get outside.
USA Today said Grand Junction had potential of being Colorado's "best-kept secret," with a local real estate agent noting that the city is "on the verge of significant growth and in the path of progress."
Affordability, local things to do, and low climate risks were key to Grand Junction's placement at the top of the list.
Find USA Today's full breakdown of the best (and worst) places to live in Colorado here.
(4) comments
Most of the cities mentioned are conservative areas. Of course they are the best places until liberals flood in because of articles like these. Colorado needs to send about 3 million transplants and illegals packing. Make Colorado great again.
Gut check Wz: The article was about Colorado cities. You had to bring your warped politics into it. I think that Colorado would be a lot better if there were less Trump flags flying in the rural regions. Make critical thinking great again.
Keep fishing for relevance.
[beam]
Nailed it far too well.
Now watch the libs bleed over it as par..
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