Why Colorado Is the Best State To Live In

Beautiful, sunny Colorado is a state of endless opportunity. Many people take advantage of the state through summer adventures and cozy winter holidays, but for others, a brief visit isn’t nearly enough. After all, Colorado is much more than its breathtaking landscapes and fascinating destinations. The locals here enjoy great school districts, booming economic growth, and opportunities for any field of study, career, or interest you could ever want to pursue. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg for why Colorado is the best state to live in. From young adults looking for their next adventure to retirees ready to live out their golden years in luxury, Colorado has something for every resident. Check out these perks of living in Colorado and learn why your next move should take you to the Centennial State.

Basking in 300 Days of Sunshine

For many people, weather plays a huge role in figuring out where you want to live. Maybe you hate the cold and want to live somewhere that doesn’t force you to wear three coats every time you step outside. Maybe you never want to see a rain cloud again. While no place has perfect weather, Colorado comes pretty close. The biggest bragging point is our 300 days of sunshine every year. You read that right: 300 out of 365 days are gloriously sunny, no matter what season it is. This fact gets even better when you remember that Colorado offers endless outdoor activities. Who wouldn’t want the sun out when they go on a hike or spend the day at the park? Don’t be too bummed on the rare cloudy day, though. The stormy skies above the Rocky Mountains are just another breathtaking sight to behold.

Get Your Fill of Every Outdoor Adventure

Colorado is famous for its mountains, but the incredible landscapes don’t end with the Rockies. The Centennial State also features rolling plains, spacious deserts, white rivers, and glittering lakes. Here, you’ll find everything you could ever want in an outdoor adventure. State and national parks protect many of Colorado’s most beautiful areas, meaning you can safely visit a variety of rich and fascinating landscapes. Sled down massive sand dunes, go white water rafting in the wild mountain rivers, or take it easy as you admire vast stretches of colorful wildflowers on the plains. The adventure never ends in Colorado, so you never have to worry about life getting boring or repetitive.

A Special Shoutout for the Rocky Mountains

Of course, the Rocky Mountains deserve a shoutout of their own. Who doesn’t want to live by one of the country's most iconic natural features? If the beauty of a diverse and awe-inspiring mountain range isn’t appealing enough, just think of all the fun you can have in and around the mountains. Hiking enthusiasts make a hobby out of bagging the dozens of 14ers—mountains over 14,000 feet tall—in Colorado. Even if you’re not an experienced hiker, you can enjoy more casual strolls through some of the accessible trails that wind through the Rockies. Hiking isn’t the only way to experience the mountains, either. From mountain biking to scenic railways, Colorado lets you explore the Rocky Mountains at your own pace—whenever, wherever, and however you want.

Wildlife as Far as the Eye Can See

All states have their own range of wildlife, but few are as exciting as Colorado. Our diverse ecosystems create a diverse population of animals. In the mountains, you’ll find elk, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and more. You’ll also want to keep a long-lens camera on hand to capture fierce and fascinating predators like mountain lions, grizzly bears, and gray wolves. Down in the desert, keep an eye out for creatures ranging from cute to intimidating. Mule deer, kangaroo rats, and jackrabbits live alongside bobcats, red-diamond rattlesnakes, and more. Of course, you can’t forget the glorious herds of the plains, either. Colorado is home to American bison and even some wild horse herds. Whether you respectfully seek these animals out in parks or preserves or simply find them roaming on your own, few things are as thrilling as encountering Colorado’s diverse wildlife.

Diverse Job Opportunities

Colorado’s stunning natural beauty is enough to attract hundreds of thousands of residents, but it’s not the only reason why Colorado is the best state to live in. Colorado’s thriving economy offers great opportunities for professionals across a wide range of industries. Tourism is always a popular sector that stimulates much of the economy. Other booming industries include agriculture, mining, research, education, software development, and aerospace. Combine these exciting markets with a poverty rate lower than the national average and household incomes higher than the national average, and it’s easy to see why people flock to Colorado and the opportunities it offers.

Family-Friendly Living

Colorado is also among the most family-friendly states in the country. Whether you want to raise your family with the opportunities of a big city or the safety of a small town, you can find the perfect home in Colorado. In addition to the thriving economy, Colorado’s phenomenal school districts make it great for young families. Colorado’s endless opportunities aren’t just for adults, either. Kids of all ages can pursue any hobby or activity they want. Sports leagues, art programs, STEM organizations, and more make it easy for young students to explore their passions and excel in their areas of interest.

A State Rich With History

All states have a unique history, but Colorado is by far one of the most exciting places in the nation. Wandering through Colorado, you can feel the spirit of the Old West. You don’t have to look far to find mining towns, pioneer trails, and traces of the legendary figures that influenced the American frontier—and the centuries of life that came before. From Buffalo Bill's grave in Golden to the Ancestral Puebloan dwellings in Mesa Verde to fossil beds across the state that are millions of years old, every inch of Colorado is bursting with history.

Everyone has a reason to move to Colorado. No matter who you are or what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something worthwhile when you move to the Centennial State. Once you’re here, show off your newfound state pride with our Colorado flag t-shirts and other colorful and stylish apparel at YoColorado. Pack up, gear up, and make the move of a lifetime when you make your home in beautiful, wonderful Colorado.