Best Places to Raise a Family in Colorado of March 2024

ElitePersonalFinance
Last Update: March 11, 2023 Living

Colorado was named after the great Colorado River. Still, it also has the nickname ‘Centennial State’ because it achieved its statehood one hundred years after the Declaration of Independence.

Colorado has 5,684,203 residents, which is a 10% increase compared to its population in 2010. This makes it the 21st most populated state.

Many towns in Colorado reported fewer than 10 violent crimes in 2016, which puts Colorado below the national average in terms of crime rates. It is neither among the safest states but rather somewhere in the middle.

Nevertheless, rest assured that all the places on this list are safe, awarded in various categories by high-authority magazines and websites.

Ranking Criteria

ElitePersonalFinance extracted data from the most accurate and latest sources, such as the FBI Crime Report, to determine crime rates. Additional considered criteria include education, cultural scene, and recreation areas.

Best Places to Raise a Family in Colorado of March 2024

Erie

Congratulations, Erie! This town is at the top of our list of the best places to raise a family in the US, so it is only natural that it is unsurpassed in Colorado. Being located an hour away from Denver makes this town rather attractive. The number of residents increased from 6,291 in 2000 to 23,660 in 2018, almost four times more people than eighteen years ago. This is rock-solid evidence of how safe and attractive this town is. Regardless of your age, you can enjoy many activities and programs at Erie Community Center, developing both your body (pool, gym, courts, parks) and spirit (various classes and activities). Erie has numerous schools and provides good education to all children. Visual and performing art programs regularly take place at the Art Center of Erie. Also, Erie Community Center and High Plains Library offer a range of art programs, making the cultural scene rather vibrant so that everybody can find something to suit their needs.

Centennial

Located in Arapahoe County, Centennial is home to around 100,000 people. It has won many awards, including being ranked as the 15th safest city in the entire country in 2009. With dozens of elementary, middle, and high schools, Centennial provides high-quality education to children. The economy has been growing steadily, with various businesses opening branches in the city and opening new jobs and positions.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is located in El Paso County at Pikes Peak, one of the best-known American mountains. With over 472,958 residents, this city is the most populous place on this list and the second-most populous city in Colorado, right after Denver. Its location and surroundings make this city an attractive tourist location because Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains increase visitors. It is no wonder that Colorado Springs was fascinating enough for the great Nikola Tesla to settle here, and everyone who decides to do the same will see why. The Colorado Springs Fine Art Center and the U.S. Olympic Training Center are characteristic of this city.

Windsor

23,523 people live in this lovely town, located in Northern Colorado, in Larimer and Weld counties. Manufacturing, health care, scientific and technical services are the top employment industries. Cultural institutions such as the Boardwalk Park Museum and the Art & Heritage Center provide excellent opportunities for all locals to enjoy various art forms. There are around twenty parks and recreation areas in Windsor that offer great conditions for all nature lovers.

Fort Collins

This city is the seat of Larimer County and basically a neighbor to Windsor. Fort Collins is home to 167,633 people, making it one of the most populous places on this list. Colorado State University hosts around 33,000 students to whom it provides education of the highest quality. Also, institutions such as the Fort Collins Lincoln Center and the Fort Collins Museum offer various events for all the residents to enjoy. The Colorado Marathon is organized annually in Fort Collins, attracting myriads of runners who compete for the trophy.

Boulder

This city is home to around 100,000 people and is the seat of Boulder County. It is situated 25 miles away from Denver, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains at 5,430 feet above sea level. This city has received numerous awards in many categories, such as art, education, health, and life quality. The cultural scene is diverse, ranging from Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra to Naked Pumpkin Run. The main campus of the University of Colorado is located in Boulder, which hosts around 37,000 students. Also, dozens of schools and science institutes contribute to the overall quality of education in this city.

Castle Rock

Castle Rock is home to 59,337 people, and it is located in Douglas County, halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs. Many schools, two libraries, the Castle Rock Historical Museum, and the Sri Venkateswara Temple make this town’s culture and education interesting. Castle Rock has won numerous significant awards as one of the best places to live and raise a family in the United States, and many more categories.

Castle Pines

Castle Pines is a neighbor of Castle Rock since they are both located in Douglas County. This is the town with the smallest population on our list, just over 10,000. However, this makes it a typical small and lovely American town. There are five parks, as Elk Ridge Park and Retreat Park, and fourteen miles of trails to walk, run, and cycle. Primary, elementary and middle schools, offer a good education to all children who spend their early years here.

Louisville

Situated in Boulder County, Louisville keeps telling the story of neighboring towns and cities on this list. This town is home to 21,224 people and is one of the least populated on our list. However, this did not prevent it from winning numerous awards as one of the best 100 places to live in the US for many years during the last decade. Good education and employment opportunities make this little town very attractive for all young couples. It is definitely worth considering when thinking of the ideal place to start a family.

Parker

Parker is located in Douglas County, and this county should definitely be proud of having so many places in the top 10 places to raise a family in Colorado. Around 52,179 people are living in this town. Thanks to many schools and the University Center at Chaparral and Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, it offers many educational opportunities. Cherry Creek Trail is popular among cyclists, hikers, nature walkers, and cross-country skiers. You can also enjoy spending time at Rueter-Hess Reservoir and the Parker Recreation Center.

Those are the best ten places to raise a family in Colorado.

If you would like to suggest a city or town that we could include in our list, please post it in the comments below.

You can also send us original images of these 10 places! We will post them, and that way, your favorite place will look way better on our website.

Sources:

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