8 Best Starter Towns In Colorado For First-Time Homeowners
Owning a new home is a major accomplishment, even for previous homeowners. But for first timers, it is particularly exciting and could be the start of a stable life. A life of freedom and security, where one missed paycheck does not automatically mean homelessness. That said, Colorado is an excellent place for first-time homeowners, particularly those seeking an active lifestyle full of natural beauty.
This state is home to some of the country’s most challenging trails that wind through a diverse landscape, defined by mountains reaching over 14,000 feet, lush forests, deserts, canyons, and numerous waterbodies. Across all seasons, the state has something to offer, including winter, as it hosts a long list of beloved winter destinations. And while its average home value is around $530,000 according to Zillow, Colorado is home to several towns with significantly lower-priced homes. These towns are ideal for first-time homeowners seeking something decent without breaking the bank. From Sterling to Trinidad, here are some starter towns in Colorado for aspiring first-time landlords, where affordable homes, great facilities, strong community spirit, and outdoor attractions combine to offer excellent value for money.
Trinidad
Trinidad is a small town near Colorado’s border with New Mexico, ideal for first-time homeowners. Here, one does not need to break the bank to get a home, as the housing market is priced at $226,269, one of the lowest in Colorado. This town further appeals with its tight-knit community and unique features, one of which is the Trinidad State College. This college is the oldest of its kind in Colorado and is ideal for those seeking to pursue a vocational degree in an intimate setting with affordable tuition.
Just nearby, one will find a couple of medical facilities, including the Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center, a critical access hospital located just 41 minutes away and offering an emergency room, surgical services, a pharmacy, and a nursing home. And when it comes to recreational activities, Trinidad Lake State Park is just outside town, offering plenty of options. The park boasts 73 campsites, over 10 miles of trails, and access to the Trinidad Lake, which is open for boating, waterskiing, fishing, and paddling. More appealing things in Trinidad include the Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center, which provides wellness programs and activities that foster social connection, including cooking and fitness classes.
Pueblo West
With an average home value of around $392,900, Pueblo West is an excellent place for a first-home purchase. One of the state’s fastest-growing communities, this town boasts a long list of appealing things, including the highly-rated CommonSpirit Primary Care Pueblo West, which provides comprehensive family care. Notably, this town sits on Pueblo Reservoir, a coveted attraction in Southern Colorado open for a variety of water activities. So purchasing a home in Pueblo West means easy access to the North Shore Marine, which offers access to the reservoir for activities such as boating, jet skiing, fishing, and swimming. This marina, alongside the South Shore Marina, is part of the Lake Pueblo State Park, which also offers land-based activities like hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife watching.
Beyond the lake, Pueblo West will delight first-time homeowners with attractions such as Desert Hawk Golf Course, one of the best in the area, featuring an 18-hole challenge and gorgeous scenery. The Copper River Family Restaurant and Entertainment is also in town, offering delicious food and exciting activities for the whole family, such as bowling, mini golfing, and mining. Moreover, buying a home in Pueblo West means easy access to all of the exciting features of the larger Pueblo, which is just 10 miles away. This includes the Colorado State University, which offers multiple degree options and programs, and exciting events such as the Pueblo Chile & Frijoles, where the town’s rich agricultural heritage is celebrated with live entertainment, cooking competitions, and lots of chilies.
Sterling
Located in Colorado’s eastern plains region, Sterling appeals to first-time homeowners with small town charms, access to outdoor recreation, and affordable home prices. According to Zillow, the town’s average home value is $238,310, which is considered a steal compared to many other towns in Colorado. Life here also promises to be exciting, with the North Sterling State Park located just outside town and offering over six miles of trails, more than 100 campsites, and a 2,800-acre reservoir ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. Meanwhile, the Fox 5 Theatre is in town to present the latest blockbusters and independent movies, and history buffs have the Overland Trail Museum to explore and learn about the area’s early history as a major route for gold seekers. Beyond the attractions, the Sterling Regional MedCenter serves the town’s health needs with a wide range of services, including emergency and intensive care, while the Northeastern Junior College offers over 80 programs, an added advantage for those looking to get a degree.
Alamosa
This adorable town on the Rio Grande promises to offer true value for first-time owners in Colorado. Besides its affordable average home value, which is around $307,732, this town is the proud home of the San Luis Valley Regional Airport, the region’s primary airport, offering daily flights to Denver International Airport. Just outside town, one will find the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge, a beloved bird-watching spot, where thousands of migratory birds can be witnessed, particularly in March and September. The refuge also features other wildlife, and a two-mile trail winding through the area’s wetlands.
Elsewhere, golf enthusiasts will always have the 18-hole Cattails Golf Course to enjoy a nice round of golf with gorgeous scenery of mountains, cattails, and wetlands. Notably, Alamosa is the nearest major city to Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the highest sand dunes in North America. So from town, it is only a 30-mile drive to the park where one can enjoy exciting activities like sandboarding, hiking on dunes and through forested areas, off-road driving, and camping. In the meantime, Alamosa is the proud home of Adams State University, placing quality higher education within easy reach of first-time home owners here. The university offers over 20 academic programs, affordable tuition, and an intimate learning environment with classes often having 20 or fewer students.
Monte Vista
Monte Vista is situated in the San Luis Valley, where it appeals to first-time homeowners, offering some of the lowest home values in Colorado, with an average price of $265,163. To sweeten that already great deal, the town boasts a couple of life-enriching attractions and facilities, one of which is Chapman Park. This park is a great hangout spot, featuring well-maintained fields, grills, picnic facilities, and sports facilities, plus it hosts the annual San Luis Valley Potato Festival, which celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage and the nation’s favorite vegetable.
Just south of town, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is a birdwatcher’s paradise, providing crucial habitat for over 200 bird species and other wildlife such as coyotes and deer. In Spring and Fall, particularly, residents in Monte Vista get to enjoy the glorious sights of the thousands of birds, especially sandhill cranes, while driving around the refuge or hiking some of its trails, including the Meadowlark Trail, which is just a quarter mile long and meanders around a wetland.
Notably, the Monte Vista Crane Festival is held every second week of March in town to celebrate as thousands of sandhill cranes descend on the area, and it features art workshops and guided bird tours. Meanwhile, the town’s basic health needs are served by the Monte Vista Medical Clinic of Rio Grande Hospital, and the Rio Grande National Forest is just 35 minutes away, offering a myriad of outdoor adventures, from scenic driving to camping, backpacking, and skiing.
Canon City
Located on the Arkansas River, Canon City is more than one of Colorado’s most beloved tourist destinations. It is also a surprisingly great town for a first-time home purchase, with an average home value of around $329,700. For adventurers especially, purchasing a home here is a great choice, as the town has plenty of outdoor attractions, including the Arkansas River, Colorado’s premier river for white water rafting. Several outfitters are based in Canon City to help people enjoy the pleasures of this river, and the Echo Canyon River Expeditions is among the most popular, offering half, full, and multi-day trips.
Meanwhile, the town boasts a couple of trails, including the seven-mile Arkansas Riverwalk Trail, which offers a pleasant hiking and biking experience along the river, and through wetlands and groves. Even more exciting, Canon City is the nearest town to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, a famous attraction offering thrilling adventures like a walk on the country’s highest suspended bridge, and a ride on America’s highest zip line. From Canon City, one can also take a train trip on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad that winds through the gorge and includes a unique dining experience. In addition to all of the attractions, the CommonSpirit St. Thomas More Hospital is in town to offer a variety of services, including 24-hour emergency and intensive care.
Cortez
Cortez is one of Colorado’s smallest towns, and the perfect place for those seeking to make their first home purchase in a quiet environment. Populated by around 8,700 people, this town’s average home value is $332,805, making it affordable. The town also boasts a strong community spirit, bolstered by attractions such as the Cortez Recreation Center. This center is where residents come to socialize and enjoy facilities, such as a lazy river, slides, a gymnasium, and a large pool. Those who love the arts have the Notah Dineh Trading Co to visit year-round and explore Indigenous arts ranging from jewelry to pottery, Indian rugs, and more.
Elsewhere, the Cortez Cultural Center also features native American art exhibits and activities such as dances, all aimed at telling the story of the American Southwest and its people. Meanwhile, the Southwest Memorial Hospital is in town to offer a variety of services, including surgery, diagnosis, primary care, and rehabilitation. Just outside town, the Cortez Municipal Airport is a charming rural airport, offering flights to Denver. Furthermore, Cortez is surrounded by exciting outdoor attractions and is even the nearest town to the famous Mesa Verde National Park, where hundreds of cliff dwellings dating back several centuries reveal a great deal about the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Fountain
This small town just outside Colorado Springs is an excellent beginner town for first-time homeowners in Colorado. First off, this town’s proximity to the state’s second-largest city means easy access to premium facilities, including the reputable and full-service CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital and the Colorado Springs Airport, which serves various major cities, including Dallas and Chicago. Additionally, the Sunshine Studios Live, one of the region’s favorite live music venues, is just 15 minutes away in Colorado Springs. Despite this convenience, the average home value in Fountain is $387,259, significantly lower than the state average. Plus, the town is loaded with attractions and facilities of its own, including Pikes Peak International Raceway, Colorado’s premier motorsports venue. For nature lovers and adventurers alike, the nearby Fountain Creek Regional Park is a delightful spot with trails winding along a creek and through wetlands teeming with birds and other wildlife. The park also hosts playgrounds, a nature center, picnic spots, and several ponds, ideal for fishing.
Owning a home does not have to be a herculean task, especially as one can always start small. Although Colorado is known for some of the highest real estate prices in the country, it also boasts these towns where aspiring first-time homeowners can make their first purchase without breaking the bank. More than just affordable homes, these towns are drenched in natural beauty and often serve as gateways to some of the state’s favorite attractions. Colorado’s housing market is one of the most desirable in the country, and prices are always on the rise, so head to these towns today to make that first down payment and step into a new world of freedom, stability, and a high quality of life.
