The state of Colorado is a natural fit for millennials. Millennials make up the majority of people who move to this state, and most of them come from Texas, California, and Arizona. Each city on our list of top destinations for millennials in Colorado is special in its own way. However, there are many things they all have in common.

Affordability and job opportunities are among the top traits millennials are looking for in a city. If you’re a job-seeker, you can find great opportunities across many sectors. Young, skilled professionals can thrive in Colorado’s favorable economic climate. In addition to decent salaries and low unemployment rates, Colorado offers relatively affordable housing for people interested in moving from another state hassle-free. Another thing our top destinations for millennials in Colorado have in common is stunning nature. You’ll rarely find a place in Colorado that lacks natural beauty. This gorgeous state boasts an abundance of lush valleys and mountains, adorned with waterfalls, rivers and wildflowers. There is a great choice of outdoor and recreational activities. Besides, since Colorado is so popular with millennials, you can socialize with people your age.

What are the best destinations for millennials in Colorado?

Boulder

This Colorado city offers its residents a mix of urban and suburban life.

Some of the Boulder’s top employers include University of Colorado Boulder, Covidien Surgical Solutions Group, IBM, Lockheed Martin Information Systems, Micro Motion, Whole Foods Market and a Google office.

If you are a parent or plan on becoming one, Boulder’s highly rated schools will provide a stimulating academic environment for your child.

All four cities on our list of top destinations for millennials are perfect for nature lovers. Eldorado Canyon State Park and Boulder Canyon provide residents with endless outdoor adventures. If you are an active millennial who enjoys outdoor activities such as climbing, hiking, and biking, this area is worth considering.

There are other types of entertainment as well. In case you’re an artistic type, you should know that Boulder nurtures a vibrant music and art scene. Bars, wineries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, shops and coffee roasters are also popular among locals. Being one of the country’s best destinations for singles, Boulder could be your best bet if you’re looking for a soulmate.

Denver

Denver is one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities. Therefore, it doesn’t come as a surprise that it is considered a thriving and exciting place to live. Denver is truly a gem of a city for millennials and families. Experts at homegrownmoving.com say that families from Colorado and other states are especially interested in buying their homes in Denver suburb areas.

Commerce is huge in Denver. Google, Kaiser Permanente, Amazon, Wells Fargo, Comcast, and many other companies have offices here. It’s no wonder the city has seen a huge influx of job-seekers.

Denver is not a cold place, despite being located near the mountains. It has four seasons. Although it can get chilly in the winter, the year-round temperatures average in the upper 50s. Its breezy climate with plenty of sunshine is suitable for almost everyone.

Denver boasts a flourishing beer culture and more than 70 breweries. With so many beer companies founded and nurtured here, this Colorado city is a go-to destination for beer lovers.

Since it’s nested near the majestic Rocky Mountains, it provides ample outdoor space with breathtaking views. Finding a mountain view that doesn’t look like a postcard is almost impossible.

The best pastimes in Denver involve numerous outdoor activities. For example, you can go hiking and biking in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. With 850 miles of paved bike trails and more than 5,000 acres of parks, Denver is a true paradise for active millennials who like exploring the great outdoors.

Even if sport isn’t your thing, in Denver, you’ll probably fall in love with it. Football, baseball, basketball, marathon,… Denver has it all. You’ll never be bored in the city of athletes with seven professional sports teams, such as the Rockies, Nuggets, and the Avalanch. There is something to watch every week, regardless of the weather conditions.

Colorado Springs

If you’re looking for the so-called small-town charm, Colorado Springs may be the right place for you. It offers a great quality of life providing a perfect environment for singles, young families, and pretty much everyone else.

A huge reason millennials come to this city is its housing market. As it tends to be more affordable in comparison to other parts of the state, Colorado Springs’ real estate is one of its biggest draws. Since it is only about an hour away from Denver, many young people who work in Denver would rather live here and commute on a daily basis.

Colorado Springs is popular among families with small children – they can live in a family-friendly, suburban area with a strong sense of community while still being close to Denver. Moreover, the local school system is one of the best in the region. The town’s schools are highly rated, and its high schools focus on preparing students for college. So, if you want to raise a family in a small town while having a big city nearby, consider one of Colorado Springs’ neighborhoods.

Whatever your interests are, there is always something fun to do in the area.  You can visit art festivals, farmers’ markets or music events. The city’s historic sights and landmarks attract hordes of tourists. Old Colorado City is a national historic district near downtown that boasts bars with live music, coffee shops, and delicious food, from bakeries to steakhouses, to Mexican cuisine. Moreover, unlike many other towns, Colorado Springs has several eateries offering vegan and vegetarian options.

Being one of the most breathtaking US cities, Colorado Springs is a perfect place for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors. Biking, hiking, and running are among the residents’ favorite pastimes. Head to the Garden of the Gods or Pikes Peak for the best hiking trails and lookout points. There are countless pet-friendly trails and recreational areas as well so your pet doesn’t feel left out (in fact, the whole city is extremely pet-friendly). When your city gives you so much open space, clean air, and mild weather year-round, it is easy to stay healthy and happy.

Colorado Springs, also known as Olympic City, is popular among professional athletes and coaches, too. This doesn’t come as a surprise, considering the city’s natural training grounds and elevation. But you don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy exercising with the beautiful mountains in the background.

Fort Collins

Another fast-growing city located at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Fort Collins is home to a large number of millennials and it’s not hard to see why. The city is continually ranked as one of the best destinations for millennials in Colorado. Here, you can also enjoy a laid-back, small-town atmosphere knowing that you’re just a short drive away from Denver.

A large number of successful local businesses and major corporations contribute to the city’s growing economy. They have created a favorable job market – one of the major reasons Fort Collins is among the top destinations for millennials in Colorado. Manufacturing and service-related companies dominate its economy. Whether you are interested in the health, financial, industrial, academic, or artistic sector, job opportunities are available. Moving to Fort Collins

Fort Collins fits the needs of its youngest residents, too. It offers excellent public and private schools and libraries, as well as a wide selection of after-school programs and extracurricular activities. The award-winning Colorado State University located at the heart of Fort Collins makes it a popular college town. Moving to Fort Collis has many perks and advantages, and one of the most important things to know is that you can settle in without stress with the help of dedicated professionals.

Whether you prefer a night out with friends or a romantic day date with your partner, Fort Collins doesn’t disappoint. In addition to its 20+ breweries, the city offers many specialty restaurants and bars. It also nurtures a vibrant cultural scene with a wide choice of music festivals, concerts and theatrical performances.

The Old Town is a charming historic district with over 25 historic buildings. Did you know that Disneyland’s Main Street USA was modeled after Fort Collins’ downtown area?

Fort Collins takes health and fitness very seriously. Here, you can find endless fitness options, including weightlifting, Cross Fit, Pilates, Orangetheory, Zumba and CycleBar. Head to Fort Collins Farmers Market and Winter’s Farmers Market to get some fresh produce to recover your energy after a good workout.

Furthermore, the city offers more than 50  parks, swimming pools, playgrounds, and sports fields, as well as miles of paved and unpaved biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails. Lory State Park and Horsetooth Reservoir provide ideal settings for activities like hiking, swimming, water skiing, boating, stand up paddle boarding, horseback riding, and camping. Those of you who prefer something more extreme can go whitewater rafting down the Cache la Poudre. If that isn’t your cup of tea but you still love nature, you can always take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the spectacular mountain views and free-flowing waterfalls. Of course, enjoying Mother Nature would not be possible in bad weather. Luckily, Fort Collins gets 300 days of sunshine each year.