The 20 Best Places to Live in the Mountains in the U.S.
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the type of landscape in which they live. There is nothing like living amongst the urban buzz of a major city for some people, while for others, a rural setting is an ideal location.
If your preference is to live in the beauty of a mountainous area, then it is essential to consider various factors relating to each location, not just its beauty, to make sure you get the lifestyle you desire in the perfect setting.
Here are the 20 best mountainous places to live in the United States, to help you make your decision about the perfect location for you.
20. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a village in the Cascade Mountains in Washington that has a population of 2,375. It was modeled after a Bavarian village, and it has quaint houses. The only problem is that houses are rarely for sale in this pretty mountain village. It is an idyllic location surrounded by mountains and set alongside a small river
. According to Niche, it is a good area to live for families as there are many outdoor and family-oriented activities and there are decent schools nearby.
19. Park City, Utah
Park City is one of the United States’ top skiing destinations, so it is one of the best places to live if you plan to spend a lot of time on the slopes. However, the skiing opportunities are not the only thing that this location has in its favor.
It is a reasonable commuting distance from Salt Lake City, so it is a good option for those looking for employment in a city but who want to live in a quieter setting. It is also close to Salt Lake City International Airport, so it is a convenient location for those who travel regularly.
18. Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish is a town in the Rocky Mountains in Montana that is known as a gateway to Glacier National Park, which boasts lakes, valleys, peaks, and glaciers. It is a popular resort town that is known for its difficult ski runs and for its many hiking and biking trails.
Therefore, the residents of this town benefit from its idyllic setting and from the wide range of activities they can access. Despite the mountain setting of the town, there are plenty of shops and restaurants.
17. Salt Lake City, Utah
If you prefer living somewhere with an urban vibe to a location with a small-town community feel, then US News lists Salt Lake City in Utah as one of the top urban destinations in the mountains. This city is home to 2,440,122 people, and it has all the amenities and attractions that you would expect to find in a major city.
It also has employment opportunities across most sectors and excellent transport links. Despite being a built-up and thriving city, Salt Lake City is surrounded by the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountains from its position in Salt Lake Valley.
16. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs is set along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. It is an excellent option for those who prefer the city lifestyle but who want to live in a mountainous area to take advantage of the beauty and the activities that the rugged landscape offers.
The city sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet, and it is home to 712,266 residents. The earning potential is good in this city, and there are job opportunities in various sectors. Despite the urban location, the city is surrounded by landscapes that are the perfect playground for enjoying outdoor activities.
15. Deadwood, South Dakota
The Wild West town of Deadwood in South Dakota was established following the discovery of gold in the area, and it was a settlement for the miners. Although the town has continued to develop over the decades, it still has an old-world feel that many people will find appealing.
The town is close to the Black Hills National Forest, and it is home to 1,548 people. While many people living in this area enjoy the outdoors in their free time, Deadwood is also known for being a casino resort, so it has a vibrant nightlife.
14. Bend, Oregon
Bend is set against a backdrop of the Cascades Mountains, and it overlooks Mount Bachelor. It is also close to Deschutes National Forest, so there is no shortage of outdoor spaces to explore surrounding the town. Bend is also known for its breweries, so it is the ideal place to call home for lovers of craft beer.
It is a family-friendly place to live, as the schools are highly-rated and there is plenty for people of all ages to enjoy. On the downside, the cost of living in this town is high.
13. Taos, New Mexico
One of the main reasons that Taos, New Mexico, makes it onto the list of the best places to live in the mountains in the United States is because of the choice of activities in the area. As you would expect from a mountain town, it is a popular skiing destination, as it is home to Taos Ski Valley.
Other outdoor activities are also popular due to the landscape’s diversity. However, there are also options for those who are not outdoors enthusiasts. The town has more than 80 galleries and art museums, and it has an excellent cultural scene. There are also many shops and excellent restaurants in this town.
12. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Although Eureka Springs in Arkansas is only a small, quaint town, it has plenty of character. It has a rustic, laid-back vibe, and there is a strong sense of community amongst the locals. The look of the town differs from many other mountain locations, as there is Victorian architecture instead of log cabins. It is set against the stunning backdrop of the Ozark Mountains. Eureka Springs is home to fewer than 2,000 people.
11. Leadville, Colorado
Many of the mountain towns in Colorado are predominantly ski resorts that attract the rich and famous, and many of these locations are expensive in terms of property prices and the overall cost of living. One of the affordable mountain towns in Leadville is Colorado, which is home to around 30,000 people.
It is 100 miles from Denver, and it is the highest-altitude corporation in the United States. There are plenty of activities for residents to enjoy in their leisure time, including a vast array of outdoor activities, eight museums, and 50 historic structures. The median home price is less than a quarter of those in Aspen, the unemployment rate is low, and the schools are highly-rated.
10. Ogden, Utah
In terms of affordability, Livability says that Ogden, Utah, is one of the best mountain locations. This town is located just 35 minutes north of Salt Lake City, and it sits at an elevation of 4,280 feet. Ogden is surrounded by thousands of acres of national forest, and it is the gateway to Powder Mountain, Snowbasin, and Nordic Valley.
The surrounding landscape gives visitors access to miles of hiking trails and a wide range of outdoor activities, such as mountain biking, skiing, and water sports. Despite the rural surroundings, Ogden has plenty going on all year round. There are also plenty of employment opportunities in the area, and the house prices are significantly lower than in nearby Salt Lake City. Ogden is home to approximately 84,000 people.
9. Asheville, North Carolina
The population of Asheville is rising, which shows it is an increasingly popular place to live, and there are currently just under 450,000 residents in this North Carolina city. Asheville is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, so the city is surrounded by magnificent landscapes.
The median home price in Asheville is $264,450, while the average annual salary is $43,070. The biggest employment sectors in this area are education, manufacturing, social services, and healthcare. There is plenty for this city’s residents to enjoy, including farm-to-table restaurants, access to hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and multiple art galleries.
8. Homer, Alaska
Homer is a location that will suit many people. Not only is it a mountain town, but it is also a seaside town. Many of the restaurants serve delicious dishes made from locally-caught seafood, but many of Homer’s residents enjoy fishing for their own food.
If you have not considered living in Alaska before, then some financial benefits may inspire you to move to this beautiful state. Residents each receive a share of government revenues, and there are many programs to fund education.
7. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
One of the most appealing features of Gatlinburg is that it has three entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also home to Tennessee’s only ski resort, Ober Gatlinburg, says Cheat Sheet.
Therefore, residents can enjoy hiking, skiing, horseback riding, fishing, whitewater rafting, and many more activities. However, there are plenty of indoor activities and attractions for Gatlinburg residents to enjoy, including wineries and breweries.
6. Stowe, Vermont
Many people who live in Stowe, Vermont, work in the tourism industry, as this is the area’s biggest employment sector. Stowe sits between the Worcester Mountains and Mount Mansfield, and it is a wonderful place to live for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. It is particularly well known as a fantastic location for skiing.
5. Lake Placid, New York
If New York is your preferred state, then the best place to live in the mountains is Lake Placid. Other than the stunning surroundings, one reason to consider this location is the high earnings potential, as the median household income is significantly above the national average. Another reason is the vast array of outdoor activities to enjoy, including gondola rides, hiking, skiing, and biking.
4. Crestline, California
Crestline is a census-designated area in the San Bernardino Mountains in California. It is surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest and is home to Lake Gregory Regional Park. It is an area worth considering if you are a working family that enjoys the outdoors.
Not only does the area have a strong job market, but there is also a high-level of spending per student at public schools. In terms of outdoor activities, hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding are just some of the leisure options.
3. South Lake Tahoe, California
Unless you are retiring to the mountains, finding a mountain location with a strong job market or good commutability to areas offering employment is important. If finding employment is important to you, then South Lake Tahoe in California is a great choice, as the job market has shown growth in recent years.
There are also many ways that residents can enjoy their time after work, including winter sports, water sports, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. However, living here comes at a cost, as the median home price is $452,100 and continuing to rise.
2. Boone, North Carolina
Boone in North Carolina is a good option for people who want to achieve the perfect work-life balance. It is a small college town in the Blue Ridge Mountains with many positive features that make it a great place to live.
There are employment opportunities in various sectors, and the largest industries in this area are tourism, education, and retail. The house prices are reasonable, and the town has great art and culture scene.
1. Telluride, Colorado
According to Trico Long Distance Movers, the best place to live in the mountains in the United States is Telluride in Colorado. It is a small community of approximately 2,500 people, and the main industries in this area are skiing and tourism. It is a fantastic place to live for those who enjoy nature and the outdoors. In recent years, the job market has increased, and unemployment is exceptionally low.
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