If you are a resident of the beautiful state of Colorado, you already know that it is hands down the best place in the country to live. However, if you do not come from here, you may be wondering what it is about the Centennial State that puts it at the top of the charts time and again. We think that the photos below speak for themselves, but this state has a rich history that goes beyond its mountain-speckled surface. Read on to learn why this town ranks as one of the best places to live in the U.S. year after year.

Home to nearly 500,000 people (plus views and attractions galore) is the picturesque town of Colorado Springs. Nested at the base of America’s Mountain – Pikes Peak – this bustling town is full of history, culture, and energy.
The original uploader was Postoak at English Wikipedia., CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Colorado Springs is widely known as one of the best places to live in Colorado and the country. It is also one of the most active cities in the country as the home of one of two U.S. Olympic Training Center campuses. This is why Colorado Springs is also known as Olympic City USA. So, it is only fitting that the city’s motto reads, "live it up", to match the city’s active lifestyle. And it’s not just would-be Olympians the city attracts: Colorado Springs is home to hikers, mountaineers, boaters, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all varieties.
Incorporated in 1886, Colorado Springs once housed some of the state's most important mining resources, including Pikes Peak gold (does "Pikes Peak or Bust" sound familiar?) and Cheyenne Mountain coal. These mining activities resulted in a huge spike in the area's population during a period known as the Gold Rush.
Dr. James Underhill, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
While the ores are no more, Colorado Springs – referred to by locals simply as "the Springs" – continues to thrive. Much of this bustling city’s success is owed to its presence as a central hub for booming technology and defense industries. In fact, it is home to no less than four military bases or institutions.
Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Shown here is the United States Air Force Academy’s stunning Cadet Chapel. It is the most recognizable building at the AFA and a Colorado Springs icon. It is a unique chapel in that it serves all faiths, including those ascribing to Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, or Buddhist religions. It is constructed of aluminum, steel, and glass, and stands 150 feet tall. Its 17 spires can be seen as far east as Interstate 25, and visitors pull off the highway at the scenic overlook just to photograph it. Editor’s note: The Cadet Chapel is closed for extensive renovations with an estimated reopening date of 2027.
There is no shortage of historic and tourist attractions in the Olympic City.
David Shankbone, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Additional world-renowned attractions such as Garden of the Gods and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – the highest zoo in America at 6,714 feet in elevation – are also found in this busy mountain city.

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Colorado Springs is also known for some prestigious religious institutions, such as Focus on the Family, shown here.
David Shankbone, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Another big sector of the Colorado Springs workforce is that of Christian organizations, including Focus on the Family, Association of Christian Schools International, and Compassion International, among others. This is just one of many reasons people are moving to Colorado Springs in droves.
But what makes Colorado Springs most attractive to its residents is its easy access to the mountains, where they can enjoy a wide plethora of outdoor activities. Just a handful of these activities include hiking, skiing, white water rafting, fishing, rock climbing, camping, boating, and so much more.
jcsullivan24/Flickr
And the view of America's Mountain is incredible no matter where you are in the city. Pikes Peak stands at 14,115 feet in elevation and is a very commonly summited "14er" (what locals call any mountain that rises above 14,000 feet in elevation). Whatever outdoor recreational activities you enjoy, it's impossible to beat living in Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs City Hall is a lively and historic municipal building downtown. Built in 1904 and renovated in the late 1990s into early 2000, it is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
David Shankbone, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Downtown Colorado Springs and neighboring Old Colorado City are brimming with history and rustic charm. And it makes this list of 11 historic old town districts that you should visit in Colorado.
To learn more about Colorado Springs and things to do in and around the most desirable town in America, please visit the Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau's website
Thomas Hart/Flickr

Have you visited or do you currently live in Colorado Springs? Do you agree that it is one of the best places to live in the U.S.? Please share your experiences with us in the comments below!

While you are living it up in the Springs, make reservations at This Mouthwatering 2-Story Restaurant In Colorado Is As Unique As They Come.

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Living In Colorado Springs

Jessica Moore | November 03, 2022

What are the best hiking trails near Colorado Springs?

Some of the most incredible hiking in Colorado is easily within reach of Colorado Springs. One of the most beautiful and easy nearby hikes is the 17-mile Santa Fe trail; and while the distance sounds daunting, you don't have to walk the whole length of the trail. You can cut it into segments, or ride your bike along it since it's quite flat. This easy 1/2-mile trail in Cheyenne Canyon is another popular trail featuring a waterfall, but go early in the morning to beat the crowds: it's well worth it! There are a ton of other trails in the canyon to explore as well, such as Mt. Cutler and Mt. Muscoco. If you don't mind driving a little further, we highly recommend exploring the 11 best hiking trails in Colorado.

What are the best attractions in Colorado?

There are so many incredible attractions you'll want to explore in the Centennial State, you may wonder where to start. Starting near the Colorado Springs area, one of the most incredible experiences is taking the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak, the beautiful 14er that dominates our western skyline. This railway has undergone extensive renovation, as has the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center at the top, so you need to add this experience to your bucket list. If you like exploring abandoned ghost towns with a lot of (sometimes eerie) history, definitely check out these 16 abandoned places in Colorado. Last but not least, don't miss out on these 6 iconic landmarks that are easy day trips to incredible destinations.

What are the best small towns in Colorado?

If you're looking for more of a small-town vibe, Manitou Springs is one of the best small towns in Colorado and the country. We recommend going during weekday mornings, though, as the summer tourist season can get pretty busy! If you'd prefer to get away from the crowds, we recommend exploring these 10 small, peaceful towns to get away from it all. This charming tiny town is surrounded by mountains and removed from the majority of crowds. And here are 15 beautiful towns that represent the true spirit of Colorful Colorado, and most are nestled in the mountains. They are even more enchanting in the winter!

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Colorado Springs, CO, USA