Leadville, Colorado
Our pick for: A Rocky Mountain escape without the hefty price tag
Maybe this is the place John Denver was thinking of when he sang, “Rocky Mountain High.” At 10,152 feet above sea level, this Victorian-era mining community is the highest incorporated town in America. While you won’t find glitzy ski resorts here, there are killer views of Colorado’s two tallest peaks, 14,000-plus foot Mount Massive and the country’s second-highest peak, Mt. Elbert. Plus, there are plenty of recreation options, indoors and out. (The town boasts more museums per capita than any other city in Colorado.) The low cost of living is a draw for many of the 30,000 residents. Relative to its sky-high priced sister-cities, like Aspen and Denver, this Rocky Mountain town offers a steal of a deal with a cost of living beneath the national average.
Learn more: leadville.com