Some of the best areas of Colorado lie on the outskirts of big cities like Denver and Colorado Springs. It’s the small towns that give Colorado its Midwest vibe, the ranching atmosphere, and of course, the best mountainous views. Building a custom home in Colorado in one of the mountain towns promises a serene life complete with outdoor adventure and picturesque landscapes.

Of course, many people building custom mountain homes in Colorado still like the idea of living near the city where amenities like restaurants and shopping are easily accessible. The great state of Colorado has tons of small towns situated on the outskirts of the city sure to appeal to your thirst for a simpler, more relaxing place to call home.

Home to 59 14,000-foot mountains and 600 9,000-foot to 13,000-foot mountains, Colorado has an elevation suitable for every lifestyle. Choosing the perfect location to build your custom home in Colorado can be overwhelming with so many great choices available, each offering its own set of pros and cons.

Take a load off your shoulders and enjoy the excitement of building a custom home in Colorado. We are here to help.

Denver Urban Builders hopes this list of the best Colorado mountain towns near Denver to build a custom home will ease some of the pressure associated with picking the best place to build. As building experts with years of experience constructing custom homes, we know the best locations to build a custom home and can help ensure you choose the right location.

Idaho Springs

Idaho Springs was founded shortly after its discovery during the Colorado Gold Rush era in the mid-1800s. It’s now one of the state’s most beloved small towns in Colorado, appreciated for its rich history and charming aurora.

Located in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan area, Idaho Springs is home to 1,711 people. Travelers often stop in for a short spell on their way to the mountains via I-70.

Although most known for its immaculate geothermal pools and hot springs, Idaho Springs certainly offers the amenities needed to relax and unwind before heading out for an adventure. Folks in Idaho Springs enjoy a simple life with all the comforts that it brings with the convenience of the big city within a few minutes drive.

It’s a diverse town, home to a broad range of young professionals, college students, and retirees. It’s one of the towns where everyone knows your name. Welcoming, quaint, and friendly, Idaho Springs has something for everyone to love.

Idaho Springs has an amazing Main Street, a historic area filled with old buildings and a range of businesses including breweries, restaurants, and boutiques.

Rafting is a popular summertime activity while attractions such as St. Mary’s Glacier, Summit Lake Park, Echo Mountain, and the Edgar Experimental Mine provide year-round fun and excitement. For anyone who loves outdoor adventure in a colorful town with rich history, Idaho Springs fits the bill.

The overall cost of living index ranks Idaho Springs at 116, which is lower than the state’s overall 121 index ranking. However, expect higher costs to build a home here, as well as higher costs of things like healthcare, utilities, and groceries.

Most Idaho Springs residents own their homes, having paid an average cost of just over $488,000 to do so. If you want to build a custom home in Idaho Springs, expect to incur an average cost of $325 per square foot, although rates may increase for luxury builds.

Georgetown

Georgetown is another mining town located near Denver off I-70. Its rich history and amazing landscape make the town popular for those looking for a place to build a custom home. Georgetown is less than an hour’s drive from Denver, situated in a narrow canyon high in the Rocky Mountains. It is the perfect small mountain town to call home if you enjoy nature, peace of mind, quiet days and nights, and the convenience of a big city nearby.

Georgetown is filled with historic, colorful buildings in its downtown area. The buildings house restaurants, breweries, and other fun places for residents to enjoy pick up goods grab a bite to eat, and otherwise enjoy themselves.

The great educational opportunities awarded to students in Georgetown give families another reason to build a custom home in this town. Schools are “highly-rated” in Georgetown; most children attend college after graduating from high school.

Families thrive in Georgetown where there is always something exciting going on, including many low-cost and free events and activities. There are many parks, galleries, skating, restaurants, and of course, outdoor activities offered in Georgetown.

About 1,100 people reside in Georgetown where about 177 inches of snowfall per year is completely normal. Residents often get out on the ski slopes to enjoy all of the snowfall.

With a cost of living index of 108.6%, Georgetown is costlier to live in than many other U.S. cities but certainly competitive in a state like Colorado. Expect a cost of about $488,000 to build a custom home in Georgetown.

Golden

Golden is the perfect location to build a custom home in Colorado if you seek serenity in a colorful small town called one of the “best places to live” in the state. The suburban area has plenty of attractions and activities to entertain residents, ranging from outdoor fun to indoor adventures. The town has a rich history of mining, like many other Colorado mountains towns. And while Golden may take you back in time, its lovely landscape and modern amenities ensure residents feel right at home.

Golden is located a short 15-minute drive from Denver, home to a diverse group of families, young professionals, and retirees who appreciate the friendly ambiance and quaint living awarded here. About 20,696 people live in Golden.

You’ll see lots of men and women walking around in western wear, including cowboy boots and hats, in this western mountain town. The Western flair decorates the architect of the town as well.

Hiking and biking are two favorite activities enjoyed in Golden. The usual fare of restaurants and boutiques line the downtown area of Golden. Niche ranked Golden #19 on its 2022 Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in Colorado. The cost to build a custom home in Golden costs an average price of $400 per square foot.

Evergreen

Consider Evergreen, Colorado as your custom home location if you want more land than the average builder. Many ranch-style properties exist in Evergreen, located a short 25-minute drive from Denver.

With more than 29 gorgeous mountain peaks visible from anywhere in town, Evergreen residents have some of the most spectacular views in the state. Nature and outdoor adventure attract many people to Evergreen, where it costs an average of $346 per square foot to build a custom home.

The ranching town got its start during the late 1800s. Its rustic feel appeals to a broad range of people, particularly those who appreciate the western world, antiques, and old-school vibes. However, rest assured you will fit right in with the residents of Evergreen since residents are from assorted backgrounds.

There’s always outdoor adventure available, with activities like hiking, biking, and paddleboarding at Evergreen Lake popular activities enjoyed by residents. Families living in Evergreen enjoy the vast array of children’s activities and attractions offered here.

Public and private schools offer excellent educational activities for students in all grade levels. The Evergreen High School won the College Success Award due to the outstanding performance achieved by the school.

Boulder

Boasting some of the most scenic views in the United States, Boulder, Colorado is located just 27-miles from Denver. The city is situated on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, delivering the perfect mixture of pristine elegance and hippie culture together in one amazing city. Just over 106,000 people live in Boulder, most of whom own their homes.

Boulder is a college town with many events and activities planned for students throughout the year. There are also families and young professionals living in Boulder and of course a large retirement community. Boulder is a great place to build a custom home in Colorado that is near the city and has great views.

There are big-city arts, an overwhelming number of lucrative jobs in professional and non-professional sectors, 45,000-acres of land, 300 days of sunshine, and restaurants worthy of earning the city the Bon Appetit magazine’s “Foodiest City” honor in 2010.

Boulder has a history of excellence in academics, allowing students to focus on their studies and graduate with flying colors. In addition to above-average secondary schools, Boulder is home to The University of Colorado- Boulder.

Outdoor fun for families is plentiful in Boulder all year-round. There are also more indoor activities in Boulder than in the usual mountain town. Whether you want to hike, bike, fish, climb a mountain, visit an art gallery, or shop at the mall, Boulder offers these and many other activities to fill your time.

Morrison

Enjoy the rural life in Morrison, home to 428 people. Located in Jefferson County, Morrison has lots of outdoor recreation including parks. Residents often hike and bike along the trails and enjoy the beautiful scenic views offered most anywhere in town. Morrison is located just minutes from Denver.

Aside from the great views, Morrison has plenty of coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants to enjoy. Despite its small size, Morrison also has several grocery stores, including a King Soopers location.

A custom-built home in Morrison averages a cost of just over $600,000. Like building a custom home in other towns, the overall cost is determined by the lot and home size, building and construction materials, and many other factors.

Building a custom home in Boulder averages a cost of $123 to $230 per square foot. Homes built in Boulder that have multiple stories, sit on slopes, or sit on odd-shaped lots cost more to build than home sites without these obstacles in the way. Request a quote from Denver Urban Builders to learn the exact cost of your custom home building project.

How to Choose a Colorado Mountain Town to Build a Custom Home in Colorado

Moving to a mountain town is exciting but also presents challenges that custom home builders must consider before choosing the perfect place to call home. We think the six mountain towns listed here provide the perfect setting to build a custom home in Colorado but understand each builder has different needs in their location. Consider the following tips and information when narrowing the choice of mountain towns down to the perfect place to build your custom home in Colorado.

• Consider the distance of the mountain town to the nearest city (Denver) as well as the terrain to and from other locations. Mountain towns are known for rough and rugged terrains.
• Colorado receives a lot of snowfall each year. The snow accumulation is greater in mountain towns than in Denver and other large cities. In fact, some mountain towns in Colorado receive as much as 200-inches of snowfall per year. Can you handle the snow and the repercussions it may cause?
• Building a custom home is cheaper in some mountain towns than in others. Ensure you have set a budget before determining the best location to build a custom home in Colorado.
• Mountain towns offer tons of outdoor activities but indoor choices can be limited. Are you comfortable driving to Denver for special events, concerts, major shopping, etc.?
• Is the town near your current employer or accessible to jobs in your career field?

So there you have it: a look at six mountain towns near Denver worth building a custom home and a few tips to ease the location selection process. If you’re ready to choose a location and begin the process of building a custom home in Colorado, give us a call. Denver Urban Builders offers pristine building services in and near the Denver area. We make dreams come true every single day and would love to add your name to our list of happy custom homeowners.

Call us today at 720.902.5773 to learn more about building a custom home in Colorado in one of the great mountain towns listed here.