Cyclists in Festival Park in Castle Rock CO

Journal Communications/Nathan Lambrecht

Best Places to Live in the US in 2022 Sponsored by: eXp RealtyeXp Realty

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

Castle Rock, CO is the #94 Best City to Live in the USA

Mural in Castle Rock CO
Journal Communications/Colin Shreffler
Castle Rock, CO
Quality of Life
Liv Score

598
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 71
Demographics 23
Economy 87
Education 42
Health 50
Housing 60
Infrastructure 47
Amenities 57

Why Castle Rock is one of the best cities to live in

Thoughtful master-planned communities, a bustling historic downtown, amazing golf courses and year-round community festivals that bring neighbors together are all among the reasons Castle Rock, CO, is one of the best places to live in the U.S. Tourists may know Castle Rock for its colossal outlet mall and its cool butte formation that’s the town’s namesake, but strategic investments over the past several years are putting Castle Rock on the map and drawing new residents in droves. Sturm Collaboration Campus, for instance, allows residents to earn an associate’s degree from Arapahoe Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University in one convenient, close-to-home location. 

Locals also have access to wide-open spaces and a whole lot of trails, and Castle Rock is ideally located between two of Colorado’s major metros, Denver and Colorado Springs. As a result, Castle Rock is one of Colorado’s fastest-growing cities – and for a good reason. People are flocking to this city because it offers a high quality of life with great schools, safe neighborhoods and consistent job opportunities.

What are Castle Rocks major industries and employers?

Several industries are thriving in Castle Rock, ranging from manufacturing to technology and retail. Some top employers include Aluwind, Master Magnetics, Castle Pines Golf Club, Douglas County government and Digital Globe Services. 

What are the major colleges and universities in Castle Rock?

Sturm Collaboration Campus 

What is the weather like in Castle Rock? 

Castle Rock residents enjoy all four seasons. Summers are in the 80s, and winters can feel like you’re in a snow globe.

What is there to do outside in Castle Rock?

A trip to Rock Park is pretty much a rite of passage for Castle Rock residents. The “Rock” received its Castle Rock name in 1859 from gold seeker David Kellogg who thought the towering rock resembled a castle. The city grew around the rock. Today, you can hike a moderate 1.5-mile trail for great views of modern-day Castle Rock. 

Castle Rock, CO is Remote-Ready

What makes Castle Rock a great place for remote workers?

Colorado is remote-work friendly and has incentivized companies to create new on-site and remote positions with tax credits. Castle Rock has low crime rates and relatively fast internet speeds, and even though home and rental costs are above the national average, nearly 80% of residents own their homes. Castle Rock also boasts a re-energized downtown region, good schools, and regular community events to participate in. Visit ConneXion Spot and Craft Coworking for remote work community offices.

What Locals Love in Castle Rock, CO

What is the best local bookstore in Castle Rock?

Sudden Fiction Books in downtown Castle Rock also serves beer, kombucha and coffee, so you can snuggle into a couch and have a drink with your new book.

How do you spend a weekend in Castle Rock?

Hit the links! Castle Rock has some of the best courses in Colorado, including the rolling vistas at Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course and the red rock formations at Perry Park Country Club

What can you do for free in Castle Rock?

Castle Rock residents have a scenic outdoor stair stepper. Challenge Hill is a 200-step incline at Philip S. Miller Park that gains 178 feet in elevation and shows off pretty views when you reach the top. 

Whats the best way to spend happy hour in Castle Rock?

Get this: One of Castle Rock’s best restaurants is inside a hospital. Manna serves local, fresh fare. Some popular dishes include the pickle pizza and Colorado lamb burger.

Whats something only locals know about Castle Rock?

Early settlers came to Colorado looking to strike it rich with gold and silver. But in Castle Rock, they discovered rich rhyolite veins. The volcanic rock was used to build some of Castle Rock’s early buildings.  

Is Castle Rock, CO a good place to live?

A historic downtown offering plenty to do, easy access to outdoor recreation and an excellent quality of life make Castle Rock a best place to live in Colorado.

Thinking of Moving to Castle Rock?

What is the Castle Rock, CO Real Estate Market Like?

Its ideal location midway between Denver and Colorado Springs (along the beautiful Rocky Mountains’ front range), safe residential communities, and high quality of life has turned fast-growing Castle Rock into one of the top spots to purchase Colorado real estate. Selling at a median price of around $730K, homes in Castle Rock, CO, are in high demand, and buyers are willing to pay top dollar for the right property. The Castle Rock, CO real estate for sale is mostly located on the central and northern portions of the city, with several single-detached homes listed, many of them custom-builds, and spacious condos with mountain views selling downtown near Rock Park. Contact a Castle Rock real estate agent to learn more.

Quick Facts About Castle Rock, CO

Average Commute
25.11
Median Home Value
$485,971
Med. Household Income
$120,053
Total Population
76,837
Walk Score
10
Median Property Tax
$2,017

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