UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
| liv score 658 How We Calculate Our Data |
|
|---|---|
| Civics | 79 |
| Demographics | 32 |
| Economy | 51 |
| Education | 42 |
| Health | 65 |
| Housing | 46 |
| Infrastructure | 26 |
#34. Castle Rock, CO
Conveniently located between Denver and Colorado Springs along the I-25 corridor, Castle Rock is one of Colorado’s fastest-growing cities — and for good reason. People are flocking to Castle Rock because it offers a high quality of life, complete with great schools, safe neighborhoods and consistent job opportunities. This isn’t just a bedroom community, either. The 70,000 residents of Castle Rock live and work here, with jobs in manufacturing, retail, government, recreation and technology. Of course, the access to nature in Castle is exceptional, with open space and trails galore.
Top Industries and Employers: Castle Rock has a little bit of everything, with top employers ranging from Aluwind, a maker of wind turbine parts, to IMI Global, a livestock and meat verification services provider.
Best Coffee Shop: Crowfoot Valley Coffee, which has a funky, friendly vibe and also serves up a variety of craft beer. Oh, and it’s owned by the Castle Rock mayor, Jason Gray, so you know you’re in good hands here.
Best Local Beer/Brewery: Wild Blue Yonder is a popular spot to hang out and have a pint in historic downtown Castle Rock. The name is a nod to the Air Force fight song, since the owners are all Air Force veterans.
Must-Have Meal: Pan Fried Chicken from Castle Cafe, followed by their White Chocolate, Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie if you have any room left.
Best Co-Working Space: Craft Coworking, which has flexible space, spacious meeting areas, and an on-site fitness center and coffee bar.
Best Meetup Spot (When Meeting Up Is a Thing Again): Crush Wine Bar, where you can nibble on small plates while sipping a glass of wine – there are more than 50 to choose from.
Creative Hub: The Colorado Artfest, a two-day event in downtown Castle Rock, brings together the entire community in a celebration of art, music, food, drinks and more.
Favorite Weekend Activity: Thanks to abundant sunshine, Castle Rock residents can hit the trails, even during the winter months. Spend the weekend exploring the 6,000 miles of open space and 95 miles of trails within city limits.
Free Way to Have Fun: Climbing to the top of the rock, the one for which Castle Rock is named, at Rock Park Open Space. It’s a difficult 1.4-mile hike that gains 370 feet in elevation, but the panoramic views are worth sweating for!
Local Dream Job: Golf pro at any of Castle Rock’s seven golf courses. Any career that allows you to spend the day outdoors, soaking up views of the Rocky Mountains is a winner.
Read More:
Come to the (Outdoor) Table in Castle Rock, CO
Don’t Want to Give Up Big-City Life? Here’s Why You Should Move to Castle Rock
Why Castle Rock, CO is a Great Place to Live
– Sarah Kuta