4 Great Reasons To Live in Pueblo, Colorado
Those putting down roots in Pueblo, CO, discover this Southern Colorado city checks a lot of boxes.
Outdoor adventures are on brand with the Colorado lifestyle, and Pueblo’s exceptionally mild weather and abundance of sunshine makes it a breeze for locals to get outside to paddleboard, bike or play a round of golf.
This pocket of the state remains one of the most affordable areas in Colorado and draws first-time homebuyers looking to stretch their dollars. A diverse job market, ample opportunities for skill development at local colleges and a thriving local culture add to its appeal.
“There’s a whole lot going on in Pueblo,” says Jennifer Aldag, a real estate broker at The Greg Hahn Sales Team-RE/MAX of Pueblo.
Read on to discover four reasons to move to Pueblo, CO.
In This Article
There Are Lots of Job Opportunities
Those looking to launch or advance their career will find plenty of opportunities in Pueblo. Once known as “Steel City,” Pueblo has tapped into its industrious spirit and reinvented itself.
Home to Lake Pueblo State Park, 40 miles of bike trails, the Pueblo Whitewater Park and a gigantic swath of the San Isabel National Forest, Pueblo’s growing recreation industry attracts those who prefer an office in the great outdoors.
The proximity to military bases and research laboratories gives momentum to the aerospace and defense industry, and, as the birthplace of the Western U.S. rail, the rail industry continues to boom here. Food and beverage industries, plus a growing hemp industry, also provide job opportunities in the region.
For those looking to change careers or learn a new skill, Colorado State University Pueblo and Pueblo Community College offer workforce training opportunities. For example, the community college’s entrepreneurship program helps train aspiring business owners.
It’s Easy To Make Connections
While many Puebloans have lived in the area for several generations, the community is very welcoming to newcomers, says Lara Cartagena, a Pueblo native and senior account executive at Comcast and ambassador of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce. It’s easy to make connections and new friends. “Everyone is so warm and friendly,” she says.
Newcomers have plenty of opportunities to meet their neighbors as there’s always something going on in Pueblo, from the Colorado State Fair held each summer to the beloved Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival that is celebrated with cooking competitions and heaps of chiles sold by local farmers.
Those looking to meet other professionals in the area can join the Greater Pueblo Chamber, which has more than 1,900 members and hosts monthly networking events.
Housing Is Affordable
While housing costs have risen across Colorado, Pueblo remains affordable, especially compared to homes in the Denver-metro area, Aldag says.
The average home price in Pueblo is under $285,000 compared to the statewide average of $541,000. Median rent in Pueblo is $1,280, which is also far below the average rental cost for Colorado.
Those who move to Pueblo have their pick of places to live, from spacious contemporary homes built on large lots to charming Victorian houses and apartments for rent near the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk.
There Are Tons of Things to Do
Pueblo has something for everyone, from foodies and outdoors lovers to arts enthusiasts.
This is a city that savors local food traditions (try the sloppers, open-face cheeseburgers smothered in green chili), and also has a deep love for local restaurants, which outnumber the giant chains. One of Cartagena’s favorites is La Tronica’s, an iconic Italian spot that opened in 1943 and remains family-owned, making spaghetti sauce from scratch with the original family recipe.
The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk is also a popular spot to spend downtime. Grab a bite to eat at a local Riverwalk spot like Angelo’s Pizza Parlor, or Brues Alehouse Brewing Co., a lively restaurant, brewery and music venue.
Newcomers are pleasantly surprised by the arts and culture, too: Pueblo’s Creative Corridor is packed with galleries, museums and public art. At nighttime, check out Neon Alley, which glows with Instagram-ready, vintage neon signs.
Cartagena and her husband recently bought e-bikes to explore the vast network of trails in Pueblo: “We love riding along the Arkansas River,” she says.
Lake Pueblo State Park is a favorite spot for boating, waterskiing and camping. The city also has disc golf courses, pickleball courts and scenic golf courses.
“You can golf every month of the year,” Aldag says.
Get To Know Pueblo
Want to learn more about living and working in Pueblo, CO? Check out the new edition of Livability Pueblo, Colorado.