Longing to Move to Colorado? Consider This Gem
In Pueblo, you'll discover an enviable (and affordable) lifestyle that blends tradition with innovation.
For people who move to Pueblo, this Southern Colorado city has several rites of passage, from sampling the area’s famous green chiles to taking a nighttime stroll through Neon Alley, an artistic area in the historic district where numerous vintage signs provide a bright glow.
“Pueblo is a beautiful city that’s rich with tradition,” says lifelong resident Mario Trujillo, the lead pastor at City Church and co-founder of City Hub 224, which provides affordable meeting and event space in the heart of downtown.
Striking a balance between tradition and innovation, Pueblo provides an enviable lifestyle that’s drawing people from far and wide. Whether you are looking for the perfect area to move after college, put down roots, or start or grow your career, Pueblo has everything you need to thrive.
Affordable, Safe and Welcoming
You can live the coveted Colorado lifestyle in Pueblo, but for much less than other communities in the state. Average home prices here are $293,500 (Zillow, February 2022), which is half of the cost of homes in Denver and the state. According to Sperling’s Best Places’ Cost of Living Calculator, food and grocery costs are also nearly 8% less than in Denver.
Pueblo is also a place where individuals and families can feel safe at night. In fact, the police force training required here is twice that of the state of Colorado. The community has invested heavily in fire resources, educating the public about wildland fires and running programs that help ensure residents have working smoke detectors, says Barb Huber, Pueblo’s fire chief and deputy mayor.
Pueblo is also a welcoming, inclusive and diverse community.
It’s home to a large Latino and Hispanic community, and many residents are of European heritage. Plus, Pueblo County has the sixth-highest diversity index in the state, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau figures. The area’s diversity is reflected in its culinary scene, with more than 100 independent restaurants, and through its rich arts and cultural offerings.
Insider Tip
The Rides at City Park is a great place for kids to have a little fun in Pueblo. Each ride only costs 25 cents, or one ticket, while the train and carousel cost two tickets.
Plenty of Career Opportunities in Pueblo
The Pueblo region boasts a successful business scene, which means residents have job opportunities in numerous fields at their fingertips.
A few main employers in the region include Pueblo City Schools; Parkview Medical Center; St. Mary-Corwin Hospital; Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo; Trane, an HVAC contractor; and EVRAZ Pueblo, a steel manufacturer. Key industries include health and wellness, advanced manufacturing, infrastructure engineering, transportation and logistics, and outdoor recreation.
Education, Careers & Opportunity
Pueblo, CO: Where Entrepreneurs Excel
This city in Southern Colorado offers a great environment for startup successes.
As for those who work from home, Pueblo provides them with the perfect lifestyle. Not only is the area affordable, but it boasts beautiful scenery, diverse housing options, plenty of recreation opportunities and helpful resources.
City Hub 224, which is owned and managed by City Church, for example, off ers everything from high-speed internet to private meeting rooms and an affordable event space. “When we came up with the idea for City Hub 224, we wanted it to be a space that serves the community in different ways,” Trujillo says.
It’s a hub for small businesses as well as a place to hold family celebrations or even album release parties.
Enjoy World-Class Recreation in Pueblo
In addition to business opportunities, newcomers are often surprised by how recreation-oriented Pueblo is, says Lindsay Martin, marketing coordinator for Pueblo Parks & Recreation.
From the Arkansas River running through downtown to the more than 70 parks and a dedicated disc golf course, there’s always something to do here. Pueblo Parks & Recreation oversees 32 miles of biking and walking trails and four outdoor swimming pools with two splash pads.
Downtown is also home to Whitewater Park on the Arkansas River, which has a kayak course that’s a half-mile long and features eight drops. Next up, the city is adding pickleball courts at Mineral Palace Park to meet demand for the popular sport, Martin says.
On top of all that, Lake Pueblo and the Arkansas River are great places for water activities, and the community boasts plenty of warm weather to enjoy the great outdoors.
“I call Pueblo the tropics of Colorado,” Martin says. “It’s always warmer down here.”
Get to Know Pueblo
Want to learn more about living and working in Pueblo, CO? Check out the latest edition of Livability Pueblo, Colorado.
