The Riverwalk in Castle Rock, CO. Castle Rock is known for being a midway point between Denver and Colorado Springs and its outlet malls are a magnet for shoppers.
©Journal/Colin Shreffler

Castle Rock, COBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023

Located along the stunning scapes of the Rockies, Castle Rock is a natural beauty with small-town charm. A dynamic downtown, an innovative economy and plenty of outdoor activities help foster a strong sense of community and create a welcoming environment.

Castle Rock, CO, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America

Castle Rock, CO, manages to strike that elusive balance of truly having a small-town feel with big-city amenities, which, combined, make it one of the best places to live in the U.S. 

Castle Rock is known for being a midway point between Denver and Colorado Springs and also for drawing shoppers looking to score killer deals at its outlet malls. But the more than 75,000 residents who call Castle Rock home know there’s much more to make this community special. Castle Rock fosters a tight-knit community, and residents have several opportunities to gather together throughout the year at events like the annual Starlighting ceremony with cameos by Santa Claus and a summer concert series at The Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, where Grammy-award-winning musicians rock out.

Ranking high in the health care category, the Centura Castle Rock Adventist Hospital provides care for the community and has been recognized as having a leading birth center and 3D mammography in Colorado’s first sensory suite, which makes for a more calming experience for those doing cancer screenings. And forget bland cafeteria food; the hospital’s lobby-level restaurant, Manna, serves gourmet dishes like cola-braised short rib, cauliflower tacos and pizzas with inventive toppings. (The food is so good, residents come to dine here — no medical appointments needed).

Great schools are also a significant draw in Castle Rock, which is home to the innovative ACC Sturm Collaboration Campus, allowing residents to conveniently earn an associate degree from Arapahoe Community College and a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University. Programs include marketing, management, cybersecurity, software development and more.

Castle Rock residents are also spoiled with outdoor amenities, including 5,800 acres of open space and nearly 75 miles of trails. The 300-acre Philip S. Miller Park is a crown jewel of the community, with the Miller Activity Complex (or MAC, as residents know it) packed with ways to have fun and stay fit. There are batting cages, trampolines, lap lanes for swimming, a leisure pool with a slide, a BEAM interactive projector game system for kids, plus a functional fitness area for adults that’s stocked with kettlebells, dumbbells, plyometric boxes, tires and ropes. Oh, and did we mention that the park also has zipline tours and an adventure park, as well as a plaza with splash pads and outdoor fireplaces? There are infinite ways to have fun. 

Castle Rock, CO Quality of Life LivScore

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Castle Rock, CO Top Categories

  • Health

  • Safety

  • Economy

Castle Rock ranks highest for health, safety and economy.

Weather and Outdoor Activities in Castle Rock, CO

What is the weather like in Castle Rock?

Pack your snowshoes and swimsuits! Castle Rock residents enjoy four true seasons, with lots of sunshine and snow. The average highs and lows are 83°F and 52°F (summer) and 46°F and 16°F (winter). 

Does Castle Rock get a lot of snow?

The average annual snowfall in Castle Rock is around 60 inches annually, thanks to its cold, dry climate during the winter. 

Does Castle Rock get a lot of rain? 

The average annual rainfall in Castle Rock is relatively low at just 19 inches. 

How many sunny days does Castle Rock get?

Castle Rock averages 245 sunny days a year.

What are some things to do outside in Castle Rock?

Your stair stepper has nothing on Challenge Hill, a 200-step incline with a 178-foot elevation gain and spectacular views.

Castle Rock Weather

245 days

Average Annual Sun

19 inches

Average Annual Rain

60 inches

Average Annual Snow

Things To Do in Castle Rock, CO

What makes Castle Rock special?

Miners came to Colorado hoping to strike it rich at the goldmines. But they discovered rhyolite in Castle Rock, a pinkish stone used to build many of the town’s landmark buildings.

What are some free things to do in Castle Rock?

A Rock Park trip is 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. As a result, the city grew around the rock. Today, you can hike a moderate 1.5-mile trail for great views of modern-day Castle Rock. 

Where do locals shop in Castle Rock?

The Emporium looks like a real-life Pinterest board. More than 60 merchants sell home decor, clothes, jewelry, flowers and more in this made-over feed and supply shop. 

Where should you have dinner with friends in Castle Rock?

Sink your teeth into the pan-fried chicken served with Parkerhouse rolls and Nana’s slaw at Castle Cafe

Castle Rock, CO, manages to strike that elusive balance of truly having a small-town feel with big-city amenities, which, combined, make it one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Colin Shreffler
Castle Rock, CO, manages to strike that elusive balance between small-town feel and big-city amenities, which makes it one of the best places to live in the U.S.

The Local and State Economy in Castle Rock, CO

What are the three largest industries in Castle Rock?

Manufacturing and construction, government, and retail are among the largest industries in Castle Rock. In addition, Castle Rock has a good mix of small businesses and larger employers, including the Douglas County School District, Castle Rock Adventist Hospital and Aluwind. 

What is the sales tax rate in Castle Rock?

In 2023, the sales tax rate in Castle Rock is 7.9%. Colorado has one of the country’s lowest overall state sales tax rates.

Does Colorado have a state income tax?

Yes, Colorado has a state income tax. 

Who are the major health care providers in Castle Rock?

Castle Rock residents are in good health, thanks to hospitals like Castle Rock Adventist Hospital and providers like UCHealth. Additionally, the city’s proximity to Denver gives residents a wealth of options. 

What colleges and universities are in Castle Rock?

Castle Rock, CO, is home to the Sturm Collaboration Campus for students seeking higher-education opportunities. 

Quick Facts About Castle Rock, CO

Median Household Income
$120,053
©Journal/Colin Shreffler
Median Home Value
$485,971
©Journal/Colin Shreffler
Average State Property Tax
$2,017
©Journal/Colin Shreffler
Total Population
76,837
©Journal/Colin Shreffler
Median Rent/Mo.
$1,500
©Journal/Colin Shreffler
Average Commute
25.11 minutes
©Journal/Colin Shreffler

Castle Rock’s amenities, health care options and good schools make it one of the best places to live in the U.S. Learn how to pick the best neighborhood for you and your family in Castle Rock and discover its excellent startup scene. Another good resource as you consider a move: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.

Continue Reading Best Places To Live in the US in 2023

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