Top 100 Most Liveable Small Towns 2015: Colorado Puts 5 On the List
Livability has released its 2015 list of the top 100 Small Towns in America. While many states were shut out from the list, Colorado put five towns on the list, including three on the Western Slope.Durango is the highest ranking small town in Colorado to make the list, coming in at #3. Golden, a suburb of Denver is the next highest ranking town at #25. Historic Breckenridge is at #27, Glenwood Springs is at #43, and Aspen is ranked #64.
Durango was cited for its opportunities to mountain bike, hike, kayak, fish, and ski. The town was also noted for its Old West Heritage, and its restaurants and shops that provide a "hip, modern entertainment scene."
Livability.com compiled the list by analyzing more than 12,000 towns with populations between 1,000 and 20,000. Their researchers looked at some 40 data points grouped into eight categories including such factors as affordability, income, art, cultural and recreational opportunities and more.
Lebanon, New Hampshire was #1 on the list of most livable small towns in America followed by Los Alamos, New Mexico at #2 then Durango, St. Augustine, Florida, and Bar Harbor, Maine.