9 Best Mountain Destinations to Live in the U.S. — From Small Towns to Big Cities

In these breathtaking mountain destinations across the U.S., residents can enjoy fresh air, lush views, and endless recreation.

While living by the beach has its pros, our country’s mountains are notoriously scenic, too. The U.S. is home to more than a hundred mountain ranges varying in size and elevation. From the rugged Rocky Mountains dominating the West to the vast Appalachians in the East, the mountainous landscapes offer an exciting lifestyle characterized by natural beauty, culture, a long history, and outdoor recreation year-round.

In recent years, a greater number of Americans have opted to relocate to the mountains for more space and easy access to nature. As a result, certain high-altitude communities like Chattanooga and Colorado Springs, for example, are turning into bustling urban areas with big-city amenities like top-notch dining, excellent schools, and diverse employment opportunities.

So, after chatting with real estate experts across the nation, we rounded up nine of the most attractive mountain destinations to live in the U.S.

Boulder, Colorado

"Boulder and our mountains have a balance of privacy and proximity. You're close to town, but still comfortably removed," Scott Ripmaster,  a broker at Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, said of this popular city nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. U.S. News named it one of the best places to live in the U.S. thanks to its sunny weather — including more than 300 days of sunshine — dozens of parks, and 155 miles of hiking trails.

"Pine Brook Hills is one of our closest in-mountain neighborhoods in Boulder. As a whole, homebuyers want views and privacy, but still want neighbors close by. Our Boulder mountains have a very communal feel with people really looking after one another," Ripmaster added.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Thanks to major revitalization efforts that started almost 20 years ago, Chattanooga, a midsized city of about 188,000 on the banks of the Tennessee River, has reinvented itself as one of the busiest tech startup hubs in America and a haven for remote workers.

And it's easy to see what persuaded thousands of new residents to make the move to the Scenic City (a moniker it deserves) in recent years. Its vibrant arts scene, affordable real estate, cost of living (which also makes it a popular retirement destination), and a plethora of outdoor activities have transformed it into a desirable place to settle down.

Greenville, South Carolina

One of the major draws for newcomers in this scenic South Carolina city in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the abundance of year-round recreation, including water sports (there's an extensive lake system around Greenville), hiking, biking (Paris Mountain is popular with cyclists), and skiing.

"We also have several colleges and universities in the area, like Clemson University as well as Furman University, which is right at the base of the mountains," Nick Carlson, vice president and real estate broker at Wilson Associates, explained.

With rising home prices in the area, though, Carlson suggested house hunting during the shoulder seasons. "The mountains are more popular in the fall and spring seasons.  If you're going to look at property, visit during the off-season (summer or winter months) because you might have access to good inventory that's just coming online or has lagged," he added.

The median home price stands at $306,938, according to Zillow, and is up almost four percent since last year.

Park City, Utah

"Park City is a small town with big-town attractions," Jessica Allen Bateman, a Utah native and broker at Windermere Real Estate, said. "For any season, the mountains are your backyard to play in, with the area's art, parks, and events culminating with the food and vibrant colors all around."

While the home inventory in the area is back to pre-COVID levels, Bateman explained prices continue to rise, so if you plan on making Park City your permanent home, be ready to pay up. The current median home value is an eye-watering $1,559,039, according to Zillow.

Roanoke, Virginia

This bustling city is situated in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Its many art galleries, museums, shops, and outdoor activities have also transformed it into a sought-after retirement destination, a trend facilitated by the its excellent health care facilities and affordable cost of living. The median home price, according to Zillow, is $263,707.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, with its booming hotel and food scenes, might be the ultimate weekend getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But this city, home to America's largest home — the Biltmore Estate — is also becoming more popular as a permanent home among people seeking endless mountain vistas, outdoor activities, and a vibrant cultural cityscape.

"Homebuyers in Asheville are drawn to properties that offer breathtaking views of the mountains, woods, or streams. Outdoor spaces featuring fire pits or fireplaces are highly sought after, providing the perfect setting for enjoying Asheville's year-round temperate climate and hosting gatherings," Josh Smith, president of Walnut Cove Realty/Allen Tate Realtors, explained.

However, if you're considering making Asheville your home, act fast as real estate prices continue to rise — the current median value is $478,274, per Zillow's latest report at the time of publishing.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Sitting at the eastern foot of the Rockies, Colorado's second-largest city offers an outstanding quality of life — and the proof is in the numbers, which predict the larger Colorado Springs metro area will hit one million residents by 2049. The city is often preferred over Denver, thanks to its affordable cost of living, ample employment opportunities, and attractions like the Garden of the Gods and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Real estate is also more affordable compared to Denver — the median home price is $452,001 (versus $559,014 in the state capital).

McCall, Idaho

Nestled on the southern shore of Payette Lake, this gem of a small town boasts mountain views galore, hot springs, hundreds of lakes, hiking trails, and many winter sports facilities.

"Our town offers a unique blend of serene landscapes and exciting outdoor activities, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful, vibrant lifestyle. The community here is warm and welcoming, creating a small-town charm that makes everyone feel at home," Tom Garcia, president and general manager of Whitetail Club, a private residential community in McCall, said.

Whitetail is popular with luxury buyers looking for resort-like amenities such as a private golf course, a swimming pool, and a lakefront clubhouse among the rugged beauty of the Idaho mountains.

Lake Placid, New York

This small town hidden in the Adirondacks is rooted in Olympic history (it has hosted two Winter Olympics) and has been a favorite mountain getaway for New Yorkers for decades. Its main drag is lined with independent boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants buzzing with people in the winter.

However, the town offers plenty of year-round recreation, which is why it's been a popular choice for second-home buyers and full-time residents in recent years. (Last year, school enrollment was up for the first time in seven years.) Real estate prices have kept up with the increased demand, and the current median value is $329,435, according to Zillow, with many luxury real estate brokerages offering sprawling lakefront properties with price tags in the millions.

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