Veterans looking to settle down after service are increasingly choosing Colorado, and for good reason. Residents love Colorado for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, but it also offers a strong job market, long-term housing appreciation, and, most importantly, a supportive environment for veterans and military families.
This blog provides a tactical overview of the best places for veterans to live in Colorado. We’ll describe what each city offers and offer advice on how VA loan benefits can make homeownership easier and more affordable.
VA Loan Basics: Why They Matter in Colorado
Before diving into specific locations, it helps to understand the powerful benefits of VA home loans. These government-backed loans are designed to help service members, veterans, and eligible spouses achieve homeownership with:
- $0 down payment
- Competitive interest rates
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Flexible credit and debt-to-income (DTI) guidelines.
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Why Colorado Is a Top State for Veteran Homebuyers
Colorado consistently ranks among the best states for veterans thanks to:
- Multiple VA medical centers and regional clinics
- Major military installations across the Front Range
- Job opportunities in defense, aerospace, healthcare, and tech
- Steady long-term home appreciation
Veterans moving to Colorado will also find that the state offers a quality of life few others can match. Visit national parks, hike through mountains, and take advantage of veteran-friendly services throughout the state as you transition out of service or plan for a civilian retirement.
Colorado Springs: Affordable Homes Near Bases
Veterans who live in Colorado Springs often can’t imagine anyplace else they’d rather be.
Maybe it’s the military bases like Fort Carson and Fort Peterson, as well as Schriever Space Force Base and the U.S Air Force Academy that make veterans feel right at home.
Of course, there are a few other reasons, such as:
- Lower home prices when compared to Denver
- Strong VA support and healthcare access
- Single-family homes with long-term resale value
- Established veteran networking and transition programs
- A growing housing market offers homebuyers strong future equity
Denver Metro Area: Career Growth + VA Access
When veterans set their sights on Denver and the metro area, they often don’t want to look anywhere else. Why should they? Denver is home to Fortune 500 companies, major universities, and a thriving tech scene that’s always seeking new talent.
If you want a pathway to an exciting, challenging job, the Denver metro area is for you.
Living in central Denver is expensive, but suburbs like Arvada, Lakewood, and Thornton offer homebuyers more affordability without losing access to metro benefits.
What makes Denver appealing to VA buyers:
- Diverse employment options
- Strong rental demand (future VA investment potential)
- Multiple VA healthcare locations
- Access to cultural amenities, sports, and transportation hubs
PCS Tip: If you’re relocating to Denver due to orders, read our Buy vs. Rent Guide for PCS Moves to weigh equity-building against short-term flexibility.
Fort Collins: Family-Friendly + Economically Stable
When veterans leave the service, they usually want to live in a place with a small-town feel and strong community services. Fort Collins fits the bill nicely. The city is home to Colorado State University and is known for smart growth, sustainability, and safety.
Veterans appreciate Fort Collins for its:
- Affordable home prices, especially when compared to Boulder or Denver
- Strong, steady housing appreciation
- Its walkable downtown and access to outdoor recreation
- Strong public schools and active community programs
Military families often choose Fort Collins if they’re seeking a more relaxed pace without sacrificing access to jobs, services, and the lifestyle perks of an urban area. The city also supports veterans with its local nonprofits and VA liaisons.
Boulder and Surrounding Areas: Lifestyle + Strategy
Boulder offers veterans high-end living with unmatched access to outdoor activities, wellness, and education. Since the city is home to the University of Colorado and multiple national research labs, it’s a great fit for veterans pursuing careers in science, education, or green tech.
Admittedly, Boulder is one of Colorado’s most expensive markets. However, nearby towns like Longmont, Louisville, and Lafayette offer a strategic alternative.
These areas are close to Boulder jobs and amenities while offering more affordable home prices.
Considerations for Veterans:
- How BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) factors into qualification
- Property taxes and homeowners insurance
- Debt-to-income ratios in high-cost markets
- Commute and access to VA services
Grand Junction & Western Colorado: Space + Affordability
Veterans seeking wide open spaces and lower monthly costs should consider Western Colorado. If you’re trying to stretch your dollar, Grand Junction also has fewer bidding wars and, as a result, lower home prices.
Why veterans buy in West CO:
- Lower home prices and competition
- Slower pace, strong appeal for retirees
- Regional VA clinics make care accessible
- Outdoor recreation: hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing
If you’d like to be a remote worker or an entrepreneur, you’ll also love Grand Junction. Its improved broadband and co-working hubs make it the ideal location for any veterans looking to start a small business or simply enjoy a more flexible work environment.
Choosing the Right Loan for Your Colorado Home
VA loans are often the best fit for veterans, but they’re not the only option. In some cases, FHA loans or conventional financing might make sense, especially if you’re conserving entitlement, have multiple properties, or need specific features not covered by VA guidelines.
Your loan choice depends on:
- Current entitlement usage
- Monthly budget and reserves
- PCS timing vs. long-term plans
- Tax and insurance costs in
Ready to Buy in Colorado? Let’s Make It Simple
Whether you’re eyeing Colorado Springs, Denver, or a Western Slope retreat, you deserve a lender who understands your service, your benefits, and your goals.
At Salute Mortgage, we’re veteran-owned, borrower-first, and built to move fast.
Get your custom quote today—no credit hit, no obligation. Let’s help you find your next home in one of these veteran-friendly Colorado cities.
