When choosing a place to live during college, several factors play crucial roles in creating an ideal environment for academic success and personal growth. This ranking evaluates Colorado neighborhoods based on six key criteria: Overall College Friendly Score, Hip & Trendy rating, Vibrancy Score, Walkability, Cycling-Friendly infrastructure, and Transit-Friendly options. The Overall College Friendly Score encompasses numerous factors like affordability, safety, noise levels, proximity to campuses, student populations, and available amenities specifically beneficial to college students.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Colorado’s least college-friendly neighborhoods.
Here’s the list.
25. Eagles Nest / Mid Vail (Vail)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 1.46
- Hip & Trendy: 58.64
- Vibrancy Score: 35.11
- Walkability: 2.02
- Cycling-Friendly: 7.77
- Transit-Friendly: 40.00
Eagles Nest and Mid Vail in Vail, Colorado rank as the 25th worst neighborhood for college students. While the area scores decently for being hip and trendy (58.64) and has reasonable transit options (40.00), its extremely low walkability score (2.02) and poor cycling infrastructure (7.77) make it challenging for students without cars. The overall college friendly score of 1.46 reflects these limitations. With median home prices over $2 million, this luxury mountain community is financially out of reach for most college students.
24. Henderson (Commerce City)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 1.41
- Hip & Trendy: 24.50
- Vibrancy Score: 52.65
- Walkability: 21.69
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Henderson in Commerce City scores poorly across most metrics important to college students. With an overall college friendly score of just 1.41, it struggles particularly in the hip and trendy category (24.50). Despite a moderate vibrancy score (52.65), the neighborhood lacks data for cycling and transit options, suggesting limited transportation alternatives for students without vehicles. The median home price of approximately $450,000 may be lower than some areas on this list, but the neighborhood’s industrial character and distance from major educational institutions make it impractical for most students.
23. Estes Park West (Estes Park)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 1.39
- Hip & Trendy: 88.53
- Vibrancy Score: 17.83
- Walkability: 4.48
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 37.84
Estes Park West is an interesting contradiction – while scoring very high on hipness (88.53), it rates extremely low on overall college friendliness (1.39) and walkability (4.48). The neighborhood’s remote mountain location and tourist-oriented economy create a vibrant but expensive environment not conducive to student life. With median home prices around $700,000 and limited transit options, students would find daily commuting to any college campus nearly impossible from this picturesque but impractical location.
22. Westlands Park (Greenwood Village)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 1.35
- Hip & Trendy: 21.45
- Vibrancy Score: 71.09
- Walkability: 8.29
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 75.70
Westlands Park in Greenwood Village scores 1.35 on the college friendly index despite having good transit options (75.70) and a high vibrancy score (71.09). The neighborhood’s extremely low walkability (8.29) and hip/trendy rating (21.45) reflect its suburban, affluent character. With median home prices around $1.2 million, this neighborhood caters to established professionals rather than students. While the transit connection to Denver might seem appealing, the overall environment lacks the affordability and amenities that support student lifestyles.
21. Cortez North (Cortez)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 1.27
- Hip & Trendy: 37.37
- Vibrancy Score: 41.94
- Walkability: 17.56
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Cortez North, located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, scores just 1.27 on the college friendly scale. The area’s remote location from major universities contributes to this low rating. With mediocre scores for hip/trendy atmosphere (37.37) and vibrancy (41.94), plus poor walkability (17.56), students would find few amenities catering to their needs. The median home price of approximately $350,000 might seem reasonable, but the isolation from educational institutions and student-oriented services makes this area impractical for most college students.
20. Tower Rd / E 64th Ave (Denver)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 1.08
- Hip & Trendy: 45.26
- Vibrancy Score: 63.52
- Walkability: 13.54
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 76.46
This neighborhood near Denver International Airport has a college friendly score of just 1.08 despite good transit options (76.46). The area’s remote location from campuses, poor walkability (13.54), and moderate hip/trendy rating (45.26) make it less than ideal for students. The median home price of around $500,000, combined with the industrial and commercial character of the neighborhood, creates an environment that doesn’t cater to student needs. While the transit connections might seem promising, the daily commute to any campus would be substantial.
19. W 24th St / High St (Pueblo)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 1.04
- Hip & Trendy: 0.13
- Vibrancy Score: 24.64
- Walkability: 38.89
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
This Pueblo neighborhood scores just 1.04 for college friendliness, with an almost non-existent hip and trendy score (0.13). Despite having somewhat better walkability (38.89) than some neighborhoods on this list, the extremely low vibrancy score (24.64) indicates minimal amenities for student life. With median home prices around $200,000, affordability isn’t the main issue, but the lack of college-oriented services, limited nightlife, and few transportation options make this area challenging for students without personal vehicles.
18. Dyke / Edith (Pagosa Springs)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.97
- Hip & Trendy: 56.90
- Vibrancy Score: 6.07
- Walkability: 2.25
- Cycling-Friendly: 8.82
- Transit-Friendly: 8.48
Dyke/Edith in Pagosa Springs scores abysmally low for college students with a 0.97 overall rating. Though moderately hip (56.90), the neighborhood’s extremely low vibrancy (6.07), walkability (2.25), and transit options (8.48) make it highly impractical for student life. Located in a beautiful but remote mountain area, with median home prices around $550,000, this neighborhood is disconnected from educational institutions. The limited infrastructure and services specifically catering to young adults make it an isolating choice for students.
17. Parker North (Parker)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.88
- Hip & Trendy: 47.44
- Vibrancy Score: 87.42
- Walkability: 24.83
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 12.30
Parker North presents an interesting contradiction – despite a high vibrancy score (87.42), it ranks poorly for overall college friendliness (0.88). The neighborhood’s low walkability (24.83) and very limited transit options (12.30) make it difficult for students without cars. With median home prices around $650,000, this suburban community is designed for families rather than students. The distance from major educational institutions and limited student-oriented services further reduce its practicality for college life.
16. Registry Ridge (Fort Collins)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.79
- Hip & Trendy: 50.07
- Vibrancy Score: 34.27
- Walkability: 9.85
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Despite being in the college town of Fort Collins, Registry Ridge scores just 0.79 on the college friendly scale. The neighborhood’s poor walkability (9.85) and moderate hip/trendy rating (50.07) suggest it’s disconnected from the vibrant university atmosphere found elsewhere in the city. With median home prices around $550,000, this neighborhood caters more to professionals and families than students. The lack of data for cycling and transit options suggests limited transportation alternatives, making daily commutes to campus challenging.
15. Skyline Dr (Canon City)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.68
- Hip & Trendy: 0.10
- Vibrancy Score: 28.06
- Walkability: 23.89
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Skyline Dr in Canon City scores extremely low across all metrics important to college students. With an overall college friendly score of 0.68 and an almost non-existent hip and trendy rating (0.10), the area offers little appeal to young adults. The neighborhood’s mediocre walkability (23.89) and low vibrancy (28.06) reflect its quiet, residential character. With median home prices around $350,000 and limited educational institutions nearby, students would find few amenities catering to their lifestyle and academic needs.
14. Riverside / Commercial Core Historic District (Aspen)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.61
- Hip & Trendy: 78.96
- Vibrancy Score: 44.31
- Walkability: 8.48
- Cycling-Friendly: 99.57
- Transit-Friendly: 45.32
This Aspen neighborhood demonstrates why overall college friendliness involves more than just being trendy. Despite excellent cycling infrastructure (99.57) and good hip/trendy ratings (78.96), its 0.61 college friendly score reflects the prohibitively high cost of living. With median home prices well over $5 million, this luxury resort area is financially inaccessible to most students. The poor walkability score (8.48) is surprising for a core district, suggesting disconnected services or challenging terrain that complicates daily student life despite the area’s upscale amenities.
13. Northwest Pkwy (Broomfield)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.53
- Hip & Trendy: 0.37
- Vibrancy Score: 7.85
- Walkability: N/A
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Northwest Pkwy in Broomfield scores dismally across all metrics for college students. With a 0.53 overall score, nearly non-existent hip/trendy rating (0.37), and extremely low vibrancy (7.85), this area offers almost nothing appealing to student life. The lack of data for walkability, cycling, and transit suggests an auto-dependent area with few transportation alternatives. This highway-adjacent area appears to be primarily commercial or industrial, with limited residential options and almost no amenities catering to students.
12. State Hwy 470 / S 120th St (Broomfield)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.53
- Hip & Trendy: 0.37
- Vibrancy Score: N/A
- Walkability: N/A
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Similar to Northwest Pkwy, this highway-adjacent area in Broomfield scores extremely low (0.53) for college friendliness. With virtually no hip/trendy atmosphere (0.37) and missing data for most metrics, this appears to be primarily a transportation corridor rather than a residential neighborhood. The lack of vibrancy, walkability, cycling, and transit data suggests an area with minimal infrastructure for anything beyond car travel. This location would offer students none of the amenities, connectivity, or lifestyle benefits typically sought in college living environments.
11. Dillon Rd (Broomfield)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.53
- Hip & Trendy: 0.37
- Vibrancy Score: N/A
- Walkability: N/A
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
This Broomfield location is virtually identical to the previous entry in terms of college-unfriendliness. With a 0.53 overall score and 0.37 hip/trendy rating, plus missing data for all other metrics, this appears to be another transportation corridor area with minimal residential character. The absence of information about vibrancy, walkability, cycling, and transit options suggests an area developed primarily for vehicular traffic with few if any amenities that would support student lifestyles.
10. Inverness (Centennial)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.44
- Hip & Trendy: 10.79
- Vibrancy Score: 66.71
- Walkability: 7.27
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 62.52
Inverness in Centennial shows a stark contrast between its decent transit options (62.52) and vibrancy (66.71) versus its extremely low college friendliness (0.44). The neighborhood’s poor walkability (7.27) and low hip/trendy score (10.79) reflect its business park character. With median home prices around $700,000 and primarily office-oriented development, students would find few amenities catering to their needs. Despite light rail access, the area’s professional focus creates an environment incompatible with typical student lifestyles.
9. Golden East (Golden)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.33
- Hip & Trendy: 0.86
- Vibrancy Score: 0.23
- Walkability: 0.65
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Despite being near the Colorado School of Mines, Golden East scores abysmally on all metrics important to college students. With a 0.33 overall score and nearly non-existent ratings for hip/trendy atmosphere (0.86), vibrancy (0.23), and walkability (0.65), this appears to be an industrial or undeveloped area with minimal residential character. The absence of cycling and transit data suggests poor transportation alternatives, forcing car dependency. Students would find virtually no amenities or infrastructure supporting college lifestyles in this area.
8. Bighorn / Town Center (Vail)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.33
- Hip & Trendy: 65.37
- Vibrancy Score: 43.16
- Walkability: 4.11
- Cycling-Friendly: 23.47
- Transit-Friendly: 27.37
Bighorn/Town Center in Vail demonstrates why resort towns often score poorly for college friendliness despite being trendy. With an overall score of just 0.33, extremely poor walkability (4.11), and mediocre transit options (27.37), students would struggle with daily life despite decent hipness (65.37). The median home price exceeds $2 million, making this luxury ski destination financially inaccessible to most students. The seasonal economy, distance from major educational institutions, and focus on tourism rather than permanent residents further diminish its practicality for college students.
7. Fourmile Ln / Castle Rock Rd (Canon City)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.29
- Hip & Trendy: 0.06
- Vibrancy Score: 14.50
- Walkability: 8.06
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
This Canon City neighborhood ranks extremely low across all metrics important to students. With a 0.29 overall college friendly score and virtually non-existent hip/trendy rating (0.06), the area offers almost nothing appealing to young adults. Poor walkability (8.06), low vibrancy (14.50), and missing data for cycling and transit options suggest an isolated, car-dependent area with few amenities. With median home prices around $300,000 and significant distance from major educational institutions, students would find limited support for academic or social needs.
6. Buffer Creek (Vail)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.12
- Hip & Trendy: 66.02
- Vibrancy Score: 17.51
- Walkability: 0.90
- Cycling-Friendly: 80.38
- Transit-Friendly: 39.40
Buffer Creek in Vail shows extreme contrasts in its metrics: excellent for cycling (80.38) and good for trendiness (66.02), yet abysmal for overall college friendliness (0.12) and walkability (0.90). This mountain community, with median home prices exceeding $1.5 million, caters to wealthy outdoor enthusiasts rather than students. The low vibrancy score (17.51) suggests limited amenities for daily needs, and the practically non-existent walkability would make student life extremely difficult despite the good cycling infrastructure, which likely focuses on recreational rather than practical transportation.
5. North Ave / Routt St (Lakewood)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.10
- Hip & Trendy: 0.37
- Vibrancy Score: 4.21
- Walkability: N/A
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
This Lakewood location scores near zero on almost every metric important to college students. With a 0.10 overall score and nearly non-existent hip/trendy rating (0.37) and vibrancy (4.21), plus missing data for walkability, cycling, and transit, this appears to be an industrial or undeveloped area with minimal residential infrastructure. The absence of basic amenities and transportation alternatives would make this location virtually uninhabitable for students seeking typical college living experiences.
4. Montbello (Denver)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.03
- Hip & Trendy: 0.82
- Vibrancy Score: 37.48
- Walkability: 0.56
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Montbello in Denver scores dismally for college students with a 0.03 overall rating. Despite a moderate vibrancy score (37.48), the area’s nearly non-existent hip/trendy atmosphere (0.82) and walkability (0.56) create a challenging environment for student life. With median home prices around $450,000, affordability isn’t the primary issue, but the neighborhood’s industrial character, limited amenities targeting young adults, and poor transportation alternatives make it impractical for students, especially those without cars.
3. Denver International Airport (Denver)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.02
- Hip & Trendy: 0.37
- Vibrancy Score: N/A
- Walkability: N/A
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
It’s not surprising that the Denver International Airport area ranks as the third-worst neighborhood for college students. With a nearly non-existent college friendly score (0.02) and hip/trendy rating (0.37), plus missing data for most metrics, this is clearly not a residential community. The airport zone, with its focus on transportation infrastructure, commercial services, and hotels, offers virtually nothing that would support student lifestyles. The extreme distance from educational institutions and lack of permanent residential options make this area completely impractical for college students.
2. Victory Crossing North (Denver)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.02
- Hip & Trendy: 0.37
- Vibrancy Score: N/A
- Walkability: N/A
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Victory Crossing North in Denver scores virtually zero (0.02) on college friendliness, with an almost non-existent hip and trendy rating (0.37) and missing data for most other metrics. This appears to be an industrial or undeveloped area with minimal residential infrastructure. The absence of vibrancy, walkability, cycling, and transit data suggests an area that lacks the basic amenities and transportation alternatives necessary for student life. Students would find virtually no support for their academic or social needs in this location.
1. Stone City (Pueblo)
- Overall College Friendly Score: 0.01
- Hip & Trendy: 0.37
- Vibrancy Score: N/A
- Walkability: N/A
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Stone City in Pueblo ranks as the absolute worst neighborhood for college students in Colorado, with a virtually non-existent college friendly score (0.01). The area appears to be industrial or undeveloped, with an almost zero hip/trendy rating (0.37) and missing data for vibrancy, walkability, cycling, and transit. This suggests a location with virtually no residential infrastructure or amenities that would support student lifestyles. The complete absence of services and transportation alternatives would make this area wholly impractical for anyone pursuing higher education.
Definition of terms:
- Overall College Friendly Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates how conducive a neighborhood is to college student lifestyles. This includes factors like affordability, proximity to educational institutions, student population density, noise levels, safety, and availability of student-oriented services and amenities.
- Hip & Trendy: Measures how culturally vibrant and appealing a neighborhood is to younger demographics. This includes factors like dining options, nightlife, artistic venues, and general cultural appeal that creates an engaging environment for students.
- Vibrancy Score: Assesses the overall energy and activity level of a neighborhood. High scores indicate areas with plenty of social interaction opportunities, events, and community engagement—crucial for students seeking a well-rounded college experience.
- Walkability: Evaluates how pedestrian-friendly a neighborhood is, considering factors like sidewalk infrastructure, street connectivity, and proximity of essential services. This is particularly important for students who may not have vehicles and need to access classes and amenities on foot.
- Cycling-Friendly: Measures the bicycle infrastructure and safety of a neighborhood, including dedicated bike lanes, trails, and general cycling accessibility. For students, cycling often represents an affordable and efficient transportation option when public transit is limited.
- Transit-Friendly: Assesses the availability, reliability, and convenience of public transportation options. Robust transit connections are essential for students to access campuses, jobs, and social activities without the expense of car ownership.
These six criteria are closely interconnected and collectively determine whether a neighborhood can adequately support student lifestyles. For instance, high walkability combined with good transit options creates mobility freedom essential for students without cars, while hip environments with high vibrancy scores typically offer the social and cultural opportunities that enhance the college experience.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
Zillow Research Data https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
Redfin Market Insights https://www.redfin.com/news/data-center/
Colorado Association of Realtors Market Reports https://www.coloradorealtors.com/market-trends/
Denver Metro Association of Realtors Market Trends https://www.dmarealtors.com/market-trends
Colorado Department of Local Affairs Housing Data https://cdola.colorado.gov/
