Aspen, CO, United States

Capital City

Housing prices in this mountain town are astronomical, with the median single-family home costing an eye-watering $9.5 million. The population of just 7,004 people makes Aspen the most populous municipality in Pitkin County, but that small-town feel is offset by the town's exclusive reputation as a playground for the rich and famous. While the local ski areas and surrounding natural beauty attract visitors year-round, the town's remote location means Highway 82 is the only reliable road access, and it's often impassable due to heavy snowfall. Aspen may be an international cultural hub, home to prestigious institutions like the Aspen Music Festival, but its persistent bureaucracy and sky-high cost of living make it a poor choice for all but the wealthiest of residents.