Castle Rock, CO, United States

Capital City

Living in Castle Rock, CO means a long commute for most residents, as the town has not yet attracted enough local employers to avoid the 28.6-minute average travel time to jobs outside the area. With a population of 73,158, it's the most populous Colorado town and the 14th largest municipality in the state. However, the town's cost of living is well above the national average, with a median household income nearly double the U.S. median. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Castle Rock operates under a complex home-rule charter and residents have debated the management of local schools. Overall, this affluent suburb of Denver may appeal to those seeking a family-friendly community with abundant outdoor recreation, but the lack of public transit and high living costs make it a better fit for well-off commuters than those on a tighter budget.