Grand Junction, CO, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 65,560, Grand Junction may seem like a sleepy backwater, but this western Colorado city packs a punch when it comes to cost of living and bureaucratic headaches. Sitting in a high desert valley, the climate can be brutally hot in summer and frigid in winter, with less than 18 inches of snow annually. And while the region has a storied history with "gunfighters, miners, and early settlers", modern residents must navigate a heavy-handed local government and the lingering effects of the oil shale bust. Still, Grand Junction's status as the largest city between Denver and Salt Lake City, along with its proximity to outdoor recreation, may appeal to those seeking an affordable, if austere, alternative to the Front Range.