To determine the places where Social Security lasts longest, SmartAsset compared Social Security income in each county against the local cost of living. Counties where the average Social Security funds greatest exceeded living expenses were the places which ranked highest in the study.
For a look at the top counties in Colorado, check out the table below:
Rank County, State Cost of Living Annual Social Security Social Security Taxed? Social Security Goes Further – Index 1 Custer, CO $19,211 $24,317 Yes 92.95 2 Grand, CO $21,123 $22,833 Yes 79.22 3 Rio Blanco, CO $20,574 $22,170 Yes 78.87 4 Ouray, CO $21,870 $23,283 Yes 77.91 5 Sedgwick, CO $18,836 $19,618 Yes 76.00 6 Gilpin, CO $24,028 $24,817 Yes 75.05 7 Chaffee, CO $19,722 $20,102 Yes 74.25 8 Huerfano, CO $19,962 $20,098 Yes 73.24 9 Pitkin, CO $26,418 $26,619 Yes 72.28 10 Phillips, CO $19,647 $19,477 Yes 72.09 The full study results, methodology and interactive map can be found here: [LINK]
Category: Education
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Social Security Goes Furthest in These Colorado Counties – Study
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New law changes aims to simplify vehicle registration
LAKEWOOD, Friday March 17, 2023 — A new law aims to streamline various vehicle registration and title processes in an effort to simplify the vehicle registration process for Coloradans.Under the Vehicle Registration And Certificate Of Title Act (HB22-1388), vehicle owners who have more than one vehicle can now register one of the vehicles for less than a year so that all the owner’s vehicles can expire at the same time. This optional process will help better serve Coloradans by allowing them to have only one expiration date to remember.The new law also allows vehicle owners to keep their specialty license plates when transferring to another vehicle. A previous law which went into effect December 2021, made license plates expire upon transferring the vehicle to another owner. Specialty license plates are now exempt from the previous law.The Vehicle Registration and Certificate of Title bill also includes these changes:- Lowers the weight on vehicles for recreational registration fees that are based on weight from 10,000 to 6,000 pounds.
- Removes language that says that vehicle lien filings are public records and removes the requirement that a lienholder must certify the copy of lien documents.
- New documents accepted in lieu of scale tickets. Authorizes a vehicle owner to present a manufacturer’s certificate of origin, certificate of title, certified scale ticket, or other documents (instead of a scale ticket) or systems as determined by rule (previously they could only present a certified scale ticket showing the weight for trucks 4,500-10,000 pounds).
- Dealer title fee increase. Increases the dealer title fee at the counties from $7.20 to $25; if paid to the county clerk, the county retains $21.80 and the rest goes to the division.
- Notarization change for specific vehicles. The bill of sale is no longer required to be notarized when obtaining a title in lieu of a bonded title on a collector’s item, street-rod vehicle or horseless carriage of 25 years or older.
- Clarifies that surcharges are pro-ratable.
- A one-time late registration fee of $10 for utility trailers, trailers with an empty weight of 16,000 or less, camper trailers, multipurpose trailers and trailer coaches that have not been registered since before July 1, 2010.
- Creation of an inoperable decal. Any owner of an inoperable vehicle undergoing maintenance, repair, restoration, rebuilding or renovation must pay an annual specific ownership tax. When the taxes are paid, the owner will receive a decal as proof of registration. No surcharges or fees will be charged if the owner keeps the vehicle on private property for the purposes of maintenance, repair, restoration, rebuilding, or renovation.
- Trailer coach surcharge change. The road safety surcharge is set at $16 for trailer coaches (minimum of 26 feet long used for temporary living quarters).
- Bridge safety surcharge change. Sets the bridge safety surcharge at $13 for trailer coaches.
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Foster Care Information Meeting
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/foster-care-information-meeting-via-zoom-tickets-492714250587?aff=erelexpmlt
Join us for an online Foster Care Information Meeting!
When and where
Date and time: Mon, January 9, 2023, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MSTLocation: OnlineAbout this event
- 2 hours
- Mobile eTicket
This meeting is for prospective foster parents – thank you for your interest! The first step toward becoming a foster parent is to attend an information meeting where you will learn: what foster care is, what it means to be a foster parent, how and why children come into the foster care system, a general overview of child protection in Colorado, and how to move forward in the process of becoming a foster parent.
During our live online meeting you will learn about the next steps to take and then will be able to receive the necessary paperwork to continue your journey to becoming a foster parent. For more information, please email .
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Colorado Had the 10th Lowest Credit Card Delinquency Rate in 2021
Access to credit is an important resource for managing personal finances, whether to pay for major purchases, serve as a bridge to cover regular expenses, or smooth out spending when something unexpected happens. But reliance on debt like credit cards can also mean racking up large balances that are hard to pay off. In the tumultuous economy of the last few years, consumers have experienced both highs and lows when it comes to credit.
Despite a spike in unemployment at the outset of COVID-19, many households fared well financially during the early phases of the pandemic. Government relief programs like stimulus checks, expanded unemployment benefits, and mortgage and student loan forbearance gave a boost to household finances, while consumers spent less due to lockdowns and concerns about the virus. This allowed debt holders to make progress toward becoming current on payments. Credit card balances in the U.S. declined by more than $120 billion in 2020 and another $28 billion from December 2020 to April 2021.
Inflation has reared its head over the last 18 months, however, putting new pressure on families. Prices for essentials like food, energy, and shelter have risen rapidly and remained at elevated levels. Savings rates, which had increased to historic heights earlier in the pandemic, are now on the decline, leaving households less in reserve to help weather the effects of inflation. As a result, consumers are turning to credit cards to help manage costs: aggregate limits on credit cards increased by $100 billion from Q1 to Q2 of 2022, while credit card balances increased by $46 billion over the same period.
Credit card debt today totals $890 billion, which still trails a pre-pandemic peak of $930 billion in Q4 of 2019. But debt has surged over the last year. Credit card debt was 9.1% higher in Q1 of 2022 than the year before and 12.7% higher in Q2. The latter figure represents the fastest rate of growth for credit card balances in nearly 20 years.
With the amount of credit card debt rising again, cardholders are also increasingly at risk of falling behind on payments. The share of credit card debt in serious delinquency remains at historically low levels after declining across 2020 and 2021. But after two straight years of decline, the percentage of newly delinquent credit card debt rose in the first two quarters of 2022, from 4.1% at the end of last year to 4.76% today.
Credit card reliance and behavior vary across the country, meaning that rates of usage and delinquency can look different by geography. Many of the states with the highest credit card delinquency rates are found in the Southeast and Southwest, which have relatively low incomes compared to the rest of the U.S. While low-income residents in these areas are less likely to have a card and tend to have lower balances, they are also more likely to struggle with paying off credit card debts.
Notably, 3 states in the Southeast and Southwest regions — Nevada (12%), Florida (10.66%), and Arkansas (10.23%) — stand out as having more than 10% of credit card debt 90+ days delinquent, which are the 3 highest delinquency rates in the nation. In contrast, the Upper Midwest and New England tend to have the lowest rates of delinquency, highlighted by Wisconsin (5.34%), Minnesota (5.78%), and Vermont (6.03%).
The data used in this analysis is from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Experian. To determine the states with the highest delinquency rates, researchers at Upgraded Points calculated the share of credit card balances at least 90 days delinquent as of the fourth quarter of 2021. In the event of a tie, the state with the greater total credit card debt per capita was ranked higher. The percentage point change in the credit card delinquency rate was calculated by comparing Q4 2021 to Q4 of 2019.
Here is a summary of the data for Colorado:
- Credit card delinquency rate (90+ days): 6.57%
- Change since pre-pandemic (percentage points): +0.11
- Per capita credit card debt: $3,480
- Credit card debt as share of all non-mortgage debt: 19.3%
- Average credit score: 728
For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:
- Credit card delinquency rate (90+ days): 8.22%
- Change since pre-pandemic (percentage points): +0.10
- Per capita credit card debt: $3,060
- Credit card debt as share of all non-mortgage debt: 18.4%
- Average credit score: 714
For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Upgraded Points’s website: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/credit-card-delinquency-rates-by-state/
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2022’s Best Cities for Single Moms
Motherhood is a challenge, especially if you’re alone. That’s why living in a supportive environment can make a world of difference for a single mother.
So, which cities set up single moms for success?
To find out, LawnStarter ranked 2022’s Best Cities for Single Moms.
We compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities based on 36 key metrics. We looked for safe, affordable cities with ample child care and community support, high-quality education and health care, and a decent work-life balance.
Find out which 10 cities are best (and which 10 are worst) for single moms below, followed by some highlights and lowlights from our report. (See where your city ranks here.)
Highlights and Lowlights:
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There’s No Rose Without a Thorn: Roseville, California, tops our ranking as the Best City for Single Moms this year. Roseville has the lowest share of single moms in poverty, the third highest median annual income for single moms, and plenty of insured women and children. This city also has excellent public schools, low food insecurity, and state policies allowing sick leave for child care.
There are plenty of baby supply stores, but Roseville lacks child care workers. California cities in general have some of the priciest hourly rates for babysitters and a high annual cost of child care. -
Growing Healthy, Smart Kids: Wealthy suburbs Naperville, Illinois (No. 2), Overland Park, Kansas (No. 4), Irvine, California (No. 7), and Frisco, Texas (No. 13), have the highest-rated school districts in the country, making them great for both single moms and dads.
In the Health category, Irvine has the best-quality public hospitals in our ranking, followed by Eugene, Oregon, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Fremont and Elk Grove, California, have the highest rates of insured women, while Syracuse, New York, Santa Clarita, California, and Bridgeport, Connecticut, have the most insured children. -
High-Poverty Cities Lacking Policy: Huntsville, Alabama (No. 103), has the highest share of single mothers in poverty, followed by Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Each of these cities has a low median annual income for single mothers, unaffordable housing, and no state law allowing sick leave for child care.
At the very bottom of our ranking is Detroit, alongside several Texas cities, including Houston (No. 194), Dallas (No. 192), and some of their suburbs. These cities fared poorly across most metrics, such as median annual income for single moms and housing affordability. They also have high rates of food insecurity and high numbers of single moms and children in poverty.
Our full ranking and analysis are available here: https://www.lawnstarter.com/blog/studies/best-cities-single-moms/
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Best 9 Coziest Small Towns in Colorado – To Visit This Winter
It’s the time of year when we’re layering on sweaters and blankets, and to celebrate the winter season, the dating reviews website MyDatingAdviser.com has ranked the coziest small towns in the USA.
These Colorado towns are considered the coziest: Breckenridge (ranked No. 5 coziest in the nation), Leadville (12th), Silverton (13th), Telluride (17th), Snowmass (26th), Steamboat Springs (63rd), Mancos (83rd), Aspen (86th) and Salida (103).
To determine the coziest small towns in America, MyDatingAdviser compared 170 well-known small towns across the country on ten key metrics.
They looked into winter temperature, average snowfall, cafes, bakeries, crafts, and bookshops, among other indicators of a cozy small town. By analyzing the data points, each town has been given a ‘Cozy Town Index Score,’ representing the level of coziness you might experience in that small town.
If you’re in the mood for cozy towns to get into the winter spirit, here are some of the best small towns across the country to visit for some serious winter comfort.
Here are the 9 coziest towns in Colorado:
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Breckenridge
You’ll find stunning Colorado mountain vistas year-round in this former gold rush town. In winter, powder hounds flock to Breckenridge’s ski resorts to shred powder. Once the weather warms up, outdoor pursuits like hiking and biking the Vail Pass Path and Boreas Pass Road become the main things to do. Regardless of the visit, you’ll discover plenty of breweries and distilleries to unwind after a busy day.
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Rank: #5 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 24.5 °F, Winter Season: 4.1 months, Snowfall: 300 inches, Days Below Freezing: 252.8
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Leadville
At around 10,000 feet, the country’s highest-elevation incorporated city—a former mining town that during the late 19th century had Colorado’s second largest population behind Denver—boasts all the goods for foodies and beverage snobs (including a brewery) and is a popular training spot for runners.
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Rank: #12 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 17.5 °F, Winter Season: 4 months, Snowfall: 142.7 inches, Days Below Freezing: 254.9
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Silverton
When prospectors headed west in search of precious minerals in the mountains, Silverton was established in 1874. As its name implies, silver was plentiful in the San Juan Mountains, where the small town is found. Although the mining camps are long gone, and the last mines closed in the 1990s, 630 people remain in the city, filled with its original architectural combination of saloons and churches—fun fact: Silverton is 9,318 feet above sea level.
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Rank: #13 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 16 °F, Winter Season: 3.1 months, Snowfall: 173 inches, Days Below Freezing: 263.1
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Telluride
With its pristine snow and quirky mountain town vibe, it’s no secret that Telluride is a cold-weather paradise for downhill skiing and other winter adventures. But the mountain town also shines during the spring and summer, whether you’re looking for bluegrass and film festivals or vibrant wildflower hikes. In addition to outdoor recreation, downtown Telluride is home to art galleries and independently owned shops selling perfect souvenirs, like belts and wallets at Crossbow Leather and your next favorite plane read at Between the Covers Bookstore.
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Rank: #17 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 21 °F, Winter Season: 3.5 months, Snowfall: 167.2 inches, Days Below Freezing: 259.7
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Snowmass
Skiers and mountain bikers love this tiny town but so do spa and dining enthusiasts, who can be kept busy for days thanks to resorts like the Westin Snowmass Resort and Viceroy Snowmass. In addition, Anderson Ranch Arts Center is an enclave for artists through its artist-in-residence program and hosts workshops, programs, and events.
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Rank: #26 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 21.5 °F, Winter Season: 3.5 months, Snowfall: 191.3 inches, Days Below Freezing: 210.3
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Steamboat Springs
Situated along the banks of the Yampa River, this northern Colorado town offers excellent skiing conditions, a community of friendly locals, and geothermal hot springs that are perfect after a long day spent on the slopes. Travel to Steamboat in the fall for brilliant foliage in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, or visit in the spring to see the cascades at Fish Creek Falls. Meanwhile, the whole family will enjoy rafting down the Yampa River.
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Rank: #63 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 17.5 °F, Winter Season: 3.3 months, Snowfall: 184.5 inches, Days Below Freezing: 216
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Mancos
Ranches, artist workshops, and nature coexist perfectly in beautiful Mancos. Stay at a ranch, enjoy outdoor activities at Mesa Verde National Park, or stroll through the town’s Creative District. Fun fact: Mancos has several Ancient Puebloan archaeological sites.
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Rank: #83 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 27 °F, Winter Season: 3.1 months, Snowfall: 66.9 inches, Days Below Freezing: 174.2
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Aspen
Aspen’s ski slopes bring in the masses as soon as the snow starts falling, a small town with a giant reputation. However, Aspen’s charm is seasonless, as its location in the Rocky Mountains guarantees year-round trails and hikes. Although the town had an affair with counter-culture back in the day, it now draws in those seeking pampering in the form of sophisticated cuisine and luxe lodging.
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Rank: #86 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 23 °F, Winter Season: 3.5 months, Snowfall: 179 inches, Days Below Freezing: 14
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Salida
What do you get when your town is home to FIBArk, the country’s oldest and biggest white water festival? A bunch of former river guides are running things. “We’re everywhere,” jokes Mike “Diesel” Post, Salida’s Director of Parks and Recreation, who says the Arkansas River is central to town life. “You can ski Monarch Mountain, then kayak, and have time left for mountain biking,” adds mayor emeritus P.T. Wood, who is—you guessed it—also a former guide. More of an artsy soul? Salida is also home to Colorado’s first Creative District, with many artist-owned galleries to visit.
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Rank: #103 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 27.5 °F, Winter Season: 3.2 months, Snowfall: 43 inches, Days Below Freezing: 204.6
Find the 20 coziest small towns in the USA:
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Stockholm, Wisconsin
-
Stowe, Vermont
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Stanley, Idaho
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Ellicottville, New York
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Breckenridge, Colorado
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Medora, North Dakota
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Lake Placid, New York
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Keystone, South Dakota
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Mackinac Island, Michigan
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Lake George, New York
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Deadwood, South Dakota
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Leadville, Colorado
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Silverton, Colorado
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Saugatuck, Michigan
-
Leavenworth, Washington
-
Kohler, Wisconsin
-
Telluride, Colorado
-
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
-
Talkeetna, Alaska
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Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin
Amy Pritchett, Editor-in-Chief at MyDatingAdviser.com, said:
“We’ve swept the country to find some of the coziest towns in America for a winter weekend escape. Whether you’re looking for a ski lover’s paradise, a historic spot that’s still near a major metropolis, or a remote waterfront retreat, you’ll find it on this list.
Winter can seem like a never-ending season dampened by drizzly weather, cold temperatures, and dark nights that can leave you in a miserable mood to match. Combat the seasonal blues by visiting some of the coziest small towns on this list, which can provide sanctuary and warmth while winter rages on outside.
I encourage everyone to indulge in some cozy things. Drink hot chocolate, sit by a fireplace, read a book, enjoy warm meals, and curl up with someone special under a warm blanket.”
What is Hygge?
Interestingly, the act of taking pleasure and contentment from a cozy environment is known as ‘hygge’ – a term coined by the Danes. Hygge is a central part of Danish culture, which perhaps explains why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world.
5 ways to stay cozy this winter
1. Get your hygge on. Hygge is a Danish term that describes a general feeling of coziness, comfort, familiarity, and well-being. Danes embrace hygge all year and appreciate life’s simple pleasures like a scented candle, a good book, and a blanket.
2. Cook up some comfort food. Warming yourself from the inside out is a great excuse to whip up some winter classics. Soups, casseroles, and curries are hearty favorites for a reason and are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
3. Heat the hub. If you live in a place that’s cold enough to run a heater, think about the areas of the house that need to be kept warm and set the space up to capture the heat. Close the doors to rooms you’re not using and, if you’re able to, install unique purpose-built windows and door seals to stop the hot air escaping.
4. Out with the old. With the weather so uninviting outside, take advantage of the warmth inside and use your extra time indoors to do a spring clean of your wardrobe. Pull out any clothes that don’t fit well or that you haven’t worn in a while.
5. Soak those winter blues away. If all else fails, retreat to the bathroom and run yourself a warm bath. It may not quite get you through to September, but it’ll help warm you up!
Methodology:
To determine the coziest small towns in the nation, MyDatingAdviser.com compared 170 well-known small towns across the following categories: 1) Weather, 2) Food, and 3) Activities.
They then evaluated each area using 10 data points of cozy town friendliness—like average winter temperature, snowfall, cafes, bakeries, and craft shops.
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![Best 9 Coziest Small Towns in Colorado – To Visit This Winter [New Study]](https://i-70scout.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image-2.png)
Best 9 Coziest Small Towns in Colorado – To Visit This Winter [New Study]
It’s the time of year when we’re layering on sweaters and blankets, and to celebrate the winter season, the dating reviews website MyDatingAdviser.com has ranked the coziest small towns in the USA.
These Colorado towns are considered the coziest: Breckenridge (ranked No. 5 coziest in the nation), Leadville (12th), Silverton (13th), Telluride (17th), Snowmass (26th), Steamboat Springs (63rd), Mancos (83rd), Aspen (86th) and Salida (103).
To determine the coziest small towns in America, MyDatingAdviser compared 170 well-known small towns across the country on ten key metrics.
They looked into winter temperature, average snowfall, cafes, bakeries, crafts, and bookshops, among other indicators of a cozy small town. By analyzing the data points, each town has been given a ‘Cozy Town Index Score,’ representing the level of coziness you might experience in that small town.
If you’re in the mood for cozy towns to get into the winter spirit, here are some of the best small towns across the country to visit for some serious winter comfort.
Here are the 9 coziest towns in Colorado:
-
Breckenridge
You’ll find stunning Colorado mountain vistas year-round in this former gold rush town. In winter, powder hounds flock to Breckenridge’s ski resorts to shred powder. Once the weather warms up, outdoor pursuits like hiking and biking the Vail Pass Path and Boreas Pass Road become the main things to do. Regardless of the visit, you’ll discover plenty of breweries and distilleries to unwind after a busy day.
-
Rank: #5 out of 170 cities
-
Average Winter Temperature: 24.5 °F, Winter Season: 4.1 months, Snowfall: 300 inches, Days Below Freezing: 252.8
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Leadville
At around 10,000 feet, the country’s highest-elevation incorporated city—a former mining town that during the late 19th century had Colorado’s second largest population behind Denver—boasts all the goods for foodies and beverage snobs (including a brewery) and is a popular training spot for runners.
-
Rank: #12 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 17.5 °F, Winter Season: 4 months, Snowfall: 142.7 inches, Days Below Freezing: 254.9
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Silverton
When prospectors headed west in search of precious minerals in the mountains, Silverton was established in 1874. As its name implies, silver was plentiful in the San Juan Mountains, where the small town is found. Although the mining camps are long gone, and the last mines closed in the 1990s, 630 people remain in the city, filled with its original architectural combination of saloons and churches—fun fact: Silverton is 9,318 feet above sea level.
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Rank: #13 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 16 °F, Winter Season: 3.1 months, Snowfall: 173 inches, Days Below Freezing: 263.1
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Telluride
With its pristine snow and quirky mountain town vibe, it’s no secret that Telluride is a cold-weather paradise for downhill skiing and other winter adventures. But the mountain town also shines during the spring and summer, whether you’re looking for bluegrass and film festivals or vibrant wildflower hikes. In addition to outdoor recreation, downtown Telluride is home to art galleries and independently owned shops selling perfect souvenirs, like belts and wallets at Crossbow Leather and your next favorite plane read at Between the Covers Bookstore.
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Rank: #17 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 21 °F, Winter Season: 3.5 months, Snowfall: 167.2 inches, Days Below Freezing: 259.7
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Snowmass
Skiers and mountain bikers love this tiny town but so do spa and dining enthusiasts, who can be kept busy for days thanks to resorts like the Westin Snowmass Resort and Viceroy Snowmass. In addition, Anderson Ranch Arts Center is an enclave for artists through its artist-in-residence program and hosts workshops, programs, and events.
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Rank: #26 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 21.5 °F, Winter Season: 3.5 months, Snowfall: 191.3 inches, Days Below Freezing: 210.3
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Steamboat Springs
Situated along the banks of the Yampa River, this northern Colorado town offers excellent skiing conditions, a community of friendly locals, and geothermal hot springs that are perfect after a long day spent on the slopes. Travel to Steamboat in the fall for brilliant foliage in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, or visit in the spring to see the cascades at Fish Creek Falls. Meanwhile, the whole family will enjoy rafting down the Yampa River.
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Rank: #63 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 17.5 °F, Winter Season: 3.3 months, Snowfall: 184.5 inches, Days Below Freezing: 216
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Mancos
Ranches, artist workshops, and nature coexist perfectly in beautiful Mancos. Stay at a ranch, enjoy outdoor activities at Mesa Verde National Park, or stroll through the town’s Creative District. Fun fact: Mancos has several Ancient Puebloan archaeological sites.
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Rank: #83 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 27 °F, Winter Season: 3.1 months, Snowfall: 66.9 inches, Days Below Freezing: 174.2
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Aspen
Aspen’s ski slopes bring in the masses as soon as the snow starts falling, a small town with a giant reputation. However, Aspen’s charm is seasonless, as its location in the Rocky Mountains guarantees year-round trails and hikes. Although the town had an affair with counter-culture back in the day, it now draws in those seeking pampering in the form of sophisticated cuisine and luxe lodging.
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Rank: #86 out of 170 cities
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Average Winter Temperature: 23 °F, Winter Season: 3.5 months, Snowfall: 179 inches, Days Below Freezing: 14
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Salida
What do you get when your town is home to FIBArk, the country’s oldest and biggest white water festival? A bunch of former river guides are running things. “We’re everywhere,” jokes Mike “Diesel” Post, Salida’s Director of Parks and Recreation, who says the Arkansas River is central to town life. “You can ski Monarch Mountain, then kayak, and have time left for mountain biking,” adds mayor emeritus P.T. Wood, who is—you guessed it—also a former guide. More of an artsy soul? Salida is also home to Colorado’s first Creative District, with many artist-owned galleries to visit.
-
Rank: #103 out of 170 cities
-
Average Winter Temperature: 27.5 °F, Winter Season: 3.2 months, Snowfall: 43 inches, Days Below Freezing: 204.6
Find the 20 coziest small towns in the USA:
-
Stockholm, Wisconsin
-
Stowe, Vermont
-
Stanley, Idaho
-
Ellicottville, New York
-
Breckenridge, Colorado
-
Medora, North Dakota
-
Lake Placid, New York
-
Keystone, South Dakota
-
Mackinac Island, Michigan
-
Lake George, New York
-
Deadwood, South Dakota
-
Leadville, Colorado
-
Silverton, Colorado
-
Saugatuck, Michigan
-
Leavenworth, Washington
-
Kohler, Wisconsin
-
Telluride, Colorado
-
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
-
Talkeetna, Alaska
-
Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin
Amy Pritchett, Editor-in-Chief at MyDatingAdviser.com, said:
“We’ve swept the country to find some of the coziest towns in America for a winter weekend escape. Whether you’re looking for a ski lover’s paradise, a historic spot that’s still near a major metropolis, or a remote waterfront retreat, you’ll find it on this list.
Winter can seem like a never-ending season dampened by drizzly weather, cold temperatures, and dark nights that can leave you in a miserable mood to match. Combat the seasonal blues by visiting some of the coziest small towns on this list, which can provide sanctuary and warmth while winter rages on outside.
I encourage everyone to indulge in some cozy things. Drink hot chocolate, sit by a fireplace, read a book, enjoy warm meals, and curl up with someone special under a warm blanket.”
What is Hygge?
Interestingly, the act of taking pleasure and contentment from a cozy environment is known as ‘hygge’ – a term coined by the Danes. Hygge is a central part of Danish culture, which perhaps explains why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world.
5 ways to stay cozy this winter
1. Get your hygge on. Hygge is a Danish term that describes a general feeling of coziness, comfort, familiarity, and well-being. Danes embrace hygge all year and appreciate life’s simple pleasures like a scented candle, a good book, and a blanket.
2. Cook up some comfort food. Warming yourself from the inside out is a great excuse to whip up some winter classics. Soups, casseroles, and curries are hearty favorites for a reason and are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
3. Heat the hub. If you live in a place that’s cold enough to run a heater, think about the areas of the house that need to be kept warm and set the space up to capture the heat. Close the doors to rooms you’re not using and, if you’re able to, install unique purpose-built windows and door seals to stop the hot air escaping.
4. Out with the old. With the weather so uninviting outside, take advantage of the warmth inside and use your extra time indoors to do a spring clean of your wardrobe. Pull out any clothes that don’t fit well or that you haven’t worn in a while.
5. Soak those winter blues away. If all else fails, retreat to the bathroom and run yourself a warm bath. It may not quite get you through to September, but it’ll help warm you up!
Methodology:
To determine the coziest small towns in the nation, MyDatingAdviser.com compared 170 well-known small towns across the following categories: 1) Weather, 2) Food, and 3) Activities.
They then evaluated each area using 10 data points of cozy town friendliness—like average winter temperature, snowfall, cafes, bakeries, and craft shops.
Please credit MyDatingAdviser.com: https://mydatingadviser.com/best-small-towns-in-america/.
For more information, please contact Amy Pritchett ().
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Governor Polis Announces Fifth Annual Free Application Days
Colorado colleges and universities will waive applications fees from Oct. 18-20DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Higher Education announced the fifth annual Colorado Free Application Days, allowing students to apply for free from Tuesday, Oct. 18 through Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, to public colleges and universities and several private institutions in Colorado.The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) has posted admissions application and fee waiver information for each college and university participating in Free Applications Days and people may apply to as many participating institutions as they are interested in. The days cap off Colorado Applies Month, a five-week, statewide campaign that encourages high school juniors and seniors – and adults – to select an education or training option that’s best for them and apply to that program. This is the second consecutive year, the program has been extended from one day to three days.“I am happy to be announcing this year’s free application days and hope that Coloradans considering going to college take advantage of this exciting opportunity. Removing application fees allows students to get one step closer to their dream school,” said Gov. Polis. “I am passionate about saving people money and making it possible for more Coloradans to reach their academic and life goals.”“Colorado Applies Month allows students to take some time to delve into future career aspirations and ventures,” said Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of CDHE. “One of our priorities is to increase FAFSA and CASFA completion among high school seniors. Colorado Free Application Days not only supports that goal but also encourages residents to live up to their fullest potential.”The statewide push is designed to increase Colorado’s postsecondary-going and Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) completion rates. The opportunity also hopes to encourage anyone who is considering applying to do so and to make it more accessible to apply and explore different options. During last year’s campaign, students turned in nearly 63,000 applications, almost half of which came from students of color and over a third from first-generation students. Statewide, 2021 application submissions were up 10% compared to 2020.Colorado Free Application Days aims to improve access to further education and training, which is becoming increasingly critical for Colorado’s economy and workforce. In response to these workforce demands, the Colorado Department of Higher Education set a goal of reaching 66% credential attainment by 2025 in the statewide plan for higher education, Colorado Rises. Increasing postsecondary enrollment and reducing equity gaps are priority strategies to improve access and reduce costs for Coloradans. -
Colorado is the No. 15 Best State for UFO Fans
Colorado’s Rank in Some Key Metrics (1st = Best)
- Number of UFO/UAP Sightings – 13th
- Number of UFO/Extraterrestrial Clubs and Groups – 6th
- Number of U.S. Air Force Bases – 6th
- Number of UFO/Alien Attractions – 5th
To come up with the ranking, Lawn Love pored over countless X-files — sightings data, communication tower registrations, Air Force base listings — to determine which of the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia are hotbeds of extraterrestrial activity. We also searched for UFO clubs, conventions, and other factors that indulge the most avid UFO enthusiasts.
The full ranking and analysis are available here: https://lawnlove.com/blog/best-states-ufo-fans/
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Military academy shindig coming Thursday
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., is inviting high school students, family members, school administrators, and educators to the 2022 Virtual Military Academy Night from 5:30-7:45 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 22, via Zoom.The meeting addresses the application process for the U.S. Service Academies for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, Merchant Marines and Coast Guard and the required congressional nomination. Representatives from the ROTC will also be on hand.For more information, visit Buck.House.gov or e-mail to .To participate, register at usafa-admissions.zoom.us for instructions on joining the meeting.Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with all nine members of Colorado’s U.S. congressional delegation: Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper; and Reps. Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Lauren Boebert, Ken Buck, Doug Lamborn, Jason Crow and Ed Perlmutter.