Lafayette ranked No. 31 in Money.com’s 50 “Best Places to Live” in the U.S. Lafayette boasts 20 parks and 20 miles of trails. Especially impressive is Waneka Lake Park, with awe-inspiring views of the Rockies, a reservoir for boating and a wildlife preserve beloved for birding. Meanwhile, Old Town Lafayette is dotted with sculptures on loan from artists around the country and hosts cultural events like the monthly Art Night Out and annual festivals celebrating beer, peaches and even oatmeal.
Money Magazine Best Places to Live
“Lafayette is a great place to live and if you ask people what makes Lafayette special, it’s that warm and welcoming feeling. Our diverse community provides a sense of belonging and has a genuine character all its own,” said Fritz Sprague, Lafayette City Administrator.
Like most U.S. cities, though, housing prices in Lafayette have increased. Its typical home now sells for about $606,000. However, apartment rentals haven’t changed as much: the median cost is around $2,000 for a one-bedroom or a couple hundred more for two. Still, the homeownership rate in Lafayette is higher than the national average at approximately 70%.
Money.com began as a financial print magazine 50 years ago and has been publishing the Best Places to Live list for 35 years.