Wyoming

Wyoming might seem like a long haul from Steamboat Springs, but some Steamboat workers are finding the lifestyle they want outside of Colorado.

The northern border of Routt County hits the Wyoming state line, so towns such as Baggs, Wyo., directly north of Craig, are within commuting distance of Craig, Hayden and Steamboat. Although the 80-mile commute between Baggs and Steamboat can be difficult in the winter, some choose to make it for the affordability. Those looking for affordable ranchland with access to the Steamboat and Craig areas might also want to look just north of the Colorado border.

Southern Wyoming is mostly open rangeland, with Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and Medicine Bow National Forest providing endless recreation opportunities. Carbon County, which is directly north of Routt County and has almost 16,000 residents, offers some of the most affordable housing options in this area. Median home prices were only $76,500 in 2000, while the median home price for the entire state was close to $100,000.

From Baggs, it's only another 50 miles to U.S. Interstate 80, which runs parallel to the state's southern border and provides easy access to Cheyenne to the east and Rock Springs to the west.