Today is Colorado’s 140th birthday. For this joyous occasion, 303 Magazine wanted to hear why you love Colorado. You responded to our call on Facebook and Instagram and gave us insight as to what makes the Centennial State the best place to live in the United States.

The People and the Sense of Community

A scene from Collaboration Fest— a beer festival where breweries work together to make collaboration beer. Photo by Candace Peterson

A scene from Collaboration Fest— a beer festival where breweries work together to make collaboration beer. Photo by Candace Peterson

  • “The thing I love about Colorado is that we take care of each other. We help each other when our cars are stuck in the snow, or if we see someone that needs their sidewalk shoveled. We are a big city but we retain the small town values of taking care of your neighbor.” – @ _trauma_
  •  “Love the small town feels and big city vibes.” – @akiko209
  • “The people, the sense of community, the mountains, all of the beautiful seasons, the food, the city. The list goes on for me. Personally, Colorado is the best state!” – @tori3_marie
  • “People live here because they WANT to live here, so there is a general air of enthusiasm and excitement almost anywhere you go!” – Lisa G. on Facebook

It’s Not Iowa (Sorry Iowa)

Beer! Great Divide Beer Rainbow

  • “Craft. Beer. Enough said! Cheers!” – Beer in Boulder on Facebook

Dogs, everywhere.dog,ThinkstockPhotos-506976113

  • “The people, the fresh air, the unbeatable views and dogs…dogs everywhere!”-   Veronica Ohl on Facebook

The FOOD

Charcoal rotisserie lamb sliders from Mister Tuna. Photo by Danielle Webster.

Charcoal rotisserie lamb sliders from Mister Tuna. Photo by Danielle Webster.

  • I love the food! Federal Blvd, Pearl Street, Downtown, DTC, Food Trucks… You can stuff your face with amazing mountain views… Running in January doesn’t freeze your face off!  – @janeehopkins
  • ” The FOOD!!! Culinary adventures await you in every neighborhood! There is always a new spot to try! ❤️ ” – @ashley._.rae

Our Music Scene

Red Rocks. Photo by Kyle Cooper.

Red Rocks. Photo by Kyle Cooper.

  • “All the great concert venues. We do, after all, have the best venue in the world – Red Rocks!” -@angeliamaria
  • “I love that we have Red Rocks because it’s a place that not only brings joy, but the community together as well to enjoy similar interests!” – @thedelfina
  • “The nightlife is probably my favorite thing. There are so many places to see live music, get a drink, and of course eat!” – @guitargoddess77
  • “The amazing concerts!!! I just got back from Kacey Musgraves and Willie Nelson!” – @spaceykacey

Our Great Outdoors

Longs Peak, Colorado.

Longs Peak, Colorado.

  • “That you barely have to leave Denver to enjoy the outdoors! The city parks and the river running [through] town with the Rocky Mountains in the background…Perfect city. Plus love all the fun restaurants (had a ping pong blast last night at Ace Eat Serve!)” – IG Usermistylitt_cntp
  • “I love the great flatirons of Boulder! It’s great for hikes and sunset watching and not to mention, it’s where I get all of my best photos.” – @shaunna.nevarez

And What You Can Enjoy in the Great Outdoors…

  • “Weed / woods / peoples ???❤️” –  @mikefudgeart

The Sunsets

Photo by Jeffery Beal

Photo by Jeffery Beal

  • “The sky is always extremely [gorgeous], whether it is snowing or the sun is blasting you. It’s always beautiful. The clouds are always light and fluffy. Actually, sometimes when I leave my house at around 6:30 a.m. the sun is almost in a rainbow pattern. It starts red with the sub, [then] slowly fades up to an orange, then yellow, and before the green there is this space with no determined color. Then high up there is baby blue, and if you look behind there is a faint indigo. Most beautiful thin[g] ever.” – IG userkatieeeeeebenseeeeee
  • “Colorado is so wonderfully COLORFUL!” – Cindy H. on Facebook

The Weather, Despite its Up and Downs

Photo from this year's big snow storm in March. Photo by Brittany Werges.

Photo from this year’s big snow storm in March. Photo by Brittany Werges.

“I love the climate here. It’s almost always fabulous weather, whether snow or heat or rain or sunshine.” – @onelittleprintshop

“EVERYTHING, DUH!”  @billionairesandballers

Anything we missed? Add your thoughts in the comments below.