Erie is a small town in northern Colorado in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with a panoramic view of the Front Range. It is a vibrant community with scenic views, clean, fresh air, and a peaceful lifestyle. While friendly residents inhabit the community, the area is also home to diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, bears, cougars, and various bird species.

Erie, Colorado, is a great place to live and experience a natural environment and a simple, laid-back lifestyle. The community is 40 minutes from Denver and 30 minutes from Boulder, making it an ideal area for a quiet atmosphere and peaceful urban living with quick access to thriving big cities.

What to Love

• Scenic mountain views and lush greenery
• Wildlife and clean-living environment
• Proximity to big-city amenities
• Calm and peaceful living

Local Lifestyle

Erie is a small town with a downtown area that features unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. The downtown area is an interesting mix of old and new, with various boutiques and restaurants. There are also multiple art galleries and museums in the downtown area. The downtown area of Erie is a fun part of the community to explore, as it is home to beautiful trees and natural landscapes. The downtown area is excellent for walking around and taking pictures, and it is a lively place to walk or run. It is also within a short distance of many scenic views of the Front Range, making it a great way to spend a day outside.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Locals enjoy a variety of shops and restaurants in the downtown area of Erie. There is also a farmers market that features fresh produce, a bakery, a grocery store, a butcher shop, and various other small businesses and services. 

Birdhouse is a modern, relaxed eatery with indoor and outdoor seating that serves diverse dishes like ramen, tacos, and tasty rum drinks. 24 Carrot Bistro is a charming farm-to-table restaurant that serves fresh, seasonal, local food and features a beautiful antique bar with house-made cocktails and craft beers. 

Fox Dog Coffee is an independent coffee shop known for serving fresh, flavorful coffee and creating an environment for gathering and building community relationships. Erie Social Club is a premier wine and whiskey bar that serves American cuisine and traditional bar food.

You can’t go wrong at The Rusty Melon. This impeccably named bar and grill makes pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, cheese dishes, and a classic American appetizer menu. It’s a great spot for large groups and also is stocked with a full bar.

Things to Do

Erie is a fun community with events, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventure. Most spectacularly, the city hosts its Hot Air Balloon Festival annually. While the festival typically takes place over three days one weekend in May, it is weather-dependent and subject to change. Craft vendors and local food vendors keep the populace full throughout the weekend.

For golfers, Colorado National Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course, an award-winning clubhouse, a patio with scenic views, a private dining room, and an upscale restaurant. 

Erie Community Park is a beautiful space covering 41 acres with ballfields, playground, picnic areas, soccer fields, tennis courts, and walking trails. Another outdoor favorite is Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit for abused and neglected animals where residents can enjoy a beautiful farm with animals by tour and special events. 

Anderson Farms and Erie Biscuit Day accentuate Erie’s rural vibe. The former is ideal during autumn, when its staff operates child-friendly activities like a corn maze, hayrides, and a petting zoo. Erie Biscuit Day, on the other hand, is hosted by the Erie Historical Society. In addition to delicious biscuits, the society offers guests live entertainment and art for sale by local vendors.

Erie Lake is a scenic spot with water and mountain views where residents can enjoy walking trails, fishing, and picnic areas. The Erie Community Center provides many community amenities like an adult lounge, group, individual group fitness classes, a basketball court, an indoor pool, and more.

Schools

St. Vrain Valley School District serves more than 33,000 students with 60 schools, including the Erie community. The Boulder Valley School District also serves the Erie community. Students in Erie may attend:

• Erie Middle School, grades 6–8
• Erie High School, grades 9–12
• Meadowlark School, grades Pre-K–8
• The Alexander Dawson School, grades K–12
• Vista Ridge Academy, grades preschool–8
• Aims Community College, post-secondary