The cities, towns and people of Colorado are, to me, some of the most unique things out of all of the state’s wonders. However, not all towns are viewed the same. Location in reference — Pueblo.

I bet some of you have already cringed, and that’s my point. Most people think of Pueblo as a crime-ridden junkyard of drugs and gang violence. Like with many other cities in America, there is some truth to that statement. But what did our grandma teach us about judging a book by its cover?

Once upon a time, I too cringed at the thought of Pueblo, and what it would be like living there in comparison to the metro area. That was until I stumbled upon a house below market value and figured it would be a great investment.

Throwing caution to the wind, I went all in on a property in a town that people from Colorado tend to avoid. I got exactly what I expected, and a whole lot more.

As I spent more time there, I noticed everything that Pueblo had to offer and I am still amazed. From an ice arena and a minor league hockey team, to an awesome zoo and planetarium, Pueblo has a lot more to show for itself than people think. The food, culture and history of the city sound like they come straight out of a storybook.

Over the past few years, I have watched the city of Pueblo transform itself from an inside-out approach. The passing of ballot measure 2B — which is a sales tax that goes directly to funding for more police officers — has been a contributing factor in Mayor Nick Gradisar’s declaration of a 16% violent crime decrease last year. They added 13 officers to the department and there are four more on the way.

It’s not just more police — it’s better education. In the last six years, Pueblo D60 high schools have gone from a 71.9% graduation rate to 81.8%, surpassing the state graduation rate of 80.7%, according to the Colorado Department of Education.

Pueblo is a small community in relation to the metro area, but that hasn’t stopped it from stepping up to the challenge of finding positive solutions to crime and education issues. As a result, the citizens are making the policy changes necessary to make the city a better place for current and future families.

From scholarship opportunities for high school graduates, to the employment opportunities in renewable energy, as well as the booming cultivation industry, Pueblo has exponential room for growth. With an average home price of $140,000, it’s an affordable place to live, as well as raise a family.

So next time you think of Pueblo, think of quality of life. Think of no traffic, clean air and the beauty of the area. Come on down and grab a slopper at one of the many great restaurants. Have a blast at one of the many festivals throughout the year. Make it a point to get to the state fair and see a show. Throw a round at one of the nicest disc golf courses in the state, then go tube down the Arkansas River to cool off. Or visit the Pueblo Reservoir State Park and boat, swim or throw a line in one of the largest bodies of water in the state.

Located 114.4 miles south of Denver, Pueblo is a true diamond in the rough. I’m happy to have invested in a community that invests in itself. Pueblo is so much more than a crime statistic — it’s a place that I’m proud to call home.