The captivating view of the majestic Pike’s Peak mountain inspired “America the Beautiful” 200 years ago and continues to enthrall residents and visitors alike today. As part of the Rocky Mountain West, Colorado is primarily known for its ski and outdoor sport industry, in resort areas such as Aspen, but is also home to many substantial farming and ranching communities, large urban areas, such as Denver, and small towns that have a history rooted in mining. The state cracked America’s Top Ten in job growth, just a year after ranking 45th in 2003 and employment continues to broaden across most sectors, particularly in energy related industries and construction, consistent with an increase in development of affordable real estate, including single-family houses, condominiums and apartments. The state boasts 28 public and 48 private institutions of higher education and in 2003, had an 88.7% rate of those over age 25 with a high school diploma, one of the best levels of attainment in the country. National forests occupy 20% of the state’s land area and provide endless outdoor activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, ballooning and hiking in beautiful cities such as Boulder, Colorado has over 300 days of sunshine and a wide variety of opportunities that allow residents to enjoy its natural beauty.