Coloradans spend so much time in the mountains, it comes as no surprise to learn just how many people are in the market for mountain property. Anything to keep us in the trees just a little bit more is a good idea if you ask us. But with the Denver market being so strong, is it even possible for the average family to own their own weekend getaway spot in the mountains? The truth is, if you know where to look you can actually find some pretty great deals.
It is always best to know what features are most important to you when looking for a mountain home as well, but if you would enjoy a place away from the hustle and bustle of the most popular mountain towns such as Breckenridge, and Vail, you can find some gems. Things to consider in your list of priorities include distance to amenities, privacy desired, acreage, distance from home, and what creature comforts you want in the actual home.
Our Favorite Spots To Score A Deal On A Mountain Property:
Westcliff, CO - average home price: $300,557
Tucked away at the base of the mighty Sangre de Cristo Mountains you will find a family-friendly mountain town that still holds small-town Western values near and dear. Westcliffe is a quiet town where cowboys and cattle still roam amongst its modern-day main street. As part of the Frontier Pathways Byway, where jagged peaks, deep canyons, sprawling meadows, and aspen-covered forests thrive, Westcliffe is one of the most scenic mountain towns in the state. Westcliff is just 2.5 hours from Denver and an even shorter drive to Colorado Springs.
Cripple Creek, CO - average home price: $216,806
This cute little town is rich in Colorado history - gold history, to be exact. And while there are some newer casinos in town, it is far from the main attraction of this area in our opinion. However, there are plenty of deals to be found on homes around here, and the outdoor recreation certainly doesn't disappoint either. You'll find plenty of hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, climbing, and more to be enjoyed in this off-the-beaten-path location.
Idaho Springs, CO - average home price: $381,215
Just a short drive West of Denver, Idaho Springs is often overlooked as a great place to live. The town has changed in the last 10 years, with a fun downtown area and great places for food and drinks like Westbound & Down (some of the best beer you will find in all of Colorado). Your commute for skiing will be that much less, just 25 minutes to Loveland Ski Area, for instance. Idaho Springs has a lot of history and beautiful architecture with many Victorian homes.
Paonia, CO - average home price: $308,786
Though a bit of a drive to reach it, this town easily captures the hearts of visitors every single day. Surrounded by beautiful country scenery, this unique climate is ideal for organic farming. It is famous for the large variety of fruits grown here: cherries, apricots, grapes, peaches, nectarines, plums, pears, and apples will all be found here. Hiking, cycling, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing are popular here, as is the surprisingly vibrant art scene.
Ouray, CO - average home price: $445,126
Ouray is a 5.5-hour drive from Denver, but that is also why the residents love it there. Situated in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado, Ouray is known as the "Switzerland of America." It's rich in history and breathtaking views. For those that are daring, you can drive the Million Dollar Highway to Durango, part of the scenic San Juan Skyway. Real estate options range from homes on Main Street or homes that back up to the Uncompahgre River. There are also several vacant lots near the town just beckoning for your dream mountain home.
Red Cliff, CO - average home price: $ 440,800
Red Cliff is a remote mountain town tucked away off Highway 24 between Vail and Leadville. The Eagle River runs right through town, spanned by the famous Red Cliff Truss Bridge. in the winter; the town serves as an access point for Shrine Pass (famous for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling). It's a small one-bar kind of town, but the recreation opportunities are endless, and you are a short 25-minute drive to Vail or Beaver Creek.
Craig, CO - average home price: $220,738
Only a 45-minute drive from the wildly popular Steamboat Springs, Craig offers a much more cost-friendly option for buying a getaway home in this area. Here you can enjoy the peace and quiet that a weekend getaway deserves, while still enjoying the beauty of NW Colorado (and the champagne powder Steamboat is known for!).
Leadville, CO - average home price: $292,907
This adorable town is proud of its wild west roots and offers a variety of experiences for visitors and locals alike. With restaurants, breweries, and the most amazing antique store we've been to in the mountains of Colorado, there is plenty to keep you entertained. Surrounded by some of the highest peaks in Colorado, the scenery and recreation opportunities are pretty impressive. We love to go hiking and cross country skiing up here, though mountain biking, climbing, and fishing are also a big hit in this area.
Fairplay, CO - average home price: $401,330
A short drive from Denver, this town, and the surrounding areas mean you can make it up here nearly every weekend to enjoy mountain life. So enjoy the drive out on beautiful Highway 285 and pick up any necessities at any of the great towns along the way (Conifer is our favorite for the variety). Fairplay is smack dab in the middle of some pretty cool landscape, offering various outdoor activities no matter the season. Hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and much more are right at your doorstep. Want to explore some of the cute mountain towns in the area? Salida and Buena Vista won't disappoint!
Silverton, CO - average home price: $311,494
This postcard-worthy town is genuinely inspiring and one you won't be disappointed spending all of your free time in. While the drive time might seem daunting, the San Juan Highway's incredible scenery and the mountains surrounding this charming little town make it all worthwhile. Several great places to shop and eat mean you won't have to go far to get the necessities. Silverton Ski area put this small mining town back on the map in 2002, offering some of the best backcountry skiing you will find in Colorado.
Hot Sulphur Springs, CO - average home price: $382,420
Want to live within striking distance of Winter Park for half the price? Rich with history and natural attractions, Hot Sulphur Springs is the perfect place to relax, unwind, or buy a home. Located close to great hiking, fly fishing on gold medal waters, and the famous attraction - the hot springs. This small town just east of Kremmling is home to one of the finest resorts in Colorado, the appropriately named Hot Sulphur Springs Resort (boasting 22 different pools). You will also be a 38-minute drive to Winter Park Ski Area and just 20 mins to Granby Ranch Ski Area.
Our top-rated real estate agents specialize in all Colorado property for sale, and we have several agents that specialize in finding the best deals on Colorado mountain properties, including land, cabins, waterfront homes, and more.
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Posted by Ryan Penn on
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