5 reasons to live in Durango Colorado
Tucked away in the beautiful mountains with a rich history, Durango, Colorado is a
special mix of outdoor fun, small-town friendliness, and a surprising amount of culture.
But what exactly makes this mountain town so alluring? Uncover the magic of Durango
as we explore five compelling reasons why it might just be your perfect place to call
home. Get ready to be charmed!
Where is Durango Colorado?
Durango, Colorado nestles itself amidst the scenic San Juan Mountains, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and winter sports lovers. It is located in southwestern Colorado, close to the border with New Mexico. The town boasts a charming mountain atmosphere, historic buildings, and a vibrant downtown area.
San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Sources
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durango,_Colorado
Housing in Durango
Durango offers a unique living experience. Here’s a breakdown of Durango’s housing market:
Tight Supply, High Demand:
- Limited Inventory: Durango faces a shortage of housing units, particularly single-family homes. This limited availability drives competition and pushes median sale prices upwards.
- Alluring Lifestyle: The city’s scenic beauty, vibrant art scene, and abundance of outdoor activities attract residents and vacationers alike, further tightening the housing market.
Price Points to Consider (based on April 23, 2024 data):
- Median Sale Price: Sources like Realtor.com and Redfin report median sale prices for single-family homes in Durango ranging from $590,000 to $706,000.
Potential Solutions:
- Initiatives are underway to increase affordable housing options. These might include building new multi-unit dwellings or offering incentives for developers to create more accessible housing units.
Additional Considerations:
- Seasonal Fluctuations: Tourism can influence Durango’s housing market. Prices and activity might see variations depending on the season.
Overall, Durango’s housing market is characterized by:
- High demand due to its desirable location and lifestyle.
- Limited supply of housing units, particularly single-family homes.
- Competitive market with higher price points.
Here are some resources for further research:
- Realtor.com: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Durango_CO
- Redfin: https://www.redfin.com/city/5678/CO/Durango
Compared to Colorado Springs:
Durango’s housing market differs significantly from Colorado Springs, a military city. Military installations can significantly impact housing markets. Durango caters more to outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a scenic mountain town lifestyle.
Durango – Cost of living
Durango, Colorado, nestled in the San Juan Mountains, offers a stunning backdrop but also comes with a cost of living that reflects its desirability. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Housing:
- High Demand, Limited Supply: Durango faces a shortage of housing units, particularly single-family homes. This limited availability drives competition and pushes median sale prices upwards. Expect prices to be significantly higher than the national average. Resources like Realtor.com and Redfin report median sale prices for single-family homes in Durango ranging from $590,000 to $706,000 (as of April 23, 2024). Renting an apartment is also an option, but prices can still be high. Based on recent listings in Durango, aim to target your search around $925 at the lowest and go up to about $1600/month for a 1-bedroom apartment, though prices can vary depending on size, location, and amenities. If you need a specific place that has listings you can visit this website: Featured Listings – Property & HOA Management In Durango CO – AREM PM
Utilities:
- Slightly Above Average: Utilities in Durango cost slightly more than the national average. You can expect to pay around $175 per month for basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage).
Multimodal Transportation
- Durango is a community that encourages alternatives to using a single occupancy vehicle. Whether you walk, cycle, ride our popular Durango Transit, or carpool, our Multimodal Division has resources for you. Project highlights and updates can be found on this website: Multimodal Transportation | Durango, CO – Official Website
Other Expenses:
- Groceries and Dining: Groceries and dining can be slightly more expensive in Durango compared to the national average. This is partly due to the cost of transporting goods to a mountain town.
Overall:
The cost of living in Durango, particularly housing, is higher than the national average. However, the scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and vibrant community life attract many people who are willing to pay a premium.
Here are some resources to help you explore the cost of living in Durango further:
- Durango Cost of Living: https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Durango_CO
- Salary.com Durango Cost of Living: https://www.salary.com/research/cost-of-living/durango-co
Additional Notes:
- Consider your lifestyle and spending habits when determining the cost of living for you in Durango.
- If you plan on purchasing a home, remember to factor in property taxes and homeowner’s insurance costs.
- Durango is a resort area, so expect some price fluctuations, especially for dining and activities, depending on the season.
Finding the Right Fit
While the cost of living in Durango might be higher than in some areas, the unique lifestyle and breathtaking scenery can be worth it for many.
Here are some resources to help you with further research:
- Cost of Living Calculators: Websites like Numbeo (https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Durango-CO-United-States) allow you to compare the cost of living in Durango to your current city.
- Local Resources: The City of Durango website (https://www.durangoco.gov/) might have information on utility costs and other living expenses.
Remember:
- Hidden Costs: Factor in potential hidden costs like winter gear, outdoor equipment rentals, and increased fuel usage due to mountain driving.
- Lifestyle Trade-offs: Living in a stunning mountain town often comes with a higher cost of living.
By carefully considering these details and researching further, you can determine if the charm and adventure of Durango outweigh the cost of living. So, breathe in the fresh mountain air, weigh the expenses, and decide if Durango is your perfect mountain escape!
Colorado Mortgage Brokers
With stunning mountains and exciting cities, Colorado is a place where you can be surrounded by nature and enjoy the buzz of city life all at once. But turning your dream of a Colorado home into reality requires a trusted mortgage partner. Look no further than these trusted lending partners, your gateway to Colorado homeownership.
- Arete Mortgage, Jeanne Szczech arete@arete.us Office: (970) 375-1111Cell: (970)759-8736
- Mountain to Desert Mortgage, Charley Kier charley@mountain2desertmtg.com (970)403-5437
- Bank Central, Judy Malone www.bankcentral.net (970)759-1104
- Draper and Kramer, Norm Phillips norm.phillips@dkmortgage.com (970) 387-7500 C(719)205-0500
- Sinberg Lending, Todd Wells todd@sinberglending.com (970)426-9003
- Bank of Colorado, Greg Murray greg.murray@bankofcolorado.com (970)375-6906 C(520)275-6277
- TBK Bank, Denise Finks dfinks@tbkbank.com 970-382-5754 o / 970-844-4144c dfinks@tbkbank.com
- Four Corners Lending, Chris Wherry chriswherry18@gmail.com (970)799-2324:
Best activities to do in Durango, Colorado
Here’s a list of the best activities to do in Durango, Colorado, a town nestled amidst breathtaking mountains and boasting a vibrant arts scene and a relaxed mountain lifestyle, along with important details to consider for your trip:
Outdoor Activities:
- Explore the Animas River: Durango is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, and the Animas River offers a variety of activities for all interests. In the summer months, you can go whitewater rafting, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding down the scenic river. If you prefer a more leisurely activity, take a stroll or bike ride along the Animas River Trail, which winds its way through the heart of Durango. The Animas River is a designated Gold Medal fishery, meaning it’s a high-quality trout fishery by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Half-day raft trips typically range from $75 to $125 per person. Mesa Verde National Park and the Durango-Silverton Train are top destinations for Durango’s visitors and Mountain Waters works closely with both. They have customized any package or combo for visitors. Give them a call to break up the trips over multiple days or to find
out about alternative trip times! You can visit their website to check out rafting and adventures: Mountain Waters Rafting – Durango
- Hike the trails in the San Juan National Forest: With over 2 million acres of mountains, forests, meadows, and streams, the San Juan National Forest offers endless hiking opportunities. There are trails for all skill levels, from short and easy family-friendly hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips.
Mesa Verde National Park Balcony House Trail, Durango, Colorado
- For trails, see this amazing website Trail Map and Finder. They designed this map to be a comprehensive guide to the region’s trails. There are some tips to help you get the most out of it!
- Go fly fishing: The Animas River is a world-renowned fly-fishing destination, particularly for rainbow trout. The best fly fishing on the Animas River is typically in the spring as the snow melts and the water levels rise. If you’re new to fly fishing, there are many guided fly fishing trips available in Durango. Half-day guided fly fishing trips typically range from $200 to $400 per person.
Fly fishing on Animas River, Durango, Colorado
Historical and Cultural Activities:
- Take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: This historic railroad is a must-do for any visitor to Durango. Climb aboard a steam-powered locomotive and take a spectacular journey through the San Juan Mountains. The train travels along a narrow-gauge track for 45 miles, offering stunning views of the canyons, mountains, and valleys. The train ride takes about 3.5 hours each way. Train tickets typically range from $89 to $185 for adults depending on the class of service and time of year. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) is more than just a train ride – it’s a journey back in time. Take a thrilling steam locomotive adventure through breathtaking canyons, soaring mountains, and charming mining towns, experiencing the rich history and scenic beauty of Colorado.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Durango, Colorado
- Visit the Durango Arts Center: The Durango Arts Center is a non-profit organization that promotes the arts in Southwest Colorado. The center offers a variety of programs and events, including art exhibits, classes, and workshops. The Durango Arts Center is located on Main Street in downtown Durango. General admission to the exhibits is
Durango Arts Center, Durango, Colorado
Durango offers a variety of activities throughout the year, from winter sports at Purgatory Resort and Silverton Mountain to festivals and skijoring.
- Purgatory Resort: This ski resort boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Colorado.
Purgatory Resort, Colorado
- Silverton Mountain: This historic mining town offers a unique skiing and snowboarding experience with breathtaking views.
Silverton Mountain, Colorado
- Skijoring: This exciting winter sport involves skiers or snowboarders being pulled by a horse or dog.
Skijoring, Colorado
- Festivals in Durango: Durango has a vibrant festival scene throughout the year, with events celebrating everything from art and music to beer and wine. Here are some examples:
- Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering (January)
Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Colorado
- Durango Beer Festival (June)
Durango Beer Festival, Colorado
- Animas Arts Festival (September)
Animas Arts Festival, Colorado
- Bluegrass Meltdown (April)
Bluegrass Meltdown, Colorado
Conclusion
Based on the information we’ve explored about Colorado, here are some of the top reasons why people might consider moving to the state:
Outdoor Adventure Paradise:
- Year-round Playground: Colorado boasts stunning scenery and diverse activities for all seasons. No matter the season, Colorado is an adventure playground! Skiing in the winter, rafting down rivers in the summer, hiking stunning trails – there’s always something fun to do outside!
- Majestic Rocky Mountains: Picture giant mountains stretching as far as the eye can see! That’s Colorado – a state covered in amazing mountain ranges. These mountains are stunningly beautiful, and no matter if you’re a pro climber or a casual hiker, there’s an adventure waiting for you.
Thriving and Beautiful Towns:
- Main Street Charm: Not all towns are created equal! Colorado towns are like little treasure boxes. Take Durango for example – it’s got a historic main street that’s full of charm, but it’s also got a lively art scene, yummy restaurants serving all sorts of food, and one-of-a-kind shops you won’t find anywhere else. This mix of old and new is what makes Colorado towns so special.
- Scenic Beauty: Imagine waking up every day with a mountain view! In Colorado, many towns are tucked right into the mountains. That means wherever you go, you’re surrounded by this incredible scenery. It’s like living in a postcard!
Strong Economy and Job Market:
- Economic Opportunities: Colorado’s job market is like a hotshot with many skills! The state’s economy is doing well, and there are tons of opportunities to find a great job in all sorts of fields. Whether you’re a tech whiz, a healthcare hero, or love the outdoors and want to work in recreation, Colorado has something for you.
- Relatively High Wages: Durango offers lower wages than in other areas like Denver CO. Check this link: La Plata Economic Development Alliance to research economic data and business resources.
Healthy and Active Lifestyle:
- Outdoor Activities: The abundance of outdoor activities in Colorado naturally encourages a healthy and active lifestyle.
- Beautiful Surroundings: Living amidst stunning scenery can contribute to a sense of well-being and overall health.
Tax Advantages:
- Low Property Taxes: Colorado has some of the lowest property taxes in the nation, making homeownership more affordable.
- Flat Income Tax: Colorado has a flat income tax rate, which can simplify tax filing for residents.
Quality of Life:
- Beautiful Scenery: Living in a place with stunning natural beauty can significantly enhance your quality of life.
- Vibrant Communities: Many Colorado towns offer a strong sense of community, with friendly people and a variety of cultural events and activities.
Important to Consider:
While Colorado offers many advantages, it’s important to consider all aspects before moving. The cost of living in some areas can be high, and the winter months can be harsh, especially at higher altitudes.