Living in Durango CO: Your Guide to Southwest Colorado

Thinking about moving to Durango, Colorado? Tucked in the southwest corner of Colorado, Durango blends outdoor fun, cultural activities, and a friendly community. As local real estate experts who know La Plata County well, we want to share what living in Durango CO is really like.

Why People Love Durango, Colorado

Located in La Plata County near the San Juan Mountains, Durango is a lively town with about 19,000 residents. The city offers easy access to outdoor activities while featuring a charming downtown, cultural events, and strong community ties.

Durango sits where mountain and desert landscapes meet, creating mild weather year-round for outdoor activities. When living in Durango CO, you’ll have skiing at Purgatory Resort, mountain biking, hiking, rafting on the Animas River, and Mesa Verde National Park right at your doorstep.

Is Durango Colorado a Good Place to Live?

Many residents would say yes! Durango offers an ideal mix of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, cultural activities, and small-town charm that makes life here special. The clean air, mountain views, and access to wilderness areas create a lifestyle that many find deeply satisfying.

Is Durango a good place to live for families? With strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and endless outdoor activities for kids, many families thrive here. The community is known for being welcoming to newcomers and offering plenty of youth programs.

The high cost of housing presents challenges, but most residents feel the quality of life makes up for it. Life in Durango CO revolves around outdoor activities, community events, and a pace that allows for work-life balance.

Durango Neighborhoods: Finding Your Home

Different areas of Durango offer their own feel, prices, and lifestyles:

Historic Downtown and North Main

The center of Durango features older homes with walking access to restaurants, shops, and events. Homes here show historic charm but come with higher prices, usually $700,000 to over $1 million for single-family houses.

Animas City

Just north of downtown, this area has older homes and new builds with somewhat lower prices than downtown. Residents enjoy easy access to the Animas River Trail and a more relaxed setting.

Three Springs

A newer planned community on the southeast side with modern homes, community features, and close access to Mercy Regional Medical Center. This area attracts families and professionals looking for newer homes with prices typically $500,000-$800,000.

Dalton Ranch and Animas Valley

North of town, these areas have larger lots, mountain views, and upscale homes. Many properties offer private river access, horse facilities, or golf course frontage, with prices starting around $800,000.

Surrounding Communities

Bayfield: 20 minutes east of Durango, with lower housing costs and a small-town feel
Hesperus: Rural living to the west with larger land parcels and farming options
Vallecito Lake: Lakeside homes and year-round living about 30 minutes from town

Cost of Living in Durango CO

Durango’s appeal comes with higher costs compared to many parts of Colorado and the U.S. average. Recent data shows Durango’s cost of living is about 28% above the national average.

Housing Costs

Housing is the biggest expense for people living in Durango CO. The median home price is currently around $739,000, much higher than the national average. Rent is also high, with one-bedroom apartments starting around $1,800 per month.

Other Living Expenses

Groceries: About 10-15% above national average
Utilities: Slightly below national average thanks to the mild climate
Transportation: Higher than average due to distance from major cities
Healthcare: Similar to national averages with good access to care

Despite these costs, many residents feel the quality of life and natural beauty make living in Durango CO worth the extra expense.

Jobs in Durango

Durango’s economy offers diverse job options:

Major Employment Sectors

Tourism and Hospitality: A key economic driver with jobs in hotels, restaurants, and outdoor recreation
Education: Fort Lewis College employs many faculty and staff
Healthcare: Mercy Regional Medical Center provides numerous positions
Government: City, county, and federal agencies offer stable jobs
Professional Services: Growing sector including finance, real estate, and tech jobs

Learn more about Durango jobs and employment opportunities

The unemployment rate in Durango typically stays below the national average, around 3.7%. However, it’s wise to secure employment before moving here, as wages don’t always keep pace with housing costs.

Schools in Durango

Families moving to Durango will find good education options from preschool through college:

Durango School District 9-R

The public school district serves Durango and nearby areas with:

5 elementary schools
2 middle schools
1 high school
Several charter and alternative school options

Durango schools are well-regarded, with strong academics, outdoor education programs, and many after-school activities.

Higher Education

Fort Lewis College sits on a mesa above downtown and offers over 40 degree programs with strong departments in environmental studies, business, education, and Native American studies. The college brings youth and energy to town and hosts many cultural events.

Healthcare in Durango

Despite its somewhat remote location, Durango offers excellent healthcare:

Mercy Regional Medical Center

A full-service hospital providing emergency care, surgery, cancer treatment, heart care, and other specialties. The hospital belongs to the Centura Health network, ensuring access to specialized care.

Specialist Care

Durango has many medical specialists, from orthopedics and sports medicine to skin care and mental health services. For very specialized care, residents might travel to larger cities like Denver or Albuquerque.

Weather When Living in Durango CO

Durango enjoys moderate weather with about 300 sunny days yearly:

Seasonal Patterns

Spring: Mild temperatures with occasional late snow (April-May)
Summer: Warm days (75-85°F) with cool evenings and afternoon thunderstorms
Fall: Crisp temperatures and beautiful fall colors, especially in late September
Winter: Snowy but relatively mild, with daytime temperatures often reaching the 40s

The city gets about 71 inches of snow yearly, mostly from December through March, though early and late snowstorms can happen. Durango’s high altitude (6,512 feet) means stronger sun and bigger temperature changes between day and night.

Getting To and Around Durango

Understanding transportation options is key for anyone living in Durango CO:

Getting to Durango

Air Travel: Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) offers direct flights to Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, and seasonal flights to other cities
Driving: Major highways include US-160 (east-west) and US-550 (north-south)

Learn more about what airlines fly into Durango Colorado

Discover how to get to Durango

Find detailed Durango Colorado directions

Local Transportation

Public Transit: The Durango Transit “T” provides bus service throughout the city
Biking: Extensive trail system and bike-friendly roads
Walking: Downtown and many neighborhoods are easy to walk
Winter Travel: All-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for winter

Recreation and Lifestyle

Life in Durango CO centers around outdoor fun, community events, and a vibrant cultural scene:

Outdoor Activities

Skiing/Snowboarding: Purgatory Resort (25 minutes north) offers great skiing without the crowds and high prices of larger Colorado resorts
Mountain Biking: World-class trails for all skill levels
Hiking: Hundreds of miles of trails in the nearby national forests
Water Sports: Animas River offers rafting, kayaking, and fishing
Climbing: Many rock climbing areas within a short drive

Cultural Attractions

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Historic steam train with scenic rides
Multiple Museums: Including the Durango Arts Center, Powerhouse Science Center, and Southern Ute Museum
Regular Festivals: Events like Snowdown (winter carnival), Music in the Mountains, and the Durango Film Festival

Food and Nightlife

Durango has an amazing food scene for a town its size, with over 100 restaurants from casual cafes to fine dining. The city also features several local breweries, distilleries, and wine bars.

The Good and Bad of Living in Durango CO

Good Points

Natural Beauty: Stunning mountain views and access to diverse outdoor spaces
Community Feel: Strong sense of community with friendly residents
Year-Round Recreation: Outdoor activities for every season
Cultural Opportunities: Arts, music, and events you’d expect in bigger cities
Clean Environment: Excellent air and water quality
Safety: Low crime rates compared to urban areas

Challenges

High Cost: Higher housing costs and general expenses
Remote Location: Distance from major cities and limited shopping options
Tourism Impact: Crowded downtown and popular areas during busy seasons
Limited Public Transportation: Having a car is almost essential
Altitude Adjustment: Some newcomers feel altitude sickness initially
Job Limitations: Fewer high-paying job options outside specific fields

Tips for Moving to Durango

If you’re planning to move to Durango, these tips can help make your transition smoother:

Visit In Different Seasons: Experience Durango’s seasonal changes before deciding to move
Start Housing Search Early: Begin looking for housing well in advance, especially if moving during summer
Secure Employment First: Find a job before moving or ensure you can work remotely
Research Neighborhoods: Explore different areas to find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget
Connect with Locals: Join local Facebook groups, attend events, and meet your neighbors
Prepare for Altitude: Stay hydrated and take time to adjust to the higher elevation
Get Ready for Winter Driving: Invest in a suitable vehicle, good tires, and winter driving skills

For work options, see our guide to jobs in Durango CO

Working with a Local Real Estate Expert

Finding a home in Durango’s competitive market is easier with local expertise. At Destination DRO, our team knows Durango’s neighborhoods, market trends, and community resources to help you find the perfect home and settle into life in Durango CO.

Our agents live and work in the communities we serve, offering real insights beyond typical listing details. We know what makes each neighborhood special and can help match you with the perfect location based on your preferences, budget, and needs.

Ready to Make Durango Your Home?

Living in Durango CO brings a special mix of outdoor adventure, community connection, and quality of life that’s hard to find elsewhere. While costs may be higher than some places, many residents find the lifestyle benefits well worth it.

Whether you’re attracted by the mountain views, outdoor activities, or small-town charm with city-like amenities, Durango welcomes new residents who value its special character and natural beauty.

Ready to explore options for living in Durango CO? Contact our team of local experts who can help you navigate every aspect of moving to this beautiful mountain town. From finding your ideal property to connecting with community resources, we’re here to make your move to Durango as smooth as possible.

Contact Destination DRO today to start your Durango journey!

Phone: (970) 555-1234 Email: info@destinationdro.com Visit: 123 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301

Data and statistics in this article are current as of March 2025. Cost of living and housing information may change. Please contact Destination DRO for the most up-to-date information on living in Durango CO.

Living in Durango CO: Your Guide to Southwest Colorado Discover mountain town living at its finest in Southwest Colorado