These vacation places in Colorado offer breathtaking mountain scenery, access to world-class ski resorts, and a plethora of other outdoor activities.
The attractions that draw tourists to Colorado throughout the year are relatively easy to spot. With four national parks, 42 state parks, 32 ski resorts, and fifteen national forests, there are countless opportunities for outdoor exploration and heart-pounding thrills in the Centennial State. Add the 26 picturesque byways that turn an everyday commute into a scenic wonderland, and you can see why the real estate market for vacation homes in Colorado is flourishing.
Where To Buy a Vacation Home in Colorado
Are you planning to buy a piece of Colorado paradise? Here are the top seven Colorado destinations for individuals who are considering to buy a vacation home.
1. Breckenridge
Located in scenic Summit County, this former mining hub now serves as a popular tourist destination year-round. In the winter, thrill seekers worldwide are drawn to Breckenridge to enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding. The town also features the highest chairlift in North America, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
In the summer months, outdoors enthusiasts are drawn to Breckenridge, where they can enjoy fishing in the glacial-fed rivers, horse riding on the scenic mountain trails, or exploring the area’s pristine 3,000 acres.
Breckenridge is certainly a place for those investing in vacation homes. However, like most places in America, real estate prices have risen sharply in the past few years, with the typical sale price of a single-family residence increasing by 28% to approximately $1.8 million.
2. Steamboat
Although this town in Northern Colorado sees its fair share of tourists, its housing market has yet to catch up to that of Vail or Aspen. There is still a wide range of housing options available in Steamboat, ranging from low-cost apartments to luxurious homes costing several million dollars.
Steamboat real estate is generally cheaper than similar areas; however, that could soon change. Significant development is planned for Steamboat Ski Resort, making it Colorado’s second-largest ski area. In the next three years, Steamboat Springs will see the construction of a new gondola, an ice rink, and numerous après-ski eateries, bars, and boutiques. This development will undoubtedly increase real estate prices and make Steamboat a more expensive place to build your Colorado vacation home.
3. Telluride
Telluride, Colorado, is only eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long, but this doesn’t mean it has limited attractions. Located amid the stunning San Juan Mountains, the town is renowned for its delicious cuisine, lively music scene, annual festivals, and rich cultural offerings. Telluride is a popular tourist destination and home to many outdoor sports, including skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, dog sledding, fly fishing, and horseback riding.
With its numerous attractions, it’s no surprise that the real estate market in Telluride is steaming hot. From June 2021 to June 2022, there was a 24% rise in the average sales price of a single-family home, reaching $2.7 million.
4. Vail
Vail is one of the most sought after locations for a vacation home in Colorado. Vail may be a little town, but the nearby Eagle County Airport makes it accessible from anywhere in the United States. There are two popular ski resorts in the Vail Valley: Vail and Beaver Creek. Vail is well-known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding, as well as its high-end lodgings, restaurants, and retail establishments. In the warmer months, visitors to Vail Valley can enjoy the region’s many golf courses, fly-fishing streams, and hiking paths.
According to data compiled by LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, the average price of a home sold in Vail during the first half of 2022 was over $3.5 million, with the most expensive property selling for an astounding $31 million. Vail is also considered the best place to buy a home in Colorado.
5. Avon
The town of Avon is located at an elevation of 7,500 feet, making it slightly lower than the surrounding areas, yet it still has stunning views of the White River National Forest and the Beaver Creek Mountain Range. Nottingham Lake, a lovely reservoir, and the park surrounding it make this riverfront community an excellent location for vacation homes.
What’s good about Avon is that it delivers a degree of affordability relative to the cost of Vail and Beaver Creek. The scenery, nightlife, restaurant, and culture set Avon apart as a unique destination to buy a vacation home. Currently, Avon has an average house price of $795,718.
6. Winter Park
Winter Park is a great place to go if you enjoy both water and winter activities. Located close to Rocky Mountain National Park and only 60 miles from Denver, Winter Park offers year-round boating, hiking, and cycling in one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Winter Park, with a median price of $450,000, is one of the more affordable locations.
7. Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is another great option for cheap real estate and access to the state’s natural beauty. With a 37% rise in population between 2000 and 2020, Colorado Springs is one of the fastest-growing cities in America. If you’re interested in investing in this picturesque city, you might want to move immediately.
Situated at the foot of Pike Peaks, Colorado Springs is home to a thriving arts and entertainment scene and a wide variety of outdoor activities. It is also another great location for a vacation home in Colorado
8. Crested Butte
This tiny mining town in Gunnison County has been a winter sports mecca for decades. Crested Butte is a skier’s dream, with an average of 220 inches of snow each season.
Crested Butte, Colorado, is known as “Colorado’s wildflower capital” because of the abundance of colorful flowers that bloom here each summer. The town has roughly 1,600 permanent residents, making it a great area to slow down and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. With the Gunnison/Crested Butte Airport located approximately 30 miles away, real estate investments in this charming community also offer excellent rental possibilities.
Conclusion
Partly because of the Covid 19 pandemic, consumers’ attitudes have shifted. Since more and more people would rather spend their time doing things they enjoy than commuting to and from work, there has been a substantial increase in the number of people buying a vacation home in Colorado. The location descriptions and price information provided in this article can help you make informed purchasing decisions if you venture into the Colorado real estate market.
Live the life you want with Cedar Home Loans.
Colorado has a lot to offer for those looking to invest and live the life of their dreams. Purchasing your ideal vacation home in Colorado is always within reach with the help of our professional staff at Cedar Home Loans, a reliable Boulder home loans company. If you are considering purchasing a home in Colorado and are looking for funds, look no further than Cedar Home Loans.
