It’s easy to understand why Colorado is such a popular tourist destination all year round. The Centennial State is a recreational paradise, with 32 ski resorts, four national parks (including Rocky Mountain National Park), 42 state parks, and fifteen national forests. Not to mention the twenty-six picturesque byways that can turn every commute into a memorable outing.
Colorado has over 150 wineries, dozens of small distilleries, and hundreds of breweries, so even the slowest travelers will have something to celebrate. The demand for second houses in the state is thus understandably high.
People’s ways of living and thinking have changed. Malia Cox Nobrega, a real estate broker at LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, told Travel + Leisure in an email that the influx of vacation home and second homeowners in the Vail Valley and Colorado in general can be attributed to the fact that “people want to spend more time living where they want to be rather than where they work.”
Do you want to own a piece of paradise in Colorado? Keep reading for a rundown of the top seven Colorado destinations for second-homebuyers.
Vail
Vail, one of two popular ski towns in the Vail Valley along with Beaver Creek, is renowned for its excellent skiing and snowboarding as well as its high-end lodgings, boutiques, restaurants, and cultural activities. Golf courses, fly fishing, and hiking trails all draw summer tourists to Vail Valley. Vail, Colorado, may be a little town, but the nearby Eagle County Airport makes it accessible dordle from anywhere in the United States.
“The Vail Valley has traditionally been a place where people want to vacation — it’s the complete package, a getaway to the mountains in a rural setting that also provides high-level amenities from the nearby resorts and towns,” Nobrega said.
According to a research by LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, the average price of a house sold in Vail in the first two quarters of 2022 was over $3.5 million, with the most expensive property selling for an astounding $31 million.
Breckenridge
This once-bustling mining town in Summit County has transformed into a picturesque tourist attraction popular throughout the year. In the winter, Breckenridge Resort’s skiing and snowboarding facilities draw thrill-seekers to the area’s 3,000 acres. Stunning mountain scenery may be seen from the town’s tallest chairlift in North America. In addition, the summer is a great time to Colorado go fishing, exploring, and riding in the Rocky Mountains.
Breckenridge real estate sold 52% quicker in June 2022 than it did in June 2021, and homes there typically stayed on the market for only 19 days. Due to a decline in inventory, the median selling price of a single-family house over the same time rose by 28 percent, to Colorado roughly $1.8 million.
Telluride
Telluride is a small town of just eight blocks wide and twelve blocks long amid the scenic San Juan Mountains. Throughout the year, people in Telluride and its surrounding area enjoy sports including skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, dog sledding, fly fishing, Colorado and horseback riding. The town is also well-known for its rich cultural attractions, such as its excellent cuisine, lively music scene, and lively yearly festivals.
Therefore, it probably doesn’t shock you that the housing market is red hot. From June 2021 to June 2022, there was a 24% rise in the average sales price of a single-family house, reaching $2.7 million.
Place Name: Crested Butte
This little mining town in Gunnison County is where it’s at for snow sports fans. Crested Butte is a skier’s dream with an annual snowfall of an average of 220 inches.
There are roughly 1,600 permanent people in the town, giving it a great area to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Crested Butte has been known as “Colorado’s wildflower capital” due to the breathtaking display of more than 50 different flower species that bloom here throughout the summer. The Gunnison/Crested Butte Airport is located about 30 miles away, making real estate investments in this charming community attractive.
Cold Park
Winter Park is a great place to go if you like both water and winter activities. This is due to the fact that the town’s location is ideal. Winter Park is close to Rocky Mountain National Park and is about 60 miles from Denver. That means you can go boating, hiking, and bicycling at one of the most popular national parks in the United States any time of year.
In addition, the 3,000 skiable acres of Winter Park Resort are separated into seven zones, making the resort suitable for skiers of all skill levels.
The Town of Steamboat
This town in Northern Colorado is a major tourist destination, but its housing market has yet to catch up to that of nearby Vail or Aspen. There is still a wide range of property prices available, from the low hundreds to the millions.
But that might be about to change. Steamboat Ski Resort is currently expanding to become Colorado’s second-largest ski area. In the next three years, Steamboat Springs will get a new gondola, an ice rink, and additional après-ski restaurants, bars, and stores, all of which will increase the city’s already high property values and attract even more tourists.
That Place in the Rockies
Colorado Springs is another great option for anyone looking for cheap real estate and access to the state’s natural beauty. However, you may want to hurry up with your search if you want to make an investment in this lovely city. With a 37% rise in population between 2000 and 2020, The Springs is one of the fastest-growing communities in America.
Colorado Springs, situated at the base of Pike Peaks, is home to a vibrant arts and entertainment scene as well as a wide variety of outdoor activities.