Do you ever just want to up and move to the western slopes of Colorado? Be able to look out at a mountain view from the comfort of your home? Play every day outside your back door in the gorgeous Rocky Mountains? If that’s a yes, then call the movers!
Colorado Counties People Are Moving To
Colorado is one of the most affluent states in the whole United States and its counties and valleys along I-70 of the Western Slope are booming with growth. Counties rich with natural beauty are now the go-to destinations for those looking to move west. These include Pitkin County, located in the Roaring Fork Valley, Summit County’s Tenmile Range, Eagle County, which is home to the Vail Valley, and Grand County that follows along the Colorado River. These are all growing communities with fabulous things to offer anyone relocating to the area.
Moving to Pitkin County
The famous town of Aspen is the Pitkin County seat. Aspen, located in what is also called the Roaring Fork Valley is one of the most affluent regions in Colorado and the United States. It is a part of a larger watershed in Pitkin Couty, namely called the Roaring Fork Watershed. The valley extends around 50 miles southeast of Aspen, then northwest to Glenwood Springs.
Aspen is the home to infamous ski lodges such as The Little Nell, Viceroy Snowmass, and The Gant Aspen. Aspen is very proud of their Aspen Music Festival and School founded in 1949. It is an annual classical music festival that showcases more than 400 classical recitals which last for eight weeks.
Another prosperous town in the Roaring Fork Valley, Basalt started out as a railroad town. Then, it eventually became a bedroom community for Aspen. Now, also a resort in its own right, Basalt houses excellent restaurants, boutiques, and so much more.
Further down the road, Carbondale is a thriving arts center which boasts its artistic heritage each year. The Carbondale Mountain Fair is one of the most prominent summer festivals in the valley. The locals hold this fair annually around Mount Sopris, the most impressive landmark of Carbondale. This 13,000-foot twin peak mountain was named after the explorer, Captain Richard Sopris.
With all the impressive communities throughout Pitkin County, moving to the Roaring Fork Valley will definitely expose you to a whole new experience. Choosing this corner of Colorado as your new home will open doors to overflowing historical and cultural adventures.
Moving to Summit County
One of the 17 original counties of Colorado, Summit County is home to municipalities such as Breckenridge, Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillion, Keystone and more. Moving to Summit County means that you are moving to a place that offers outdoor experiences like no other.
Breckenridge is home to the Breckenridge Ski Resort, which opened in 1961. During the summer season, the area attracts outdoor adventurers who want to go hiking, fly-fishing, and boating. At the same time, this ski resort also holds an annual Breckenridge Festival of Film during September.
Frisco, like many other places in Colorado, is also famous for its proximity to ski resorts. Four major ski resorts are near Frisco, such as Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Arapaho Basin. In addition, the area is also famous for its annual Frisco Colorado Barbecue Challenge, which started in 1993 and benefits area nonprofits.
Another growing town of Summit County is Silverthorne. The municipality of Silverthorne proves that their area is just as rich as the other cities in Summit County. Famous for their Ice Castles and outlet stores, Silverthorne has been a go-to place for adventurers as well as shoppers.
Moving to Eagle County
Eagle County was formed from the adjusted boundaries of Summit County in 1883 and is flourishing with tourism. If you are thinking of moving to Eagle County, there are lots of residential areas you can choose from within the Vail Valley with names like Beaver Creek, Arrowhead, Cordillera, Singletree, Homestake, and Wildridge. The towns of Vail, Avon, Edwards, Eagle, Gypsum, and Minturn are seeing exceptional growth.
Just as the Roaring Fork Valley has Aspen, Eagle County has Vail. It is the home of the Vail Ski Resort, the largest ski mountain in Colorado. Despite being popular during the winter, Vail is also an excellent destination for summer activities like guided hikes, horseback riding, mountain biking, carriage rides, and fishing.
Avon is home to world-famous Beaver Creek Ski Resort and offers winter activities as well, such as ice skating, old-fashioned pond hockey on Nottingham Lake and other recreational adventures for tourists and locals alike.
Next town going west is actually an “unincorporated community”. Edwards is a census-designated area that has populated rapidly due to its close access to ski areas and more available longterm housing. It is also becoming a destination for outdoor activities such as zip lining, hiking, shopping, dining, and more.
Another exciting area to explore is the historic town of Eagle, the county seat of Eagle County. The city of Eagle is gaining even more popularity for its extensive trail system for mountain biking, hiking and trail running. Just like the other towns in Eagle County, this town is a hub for recreational activities.
Gypsum, named after the abundant mineral in the area, is also a must-see town. With new homes and restaurants filling the area, Gypsum offers water recreation along the lakeside of Sylvan Lake State Park.
Moving to Grand County
Just like Eagle County, the boundaries of Grand County were also carved from historic Summit County. Here, you can experience Colorado living in towns like Winter Park, Granby, Grand Lake, and Hot Sulphur Springs.
Winter Park is home to Winter Park Resort, a well-known ski resort in the area. It also boasts cross-country skiing opportunities like the Devil’s Thumb Ranch. During spring and summer, Winter Park is also popular for mountain biking, concerts, hiking, and fishing.
Granby, the most populous town in Grand County, features its own ski ranch which caters to families. While the Ski Granby Ranch is known for family-style skiing it also welcomes the ski adventurer. Meanwhile, there are abundant hiking trails in the nearby Arapaho National Forest.
Another place in Grand County, Grand Lake, although not an “official” town, is a charming destination surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and national forest. Grand County was named after this natural lake, which is also the largest and deepest lake in Colorado. You’ll never run out of activities here since the landscape offers exciting things such as hiking, fishing, sailboat gliding, and more.
Located between Granby and Kremmling, another town to watch for is Hot Sulphur Springs. Initially, a medicinal getaway and campground, this town is now gaining recognition for spa relaxation. It has several hot spring resorts and spas, including the popular, Hot Sulphur Springs Resort & Spa.
Whether you are moving to Pitkin County, Summit County, Eagle County, or Grand County, each area has remarkable things to offer. And while all of the towns within offer year-round mountain attractions and lifestyle, each is unique to its own natural treasures and historical Colorado significance.