|
 
The Durango Lifestyle
Durango is a magnet for Amenity Migrators, people who choose to relocate here because of the many activities that abound from season to season. Some want a place to escape to, perhaps for family skiing in the winter, or a cool refuge from the heat and humidity of their primary location. Still others are nearing retirement and want to pack up and live the life they've always dreamed about. Durango fits the bill for all of the above!
After determining if this will be your primary or second home, and how much you want to spend, the first question I like to ask is: "what are your interests?" Do you prefer a golf course location? Do you like a remote location in the mountains? Are you a skier? Are you going to spend time here during the winters? Is it important to be close to the hospital? Maybe you're a railroad hobbyist and want to watch the Durango Silverton Narrow Guage RR pass by every day. Your lifestyle and interests will often help narrow down the choices for you to consider.
Angie and I built and sold the Swedish Cope log home shown above in the Lake Vallecito area, which is located next to the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest in the lower 48 states, but just 40 minutes to downtown Durango. This is beautiful country with wonderful lake amenities, including fabulous boating (power and sail) and fishing, spectacular views, and a favorite location for snowmobilers, off-road jockeys, nordic skiers, hikers, mountain and road cycling enthusiasts, and those seeking leisurely horseback rides. Vallecito offers a range of properties, from building lots to existing homes. Nice homes range in price from $300K to $800K. Lesser homes, perhaps of the "summer camp" variety, start in the $200K range.
Golfers have two outstanding courses on which to test their skills. Dalton Ranch Golf Course is located north of town on Highway 550, about 15 minutes from downtown in the stunning Animas Valley. This beautiful course will demand that you to hit straight while being distractedadmiring the picturesque red rock cliffs, Animas River, and scenic mountains. The world class clubhouse offers exceptional amenities and a superb restaurant and pro shop. The valley is winter range to thousands of elk who find the golf course a nice winter campground!
There are two subdivisions surrounding the golf course. Homes and townhomes range in price from the $400K to several million dollars. You can ride your golf cart to the clubhouse from anywhere in the subdivisions. The course is public and full club memberships begin in the $12,000 range.
Dalton Ranch residents comprise a mix of primary residents and vacation home owners. Durango Mountain Resort is only 20 minutes north, making Dalton Ranch a great location for those seeking excellent recreation, but not too far from downtown shopping and amenities. Trimble Hot Springs is nearby, just across the highway from Dalton Ranch. This is a great amenity for apres ski, or to get a wonderful massage after a tough outing on the golf course!
Hillcrest Golf Club is a municipal facility that sets atop a mesa overlooking Durango and offering spectacular far views of the La Plata Mountains. Adjacent to the campus of Fort Lewis College, Hillcrest is a local favorite that features very challenging greens to go with its great views. Green fees are modest, about $30 for 18-holes. Season passes are available in the $350 range. A variety of housing, from condos and townhomes to up-scale single family homes abut the Hillcreast golf course. Prices range from the low $200K to $800K for high end properties with outstanding views. Historic Downtown Durango is just minutes away by car, bike or public transportation.
 Powder hounds, as opposed to party hounds, love being at the mountain. Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) is offering the most incredible ski resort values in the entire State of Colorado. Ski-in/ski-out townhomes with great architecture and interior finishes, are currently available at bargain prices! Condos are selling in the $200K range and luxurious townhomes, such as the one shown, are available starting in the low $600K range.
"Purg" as it's known to locals, is undergoing a long-term building program that will elevate DMR to world-class status. Already rated Americas top ski resort for families by leading ski publications, DMR's investment in new ski facilities, real estate, time-shares, restaurants, and shopping, make this a "must see" resort. DMR offers a full year of activities, including mountain biking and hiking in the summer and fall. DMR is also the home of Durango's famous "Music in the Mountains" Festival during the month of July. This annual music fest draws talent and visitors from all corners of the globe.
 For those who want to be downtown where the action is, Durango offers some wonderful choices for permanent or vacation homes. The Animas River flows right through the heart of downtown and adjacent to the main roads leading to and from the city. Some incredible values exist for those drawn to townhomes and condos. While riverfront properties are scarce, there is a pletora of homes available now with proximity to the river and the newly completed Animas River Trail, which flows from the north to south end of the city, a distance of about six miles. Occassionally, a riverfront property comes on the market, but they go fast, even in a buyer's market.
Good quality condos and townhomes located within city limits are currently priced from the $200K to $500K range. The ones on the river command the higher prices. Also, parents with children attending Fort Lewis College frequently purchase condos or townhomes, usually with proximity to the college, as an investment alternative to paying rent. Do the math...it's a shrewd investment if you can manage the finances on top of college tuition! |
