The Roaring Fork Valley is located in Colorado’s western slope and includes mountain towns such as Aspen, Basalt, El Jebel, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Silt, New Castle, and Rifle.
This is a popular area to live in, and very easy to love. Here are four reasons to live in the Roaring Fork Valley.
1. Colorado Lifestyle
One of the top reasons to live in the Roaring Fork Valley comes down to what many real estate transactions depend on: location, location, location. Colorado is a great place to be; more specifically, the western part of the state, where mountains, rivers, lakes, and small towns reside.
The key to the Colorado lifestyle lies in endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. In the Roaring Fork Valley, residents and visitors alike are drawn in by the allure of nature and the countless ways to enjoy it.
Summers are filled with hiking and mountain biking, with gondola-accessible trails in Snowmass and backyard access in New Castle. The famed Hanging Lake is right outside New Castle, while Aspen is home to the most photographed nature spot in the United States, Maroon Bells. There’s world-class fishing at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers in Glenwood Springs, along with rafting and kayaking and duckying and lounging lake-side higher up in the mountains.
In the winter, locals embrace the cold and powder and count down the seconds until the first snowfall. There’s skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling. You can grab season passes to Aspen-Snowmass’s impressive and massive resorts, hop on the low-key and affordable lifts at Sunlight Mountain Resort, or earn your turns in the backcountry.
The Roaring Fork Valley is scenic from every angle—from the incredible views of Mount Sopris to the rugged terrain of the Rifle Arch. Living here gains access to a pristine gem of Colorado living.
2. Small-town feel (mostly)
Part of the Colorado lifestyle also comes down to the small town, mountain living feel. When you escape to the Roaring Fork Valley, you leave the city behind and embrace a different kind of low-key and charming culture. From lower crime rates to smaller school class sizes and many small businesses, the valley can sometimes feel like a place where everyone knows your name.
And while you’re likely to say hello to passerby on hikes or receive a helping hand from a stranger when you need it, the Roaring Fork Valley isn’t as restrictive as a traditional small community can be. For example, there’s easy access to Colorado’s main interstate, which makes traveling cross-state convenient, and there are a few airports nearby. There’s also plenty of retail, service, and grocery opportunities, both local and chain. Additionally, there are several schools to choose between, which is ideal for families laying down their roots.
3. It’s a great investment
When it comes to the cost of living in the Roaring Fork Valley, it can seem high. The rental market is a great example—because competition is fierce, rent prices sometimes are more costly than a mortgage.
When it comes to home buying, properties in the Roaring Fork Valley have price tags that reflect their value—the market is hot and houses can be expensive.
However, real estate trends indicate that buying a home in the Roaring Fork Valley is a great investment. The values of homes continue to increase steadily, according to supply, demand, and the current market. Buying a house here is a great financial investment.
4. Endless exploration
Beyond outdoor exploration, there’s an additional perk of having several towns in one area to get to know and love. This provides several opportunities for working, living, and recreating.
From Aspen to Rifle, each town has its own unique flair and appeal.
- Aspen. Known as one of the top mountain resort towns in the US, Aspen is massively appealing due to its luxurious charm, scenic in-town views, and lots to do. There are endless hiking, biking, and skiing trails.
- Carbondale. Part of the Colorado Art Corridor, Carbondale is a laid-back spot that has a mix of arts and culture, along with easy access to up-valley fun. E
Glenwood Springs. At the confluence of the two rivers and right off of i-70, Glenwood Springs is a popular area for hot springs, a bustling downtown, and family-friendly recreation. - Rifle. Further west, Rifle is known for a historic and charming downtown, lower cost of living, and a desert landscape. Rifle Falls, Rifle Gap, and Harvey Gap are lush oasis options nearby.
Ready to buy?
If you’re interested in taking the next steps and dive into the home-buying process, connect with the team at Sopris Realty today. Contact us online or give us a call at 970-945-7677.