Central Colorado (Denver, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction: real estate, living, prices)

[parkfan]

I wonder if there are many folks in this forum from any of the Central Co. towns such as Breckenridge, Fairplay or Buena Vista. I always find time to visit the wide open South Park valley and the Arkansas River area. This seems like a great area to live and people have always been friendly and more relaxed than Denver or Colo. Springs.

[Idunn]

Although not having lived there, I have some experience with the three towns you mentioned. You are correct that any of them would be decidedly smaller and less hectic than Denver or Colorado Springs. Each is distinctly different.

Being a mountain ski and resort town Breckenridge has the second highest altitude (9,602 ft. vs. Fairplay at 9,950 ft.) but highest prices. The real estate is quite expensive, as most anywhere else in Summit County. Somewhat cool in the summer and cold in the winter, and certainly beautiful.

Fairplay probably isn't much warmer, if that, but significantly smaller with less tourism. Along with Alma it is becoming a bedroom community to Breckenridge, due less expensive real estate. Comparatively, as this trend has decidedly raised real estate prices on that side of the pass. Given the drive involved, these distinctly different communities in both geography and culture. Less chic and more old Colorado in Fairplay.

Of the three you may enjoy Buena Vista the best. It is the most remote with Salida probably the next largest town. Also surely with the lowest cost of living of these three. With less elevation (7,955 ft.) than either Breckenridge or Fairplay it should also be warmer, comparatively. My impression that it caters primarily to tourists seeking outdoor recreation, mostly in the summer. It is also the closest to the Arkansas River.

Any of these towns enjoys beautiful mountain scenery, as different in each case as their culture will be and the experience of living there.

All the best.

[March0]

Park fan...let's keep each other informed. I will be visiting Buena Vista, Salida (also Grand Junction) and as many of the cities that were mentioned on this forum. Should keep a log or diary of the trip. Maybe interview people. Let me know if you have any news.

[parkfan]

Thanks for the post March0. I will keep posting on my visits to Central Co. You also mentioned Grand Junction. My wife and I visited the wine country in and around that area. It was beautiful but very arid and hot at the time. (late summer). I would highly recommend going up to the Grand Mesa. The wildlife viewing is excellent and it is cool and forested with reservoirs and streams. As for the towns mentioned in my previous post re: Park and Chaffee Counties, there are developments progressing in Fairplay and Buena Vista which could double the population of each of these towns within the space of a few years. So, we aren't the only ones who find Central Co. inviting.

[Nadine]

Don't know what exactly you are looking for but come farther down the Arkansas River than Buena Vista, there are several small towns. How small do you want? Howard, Cotopaxi? Larger than Buenie is Salida and at the base of the Arkansas River Canyon is Canon City. Leaville is farther up the Arkansas from Buenie was larger but not sure anymore. Buena Vista has grown in people so much. Not much in business tho, I don't think.