Is there a good community close to Vail that is affordable? (Colorado Springs: sales, apartments)

[movinonup2thetop]

We're relocating to Vail and was wondering if someone could give me the "inside scoop" on the Vail area? We're interested in a family oriented, safe and affordable community within a 30 minute commute time.

[sunsprit]

30 minute commute time radius to Vail in an affordable community?

Please define "affordable", and do you want a single family home, a duplex, a condo, or a townhome?

There are, in fact, some very nice areas in Vail that are community/familiy oriented, such as East Vail. The average sales price per square foot in that area for houses sold reported last month was $685 psf. There are some houses a little further West, in the golf course/Betty Ford Park area on the East side of Vail ... a bit more expensive, especially now with some of the redevelopment going on there.

Shopping is readily accessible at the West side of Vail supermarkets, and a little further downvalley for just about everything else. Prices are fairly consistent with the pricing of the Front Range of Colorado ... and there's the Outlet Shops at Silverthorne 35 minutes away from Vail as you head Eastward on I-70.

Down valley, where housing is less expensive ... is somewhat past your 30 minute zone in the winter months. Can you be more flexible on this issue?

The obviously core tourist portions of Vail are not family oriented ... Vail, West Vail, Lionshead ... and they're very expensive.

[BillRadio]

Originally Posted by movinonup2thetop

We're relocating to Vail and was wondering if someone could give me the "inside scoop" on the Vail area? We're interested in a family oriented, safe and affordable community within a 30 minute commute time.

After having had a 2nd home in both West & East Vail, I do not consider either area "family friendly". Not that kids can't have fun, but there aren't very many around. Too many of the homes are not occupied during the week, so there aren't too many "family" activites available.

The farther west you go, the better the family atmosphere and affordable the homes. I would choose Edwards for a good balance of both, but if you can find an affordable home in Eagle-Vail, you would be happy.

I really like Minturn, but it's a town full of very old but overpriced homes, and very few kids.

[sunsprit]

The number of children attending Vail's schools must not have noticed that they live in the Vail community full time, not just on weekends ....

My second home in East Vail (bought in '82) was surrounded by young families with children. The sense of community as opposed to the weekend visitors was pretty strong. My children had no difficulty finding local friends to spend their time with.

Having had friends move to Vail full time over the last 25 years and settle in East Vail with their pre-teens and teenagers ... they seemed to do very well. The "family" oriented community is pretty close knit, and the younger kids were able to stay in contact in a very small geographic area ... the older kids can use the free area bus service to visit with their friends/activities throughout the area. It's literally only minutes from East Vail to Vail to West Vail ....

The intermountain area appears to have a number of families living there, too, full time.

Vail has a tremendous amount of outdoor activity, year around for children ... a lot of team sports activities and so forth.

[MountainMama924]

Originally Posted by movinonup2thetop

We're relocating to Vail and was wondering if someone could give me the "inside scoop" on the Vail area? We're interested in a family oriented, safe and affordable community within a 30 minute commute time.

It all depends on what you define as affordable. I have lived in the Vail Valley for four years (full time). Edwards/Eagle (Edwards is 15 min from Vail, and Eagle 30-40) are the most kid-friendly areas that I have encountered, and I have a two-year-old. Every place down valley from Vail has been expanding like wildfire since Vail is not affordable for the average family. Apartments are priced about 1300/month for a reasonable 2bed/1bath, not much can be found under that price anywhere from Vail to Glenwood Springs.

Vail/Avon are not kid-friendly. There are plenty of parks/outdoor activities(hiking, biking, climbing) but there are no organized events for families to go out and meet/socialize. There are outdoor concerts in the summer/some resort festivals, but none really geared at the community. Everything here is geared towards tourism. I think that is why there is not a sense of community in those towns. As a mother in her twenties, I have not found one friend my age who has a child.

Everywhere in the Vail Valley is pretty darn safe. Low crime rates, but just follow your common sense when going about your everyday life.
The only place that is remotely affordable is Leadville. Check it out. Some people love it and some people hate it, it all depends on what you prefer. Leadville is a 45-hr drive in good weather, and they keep the hwy well-plowed in the winter.
Don't get me wrong...I love Vail for numerous reasons, but it definitely is not affordable or family-oriented.

[great8]

We're interested in moving to Vail Valley from IL. Can anyone tell us about year-round, local life there? Affordable housing, condos, schools, the typical local? Thanks!

[suzco]

Originally Posted by great8

We're interested in moving to Vail Valley from IL. Can anyone tell us about year-round, local life there? Affordable housing, condos, schools, the typical local? Thanks!

Your post has been moved to this existing thread about Vail.

You might also want to check the Colorado Index Thread for more info. It includes links to threads such as:
Ski Towns – Best to Live In?
- Best Ski Town to Live In?
- Questions about Ski Towns
and
Best / Worst Places in Colorado
- What is the absolutely best/worst place in CO?

[dj32]

Eagle- fits all your criteria

[SheridanL]

I would have to say if you want affordability/sp?...I would look into Gypsum or Wolcott.
My Ex and my son lived there..(post divorce)...I know, it's icky..but true.

My ex worked in Vail..and my son's school went to Vail frequently.
At the time, Eagle was also cheaper (not so much now).

I would try hard to go off the beaten path as much as possible(it won't be long before everyone does however!)

When my ex was in Gypsum.....I thought..DANG..how backwards can one get? HA!! Not so much nowadays!!

Of course, we used to meet in GEorgetown to do the exchange/back and forth thing....awful I know...that was also a deadend place!!
Now, we go there for a Christmas get-together!! WEIRD!!

Our son is now 21 years old and, is in Hawaii. He is a cryptologist and doesn't have the memories I DO!! JFYI!

Vail is definitely very expensive!! If one can live there, well,..good. But, it is a place where the wealthy and famous hang. Interesting for sure, I personally love to lunch and shop there but.....couldn't afford my home there!! NO WAY!!!
I have a 4,000 square foot home on 2 acres with my own tennis court...I am sure I couldn't even go 35 miles closer to Colorado Springs and get in my front door!! Something to think about!HMMMMM!!!

Location people!! Even if only a few miles!!

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

That whole area is experiencing pressures from a number of sources. The obvious one is that there is no affordable housing anywhere near the ski areas in Colorado. That's why people who work at the resorts have to drive great distances. There is always a need for affordable housing for the support staff. When I worked in Steamboat Springs we had to drive in every day from Craig, over 50 miles one way.

Now add to that the fact that the Climax mine is starting up north of Leadville and bringing in more people looking for affordable housing, or just a decent place to live at a decent price. And the huge oil and gas drilling boom around Rifle. People working there are looking as far as Glenwood Springs for a place to live. It's been crazy up there!