Need info on Hayden,co (Denver, Steamboat Springs: buying, construction, schools)

[syndee]

Looking at buying some property in Hayden. How are the schools and drive to Steamboat Springs? We are a family of 4. Two children 6 and 6 months.. Any info would be good. We currently live in a town of 900 people so small is familiar too us.. Thank you

[bluescreen73]

Originally Posted by syndee

Looking at buying some property in Hayden. How are the schools and drive to Steamboat Springs? We are a family of 4. Two children 6 and 6 months.. Any info would be good. We currently live in a town of 900 people so small is familiar too us.. Thank you

Syndee, not sure how many responses you'll get on Hayden but I'll help you out as much as I can. I can't tell you about the schools but the drive to Steamboat isn't that bad.

Hayden and Steamboat are about 25 miles apart and the drive takes 25-30 mins. Craig is closer to Hayden (at 17 miles) and merchandise prices will generally be cheaper in Craig than Steamboat. That is, everything except gas. Gas prices are usually a dime or more higher per gallon in Craig than Steamboat.

The whole stretch of US40 from Craig to Steamboat isn't the bad in the winter. It's a mildly hilly road that traces its way along the banks of the Yampa River. You won't hit mountains Rabbit Ears Pass east of Steamboat Springs.

Where are you coming from? The reason I ask is because Hayden & Craig don't fit the stereotypical image of Colorado. There aren't tall pine trees everywhere. The land around Hayden is dominated by low, rolling hills covered in sagebrush, scrub oak, prairie grass, and the occasional prickly pear cactus. You won't see groves of trees unless you head into Steamboat and the mountains.

Hope that helps.

[tfox]

Though I normally post about Denver, I do have family in various parts of the state and have been to Hayden many times.

As bluescreen noted, the town of Hayden is in the very broad, relatively flat Yampa River valley that also includes Craig and points west to Vernal, Utah. Although there are mountains in every direction, most aren't all that close visually so there's not really stunning views like you'll get in Steamboat. The terrain is sagebrush covered and reminds quite a bit of parts of Utah and Nevada.

Just east of town up to Milner the terrain is far more rugged and scenic and there are a number of small box canyons on either side of the road. Many of these small ranches are now being subdivided and sold for development -- these are, of course, worth considerably more than property around the town of Hayden due to their higher scenic value and their greater proximity to Steamboat.

As you know, Hayden (the town) is tiny and there's not much in the way of shopping - the "merc" being about the only option, which is a bit overpriced. Ranching was the main industry in times past, but today, with ranching now more difficult, many have taken to the construction trades (especially in Steamboat) to pay the bills. Also, quite a few families have moved into Hayden as a more affordable alternative to Steamboat. The largest employer by far in town is the Steamboat Springs airport (which is actually in Hayden, as its airport code HDN indicates).

The drive between Steamboat Springs (downtown) on US-40 will take about 30 minutes or so, and traffic isn't much of a consideration. It's a US Highway and well-maintained even in winter, and surprisingly flat except for several sections. While US-40 is very frequently closed at Rabbit Ears Pass, just east of the ski area, it's only rarely closed before then.