Estes Park (Denver, Boulder, Loveland: real estate market, renting, condos)

[randtbrown]

We will be staying in estes park for Thanksgiving- anyone have a recommendation for an affordable, quiet place to stay? Looking for something where we can wake up in the AM and have a cup of coffee outside as we take in the beautiful view.

[MountainViews]

We have spent quite a lot of time in Estes Park over the past ten years. Since we have made the decision to make Colorado our home, we have been visiting other cities and towns over the past year.

We are very familiar with many of the positives of Estes Park. I wonder if anyone can offer any downsides to Estes Park as a place to raise a family. Our desire is to live with a view of the mountains, hopefully with a lake or other fishing relatively nearby, good schools, friendly small town feel, and adequate health care.

I know the housing market in Estes is a bit on the high side, but other than that, are there other factors that we should consider about this town before looking deeper? Realistically, how much would we expect to pay for a home of perhaps 1800+ square feet with at least three bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and perhaps a large lot of a half-acre or larger?

Thanks so much for all the great advice.
MountainViews

[Katiana]

If raising a family, you should look into the school situation. Will it offer most everything your kids want/need? Also, look into health care. I don't know if there is a hospital there. If not, the closest one will be in Boulder, which is roughly an hour's drive away. You would probably have to go to the Boulder/Denver area for any major health condition in any event.

[StealthRabbit]

We have friends who have raised kids in EP, and were really pleased. (at least they have a swimming pool at their HS (more than I can say for majority of PNW...)) I hear the community is quite supportive of schools.

I would have raised mine there in a heartbeat if given the opportunity. (we left CO 1 month BEFORE 1st was born)

It has a decent hospital, and a superb Fire / Rescue staff. They have full services, because the area hosts lots of camps and recreation year-round. The elk seem to hang around the hospital a lot, that might slow down your access . I'm sure it is nice to watch elk from the convalesent center nearby.

I like the winters in EP, as the summers get a bit too crowded. I'd consider renting out my house in summer, or at least part of it.

I find the housing to be quite reasonable, (plenty under $300k) and have been watching it closely, as I'm trying to find a spot to park some investment $$, and sure we will end up living in EP for a 2 yr period sometime soon.

A potential downfall might be a bit too 'new-age', but there is a large continguent of conservative camp staff to level the playing field.

[41Willys]

I used to stay at those luxury condos rite next door in Devils Gulch. If I had a chance to live there I wouldnt give it a second thought!

[MountainViews]

Thank you very much for the replies.

I wondered if there is a downside to Estes Park. From outward appearances, and from these replies, it seems like a very nice little town.

The biggest thing I see that makes it somewhat different is that in the fall and winter, it's a small town of a little over 5,000 people. However, we've been in the summer, and there seem to be a huge number of tourists. I guess traffic and overcrowding due to the tourists could be a factor.

Anything else that might be worrisome?

Thanks!

[StealthRabbit]

probably a higher cost of living due to tourist industry, (limited shopping available) but this could be mitigated by 'bulk shopping' on occasion. Good paying Job availability would be a concern + how to get out of town for the summer (rent home and escape to northern WY and southern MT or British Columbia... longer days, great weather).

The increased commute distance would be a deterrent for some, but get yourself a 'Greaseburner' 50 MPG vw (using free fryer grease from food joint to make Bio-diesel, or run it on straight grease). That helps with the costs. (I've found several for under $100 each).

EP is a tad colder, than lower front range, longer lasting snow...but avoiding the front range 'brown cloud' and having the crisp clear sunshine of EP would be worth it. The moonlit clear nights are wonderful too. Especially moonrise over one of the many lakes in RMNP, while on a snowshoe / x-ski trek.

In Summer we used to enjoy a motorcycle trip over Trailridge to Grand Lake lodge to feast on 'stew in a bread bowl'.

Probably better check the school rankings for your age requirements. (we ended up having to homeschool in the PNW, it is not a lot of fun, tho is really nice if you travel a lot, or live on a farm)

[chilaili]

Originally Posted by MountainViews

Thank you very much for the replies.

I wondered if there is a downside to Estes Park. From outward appearances, and from these replies, it seems like a very nice little town.

The biggest thing I see that makes it somewhat different is that in the fall and winter, it's a small town of a little over 5,000 people. However, we've been in the summer, and there seem to be a huge number of tourists. I guess traffic and overcrowding due to the tourists could be a factor.

Anything else that might be worrisome?

Thanks!

Well, there's no Target up there. That might be a downer. The nearest is probably in Loveland (30 miles straight down Big Thompson Canyon/Hwy 34). There is one large supermarket and I'm sure there are shops other than the touristy ones that the locals know about but keep secret from us visitors from the "lowlands" . Check out http://www.estesparkresort.com/activities.asp for more information on what Estes has to offer. And yes, in the Summer, the town does get horrendously busy with people going in and out of the Rocky Mountain National Park, but undoubtedly you can enjoy the smug satisfaction of knowing that you're a LOCAL .

[MountainViews]

Again, thank you for the comments. You're very gracious to help.

We know quite a lot about EP, and love going there. We have found the natives to be really friendly, and the town to be very welcoming. Admittedly, we tend to go in the off-season, rather than fight the crowds in the summer.

I work from home on the computer and phone, so a commute isn't a concern. I do occasionally have to travel, but mostly to Denver. That's one reason we are considering moving to Colorado, so that my occasional trips will be day trips, rather than a two day affair with flights and hotels.

My wife is a teacher, however I'm not sure if she will continue to teach when we do move. I would love for her to stay home, but she loves teaching, so she may continue to do so. She is a native of Colorado, and has immediate family there, so it would be an easy move in that respect.

We really have developed a keen interest in Estes Park, and have ruled out a number of other towns in our last visit a few weeks ago. We did grow even more interested in comparing Estes to Evergreen, however. We only got to spend one day in Evergreen this trip, and don't know much about everyday life there, as compared to Estes Park. Most of our knowledge of Evergreen comes from tourist trips.

Does anyone have thoughts on comparing the two towns? Thanks!
Mountain Views

[rusirius]

We're thinking of moving from the Phoenix area to Estes Park area next summer. Can anyone tell me what the real estate market is like?

Thanks.