Ridgway and Dolores

[waltcolorado]

Thanks for the local info!!!!

I was looking in the Rafter J area and plan to drive around there when we visit in a week. Then heading to Ridgway, then Dolores.

FYI, on Zillow, I picked three homes a little South of Durango which are in a more arid climate (one with pretty much no trees), three homes North of Durango in more fairly forested area and two homes in the Rafter J area which "looks" like forest somewhere in between.

I was looking to see if the Zillow estimated insurance rates had anything to do with wild fire risk. Pretty much every home came in at a home owners insurance estimate of $3.5 dollars per 10K asking home price (monthly).

So I dont think the zillow estimated insurance reflects on wild fire risk - at least not specifically by individual homes.

[AMB8301]

Rafter J would have an increased fire risk compared to some of the other subdivisions out in that area, Trapper's Crossing and Shenandoah would be the others that come to mind. While Rafter J might of been on Pre-Evac notice for some fires, and I do remember one evacuation, it hasn't burned extremely close by. Rafter J can go for miles back and some of the roads get fairly narrow in there. They plow the roads in Rafter J but not individual driveways. It would be wise to hire a company to plow after major storms so you have the appearance that the property is currently occupied. I would suggest that in any of the areas, not just Rafter J but the snow lingers there more then some more arid spots


I don't live in Rafter J but have gone up there enough times over the years to be familiar with some of the roads. Wildcat Canyon stays in the shade often during the winter so you can hit icy patches going around the corners but it is an easy drive.

[waltcolorado]

Thanks for more great local info!

Its somewhat nice being retired because my only care about the school district or school access regards resale value. Seems that some of those areas have a bunch of over 3000 sq ft homes (guessing also barely occupied) which in my case is a turn off. I am also becoming more "comfortable" with the HOA thing mostly because you really restrict options in that area if the no HOA is a requirement. But.. I sure see some very desirable places..

We have a plan on where to drive around in Durango, then Ridgway.. This thread was useful to me!!!

[brightdoglover]

Originally Posted by waltcolorado

... But.. I sure see some very desirable places..

We have a plan on where to drive around in Durango, then Ridgway.. This thread was useful to me!!!

Have a fine and safe trip! I look forward to your observations.