moving to Durango, Colorado (Pagosa Springs, Fraser: school, live, store)

[Idunn]

Bayfield should be more pick-up truck Colorado than Durango. How much more so, cannot say as never having spent much time there. Moreover, it has surely changed as Durango has, probably becoming more like its larger neighbor with possible commuters and so forth.

It never struck me as having a particularly advantageous location: sort of high and dry and not much more than a wide spot on the road (at one time), versus Durango along a major river, with direct access north into the San Juans, and no lack of scenery. This impression is surely born out by the relative size, importance, and popularity of these two respective towns.

Although to be fair to Bayfield and environs, I believe a view of the San Juans can be had here and there, and in some proximity probably some perfectly fine country to be had. For those thinking Durango is too crowded, it might be just the antidote with more elbow room and lower real estate costs.

The two may be fairly close together, yet probably still with more dissimilarities than that in common. I wouldn't think anyone loving Durango would be all that happy in Bayfield, and vice versa.

[onthemove28]

Thank you very much.

[NW Crow]

One of my ex-bosses lives in Bayfield. He owns a Prius and pickup. He pretty much drives the pickup to move his boat or RV or do chores. He has been happy to live in Bayfield and work in Durango for 30 years. He has a great view out his living room window and got it at a good price back when.



Using one source of housing price data, the city of Durango itself only has about 26% of properties valued at over $300,000, 36% between $200,000 and $300,000. 38% below $200,000. Look at the average price and / or listen to some people and you mostly hear about one part of that reality. But all parts exist. 21% of the homes in Bayfield are over $300,000. City of Durango 5.5% properties over $500,000. Bayfield 4.5%. Big difference? Not really. The fancy homes tend to be in La Plata County. 10% over $500,000 from the entire county, so about 12.5% for the non-Durango, non-Bayfield portions of the county. Is that a lot? Depends on perspective. La Plata County with 2.7% of housing units worth over $1 million. City of Aspen 43%. Most places it is well below 1% but how you react to La Plata County having 2.7% is up to you. Does 1 house in nearly 40 being that expensive make it a place crawling with super-yuppies?

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by Becky!

My man and I are looking to move to Durango, Colorado around September/ October of this year. We have no jobs or apartment lined up. From researching online we have found it to be expensive to live in Durango. We find that Durango really fits our personalities; we love the mountains, hiking, kayaking, biking, & skiing. Is there anywhere close by that is cheaper than Durango, but a lot like it? We don't need a large apartment, we have a cat, and are looking to pay, at most, $600 in rent. We are visiting Colorado at the end of July to check out some areas. Any information would be appreciated!!

Yeah. Go back in January and see how you like it then.

20yrsinBranson

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by kateyj2010

Hi, gang!

I just caught up on the posts left since my last message. I got too busy actually moving to Durango to talk about it.

Now that we are here, having arrived in early August, I can say that we, my kids and I, really, really, like it here. ... We can't say enough about how much we LOVE the San Juans and the Animas Valley. ... I can tell folks with high school-age kids that there are more education options here than in our county in MD, from an above-average "typical" high school, to an exceptional charter school, to other alternative schools, including a new virtual high school for more non-traditional learners. Both of my teens are happy with their school choices. ... We've found a terrific bicycle store, hiking store, local MD and veterinarian.

The cost of groceries is LOWER than the DC/Baltimore/Annapolis area, even for organic and natural foods. The WalMart is packed all day, every day, and can't keep the shelves stocked. The grocery stores have everything we are used to getting, and almost all of it is cheaper than in MD.

I'm saving on gas, as we just don't have very far to drive to anything -- except the trek every weekend up toward Molas Pass. .... As everyone has said, affordable housing is a serious issue here in Durango. The in-town prices for even modest, small houses, are ridiculous. I think Durango's housing may be even slightly more expensive than our Annapolis location. ... Thanks to all of you for a spirited, entertaining and informative discussion! I'm happy to answer questions, as a Durango newcomer with boots on the ground.

Good to hear that things are going well. As a long-time Baltimoron I understand your remarks about Annapolis prices vs Durango prices. I spent some of my growing up years on the Severn River and know there's a premium to pay for being in superb natural locations.

[DurangoJoe]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

Good to hear that things are going well. As a long-time Baltimoron I understand your remarks about Annapolis prices vs Durango prices. I spent some of my growing up years on the Severn River and know there's a premium to pay for being in superb natural locations.

Spent the weekend on Kent Island/Narrows two weeks ago. Wonderful place and a perfect example of a "desirable" place where you spend a premium to buy a house.

[onthemove28]

How bad is I-60 Eastbound to Durango in late October? Is there already snow on the road?

I am reading horror stories about Wolf's pass and I-60 snowy bends that already have my knuckes white..

This will not be a fun trip.

I'm guessing AWD Subaru's are recommended for that drive..

[DurangoJoe]

Originally Posted by onthemove28

How bad is I-60 Eastbound to Durango in late October? Is there already snow on the road?

I am reading horror stories about Wolf's pass and I-60 snowy bends that already have my knuckes white..

This will not be a fun trip.

I'm guessing AWD Subaru's are recommended for that drive..

I assume you mean US-160? There are no E/W interstates across southern CO. US-160 is 2 lane across the southern part of the state.

[onthemove28]

Originally Posted by SoButCounty

I assume you mean US-160? There are no E/W interstates across southern CO. US-160 is 2 lane across the southern part of the state.

Sorry, yes that is what I meant.

[CosmicWizard]

IMO, one of the very attractive features of Durango is it's realtively isolated location with NO interstate highway nearby.