From cozy, small towns to thriving, exciting cities, Colorful Colorado has it all.
Colorado is known for its recreational activities, access to nature, and beautiful scenery — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that more and more people are starting to make the move to Colorado. From cozy mountain towns to bustling metropolitan cities, this highly sought-after state has it all. For the purpose of this post, let’s focus on all the Roaring Fork neighborhoods.
Moving to a new place can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. But don’t worry — we’re here to help you decipher which Roaring Fork community is right for you and your family! From Aspen to Woody Creek, read on to learn about six of the state’s most desirable places to call home.
1. Aspen
Nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is famous for its healthy lifestyle, culture, and recreational activities. This quaint mountain town was founded in 1880 and once served as a Victorian mining town. Situated at the head of the Roaring Fork Valley, Aspen has a population of roughly 7,500 residents. This consists of both full-time residents as well as seasonal residents. Individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds are attracted to everything Aspen has to offer.
Aspen is comprised of five main areas: Red Mountain, Aspen Core, East Aspen, West Aspen, and the West End. Luxury real estate in Aspen includes single-family homes, ranches, and condos, which continue to be in high demand. While properties within Aspen Core, the West End, and Red Mountain are consistently in high demand, COVID has changed the mindset of many buyers who prefer more space and land further from the downtown area. Inventory has diminished as people continue to invest in every Aspen area, including rural areas like Mclain Flats and Woody Creek.
Visitors and locals alike love Aspen for its endless plethora of year-round outdoor recreation. This includes dirt biking, hiking, gold medal fishing, white water rafting, cycling, hunting, and world-class skiing that takes place. In addition to its exciting outdoor activities, the city and surrounding valley have even more to offer. Here you’ll find theaters, film festivals, and food, wine, and beer festivals. The Food & Wine Classic festival, which takes place in September, is a celebrated event that brings the community together over delicious food, top-notch wine, and an overall great time.
Although Aspen is undeniably a destination resort, it also resembles a true western town with horseback riding, ranches, rodeos, hunting, and endless opportunities for camping. Whether you are strolling through the Aspen Art Museum, kicking off your weekend with mountaintop yoga, or rafting along the Roaring Fork River, you’ll love everything that Aspen has in store.
2. Basalt
If you enjoy fly fishing or mountain biking, we’ve got just the place for you! Located in the Roaring Fork Valley, Basalt is a quaint and charming mountain town situated at the confluence of two gold-medal trout streams: the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers. With a population of just under 4,000, Basalt is the epitome of the quintessential small-town life and is located just 25 minutes from Aspen. This town was founded over 150 years ago, and even today, the landscape and look of downtown remain relatively unchanged.
Historic, energetic, and friendly are just a few words that describe this town. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the variety of local restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops in the historic downtown, as well as the urbanesque development of Willits Town Center. This bustling center has a town square, parks, shopping, living, and recreation, all within walking distance. Located on the town’s western edge, Willis Town Center is home to new stores and loft-style living. This area is especially popular with young working professionals.
However, individuals from all walks of life are attracted to the more affordable real estate and the approachable lifestyle that Basalt has to offer. Residents here enjoy a peaceful environment with close access to nature. To make it even better, living here puts you just 20 minutes away from Aspen’s world-class ski slopes and cultural offerings.
3. Carbondale
A Rocky Mountain oasis, Carbondale is known for its genuinely friendly residents and close-knit community feels. This small town has a population of just under 7,000, which consists of both year-round locals and seasonal residents.
The land in and around Carbondale was opened up to homesteaders in 1888, the same year the town was founded. Many early pioneers came to the area for farming and ranching opportunities, and Carbondale eventually became known for its cattle ranching. You can learn more about the rich history of the area at the Carbondale Historical Society.
Since its humble origins, this cozy Colorado town has become home to a mix of ranchers, artists, organic farmers, and retired business owners. It is known for its incredible culinary scene, dedication to art and culture, active lifestyle, and revolving calendar of festivals. With a lower altitude, Carbondale’s milder climate offers locals and guests longer weeks of spring, summer, and fall to take advantage of the great outdoors. With an undeniable sense of community, Carbondale is the type of place where people come to plant their roots and build a life.
4. Old Snowmass
With riverfront farms, luscious green pastures, and picturesque ranches, Old Snowmass could hardly be more picture-perfect. Located between Aspen and Basalt, this storied mountain town looks like it could grace the cover of a postcard. Here you will find horses gallivanting through fields, stunning sunsets, and roads that stretch out to the mountains along a rushing Snowmass Creek.
Old Snowmass is a desirable option for those who crave a more quiet, secluded lifestyle and the best of Aspen living — without the crowds. Likewise, the access to mountain trails provides a plethora of opportunities for horsemen, hikers, and four-wheel enthusiasts. Regardless of which adventure you choose, you can expect to find towering, snow-capped mountains, bubbling creeks, and budding wildflowers.
Old Snowmass is not just known for its stunning natural beauty but also for its dedication to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. The environment is woven into daily life here, and residents are urged to explore the area respectfully and consciously.
5. Snowmass Village
Snowmass Village, a rare gem in the Colorado Rockies, is a small, serene mountain community within a world-class ski resort. In fact, it is one of the only ski mountains in the area that is truly ski-in/ski-out, making it a top resort destination.
Snowmass Village is known for its tight-knit community and world-class sporting scene. It’s this vibrant sporting scene that draws ski enthusiasts from all across the world. In addition to being a top-notch ski destination, Snowmass Village is also a great option for those who love the mountain lifestyle. Here you will find a newly expanded network of biking and hiking trails and prime golfing, which offer residents and visitors unbeatable access to nature.
Outdoor recreation isn’t the only thing that Snowmass Village has going for it! The town is filled with art, food and spirits, community ovens, local restaurants, and coffee shops to warm you off after a day on the mountain. During the summer months, consider attending concerts at the Jazz Aspen Snowmass. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your neighbors and soak up the sunshine! Snowmass Village real estate has boomed over the past year. It is a nice alternative to Aspen prices, and development is on the rise.
6. Woody Creek
Located close to Aspen, Woody Creek offers residents a slice of small-town mountain life. It is also just minutes away from Snowmass Village, which makes it easy to spend the day on the slopes whenever you choose. This mountain hideaway consists of rolling green hills and ranch land. Many of the luxurious properties overlook the four ski areas. Other properties are nestled alongside the Roaring Fork River, where you can experience world-class fly-fishing.
Woody Creek attracts individuals from various backgrounds, ranging from ranchers to artists and outdoor enthusiasts. In this quiet rural area, you won’t find luxury shopping or upscale eateries. But you will experience an unmatched level of freedom and quiet. This town provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle and endless noise of city life.
Life here is far from boring, though! The Woody Creek Community Center holds regular events, such as French classes, art exhibits, and author readings. Meanwhile, the Woody Creek Tavern is the perfect spot to catch up with friends or rejuvenate after a day on the trails.
If you’re ready to take a leap and make the move to Colorful Colorado, contact Steven Shane today. Steven is the premier Aspen luxury broker and an expert in real estate in the Roaring Fork Valley and serves a wide range of neighborhoods. If you are interested in Aspen luxury homes for sale, Steven is equipped to help you find the perfect place. There’s never been a better time to make the move to Colorado, where adventure and beauty await you!
