Durango : Colorado


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Living a Biking Lifestyle in Durango, Colorado

Durango is one of the coolest and most popular towns in Colorado for outdoor-oriented people (the average age is 29). Road and mountain biking are both popular pursuits both on the roads and in the nearby mountains. Located in the southwestern part of the state, Durango has convenient access to at least 5 major ski areas including Purgatory (about 25 miles away). The Animas River, a gold medal fly fishing stream, flows through the center of town. The town is world famous for every kind of outodoor recreation including mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and golf. This old railroad and mining town has an interesting downtown.

Where to Retire in Durango and Home Prices

There are active adult communities in Durango (see link at top left).
Real estate is fairly expensive with houses costing in a range of the high $200's into the $400's, with bigger places with exceptional views costing even more. The median home value was $668,031 in early 2022, and up almost 35% during the past year, according to Zillow. Property taxes are low.

What Is Special about Durango

The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a big attraction since it features antique railroad cars and a steam locomotive. There are mountain biking championships, great skiing and fly fishing, The annual Snowdown festival is big. Mesa Verde National Park is a Unesco World Heritage site - it is the home of prehistoric cliff dwellings.

What Is Not Special about Durango

Durango is a small town that is pretty far away from city of any size. Real estate is quite expensive by national standards.

Climate and Physical Environment

Durango is located at an elevation of 6500 feet in southwestern Colorado near the 4 corners (where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona meet). It is on the Animas River in the San Juan Mountains. Average July temp is in the low 60s and the average Jan temp is in the low 20s.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Fort Lewis College is in Durango, as is Pueblo Community College; there are local artisans and shops; The Snowdown Festival is a big annual event. Durango also hosts the annual Music in the Mountains summer music festival, which features performances by many of the world's finest classical musicians. Main Ave. is home to many restaurants and shops.

Crime

Crime in Durango is about half the national average.

Medical Facilities

Mercy Medical Center provides medical services for the Durango area.

Transportation

Durango-LaPlata Airport near Ignacias is a major regional airport for southwestern Colorado; Durango is average in walkability when compared to other communities.