It can be challenging to find affordable real estate in Colorado. The eastern part of the state offers the cheapest real estate. But the isolation and lack of recreational opportunities like skiing make it largely undesirable as a vacation destination – let alone a spot to own a vacation home. To get the most out of a second home in Colorado, it should be in the mountains west of Denver and within a reasonable distance from one of the state’s incredible ski resorts. And, while no real estate in the Rocky Mountains is considered “cheap,” there are still a few affordable spots where you can purchase a vacation ski home or condo for less than seven figures. This post highlights six of Colorado’s most affordable places to buy a vacation home.
Delta
Average Sales Price: $365,270
Delta County has properties for sale for those who want to enjoy the mountain lifestyle with easy access to the great outdoors. There are homes for sale along the majestic Gunnison River or by Switzer Lake Park, a large lake with recreational activities like boating, swimming, and fishing. Delta has about 9,000 people, mostly in single-family homes, townhouses, and some condos. There are a few gated communities perfect for families with growing children. Delta is a great place to find affordable real estate in Colorado.
Delta has many lovely homes for families just starting or those needing an upgrade from their current digs. Many of the homes have recently been refurbished or are in well-preserved originals. Delta has affordable new-build homes with character. Farther from town are more remote farms and ranches. Some well-served lots have outbuildings for livestock or businesses. It can be a unique opportunity to own and operate a world-class rope, equestrian facility, or arena.
Grand Junction
Average Sales Price: $416,433
Grand Junction hasn’t experienced the recent mega-boom of real estate… yet – but it’s coming. Grand Junction is the biggest Western Slope city with just over 100,000 residents and features pockets of affordable real estate in Colorado. There are many neighboring communities within a few miles, including towns like Palisade and Fruita. The area has numerous affordable houses, condos, duplexes, townhouses, and mobile homes. Some are in subdivisions or planned communities.
Residents can enjoy world-class whitewater rafting on the Colorado, Gunnison, and Green Rivers, mountain biking in Fruita and Moab, and fishing, skiing, and snowboarding on the slopes of the nearby Great Mesa and Powderhorn Ski Resort. Breathtaking hikes await at Colorado National Monument, just minutes from home. Famous cities like Aspen, Telluride, Ouray, and Moab are just a short day trip away; there are national parks, hot springs, ghost towns, festivals, and more outdoor adventures you won’t be able to experience in a lifetime. Grand Junction also hosts community and cultural events throughout the year, including baseball games at the Junior College World Series, downtown events and festivals, professional barbecues, and tastings at many area wineries.
Montrose
Average Sales Price: $464,719
Montrose County is ideally located approximately 65 miles from Grand Junction and Telluride. Montrose has smaller homes, condos for sale, and larger homes ideal for active families with young children. Many potential homeowners choose Montrose for its affordability, availability, and beautiful views. Skiing and other winter adventures are never far away. Located in the upper Uncompahgre Valley, the town is a transit point for the surrounding leisure industry.
Located on Colorado’s West Slope, Montrose is the center of year-round outdoor adventure. From the majestic peaks of the San Juan Mountains in the south to the deep black canyons of Gunnison National Park in the east, the western Colorado town of Montrose is pure bliss for any outdoor enthusiast. Surrounded by lush natural beauty, this self-governing community offers endless opportunities for exploration, adventure, and recreation. Experience the majesty of Black Canyon National Park, which offers spectacular views and unique activities such as hiking and rock climbing. Other activities include rafting, gold medal fishing, mountain biking in Gunnison Canyon National Preserve, and capturing Colorado’s stunning mountain views on scenic, historic trails. In winter, Montrose offers fantastic snowshoeing in Black Canyon National Park. There is also snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing around the Uncompahgre Plateau and Great Mesa, less than two hours from the legendary ski fields of Telluride and Crested Butte while still offering affordable real estate in Colorado
Glenwood Springs
Average Sales Price: $860,967
Garfield County has some of the last affordable real estate on the Western Slope that’s close to the ski resorts. There are properties of all types, from single-family homes, condos, townhouses, cottages, mobile homes, bungalows, and cottages to expansive hilltop estates in gated communities and large pristine lots available to build your dream home. Glenwood Springs is the largest city in Garfield County and has many homes, condos, and lots to build.
Glenwood Springs real estate is perfect for those who love the outdoors any time of the year. With a population of approximately 10,000 people, Glenwood Springs is a year-round mountain tourism destination. It is located at the confluence of the Roaring Fork River, which flows down from Aspen. Glenwood is also on the Colorado River, which flows northeast through beautiful Glenwood Canyon. The rivers offer some of the best fishing in Colorado and some of the most scenic and exciting whitewater rafting in the West. The city has ski slopes, golf courses, adventure parks, biking and hiking trails, shopping centers, a variety of major department stores, fast food, fine dining restaurants, movie theaters, quaint boutiques, and a vibrant downtown nightlife and still comparatively affordable real estate in Colorado.
Silverthorne
Average Sales Price: $978,293
Only an hour west of Denver on I-70, Silverthorne has everything you could ask for in a mountain town. First, it’s a family-friendly town and the commercial center of Summit County, boasting the best shopping and superstores in the region. It’s also a hub for summer concerts and festivals all year long. Its numerous factory outlets have been thrilling bargain hunters for years. On the real estate side, a few bargains can also be had. There are homes, townhomes, duplexes, and condos of all shapes and sizes. With an average home price under $1 million, Silverthorne is considerably less expensive than neighboring ski communities.
Situated in the heart of Summit County, when you buy a home in Silverthorne, you’re less than an hour from world-class skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Breckenridge. Steamboat Springs and Winter Park are less than an hour’s drive from Silverthorne. In the summer, you’re never too far away from epic hiking and biking trails. There is also championship golf, Gold Medal fly-fishing, and scenic whitewater rafting at Idaho Springs and Glenwood Springs. Lake Dillion, just south of Silverthorne, is the county’s hotspot for lake life in the summer.
