Woodside
Aiken, South Carolina
Durango, Colorado
What It Is Like to Retire in Durango
Durango is one of the most interesting small towns in Colorado. Not just for retirees, but also for young people (average age is 29). 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 outdoor recreation including mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and golf. Because it is an old railroad and mining town, it has an interesting downtown. Durango is a college town, thanks to Fort Lewis College. The population is over 18,400 and growing fast.
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 $400's into the $500's, with bigger places with exceptional views costing even more. The median home value was $662,190 in early 2023, 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.
Who Will Like Retirement in Durango
Outdoors people and train buffs will find plenty to like in Durango
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism is the driver of the economy
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 with Main Ave. home to many of them. The Snowdown Festival is a big annual event, and Durango also hosts the annual Music in the Mountains summer music festival, which features performances by many of the world's finest classical musicians.
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.
Valuable Links
Retirement in ColoradoWikipedia on Durango Visit Durango City of Durango CO
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