THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN SOUTHWEST COLORADO!
In 1985, The Wells Group opened in downtown Durango. The Wells Group is proud to have its roots firmly grounded in Southwest Colorado. The Wells Group is the largest and oldest locally owned independent real estate brokerage firm in the area. Our local knowledge of the region assures that our clients are well informed of market conditions, trends, prices, land regulations, and many other variables factoring into real estate.
The enclosed information will provide you with a broad overview of Durango and surrounding areas. It includes real estate market stats, economic data, maps, and more general information.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Durango is home to Fort Lewis College, a 4-year college, which nourishes the community’s intellect and entertainment at its world class concert hall. Southwest Community College is a division of Pueblo Community College, offering transfer degree options and more.
• We are home to Mercy Regional Medical Center (Centura Health), Southwest Colorado’s largest full-service and most technologically advanced medical facility. This 82-bed, acutecare center has a level III trauma unit, Cancer Center, and Hospice House.
• We enjoy over 300 days of sunshine and four distinct seasons with entertainment and activities year-round. For instance, you can choose to ride The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge train, hike the San Juan Mountains, explore the ruins of nearby Mesa Verde, raft the Animas River, mountain bike on miles of single-track trails or ski at Purgatory Resort.
• Restaurants, art galleries, and street music make up a vital part of a lively downtown filled with year-round festivals and special events.
• Durango receives more than its fair share of media attention. Phrases like “best place to retire”, “best place to raise children”, “best resort value in the west”, and “mountain bike capital of the world” reflect the mix of beauty, tranquility, and vibrancy that describes our lifestyle.
While all these accolades are great, it’s not until you experience the community for yourself will you truly get a flavor of the Durango lifestyle and all it has to offer. You will see that it is a real town - a real community; not just a mountain getaway.
GENERAL INFORMATION
LIFE IN SOUTHWEST COLORADO
Nestled in the mountains, Durango, Colorado is a city nestled in La Plata County. Durango was founded in 1880 by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, when they extended their line from Durango to Silverton in order to haul precious metals from high country mines. Our history is rich and the city has developed into an outdoorsy, community centered, family-friendly place to call home. The culture is vibrant and showcases a wide variety of celebrations and festivals. Surrounded by outdoor activities, the public spaces are not uncommon. The restaurant and shopping scene downtown on Historic Main Avenue to the local farms with fresh-grown produce and other goods enhance the community even more.
THE GEOGRAPHY
At an elevation of 6,512 feet above sea level, Durango is situated in the Rocky Mountains and offers a high-desert climate. Durango is nestled in the San Juan mountain range offering steep cliffs and beautiful vistas. The Animas River runs directly through town and there are many man-made and alpine lakes in the area. The air is crisp and clean, but the high-altitude can take getting used to. Durango comprises 6.8 square miles and La Plata County includes 1,700 square miles.
THE CLIMATE
We get to enjoy the four seasons in Southwest Colorado with over 300 days of sunshine. Without reaching the extreme heat or cold, the moderate year-round temperatures vary from 10-90 degrees throughout the year. The springs bring warmer weather and typically rain with local plant life starting to bloom. The summer is hot, perfect for enjoying the river and lakes, but seldom reach over the mid-90s. The fall is stunning with the alpine forest changing colors and the days are cool and dry. Winter brings snow storms that average annually at 71 inches and allow for many winter activities.
THE LOCATION
Durango sits at the intersection of Highway 160 running east and west and Highway 550 stretching north and south. Being at this crossroads allows for easy accessibility, for this area, and great opportunities for regional travel.
350 miles to Denver, CO 215 miles to Albuquerque, NM 169 miles to Grand Junction, CO
461 miles to Phoenix, AZ 216 miles to Santa Fe, NM 413 miles to Salt Lake City, UT
SILVERTON
DURANGO
BAYFIELD
PAGOSA SPRINGS
NEW MEXICO
COLORADO
COLORADO
HISTORIC
GETTING AROUND
Car, bike, walking, and e-bike friendly. Durango also offers public transportation including the Durango Trolley. The Animas River Trail is a wide, paved path running over seven miles for biking and walking. The Durango - La Plata County Airport is located 15 miles from downtown Durango, services United and American Airlines with year-round, daily, non-stop flights to Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), and Phoenix (PHX) with additional seasonal direct flights.
THE DEMOGRAPHICS
POPULATION
Durango: 19,531 La Plata County: 56,607
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME
Median household income, Durango: $79,177
Median household income, La Plata County: $81,936
TOURISM
With plenty of sights to see on the way to many National Parks, Durango in known as a drive destination, with commercial air service also. During the summer of 2020, a pandemic year, Durango saw more than 739,393 unique visitors to La Plata County, according to Visit Durango, while the summer of 2021 brought in 525,878 unique visitors.
DURANGO - LA PLATA COUNTY AIRPORT
Enplaned
2021 = 199,677
2022 = 183,440 Deplaned
2021 = 197,616
2022 = 183,557
LA PLATA COUNTY LAND
Our precious private property is only 38.47% of the entire county. The balance is federal, state, and tribal lands. Out of 1,087,685 acres, only 418,432 are privately owned; this is only 7.34 acre per person! Montezuma County is around 33% private property and Archuleta County is close to the same. For context, Texas has over 80% of land held privately. They don’t make any more land in our beautiful part of the state and it is a limited supply.
SOURCE: “U.S. Census Bureau Quickfacts: Durango City, Colorado.” Quickfacts: Durango City, Colorado, United States Census Bureau.
AREA AMENITIES
Southwest Colorado wouldn’t be complete without the many opportunities made accessible and maintained by multiple organizations. Whether in nature or a public space, there are plenty of things to do in our area.
DURANGO PARKS & RECREATION
With a pool, gym, fitness center, and event facility, Durango Park & Rec also offers a multitude of competition and recreation sports for all ages.
COMMONSPIRIT MERCY HOSPITAL
Part of CommonSpirit and acting as Southwest Colorado’s largest advanced medical facility, Mercy Hospital provides 82-beds and acute care. Specialties include orthopedic & spine, cardiology, emergency, trauma, and cancer care.
FORT LEWIS COLLEGE
A four-year, liberal arts, public college, Fort Lewis College is able offer degrees ranging from business and biology to adventure education and art. Home to the Skyhawks, sports also play a big part in campus life.
DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD
A piece of Durango history, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad takes you on a journey through the San Juan National Forest. Year-round excursions allow for stunning views and include a special Polar Express train for the holidays.
PURGATORY RESORT
For winter snow activities and summer hiking and mountain biking, Purgatory Resort is over 1,600 acres located just 25 miles north of downtown Durango.
DURANGO
TRAILS
A local non-profit organization, Durango Trails aims to connect everyone with the outdoors as they maintain trails, educate users, and encourage the usage of out amazing surrounding. They also provide trail information, conditions, and map on their website.
DURANGO HOT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA
Stemming from a long history, the Durango Hot Springs offers resort style hot tubs using natural, hot spring water with 32 healing minerals.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
CITY OF DURANGO
The City of Durango provides local council, public transportation, library, and general information for residents and visitors.
DURANGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
A member based organization, the Chamber of Commerce is a great resource and advocates on behalf of the members as well as offering networking and educational programs.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE
The Economic Development Alliance is a resource for starting, moving, and growing businesses and offers incentives, insights, and education for the Four Corners Region.
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Aiming to improve local businesses and supporting them by attracting and retaining business, the Business Improvement District (BID) works with many local entities to continuously improve our local economy.
VISIT DURANGO
Also the Durango Welcome Center on Main Avenue, Visit Durango provides a wealth of knowledge from an index of the local businesses to hotels, events, and seasonal itineraries.
DURANGO HERALD
The Durango Herald is the local newspaper providing online and print stories of local/regional & national/world news, southwest life, sports, business & real estate, education, and more.
DURANGO
9-R SCHOOL DISTRICT
Our local school district, Durango 9-R, strives to be an innovative educational system committed to excellence and includes 14 schools from elementary to high school.
CHILDCARE
Reliable childcare is an important factor in where you live. Colorado Shines, Early Childhood Council of LPC, and Durango Parks & Recreation provide search platforms of area programs.
THE WELLS GROUP
Visit The Wells Group website for more area information and resources including information on neighborhoods, grocery stores, utility providers, event calendars and more.
REAL ESTATE 2024 REVIEW
SOURCE: Based on information from Colorado Real Estate Network Multiple Listing Service as of January 1st, 2021 - December 31st, 2024. The figures presented are based on data compiled from firm ranking of DAAR Members in La Plata County for all types of transactions. This information is deemed reliable. The MLS does not verify such information provided and disclaims any responsibility for its accuracy.
REAL ESTATE 2024 REVIEW
SOURCE: Based on information from Colorado Real Estate Network Multiple Listing Service as of January 1st, 2021 - December 31st, 2024. The figures presented are based on data compiled from firm ranking of DAAR Members in La Plata County for all types of transactions. This information is deemed reliable. The MLS does not verify such information provided and disclaims any responsibility for its accuracy.
