THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN SOUTHWEST COLORADO!
In 1985, The Wells Group opened in downtown Durango. We are proud to have our 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 CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital, Southwest Colorado’s largest full-service and most technologically advanced medical facility. This 82-bed, acute- care center has a level III trauma unit, Cancer Center, and Hospice House.
• We enjoy over 300 days of sunshine and four distinct seasons with events and activities year-round. Ride The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge train, hike the San Juan Mountains, explore the ruins of nearby Mesa Verde National Park, raft the Animas River, mountain bike on miles of single-track trails or ski at Purgatory Resort; there are countless ways to enjoy all that Southwest Colorado has to offer.
• Restaurants, art galleries, and street music make up a vital part of our lively downtown, filled with year-round festivals and special events.
• Durango receives more than its fair share of media attention. Accolades 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 these honors are great, it’s not until you experience the community for yourself that you truly get a flavor of the Durango lifestyle. 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 the county seat 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, public land and green spaces are not uncommon. From the unique restaurants and shops on Historic Main Avenue, to local farms and artisans crafting their goods, Durango’s deep roots enrich the community even more.
THE GEOGRAPHY
Durango is situated in the Rocky Mountains, 6,512 feet above sea level, and offers a highdesert climate. With 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 some acclimation. Durango encompasses 6.8 square miles and La Plata County includes 1,700 square miles.
THE CLIMATE
We get to enjoy all four seasons in Southwest Colorado with over 300 days of sunshine. Without reaching extreme heat or cold, the moderate year-round temperatures vary from 10-90 degrees throughout the year. The spring brings warmer weather and typically rain with local plant life starting to bloom. The summer is warm, perfect for camping and enjoying our river and lakes. The fall is stunning with the alpine forest changing colors and cool and dry days. Winter brings snow with an annual average of 71 inches, allowing 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. This prime location offers easy accessibility, excellent opportunities for regional travel, and gorgeous scenery.
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
GETTING AROUND
Durango is accessible by car, bike, walking, and is e-bike friendly. It also offers public transportation, including the Durango Trolley, which runs along Main Ave. The Animas River Trail is a wide, paved, multi-use path running over seven miles through town. The Durango - La Plata County Airport is located 15 miles from downtown Durango and services United and American Airlines with year-round, daily, non-stop flights to Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), and Phoenix (PHX) along 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
LA PLATA COUNTY LAND
Deplaned
2021 = 197,616
2022 = 183,557
Private property makes up 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.
SOURCE: “U.S. Census Bureau Quickfacts: Durango City, Colorado.” Quickfacts: Durango City, Colorado, United States Census Bureau.
AREA AMENITIES
Southwest Colorado wouldn’t be the same without the numerous opportunities provided and maintained by multiple local organizations. Whether in nature or public spaces, there are plenty of activities to enjoy 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
Fort Lewis College, a four-year, liberal arts, is a public college and offers degrees ranging from business and biology to adventure education and art. Home to the Skyhawks, athletics also play a big part of campus life.
DURANGO & SILVERTON NARROW GAUGE RAILROAD
A large piece of Durango history, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad takes you on a journey through the San Juan National Forest. Year-round excursions showcase stunning views, and you won’t want to miss the Polar Express train for the holidays.
PURGATORY
RESORT
For winter snow activities and summer hiking and mountain biking (plus many other attractions), Purgatory Resort is over 1,600 acres and located just 25 miles north of downtown Durango.
DURANGO TRAILS
Durango Trails is a local non-profit organization and aims to connect people with the outdoors by maintaining trails, educating users, and encouraging the usage of our amazing surroundings. They also provide trail information, conditions, and maps on their website.
DURANGO HOT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA
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 services, public transportation, the Durango Public Library, and general information for residents and visitors.
VISIT DURANGO
Visit Durango and the Durango Welcome Center on Main Ave provide a wealth of knowledge, from an index of local businesses, to hotel, events, area attractions, and seasonal itineraries.
DURANGO HERALD
The Durango Herald is the local newspaper which provides online and print editions of local/ regional & national/world news, southwest life, sports, business & real estate, and more.
DURANGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Chamber of Commerce is a member-based organization and a great recourse for local businesses and services. They also offer networking and educational programs.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE
The Economic Development Alliance provides valuable resources for businesses in La Plata County, whether they are in the conceptual phase, newly established, or established businesses. Offering incentives and educational support, the Alliance focuses on workforce housing, workforce development, and business growth.
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
BID is dedicated to strengthening the local economy by attractive and supporting businesses in Downtown Durango and along the North Main corridor. They work closely with local organizations to continuously enhance our community and ensure its vitality and growth.
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 options.
THE WELLS GROUP & THE DURANGO TEAM
Visit The Wells Group website for additional information and resources including neighborhoods, grocery stores, utility providers, event calendars and more. Explore The Durango Team’s website for more Southwest Colorado resources and weekly blogs about things to do, lifestyle, and real estate news.
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.