You’ve Found The Right Home For Sale in Durango, Colorado…
Now It’s Time To Relocate
Relocating to a new area generates a lot of questions. And we’re hoping that this section of our website assists you in finding answers. Sometimes the best answers are given in person- so stop by the information center or contact us by telephone at 970-764-6000 and we’ll let you know what we know. You may also request a free relocation/community profile guide from the Durango Chamber of Commerce. Another great resource for businesses, job information, and economic development information is the La Plata Economic Development Alliance. Visit their site at yeslpc.com.
Location
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the big city life, Durango sits in the Southwestern region of colorful Colorado near the infamous “Four Corners”; the only place in the United States where the borders of four states- Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona- come together. Durango is easily accessible year round- a benefit that isn’t common amongst most mountain towns- and has a unique and diverse landscape that makes outdoor enthusiasts visit Durango time and again. The breathtaking beauty of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the recreation opportunities that exist right out your front door, are just a few of the many reasons more and more folks are calling Durango home.
Geography
Throughout history, wind, water and snow have carved the extreme terrain of the Colorado Rocky Mountains that surround Durango, CO. From the majestic mountain peaks to the lush valley floors, you can discover a vast array of unusual geologic formations, historic mines, canyons, and waterfalls. The region is brimming with wildlife lured by the abundance of cascading rivers, alpine lakes and succulent vegetation. With Basque origins meaning “water town,” the town was named Durango thanks to the abundant water resources and the mighty Animas River which runs south through town parallel to Main Ave.
Climate
With its low humidity, temperate climate, and moderate elevation of 6,512 feet; Durango experiences four distinct, yet comfortable seasons each year – ideal for playing outdoors. Winters are characterized by the sparkling snow that blankets the high country and dusts the valley floors; allowing for world class skiing and boarding on the slopes and minimal shoveling in town. The temperature seldom dips into the lower digits, as the sun shines almost 300 days a year. Spring brings refreshing afternoon showers, lavish wildflower displays, and the sweet melodies of the natural world; while the summer climate averages temperatures in the 80s and seems immune to the sweltering heat found in other parts of the country. Fall rolls in with cooler temperatures, vibrant colors, and the potential of an “Indian Summer”…a last peek at shorts and sandals weather before the winter season returns.
City
Surrounded by over 2 million acres of public forest land and found within the 1700 square miles of La Plata County, the Durango city limits encompass 4.37 square miles of stunning views and crisp, clean mountain water and air. A leisurely drive through town provides its own lesson in history as the local architecture and the mindful naming of tree-lined streets, family friendly parks and distinctive memorials tell a story of the local heritage and remind us of the past.
Culture
Seeped in rich cultural history, this region embraces the differences and the similarities of the many cultures of the world. Local “tri-ethnic” traditions of the Native American, Latino and Anglo cultures are kept alive through festivals, fiestas, programs and seminars throughout the year; and are preserved, as if frozen in time, in many museums and galleries across the area.
Quality of Life
Whether into extreme sports, raising a family in a cohesive community, or finding peace and serenity; the quality of life nearly everyone desires can be discovered right here in Durango, Colorado.
The hum of the community can be heard and experienced at local gatherings such as Durango’s Farmer’s Market; where farmers, ranchers, gardeners, herbalists and artists from the surrounding five-county region, gather to share their ties to agriculture and strengthen their interconnectedness. From Music in the Mountains and the grassroots Bluegrass Meltdown, to The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic and the Durango Double festival for Runners, La Plata County provides countless opportunities to engage in and become one with the people and the land. A myriad of public parks and open space sit patiently,against the spectacular backdrop of the picturesque San Juan Mountains, just waiting to be explored.
In historic downtown, independent retailers offer hand-crafted commodities indigenous to the area for locals and visitors alike. Cuisine, music, and art enthusiasts satisfy their appetites through visiting the local restaurants, brew pubs, galleries, museums, and theaters.
Adventure
Looking for adventure? Both novice and expert can try their hand at the many outdoor activities the local topography offers. Whitewater river sports; world-class mountain biking, skiing and boarding; unsurpassed rock climbing; and backpacking the diverse terrain…are just a few ways to get your blood pumping and to capture the beauty of the land. Experienced local guides can be hired to enhance your outdoor adventures and increase your familiarity of the area, while providing a safe alternative to solo exploration.
Leisure & Family Fun
Durango also offers countless opportunities for leisure, relaxation, and family fun. Take a drive along the scenic San Juan Skyway, rejuvenate with a full body message at a local spa, go boating at Vallecito Lake or Lemon Dam, ride endless trails on the back of a horse, fly fish in “gold medal” waters, or pedal the 5 miles of paved trail along the Animas River through town. One can even relive the history of the area by retracing the steps of the Ancestral Pueblo people at the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, or by riding the infamous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through the dramatic canyons in the remote wilderness of the San Juan National Forest.
www.nps.gov/meve
www.durangotrain.com
Population
Historically, La Plata County had experienced fluctuating population growth due to the variable economies associated with its hit-or-miss mining and oil & gas industries. However, driven by an instinctual need to reconnect with the land and to experience the extreme, people from all corners of the world have journeyed to this region, creating a thriving tourism industry in recent years. This, coupled with other non-seasonal industries, has allowed for more consistent growth and stabilization of the local economy. Through conscientious land planning and environmental awareness, La Plata County has achieved a delicate balance of expansion and preservation.
Durango School District 9-R
With individual school missions incorporating references to honor, responsibility, culture and dreams, the Durango School District 9-R strives to assist all students in achieving “their personal potential” and to “graduate with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to be effective and responsible local and global citizens.” While serving over 5,000 students, this public school district has simultaneously succeeded in exceeding the academic standards mandated by the state of Colorado.
Factual Data
- 7 Elementary Schools (Animas, Florida Mesa, Fort Lewis Mesa, Needham, Park, Riverview, Sunnyside)
- 2 Middle Schools (Escalante, Miller)
- 1 High School (Durango)
Private Schools
For a more exclusive primary education, Durango residents have the options of attending Colorado Timberline Academy, Columbine Christian School, or St. Columba School.
www.ctaedu.org
www.durangosda.org/ccs/index.htm
www.dioceseofpueblo.com/Schools/Catholic%20Schools.htm
Fort Lewis College
Overlooking historic downtown, Fort Lewis College is an independent four-year public liberal arts institution serving approximately 4,500 students. The college offers 24 different degree programs within its schools of Arts & Sciences, Education, and Business Administration. In addition, Fort Lewis provides continuing education classes, business consultation services, and other service programs to the area.
www.fortlewis.edu
Southwest Colorado Community College
Southwest Colorado Community College (SCCC) is located in beautiful downtown Durango and is a fully-accredited two-year college. The school offers foundational courses for those in need of basic skills and associate degrees in several fields.
www.pueblocc.edu/Campuses/SCCC/
The Durango Adult Education Center
Adults, seniors and youth can all find educational resources such as GED, ESOL, and tutoring, through the Durango Adult Education Center in Durango. This private, non-profit organization provides affordable education services, and is found just blocks from historic downtown.
www.durangoaec.org/index.htm
Transportation
Air Service
While Durango is accessible by road year round, the quickest way to arrive is often by air. Offering daily flights with service to and from the major hubs of Denver and Phoenix, the Durango/La Plata County Airport is just minutes southeast of Durango - accessed via US Highways 160 and 172. Although publicly-owned and jointly operated by the City of Durango and La Plata County, private aircraft and travel services are available through the airport as well.
Bus Service
TNM&O currently offers daily transportation services along its north-south route, connecting Durango to Silverton and Grand Junction in Colorado; and to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Public Transportation
- The Durango Transit, or “T”, provides public transportation throughout town and to Fort Lewis College via small buses (equipped with bike racks) and trolleys; and is operated by the City of Durango.
- The Southern Ute Indian Tribe provides daily round-trip routes connecting Durango to the neighboring towns of Bayfield and Ignacio through the Road Runner Transit system, which is operated by the Southern Ute Community Action Program.
Car Rental and Taxi/Limousine Service
Car Rental Companies are primarily located at the Durango-La Plata County Airport and include: Budget, Enterprise, Avis, Hertz and National. Please visit these companies online for more information.
There are several airport shuttle and taxi services in Durango. For more information, visit:durangobusinsss.org or these companies:
Buck Horn Limousine: 970-769-0933
www.buckhornlimousine.com
Durango Transportation: 970-259-4818.
www.durangotransportation.net
Luxe Limo Services, LLC: 970-946-6387
www.oneluxelimo.com
New Air Helicopters (Animas Air Park): 970-247-6247
www.new-air.com
