Top 5 Reasons You’ll Love Living in Durango, Colorado

Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s southwestern landscape, Durango boasts a unique blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and abundant recreational opportunities. Known for its preserved historic sites, diverse cultural landscape, and robust outdoor lifestyle, Durango has attracted residents and tourists alike for generations. For anyone considering a move to Colorado or exploring a second home, Durango offers a lifestyle where the majesty of nature meets a vibrant community spirit. This blog delves into five compelling reasons to make Durango your home, explores some of the best activities in the area, and provides insights into what living in this remarkable mountain town looks like in 2024 and beyond.

---

1. Culinary Creativity Abounds

Durango has long been a culinary gem in Colorado, offering a vibrant food scene that consistently rivals more prominent cities. Although Durango’s population is modest, the city has one of the highest restaurant-per-capita ratios, famously outpacing even San Francisco at one time. Accommodation and food services are significant parts of the local economy. Locals and visitors can savor everything from farm-to-table delicacies to artisan brews and Southwestern-inspired dishes.

A popular annual event, Taste of Durango, showcases the city’s rich food culture, with food trucks, local chefs, and brewers coming together to celebrate culinary innovation. The Diamond Belle Saloon offers a distinctive dining experience, adding to Durango’s unique culinary landscape. Renowned local producers like Ska Brewing and Honeyville offer specialty items that have become staples in Durango and stores across Colorado. And who could forget the iconic green chili from the Durango Diner? In Durango, food is more than just sustenance; it’s a way to bring the community together, celebrate local agriculture, and explore diverse flavors.

2. A Hub for Hollywood Magic

With its expansive wilderness and cinematic landscapes, Durango has been a backdrop for numerous movies and TV shows. Films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and National Lampoon’s Vacation found an ideal setting in Durango’s rugged terrain and iconic Western scenery. Visitors and residents can even visit Baker’s Bridge, the spot where Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid took a legendary plunge into the Animas River.

The town’s Old West aesthetic, combined with its accessible, breathtaking vistas, continues to attract filmmakers today. This connection to Hollywood not only brings an air of glamour to Durango but also underscores its timeless charm and dramatic natural beauty, making it an attractive place for those who appreciate history and pop culture.

3. An Artistic Haven

Artists, authors, and creative minds have long been drawn to Durango’s enchanting scenery and laid-back mountain lifestyle. However, the challenges of affordable housing in Durango, particularly for college students and young couples, are significant due to skyrocketing housing prices and stagnant local wages. Historic hotels like the Strater Hotel and the General Palmer Hotel offer visitors a chance to stay in spaces where legendary authors like Louis L’Amour found inspiration. Today, Durango is home to numerous galleries, cultural events, and art festivals, celebrating the creativity that thrives here.

This vibrant arts culture offers residents a unique way to connect with the community, whether through gallery strolls, local theater performances, or art workshops. Living in Durango provides constant inspiration—highly valued by creatives, families, and retirees.

4. A Mecca for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Athletes

For those who thrive on outdoor adventure, Durango is a true paradise. With trails that wind through spruce forests and powder-covered slopes in winter, Durango has become a training ground for world-class athletes. Endurance runners, mountain bikers, and winter sports enthusiasts regularly travel to Durango’s mountains and trails for competitive events and personal training. Retail trade is another significant industry in Durango, providing numerous job opportunities alongside tourism, accommodation, and food services.

Events like the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic and the Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run attract competitors worldwide, and renowned athletes like Olympian Ruthie Matthes and mountain biker Ned Overend call Durango home. Residents enjoy easy access to some of the country’s best recreational areas, where physical activity isn’t just a hobby—it’s part of the Durango lifestyle.

5. Unparalleled Scenic Beauty and Fishing Spots

Durango’s Animas River features a stretch of Gold Medal fishing waters—a highly prized designation that promises exceptional fishing experiences. This 4-mile section of the river offers plenty of brown and rainbow trout for anglers of all skill levels. To fish here is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the river and a unique privilege to experience some of Colorado’s best waters.

The scenic beauty doesn’t stop there. From the nearby San Juan Mountains to the desert canyons and dense forests, Durango’s surroundings are a study in natural splendor. For residents, every day holds the possibility of a new adventure, whether on foot, by bike, or casting a line in one of Durango’s sparkling streams.

Best Outdoor Activities to Do in Durango, CO

1. Embark on the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad Adventure

A journey on the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad is like stepping back in time. This iconic railway route takes passengers from Durango through mountainous terrain and alongside the Animas River. The Animas River Trail, a key attraction, offers captivating scenery of the Animas River Valley and the San Juan Mountains, all the way to Silverton, an old mining town in the San Juan Mountains. The train’s coal-fired steam engine and vintage carriages provide a nostalgic yet exhilarating experience. During winter, the train only goes partway to Cascade Canyon, allowing visitors a safer journey through scenic landscapes blanketed in snow.

2. Ski at Purgatory Resort

Durango’s Purgatory Resort is a beloved destination for skiers of all skill levels. With frequent, generous snowfall and well-maintained beginner and intermediate trails, Purgatory is accessible yet challenging. The resort has expanded its offerings to include not just skiing but also tubing, snowshoeing, and family-friendly winter activities, making it a popular choice for all ages.

3. Summer Fun at Purgatory Resort

In the warmer months, Purgatory Resort transforms into an adventure playground. The Inferno Mountain Coaster, for instance, winds down the slopes, thrilling visitors with twists, turns, and even a 360-degree loop. Mountain bikers can enjoy dedicated downhill trails. Mountain biking is a popular activity here, attracting outdoor enthusiasts. Those looking for a slower pace can try the alpine slide or take a scenic chairlift ride. With so much to do, Purgatory makes Durango a year-round destination for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.

4. Visit Mesa Verde National Park

Just over an hour from Durango, Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans. Guided tours allow visitors to walk through ancient homes carved into cliffs, where people lived as far back as 1200 AD. Living in Durango means having easy access to this monumental park, where history, archaeology, and breathtaking landscapes converge.

5. Drive the Million Dollar Highway and San Juan Scenic Byway

The Million Dollar Highway—part of the San Juan Scenic Byway—offers a 233-mile loop through Colorado’s most striking landscapes, from Durango to Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride. With cliffs, breathtaking vistas, and historic mining sites along the way, this drive is a must-do for both visitors and residents. Whether during the vibrant colors of fall or the snow-covered beauty of winter, the byway is an unforgettable journey through Colorado’s mountainous wonders.

6. Hike the Colorado Trail

Durango serves as the southern terminus of the Colorado Trail, a nearly 500-mile path that runs through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This trail provides challenging terrain for mountain bikers and long-distance hikers, but shorter day hikes are also popular. Local favorites include the trail’s section near Gudy’s Rest, where panoramic views await those who venture higher. Living near the trail means easy access to one of Colorado’s most beloved wilderness areas. The variety of outdoor activities available in Durango, including hiking, skiing, fishing, and biking, makes it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Living in Durango: A Slice of Colorado Heaven

Durango’s real estate market reflects the town’s desirability. There’s a diverse range of housing options, from historic homes downtown to newer builds on the outskirts. The median household income in Durango highlights the area’s economic landscape and job market. However, to find the right fit, especially in such a competitive market, working with an experienced lender is essential. Rental prices in Durango are lower than the statewide average, with the average rent of just over $2,221. With Beacon Lending, you get more than just a pre-approval; you get a dedicated guide through every step of the mortgage process.

Why Work with Beacon Lending for Your Durango Colorado Home Purchase?

For homebuyers considering Durango, Beacon Lending provides a tailored approach that stands out in a crowded lending field. As a lending partner, Beacon Lending doesn’t just focus on numbers—we understand that buying a home in Durango is about finding your piece of paradise.

Here’s why Beacon Lending is the perfect choice for Durango buyers:

• Industry Expertise with a Personal Touch: With extensive experience in helping buyers navigate the Colorado market, we take a personalized approach to find the best financing options for your unique needs, even if you’re a self-employed borrower or an investor without conventional income documentation.

• Specialized Loan Programs: From Veterans Affairs (VA) loans to Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans, Beacon Lending offers loan products suited to diverse financial situations

  to secure financing even if you don’t fit into the traditional mold.

• Fast, Transparent Pre-Approval Process: Beacon Lending’s pre-approval process is efficient and straightforward, ensuring that you’re prepared