In the wake of the pandemic, we’ve noticed a massive shift in how people think about where they live, as remote work has opened a whole new world of possibilities. Now, many are living where they want to live, as opposed to where their employer happens to have an office building. They can now “clock in” in their home office or at the neighborhood coffee shop — then hit the trail or grab a beer with friends after work.
Now, more remote towns — like Steamboat Springs, Colorado — are becoming a possibility. These towns provide a year-round vacation feel, attracting those who prioritize quality of life over the hustle and grind. It’s easy to understand the allure of this popular resort town, as it provides a small-town feel with easy access to some of Colorado’s most renowned trails, lakes, slopes and rivers, making it especially appealing to the adventurous, outdoorsy folks focused on a well-rounded lifestyle.
If you’re considering a move to Steamboat, you’re in luck! We recently expanded to the region with our acquisition of Colorado Group Realty in Steamboat Springs. So our team of real estate professionals can help you make a move to the mountains!
It’s a Renowned Skiing Destination
When many people think “Steamboat Springs,” they automatically think skiing. And for good reason! This mountain town is home to one of the best ski resorts in the state, Steamboat Ski Resort, which is a premier ski destination famous for its Champagne Powder®, named for its light, dry quality. As one of the largest ski resorts in the country, Steamboat Ski Resort is home to more Olympians than any other ski resort. But it is also one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in Colorado, offering more than 4.6 square miles of skiable terrain, 169 named trails, and 18 lifts. That means there is something for every type of skier, including easy learning trails, rollers, moguls, steeps, cliffs, fast groomers, chutes, terrain parks and more.
Plus, Ski & Resort Corp. recently announced plans to expand the ski area by 355 acres, install a second gondola, and a new base that will include shopping, dining, and improved navigation — all part of a plan that would make Steamboat one of North America’s largest ski resorts.
There’s Plenty of Outdoor Recreation
If skiing isn’t your thing, don’t worry! There’s plenty of outdoor recreation in Steamboat Springs, including biking, hiking, boating, camping, kayaking, fishing, golfing, horseback riding, hunting, and more. In fact, no matter the sport, it’s likely you can do it in Steamboat! And there is truly no “off season” in Steamboat, as winter is focused on snow sports, while spring, summer and fall are ideal for most of the above-mentioned activities. Plus, you’re more than 3 hours from both Denver and Fort Collins, so you’re just far enough away to keep the crowds at bay. That means the trails aren’t as packed with visitors, preserving the wild and untouched feel of this region.
It Has Several Hot Springs
As the name implies, Steamboat Springs is a mecca for hot springs. You can take a dip in these relaxing, natural springs, either right in the heart of town or a bit off the beaten path. Old Town Hot Springs is a historic, family-friendly recreation facility in downtown Steamboat with several outdoor soaking pools — plus water slides and a lap pool. And Strawberry Park Hot Springs are all-natural, spring-fed pools on the edge of the Yampa Valley that provide a more rustic, natural feel. Just think: many travel all the way to Steamboat to experience these incredible phenomena — and you’d be able to access them on a regular basis!
It’s a Good Investment
Whether you’re thinking about purchasing your primary home or a secondary home to be used as a vacation rental, buying a home in Steamboat Springs is a wise investment. If you’re going the rental route, you can make a significant profit on a monthly basis, especially if you opt for a short-term rental. According to vacation rental database AirDNA, the average daily rental rate for Steamboat Springs is $391 and the estimated monthly revenue is $4,177. Plus, Steamboat has an impressive occupancy rate of 52%, which is slightly above the national average of 48%. And in the long run, the property has the potential to increase in value if you decide to sell several years down the road!
It’s a Zoom Town
Relocation has become far less weighty in the age of remote work. If you have the ability to work from home — or wherever there’s a good WiFi connection — you may have been considering a lifestyle change. This shift has created a new term for remote-friendly towns: Zoom Towns, which is a nod to everyone’s favorite video conferencing tool. And Colorado is home to several Zoom towns, which are typically situated outside of major cities, are close to open spaces like national and state parks, and provide a relatively lower cost of living. We have an abundance of remote mountain towns scattered throughout the Rockies, including Steamboat! Many have relocated to these towns, prioritizing the quality of life that they provide over big-city amenities, which they can still access if needed.
There’s Plenty to Do
Due to its popularity as a resort town, there is no shortage of things to do in Steamboat, including things designed for permanent residents! Locals can take advantage of a thriving downtown area bustling with activity, with plenty of restaurants, shops, museums and theaters to visit. In addition to all the outdoor recreation destinations, Steamboat is home to the Steamboat Art Museum, Tread of Pioneers Museum, Howelsen Ice Complex, Yampa River Botanic Park, and much more.
The Scenery is Stunning
The photos don’t lie — Steamboat has one of the most jaw-dropping backdrops in the form of towering snow-packed mountain peaks. The surrounding scenery is absolutely breathtaking — and it truly never gets old. Get immersed in nature to experience a wide variety of views and terrain, from rocky rivers to trails lined with wildflowers and pines, and of course mountain peaks with panoramic views. But you don’t have to go far at all, as many homes in Steamboat enjoy picture-perfect views from their living room window.
It’s Like Vacation Every Day
Sure, Steamboat is a popular vacation spot — but what if you don’t ever have to come home from vacation? Living here is like going on a permanent getaway, as you can incorporate exciting activities into your day-to-day life, like skiing the slopes, soaking in a hot spring, and hiking beautiful trails. And whenever you need to access Denver (or cities in Northern Colorado, like Fort Collins) every once in a while, you’re just a reasonable 3-hour drive away!
It Has Beautiful Homes
This resort town contains some of the most gorgeous homes — including sprawling estates perched high on a mountain, surrounded by groves of evergreen trees. Plus, there are plenty of luxury condos and townhomes in the heart of downtown Steamboat. And there’s just about everything in between! The secluded mountain feel means homes in Steamboat often rest on spacious lots, with some unbeatable views. Peruse the current inventory of homes for sale in Steamboat Springs to see what’s available.
Need Help?
Due to our recent acquisition, we now have more than 80 agents serving the Steamboat community. They are extremely knowledgeable about this unique area and can help you find your dream home or answer any questions you might have about living here! Contact us to get connected with a local real estate agent.
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