Alamosa is a thriving rural city that sits between two mountain ranges along the Rio Grande River. As such, its population of over 9,800 people maintain an active lifestyle within the San Luis Valley. “You have a lot of outdoor activities within 20 or 30 minutes of your home,” says Candice Hennigh with Schulz Realty, who lives in the city and has about 10 years of experience. “It’s not a heavily populated area. For people who don’t want to live in a big city, you’ll get all the amenities without the crowd.”
Alamosa means “cottonwood” in Spanish, paying homage to the area’s surrounding groves. The city may have gotten its start from a mining rush in the 1870s, but it was the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad that made it a traveler’s destination. Today, Alamosa residents can find jobs within the healthcare, education and agriculture industries. The city’s top employers include the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center and Adams State University – both of which are close to downtown.
Alamosa is a thriving rural city that sits between two mountain ranges along the Rio Grande River.
it was the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad that originally made Alamosa a traveler’s destination.
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City parks and Southwest Colorado’s natural recreation
With over 8,000 square miles of mountainous terrain within the San Luis Valley, Alamosa is known for its scenic hiking, biking, camping and skiing opportunities. About 30 miles north of the city is the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, with over 14,000 peaks. In addition to sandboarding and sand sledding, visitors can explore the surrounding grasslands, forests and cottonwood groves. Closer to the city along the banks of the Rio Grande, the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge has over 200 species of waterbirds among its wetlands.
Alamosa has 10 public parks, including a skate park, a dog park and a disc golf course. Cole Park has a bike track, and the Lee Complex has multiple sports fields. There’s also a seasonal ice rink and the Cattails Golf Course.
Head to the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge to hike and birdwatch.
Play fetch with your dog on the large field at Cole Park in Alamosa.
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Southwest-inspired single-family homes within residential neighborhoods
Most neighborhoods in Alamosa are spread out, giving homes a decent property size. “It has a very rural feel to the area, so there’s a lot of space for houses,” Hennigh says. The median price for homes in 2024 was $305,000, which is only a 2% increase from the previous year. Listing prices range from $150,000 to $900,000. Alamosa East neighborhoods have a lot of new traditional and contemporary homes with Adobe siding, while neighborhoods in West Alamosa have brick ranch-style and multi-story Craftsman homes. Traditional single-story houses, bungalows and manufactured home communities are common close to downtown.
Old traditional single-story houses are common near downtown Alamosa.
Alamosa has many new traditional and contemporary homes with Adobe siding.
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Shopping and dining on Downtown’s Main Street
Downtown Alamosa is the city’s shopping and dining district, with over 50 local businesses and restaurants. There are thrift stores, clothing boutiques, gift shops and more. For food, there are casual American bistros, pizzerias, cafes, coffeehouses and authentic international eateries. Breweries and ice creameries line the streets for additional treats and nighttime entertainment. “There are a lot of mom-and-pop stores, and some of the restaurants have created outdoor seating areas for nicer weather,” Hennigh says. Downtown’s west end has multiple chain restaurants, fast-food options and a regional grocery store.
Stop at Woody's Q Shack along Main Street in Alamosa for some delicious barbecue food.
Downtown Alamosa’s west end has multiple chain restaurants and grocery stores.
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Celebrating Alamosa’s artist community through events
Art and annual events are a staple for the Alamosa community. SummerFest on the Rio occurs the first weekend of June and celebrates the city’s artistic community through live music and dozens of artisan vendors. The Creede Repertory Theater will also host art gallery exhibits alongside their theater productions in the spirit of uplifting the arts. In September, the Early Iron Festival is an antique car show that draws a large crowd. “Alamosa is good at having activities throughout the year,” Hennigh says. “There’s even a train that offers summer tourist rides.”
Alamosa County’s public schools and higher education
The Alamosa School District earns a C grade from Niche and enrolls roughly 2,200 students across six schools. While the district serves the entire county, all schools are located within the city’s borders. For higher education, Alamosa is home to Adams State University, Colorado’s first designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). The campus is located close to Main Street and enrolls over 3,700 students. The city also has the Valley Campus of Trinidad State, a community college downtown.
The Alamosa School District earns a C grade from Niche and enrolls roughly 2,200 students across six schools.
Alamosa is home to Adams State University, Colorado’s first designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).
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Navigating the area’s highway junction
While Alamosa is historically known as a rail center, most commuters travel using vehicles. The city sits at the junction of U.S. routes 160 and 285 – U.S. 285 travels north to south, while U.S. 160 heads east to west. Two vehicle bridges and one pedestrian bridge cross over the Rio Grande River. Directly south of the city is the San Luis Valley Regional Airport, which provides daily flights to the Denver International Airport.
Dry desert climate and decreasing crime
Alamosa’s desert climate creates drastic temperature changes from day to night. “Normally we get snow on the ground in the winter, and our high is in the 90s in the summer,” Hennigh says. The year-round dry weather may also put certain areas at risk of potential wildfires.
According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Alamosa Police Department’s violent crime reports in 2024 saw an 11% decrease from the previous year. Property crime reports decreased by 43%.
Written By
Brittany Bell
Photography Contributed By
Laurel Turton
Video By
Pasha Chichagov
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Larry Roberts,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Alamosa, CO sell after 52 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Alamosa, CO over the last 12 months is $340,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New Construction! This home has a lot to offer. The entire home has Quartz countertops, in floor heating and nickel brushed doorknobs. The kitchen boasts of a extra large sink in the island, a pantry, and recessed lighting under the cabinets. The master suite has a custom walk in shower. All of the light/fans are remote controlled with easy to find wall mounts. A patio is ready for outdoor dining
This spacious and meticulously updated 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home at 79 Sierra Avenue in Alamosa, CO, offers over 3,500 square feet of comfortable, energy-efficient living space. Perfectly positioned within easy walking distance of Adams State University and nearby shopping, schools, and everyday conveniences, this property combines prime location with modern upgrades. Step inside to discover an
This exceptional home on just under 5 acres comes with so many features, its hard to list them all! Boasting 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a 4 car attached garage as well as a 40x64 shop with 16 foot ceilings, with an additional 40x16 loft, 2 14 foot power garage doors and wired with 120 and 220amp. Enjoy a large fenced yard equipped with a sprinkler system, basketball court, chicken coop, privacy fencing
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom remodeled home at 1018 State Ave, Alamosa, CO. Fresh new paint throughout, bright and move-in ready. Spacious living room opens to a large updated kitchen with brand-new appliances, plenty of storage, and an island for extra seating. The dining area leads right out to a nice patio—perfect for relaxing or barbecuing. Downstairs bathroom has been remodeled. Plus,
Discover this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offering over 3,460 sq ft of living space and an unbeatable location across from the park and just blocks from Alamosa High School. Originally built with quality in 1976 and thoughtfully remodeled in 2020, this home blends timeless character with modern upgrades. Step inside to find bright, open living areas, multiple gathering spaces,
A tri level home on a oversized lot. This home boasts of 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms. The two larger bathrooms and kitchen have been remodeled. The kitchen has in floor heat and custom oak cabinetry from our local Highland Cabinet store. The main floor greets you with a living room and kitchen directing you to the backyard for easy entertaining. Step down to the lower floor into a cozy second
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home, featuring gorgeous mountain views and plenty of natural light. The open floor plan and new flooring create a bright, inviting living space. Retreat to the master suite, where you’ll enjoy a generous walk-in closet and an en suite bath with a soothing garden tub. Beautifully crafted for today's lifestyle, the kitchen showcases new
Live the rural lifestyle you’ve been waiting for. Located in the Waverly Road area, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home sits on +/-2.73 acres and offers room for chickens, horses, and other small livestock—plus easy access to Alamosa, Monte Vista, and La Jara. Inside, an open-concept customized kitchen and living area is filled with natural light. The spacious mudroom near the entry offers flexible use
Take in the views! This inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bath country home on 2 acres is perfectly positioned to capture stunning Mount Blanca scenery — and located just a few miles west of Wal Mart, offering the ideal blend of peaceful country living with everyday convenience. Warm and welcoming, the home features a bright sunroom and a versatile basement multi-use room — perfect for a home office, workout
Set in one of Alamosa's established and desirable neighborhoods, this distinguished +4,000 sq ft residence offers a level of sophistication, space, and charm rarely found in today’s market. This custom-built 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home invites you into a world of warm woodwork, custom craftsmanship, and thoughtful spaces built for both everyday living and effortless entertaining. The main level
This well-maintained 4-bedroom ranch-style home in Alamosa offers a comfortable, move-in-ready layout with fresh interior paint and new flooring throughout. The open floorplan connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas, creating a welcoming space for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen includes updated appliances, a pantry, bar seating, and a dedicated dining area. The primary suite
This unit is 900 sq. ft. located at 128 Sage St., Unit B in Alamosa. It is close to town and within walking distance to Adam State University, San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center, City Market and several restaurants. This unit has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, a living room and laundry room with washer & dryer hookups. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, stove and dishwasher, The
This unit is 900 sq. ft. located at 128 Sage St., Unit B in Alamosa. It is close to town and within walking distance to Adam State University, San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center, City Market and several restaurants. This unit has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, a living room and laundry room with washer & dryer hookups. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, stove and dishwasher, The
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