Deep religious and farming roots in Blende
Blende is a small community outside downtown Pueblo that offers a suburban lifestyle away from the city. “Blende is pretty social and really driven around St. Joseph Catholic Church,” says Re/Max Realtor Jeff Santos, who has sold in the county for 20 years. “Everyone knows each other and looks out for one another.” Blende rests on the edge of the farmland that harvests Pueblo’s famous green chiles, making it one of the last residential areas outside the city before hitting vast plains to the south. Buyers choose Blende for its proximity to both rural land and urban amenities.
Single-family, 20th-century homes on rustic lots
Blende’s housing market is relatively limited. “People stick around here, and a lot of houses are kept in the family and aren’t being sold,” Santos says. “There are no true vacant lots left for building, so what you see is what you get in Blende.” Homes that have sold recently include modest bungalows, ranch-style builds and split-levels with a median price of $240,000, significantly lower than the national figure. Lots typically sit closely together off roads, dusted with desert sand. Fences usually separate properties, which are often large enough to store recreational vehicles and tractors.
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church anchors the community
The area’s sizeable Catholic population coordinates most local gatherings and celebrations. The church not only holds services but also hosts fundraisers and volunteer events, like putting together food baskets for those in need during the holidays. St. Joseph’s puts on the largest parish festival in Pueblo each August, which features live music, vendors and carnival games.
Shopping and dining are available in the city and county
Most of Blende’s commercial development sits off Santa Fe Drive. Shoppers will find strip malls with local businesses, mechanics and small spots like Peppers & Petals, a garden store popular for its green chiles, plants and backyard décor. The Mesa Drive-In is also off the main road and has played blockbuster movies for a gravel lot full of cars since the 1950s. The community has a Dollar Tree, though most big-box shopping is 7 miles away in the heart of Pueblo. The city has a Walmart and Albertsons, and major retailers like Dillard’s have locations at the Pueblo Mall. Though many people head into Pueblo for a night out, county dining nearby includes the new Planet Ice Cream shop and Giodone’s Italian Bar & Grill, which has served pasta and pizza since 1939.
Education through the Pueblo County School District
Families in Blende have school choice through the Pueblo County School District. Most children attend North Mesa Elementary, which scores a B rating on Niche, though others zone for South Mesa Elementary, which earns a B-minus. Pleasant View Middle has a B, and according to Niche, B-plus-rated Pueblo County High ranks No. 2 out of 11 in the county.
Recreation nearby in both urban and rural settings
Residents head to downtown Pueblo to visit city parks and athletic facilities. Runyon Field Sports Complex features baseball and softball fields, and a concession stand for snacks, burgers and beer. Mineral Palace Park is another gathering space with an arboretum and flower garden, an open-air pavilion and bandshell for concerts, and a public swimming pool with a water slide. The Arkansas River flows through the region, and visitors can stroll the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, a red paved path lined with public art installations, seating areas and waterfront restaurants. Boat tours launch from the walkway between May and September. The city has a zoo with over 400 animals, and Lake Pueblo State Park, 9 miles away, offers a stretch of sandy beaches, marinas and campgrounds.
Transportation options in and out of Pueblo County
Santa Fe Drive, a section of U.S. Route 50, cuts through the center of Blende. Pueblo Transit buses stop along the route and connect with the rest of the city. Within 3 miles, commuters can reach Interstate 25, which leads to Colorado Springs, about 45 miles northwest. Pueblo Memorial Airport, 8 miles away, offers daily 45-minute flights to Denver International Airport.
