Buena Vista has a small-town atmosphere and mountain destinations
Buena Vista, distinctly pronounced “Buuna” Vista, is a Colorado town just east of some of the Rocky Mountains’ highest summits. The neighboring Collegiate Peaks include landmarks like Mount Princeton and its famous hot springs. Buena Vista has a dining and entertainment hub in its historic downtown, while the Arkansas River gives locals a range of water sports and outdoor activities. “I think Buena Vista and Salida are two of the last places where you really get that kind of small-town feel,” says Jessica Chariton, a Realtor with HomeSmart Preferred Realty who has sold homes in Buena Vista. “Like, your kids can ride their bikes downtown and go to the ice cream store by themselves. Or meet up with friends and hang out, and nobody is going to be upset.”
Buena Vista has a large mix of home styles and has plenty of outdoor activities.
There are plenty of stores to shop in downtown Buena Vista.
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The area has housing styles from the 1900s to new townhouses
The housing eras here range from the early 1900s to today. Ranch-style homes are common, but the area also has gabled ell cottages, Craftsmen, contemporary homes and the log houses often seen in Colorado’s mountain towns. Dense blocks with tall and mature trees are near downtown. The west end features more open space, particularly around the 18-hole Collegiate Peaks Golf Course. Homes here mostly go from about $500,000 to $800,000. However, newer and larger options go from $900,000 to $1.4 million. Buena Vista also has new townhouse developments, with costs going from $400,000 for a two-bedroom unit to $560,000 for three bedrooms.
Ranch-style homes are common in Buena Vista.
Mansions on large lots with views of the mountains can be found in Buena Vista.
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Craft beers, pizzas and jewelry shopping on Main Street
Restaurants, boutiques and a few art galleries line Main Street. Main also passes by the old Chaffee County Courthouse, an Italian Villa-style building with a model of a woolly mammoth on its lawn. “You can walk down Main Street and see people you know and visit with them," says Chariton.
Downtown shops include Mt. Antero Treasures, a family-owned store selling jewelry made with gems mined from Mount Antero. Dining options include pizza and baguette sandwiches at Crave BV. The Wesley & Rose Lobby Bar is an upscale eatery inside the European-influenced Surf Hotel & Residences. The Lariat often hosts live music, while craft beer fans enjoy Eddyline Brewery’s ales. Grocers include Buena Vista LaGree’s, and Columbine Park hosts the weekly Buena Vista farmers market from June to October.
Stop by Crave for some great Italian food in Buena Vista.
The Rose Lobby Bar in Buena Vista is known for their custom cocktails.
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Surfing and whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River
Cottonwood Creek flows through McPhelemy Park, where visitors often climb the mature trees and see attractions like the historic depot and caboose. Hikers and mountain bikers frequent sites like Midland Hill to get sweeping views of the valley. The Buena Vista Whitewater Park gives rafters and kayakers access to the Arkansas River. The river’s waves have also made surfing a hobby here. The park’s other amenities include a disc golf course and sand volleyball courts. The town is 9 miles north of Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, popular for its relaxing geothermal pools. “A lot of people come to the area to do these big hikes and summit the fourteeners,” Chariton says, referring to nearby peaks with elevations of over 14,000 feet. “What’s fun is to do a hike during the day and go sit in the hot springs at night.”
Stop by Mc Phelemy Park for some fun with friends.
Play a round of golf with friends at the Collegiate Peaks Golf Course.
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Celebrating history with AppleFest
September’s AppleFest is one of Buena Vista’s signature events. The festival at the Turner Farm and Apple Orchard celebrates the property’s history, and many bring baskets to go apple picking. They also enjoy watching apple pressing and butter-making demonstrations.
Buena Vista High’s strong wrestling program
Students may start at Avery-Parsons Elementary School, which gets a C-plus from Niche. They may then go to Buena Vista middle and high schools, which both get B grades. The town also has Chaffee County High, an alternative school that receives a C-minus from Niche. Buena Vista High has a strong wrestling program that sent several of its members to the state tournament in 2025.
Avery/Parsons Elementary School has 450 students.
Buena Vista High School has 274 students.
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U.S. Highway 24 travel to Colorado Springs
The Bustang bus stops here and connects the town to Denver. However, the nearest major city is Colorado Springs, located 93 miles east on U.S. Highway 24. Another major roadway is U.S. Highway 285, which goes south toward New Mexico. Colorado Springs Airport is the nearest place for commercial flights. The Buena Vista Health Center’s services include cardiology, gynecology and family medicine.
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
Photography Contributed By
David Sanden
Video By
Vladislav Sedykh
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Buena Vista, CO sell after 93 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Buena Vista, CO over the last 12 months is $675,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A charming two bedroom, one bathroom log home nestled in the town of Buena Vista on two town lots with ample outdoor space, beautiful trees and enormous mountain views. A new roof and underlayment was installed in December 2024 with a 10 year transferable warranty. The exterior has a fresh coat of stain on the wood siding and trim. The remodeled and open-concept interior comes fully-furnished
Beautiful mountain home in sought-after Game Trail. This stunning, nearly-new custom home (just 2 years old) offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and mountain charm. Meticulously maintained, it sits on a beautifully manicured and fire-mitigated lot surrounded by towering pine trees and breathtaking views. Step inside to soaring vaulted ceilings with exposed beams and a wall of windows
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Buena Vista, Colorado, this charming home is situated on just over 2 acres with breathtaking views of the nearby Collegiate Peak mountains. This home offers a perfect blend of tranquility and modern living with convenient nearby access to the town, shopping, hiking trails, fishing, hunting, biking, golfing, and more. This 3-bedroom2 bathroom boasts updated
Charming Victorian in Downtown Buena Vista! This beautifully preserved home sits in a prime location of Downtown Buena Vista. Mixed Use Zoning, allowing for both residential and/or commercial use. Perfect for a quaint business or a cozy residence. Step into a classic Victorian full of timeless character and warmth. The inviting family room features a freestanding wood stove and large windows
A stunning modern home in the heart of downtown Buena Vista, Colorado, located in the vibrant Northside community. This beautiful 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence spans 1,987 square feet and offers panoramic views of Mount Princeton, seamlessly blending modern aesthetics with functional design. Just three blocks north of Main Street and a short stroll to the Arkansas River, this home provides easy
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