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Buena Vista

Buena Vista

Located in Chaffee County

$714,071 Average Value
$436 Average Price per Sq Ft
39 Homes For Sale

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.
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.
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.
Ranch-style homes are common in Buena Vista.
Mansions on large lots with views of the mountains can be found 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.
Stop by Crave for some great Italian food in Buena Vista.
The Rose Lobby Bar in Buena Vista is known for their custom cocktails.
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.
Stop by Mc Phelemy Park for some fun with friends.
Play a round of golf with friends at the Collegiate Peaks Golf Course.
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.
Avery/Parsons Elementary School has 450 students.
Buena Vista High School has 274 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.

Yann Ranaivo
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
David Sanden
Photography Contributed By
David Sanden
Vladislav Sedykh
Video By
Vladislav Sedykh

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Amber Gaston, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Buena Vista Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$524,900
Median Sale Price
$500,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$560,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$360,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$450,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
11%
Last 12 months Home Sales
364
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-21%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$436

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,254
Number of Homes for Sale
39
Median Year Built
1998
Months of Supply
1.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,684
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,365
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,042
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
432
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,147

Open Houses

  • 463 California St, Buena Vista, CO 81211

    $815,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,577 Sq Ft
    • 463 California St
    • New 30 days ago

    Located just steps from Buena Vista’s vibrant Main Street, this lightly lived-in home offers the best of both worlds—walkability and peace. Nestled on a quiet, established street, you can enjoy your morning coffee with a stroll to The Roastery and wind down your evening along the riverwalk. With world-class hiking, fishing, shopping, and dining just minutes away, this is truly one of the best

    Agent Photo
    Amber Gaston
    Full Circle Real Estate Group
    (719) 628-7127
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  • 623 Cedar Ln Unit 202, Buena Vista, CO 81211

    $440,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 920 Sq Ft
    • 623 Cedar Ln
    • Unit 202

    Live in the heart of Buena Vista—just 3–4 blocks to South Main, East Main, the Surf Hotel, BV Whitewater Park, Eddyline Brewing, and Midland Hill trails. This upper-level condo in Princeton Place has been lightly used as a second home and offers vaulted ceilings, natural light, and sweeping views of the Collegiate Peaks. The recently renovated open layout includes a modern kitchen with quartz

    Agent Photo
    John Heathfield
    Worth Clark Realty
    (719) 674-7024
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  • 29330 County Road 358a, Buena Vista, CO 81211

    $899,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,973 Sq Ft
    • 29330 County Road 358a
    • New 14 days ago

    Charming Buena Vista Retreat with Stunning Views . . . Discover this inviting 1,973 sq. ft. home nestled on 2 acres of serene land, offering breathtaking views of Mount Harvard. No HOA fees or mandatory associations. This 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence combines modern comforts with rustic charm, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape or a year-round haven.Key Features:- Spacious

    Agent Photo
    Jacky Christian
    Capture Colorado Mtn Properties
    (719) 822-0730
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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Buena Vista Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
2,482
Median Age
42
Population under 18
16.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$52,616
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$59,671

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
95.3%
College Graduates
26.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.6%
% Population in Labor Force
52.5%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
11°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
53''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

38 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

36 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Buena Vista
Amber Gaston
Full Circle Real Estate Group
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