Farmlands meet modern amenities in Burlington
Small town charm lies between miles of open fields and farmlands in Burlington, Colorado. In the east end of Kit Carson County, just 12 miles from the Kansas border, Burlington is a rural community that has been rooted in the agriculture industry since it was established in 1888. The area is surrounded by farms, with corn, wheat and cattle as Kit Carson County staples. “While we’re a small community, you can get everything you need without leaving town,” says Jessi Fisher, a Realtor with RE/MAX Realty East who was born and raised in Burlington and has been working in the real estate business for over 25 years. “We have our own restaurants, a supermarket and a hospital, so we’re pretty self-sufficient. We’ve had a small influx of people moving here since 2020. People like that it’s a safe community where you can raise a family. Kids walk to school and bike along the roads.”
Historic bungalows and modern builds
Most of the area’s homes were built between the 1920s and 1970s, with a few 21st-century builds on the south and west ends of town. Bungalows and ranch-style homes close to the center of Burlington sit on quarter to half-acre lots while, north of town, properties range from 2 to 12 acres. Houses in Burlington tend to cost significantly less than the Colorado median, with prices ranging from $120,000 to $650,000, with price tags rising with newer builds, renovations and increased square footage.
Library programs and career-based coursework at Burlington High School
Kindergarten through fourth-grade students may attend Burlington Elementary School, which earns a C-plus overall grade from Niche. Burlington Middle School receives a C. The C-plus-rated Burlington High School has a variety of career-based courses and unique electives, including marketing essentials, web design and graphic design. The Burlington Public Library is in the center of town and offers regular community programs, from life skills workshops to toddler story times.
Family-owned businesses along 14th Street
Historic storefronts line 14th Street in downtown Burlington. “Some of the businesses here have been run by the same families for generations, like Zimbelman’s Jewelry,” Fisher says. The Blend serves coffee, smoothies and baked goods, while Little Brick Creamery offers ice cream, donuts and breakfast sandwiches. The Dish Room is a new American eatery that uses farm-to-table ingredients from smoked brisket to specialty burgers. The Midway Theater is a one-screen movie theater that has been a community staple for over a century. “It was revitalized by locals and is entirely run by volunteers,” says Fisher. “It’s a great example of our close-knit community coming together to better our town.” Shoppers can pick up their groceries at the local Safeway or Dollar General. Goodland is a slightly larger town around 30 miles east and has a Walmart and a larger selection of restaurants.
Public green spaces and annual events in Burlington
The community is home to a handful of public parks and green spaces. Parmer Park has picnic pavilions, a rocket-themed playground, paved walking paths and an amphitheater. Across the street, the Burlington Swimming Pool is open from late May through early August. Outback Park is home to a large wooden playground, open field space and tree-shaded picnic tables. Burlington is the county seat of Kit Carson County and is home to the annual county fair in July. The fair hosts livestock exhibitions, live music, a rodeo, a dog show and a free barbecue surrounding the fairgrounds’ historic carousel. In September, the Old Town Museum hosts Pioneer Days, where locals can enjoy live music, games, pony rides and authentic chuck wagon eats.
Easy access to Interstate 70
Interstate 70 runs just south of Burlington and spans roughly 170 miles west to Denver and around 175 miles east to Hays, Kansas. For long distance travel, Denver International Airport lies about 160 miles away.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
