Historic roots and a casino revival shape Central City-Black Hawk
In the mountains of Gilpin County, Central City-Black Hawk is a historic area made up of two small towns that share a story. Gold mining camps were established in the region in 1859, and the towns followed soon after. When the mining industry dried up a century later, both Central City and Black Hawk struggled. In the 1990s, casinos provided a solution. Today, over 20 casinos operate between the two cities, driving the economy. When residents and tourists aren’t hedging their bets, they can enjoy the area’s outdoor recreation and historic attractions. “The history here is just amazing, and the casinos aren’t a bother at all. I feel completely safe,” says Tiffany Lockwood, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty who has almost 20 years of experience. “It’s a great place to live. The taxes are low, and it’s accessible. And they just keep improving it.”
Century-old homes and newer townhouses
Homes in the area span centuries. Central City and Black Hawk have historic single-story homes built from the 1880s to the 1900s in their downtown areas. These minimal traditional cottages have simple exteriors, though most have been remodeled. Multi-story Victorian homes with colorful trim, front gables and front porches are also common. Depending on size and condition, these older properties cost anywhere between $260,000 and $650,000. Multi-story townhouses are another option in the downtown areas and go for similar prices. Most units were built in the 2000s and 2010s and have a New Traditional design.
Homebuyers wanting to live outside the cities have options. Multi-story mountain homes built from the 1980s to 2000s are priced around $625,000 to $750,000. Properties are often cabin-inspired with wood exteriors, balconies and wrap-around porches. “The houses are almost always on at least an acre, and usually on wells or septic,” Lockwood says. “You do have to be willing to put up with the wildlife, because there are moose and bears and mountain lions.”
The CAP Index Crime Score for Central City-Black Hawk is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Exploring the area’s historic attractions
The Central City-Black Hawk Historic District is known for having dozens of landmarks and attractions between both cities. The Central City Opera House, built in the 1870s, still regularly puts on live productions. It also hosts educational programs and an annual summer opera festival. The Teller House is another popular 19th-century landmark. The hotel bar’s “Face on the Barroom Floor” painting is regionally famous. There are also multiple century-old cemeteries in both cities.
For a more educational experience, the Gilpin History Museum has multiple exhibits exploring the area’s past, from mining equipment to a reconstructed school room. There’s also Mountain City Historic Park, which features a collection of preserved buildings, statues and mining artifacts. Hidee Gold Mine is at the site of historic mining ruins and offers underground tours and gold panning.
Retail and dining in Central City and Black Hawk
Local shops and restaurants are found in both Central City and Black Hawk. Downtown Central City has a selection of thrift stores, antique shops and novelty stores lined along Eureka and Main streets. Hawley Mercantile operates as a gift shop with collectibles and home goods, and Annie Oakley’s Emporium is both a grocery and convenience store. Farther east, Black Hawk’s Gregory Plaza has boutiques. Main Street runs parallel to Clear Creek Boulevard, and both have a handful of restaurants. Black Hawk Bean & Cream, known locally as “The B&C,” serves coffee and sandwiches.
Several casinos in the area have their own restaurants attached. Stella’s Café serves diner food for The Famous Bonanza Casino, and Jake’s Deli is in The Lodge Casino. Ameristar doubles as a casino and hotel and offers multiple dining options, including Fireside Kitchen and JINYA Ramen Bar.
According to Lockwood, most residents will travel to Idaho Springs or Evergreen to shop for essentials.
Recreation on the mountains and in town
Central City-Black Hawk’s mountain landscape has an abundance of natural recreation. Multiple hiking and biking trails climb Maryland Mountain and Floyd Hill. There are also a handful of campgrounds with both tent and RV sites. About 7 miles north, Golden Gate Canyon State Park has over 35 miles of trails winding through mountain meadows, forests and peaks. Visitors can also go rock climbing, fishing, hunting and backcountry camping.
Recreation is a bit limited in town. Central City’s William C. Russell Park is small but has a playground and fishing pond. There’s also the Ghost Town Disc Golf Course, which has 20 holes and takes players through the ruins of Nevadaville. About 4 miles north, the Gilpin County Community Center has indoor facilities such as swimming pools, basketball courts, a weight room and an art studio.
B-rated Gilpin County public schools
The Central City-Black Hawk area is served by the Gilpin County School District. Gilpin County Elementary School earns a B-plus grade from Niche and follows Montessori-style instruction. From there, students head to the B-minus-rated Gilpin County Undivided High School for grades six through 12. The school offers Advanced Placement courses and a fine arts program. Students interested in recreational skiing and snowboarding can join the district’s Snow Dodgers club, which takes trips to Loveland Ski Area.
Traveling through Central City-Black Hawk by car
Getting around the area’s mountainous landscape often requires a vehicle. Colorado state Highway 119 and Central City Parkway are major commuter routes. “[Colorado 119] is beautiful and heavily trafficked by people on motorcycles and bicyclists,” Lockwood says. Both roads travel southeast and northwest and eventually connect with Interstate 70, which can then be taken roughly 38 miles east into the
metro area. The Denver International Airport is around 65 miles away.
The challenges of mountain living
With multiple mountain streams flowing through the area, Central City and Black Hawk can experience flooding during heavy rain. Both cities also have a risk of potential wildfires. The Black Hawk Fire Department has a station in the city providing fire and medical response services. There’s also Timberline Fire Station 9, located off Virginia Canyon Road.
“We do have some wind from the valley and get a good amount of snow. But those casinos, whether you’re a gambler or not, want you there, so in the winter our roads are the first to get plowed,” Lockwood says.
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The Croseus Mining Claim is at the intersection of Virginia Canyon Rd and Pewabic Mine Rd. Gently sloping with rock outcroppings. Beautiful views. Great location for a build. Power at the road. Septic would need to be installed and most likely a cistern for water. Next to the disc golf course. The property has Southern exposure and direct access from a county plowed road.
Own a piece of history! This half lot has easy access off of E 3rd High St. Be able to build your great away home. Property is flat and stepped into 2 sections. See attached map for the correct lot size . Great views of the mountains and the city. Walk to the local historic museum and adult entertainment. Summer has Central City hopping with street events and the world renowned Central City
The Apis Claim. Stunning views. Private location. Close to National Forest, Hiking, Biking, Rock Climbing, Rafting and Historic Idaho Springs, Black Hawk & Central City. Property has a structure on that does not have a Certificate of Occupancy. Seller sell As-Is for $300,000 or will finish the process to get the building approved for residential use and convey with a Certificate of Occupancy for
At Gold Mountain Village Apartments, the mountain air is always inviting, offering the perfect backdrop for an active and vibrant lifestyle. Whether you're eager to explore the surrounding natural wonders or make the most of our community amenities, there's always something to keep you busy. Stay in shape at our fully-equipped fitness center, or tackle work tasks at the business center.
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
937
Median Age
48
Population under 18
15.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$58,909
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$84,388
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.2%
College Graduates
26.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
11.8%
% Population in Labor Force
74%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
-1°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
100''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
1/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
2/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
