Durango

Located between the Animas River and some of Durango’s most scenic trails, West Avenues attracts people who want to be close to nature. “If someone weren’t into outdoor activities, I’d be curious why they were looking at West Avenues,” says Jessica Palmer of Colwell Banker Realty, who has three decades of experience in Durango. “People in the neighborhood walk their kayaks down to the river or their bikes to the trails, and just like that, they’re off.” The Animas River is a popular destination for kayaking, rafting and fishing on the neighborhood’s southern border, and its accompanying Animas River Trail is a 7-mile paved path where locals run or walk their dogs. The northern end of the neighborhood touches the Animas Mountain Trail System, a 5-mile advanced mountain biking and trail-running loop. The Overend Mountain Park Trail System is an intermediate trail, where locals snowshoe in the winter. In addition to the river and trails, West Avenues is also close to parks and recreation centers. Locals can take private fitness classes at the Durango Community and Recreation Center a block east of the neighborhood. The nearby La Plata County Fairgrounds harkens back to Durango’s Old West history with rodeos throughout the year. But even people who don’t rodeo like the fairgrounds. “We have a neighbor who owns a horse, and they can house it at the fairgrounds and walk down to wash, feed and exercise it,” says Anne Zalbowitz of Keller Williams, who has over two decades of experience in Durango. “Our daughter takes riding lessons there from a local high schooler for $30 an hour, and you can’t beat that.” Animas City has a playground, a pavilion and picnic tables on the north side of the neighborhood, and Durango’s only skate park, Schneider Park, is just south of West Avenues. The city recently opened a seven-court pickleball complex at Schneider Park, which can be accessed from the Animas River Trail. Residents can walk to Happy Pappy’s Pizza n Wings, which has a full wall of beers on tap. The casual spot has rooftop seating with picnic-style tables shaded by umbrellas and murals painted by local artists. Frida’s Mexican has street tacos and happy hour margaritas in a lively atmosphere with brightly colored walls and festive paintings above the booths. Locally owned, 81301 Coffee House and Roasters is a rustic setting for a morning latte. Specials are written on a chalkboard and posters advertise local events on the walls. Dozens of other homegrown restaurant options are available just minutes away in The Grid. Natural Grocers is a store focused on natural and organic products located just a block south of West Avenues. “People here are very into healthy eating and buying organic and locally sourced products whenever possible,” says Zalbowitz. Residents can also buy local from the Durango Flea Market each Sunday at the fairgrounds. West Avenues is a narrow, rectangular neighborhood encompassing West Second and Third Avenues from east to west. Many of its older homes have been remodeled or completely torn down and rebuilt. These homes are typically New Traditional Victorian and Craftsman builds with gardens and modest fenced-in yards. Short driveways and private garages are common, but parked cars still line the narrow roads. Homes cost between $500,000 and $900,000, with rebuilt properties costing more. For a townhouse, prices are between $300,000 for a one-bedroom and $470,000 for a two-bedroom. “It’s more affordable than The Grid, and you still have access to downtown without having as many tourists in the neighborhood,” says Palmer. The prices are also lower due to the noise from Main Avenue, which borders the neighborhood to the east. Realtors suggest looking into flood and fire insurance. Kids in the area head to Durango School District No. 9-R, beginning at Needham Elementary School. Needham has a B rating on Niche and was named one of the top five public elementary schools in La Plata County. Next is Miller Middle School, which also has a B grade on Niche. Teens head to Durango High School, which has an A-minus Niche score and plenty of support from the community. “The theatre department is great, and tons of locals go to the productions they put on throughout the year,” says Zalbowitz. Public transportation is not an option, so residents need cars, typically trucks and SUVs, to get around. Route 550 borders the neighborhood and provides access to Telluride, Silverton and more ski resorts to the north. The Durango-La Plata Airport is about 25 miles from West Avenues and has daily flights to Dallas, Denver and Phoenix.

Needham is a small, residential neighborhood within the shadow of the La Plata Mountains. Residents can walk to recreation and restaurants and enjoy the quiet mountain living. “It didn’t use to be an issue, but as Durango has grown, the noise from Main Avenue has become a turnoff to some,” says Anne Zalbowitz of Keller Williams Realty, who has over two decades of experience in Durango. “The properties in Needham are becoming more valuable because you don’t have the constant construction and traffic that you get a few streets to the east.” Needham residents are four blocks from the eateries on Main Avenue and a little over a mile from the dining options in Historic Durango. The neighborhood’s south end is home to the Hidden Valley Trailhead, a 1.2-mile section of the 300-acre Overend Mountain Park Trail. It’s a popular spot for trail running in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. The Animas Mountain Trail System provides 5 miles of advanced mountain biking and hiking trail loops can be accessed through the neighborhood. Neighbors can walk to the Animas River Trail, a 7-mile paved path popular with bike riders and runners, and the river itself. “People don’t have pools here, so when it’s hot, we walk down and jump in the river,” says Zalbowitz. Just a few blocks east is the Durango Community Recreation Center, home to youth sporting events, a fitness floor and group exercise classes. Residents can walk to HomeSlice Pizza for one of 20 specialty pies or a beer from the full bar. Customers can sit on the metal stools at the bar, where the walls are decorated with cyclist jerseys, or grab a table in the covered outdoor seating area. Taste is a popular coffee spot offering breakfast burritos and specialty croissant sandwiches in a converted garage. Hubcaps adorn the walls, and specials are written on large chalkboards. Union Social House has specialty cocktails like the Flight Risk, featuring Mezcal, grapefruit and fresh lime juice. Board games keep kids and parents occupied. String lights brighten the restaurant’s two-level patio, and live bands play throughout the week. Locals head to Albertsons for groceries or visit Natural Grocers for organic and locally sourced food. Kids in the area attend the Durango School District No. 9-R, beginning at Needham Elementary. Needham has a B rating on Niche and a 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Next is Miller Middle School, also rated B. “It’s important to note that kids in the neighborhood can walk or ride bikes to elementary and middle school without having to cross any major roads,” says Zalbowitz. “That’s not the case in much of Durango.” Teens attend Durango High School, which has an A-minus rating. Students at Durango High School can take one of 17 Advanced Placement classes or take a Career and Technical Education path, which offers classes in agriculture, engineering, hospitality and more. Homes in Needham are mostly mid-century ranches and bungalows. A few properties were recently torn down and rebuilt in a modern Craftsman style. Older homes cost between $500,000 and $700,000, while newer builds cost between $875,000 and $1.8 million. Tall pines shade flat sidewalks and modest yards. Homes have private driveways and attached garages, but streets are still lined with vehicles. “You definitely will see campers and small boats parked in the driveways or along the street,” says Zalbowitz. Homes on the northwest side of the neighborhood have the best views of the Animas River Valley. Residents can look up at the rugged mountain terrain or down at the rushing Animas River. Wildfires are prevalent during the dry summer months, so buyers will want to get insurance. Needham residents don’t have access to public transportation, so it’s a car-dependent neighborhood. Route 550 is just a few blocks away, providing access to ski resorts like Pagosa Springs to the north. The Durango-La Plata Airport is 25 miles from the neighborhood and has flights to Dallas, Denver and Phoenix.

Crestview offers scenic views of the La Plata Mountains and plenty of recreation for adventures just blocks from downtown Durango. The trails of Overland Mountain Park connect with Perins Peak State Wildlife area, 6.3 miles west of Crestview. “There are so many trails in the neighborhood, and that’s a huge reason we live here,” says Anne Zalbowitz of Keller Williams, who has over two decades of real estate experience and is a Crestview local. “I can walk out my front door, and I’m immediately on a trailhead on the way to a state wildlife area.” Crestview residents are also within walking distance of dining options, schools and the Animas River. Overend Mountain Park has over a dozen different trails with varying levels of difficulty for biking, hiking and trail running. Part of the Overend Mountain Park is the Hogsback Trail, a difficult multi-use trail that features a 400-foot climb and 45-degree grade. In addition to mountain trails, Crestview has plenty of other sources of entertainment within walking distance or a short bike ride. “My son is in high school, and he rides his bike to see a movie with his friends or over to the rec center to work out,” says Zalbowitz. The Durango Community Recreation Center has a full floor of fitness equipment, a basketball court and a lap pool. The Gaslight Twin Cinema is a recently renovated two-screen theatre with new releases in downtown Durango. Residents can walk less than half a mile to the Animas River for kayaking and rafting. The Animas River Trail is a 7-mile paved path for runners and cyclists. Along the trail, Schneider Park offers picnic areas and a new pickleball center with seven courts. Tom’s Deli is a popular lunch spot a few blocks from Crestview. The converted garage features mountain murals above comfortable leather booths where customers enjoy deli classics like the Tomasso Italian sub. Nearby, Taco Libre is known for its giant wrestling ring at the restaurant’s entrance, complete with two life-sized luchadores. Customers gather on the back patio for street tacos and 22-ounce margaritas. The wooden façades of the Animas Brewing Company is reminiscent of being in a ski lodge, and the beers, which have names like Riverside Kolsch and Hogsback Black, pay homage to local outdoor activities. City Market has everyday grocery needs and Natural Grocers stocks organic and locally sourced food. There are plenty of retail outlets just 1.2-miles away on Main Avenue, like Lively and The Sparrow, two boutique clothing stores. Kids may attend the Durango School District No. 9-R, and many young students can walk to Needham Elementary. Needham has a B rating on Niche and a 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Next is Miller Middle School, which also has a B rating. Durango High School earns an A-minus grade and is known for its athletic department. Students can join mountain biking and alpine skiing teams. The school has a rich tradition of going far in the state soccer and football playoffs. “The booster club and other locals show a ton of support for DHS sports,” says Zalbowitz. “The stands are usually packed.” Houses in Crestview are mainly midcentury bungalows and ranch-style builds. “For the most part, residents look at their homes as very functional and aren’t worried about getting too fancy,” says Zalbowitz. “However, in the past year or two, some houses have been torn down and Craftsman houses built in their place.” Prices for a single-family home range from $625,000 to $1.1 million. Many homes have driveways and one-car garages, so SUVs, boats and campers line the residential roads. Condos have sprung up in the northern end of the neighborhood, costing between $500,000 and $600,000. Modest yards and sidewalks make the neighborhood friendly to pet owners. Durango’s arid climate, combined with Crestview’s proximity to pine forests, make wildfires an issue and insurance necessary. Crestview does not have public transportation, so cars are necessary. However, locals tend to walk and ride their bikes when they can. The neighborhood is just a few blocks from Route 550, Durango’s main road, which leads to Silverton 50 miles north. Crestview is also 25 miles from the Durango-La Plata Airport, which has daily flights to Phoenix, Dallas and Denver.

With dozens of restaurants on Main Avenue and riverside activities within walking distance, The Grid is one of Durango’s most popular neighborhoods. “Everyone wants to be here, especially couples and younger people because this is where the action is,” says Tina Miely, an agent with Berkshire Hathaway and has lived in Durango for more than two decades. “A lot of people live here for a while and get their fun in, and then buy out of town where it’s a little quieter later in life.” Fun is big in The Grid. The neighborhood has three breweries, a pair of wineries and bars where local bands play. “People from all over southwestern Colorado and even northern New Mexico come here for a night out, so to have that in your backyard is really desirable, says Miely.” Locals will often hit the spots on Main during off hours for a late lunch or early dinner from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to avoid the rush of tourists. The neighborhood backs up to Fort Lewis College, a four-year institution with around 4,000 students. <br><br>Main Avenue is the city’s epicenter for shopping and entertainment while boasting some of Durango’s best restaurants, and more keep popping up. “Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen places like Lola’s and 11th Street Station grow where it’s a few food trucks, and you can get a coffee at one spot and a burrito at another, all while listening to live music,” says Jessica Palmer, Realtor at Coldwell Banker and Durango local. “Locals support locals here, and we don’t typically go to chain restaurants.” Residents enjoy spots like Primi Pasta & Wine Bar, a cozy spot with exposed pipes and lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Primi owners send their staff to Italy yearly to learn how to better classics like Bolognese and Pomodoro. 636 Main Ave is a dimly lit steakhouse with leather booths serving up daily steak and seafood specials. Boutique souvenir, music and specialty food shops also sit along Main Avenue. Toast Records & Bakes is a hybrid store where shoppers can grab a vinyl record and enjoy a homemade scone. Sparrow is a boutique women’s clothing store specializing in Western and Bohemian goods. <br><br>While shopping and dining are the Grid’s main draws, locals also enjoy staying active. “I live and work in the neighborhood, and I can go kayaking on my lunch break in the summer and skiing during my breaks in the winter,” says Miely. Kayaking, fly fishing and white-water rafting are popular activities in the Animas River, located less than a mile from most homes in The Grid. The river is accompanied by the Animas River Trail, a 7-mile paved trail for running, walking and cycling. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 25 miles north of The Grid and a popular spot for the locals during the winter as it draws fewer tourists than some of Colorado’s other resorts. Buckley Park is in the heart of the neighborhood and hosts concerts throughout the summer, while Santa Rita Park has beach volleyball courts and a playground. <br><br>The Grid got its name from the gridded streets that make up the neighborhood. Homes are historic 1840s-1940s Victorian houses that have been remodeled on the inside but may not feature air conditioning. Home prices range between $1 million and $2.75 million, the highest price per square footage in Durango. “The Grid’s always been one of the most expensive areas in town, and a lot of people work two or three jobs to be able to afford it,” says Miely. Lots are close together and yards are modest. Residents tend to park on the street, as very few homes have driveways or garages. Mature trees shade the sidewalks, making it easy to go for a run or walk the dog. The Grid’s population is more year-round than the rest of Durango, which is widely known as a city of second homes. As with much of Durango, flood and fire insurance is a must. <br><br>Kids in The Grid head to the Durango School District 9-R, beginning at Park Elementary, which holds a B-plus Niche grade and was rated as the top public elementary school in La Plata County. Next is Escalante Middle School, which has a B Niche rating. Durango High School has an A-minus score, and the school’s varsity ice hockey team was crowned 4A state champions in 2024. The neighborhood also borders Fort Lewis College, a four-year liberal arts college with nearly 4,000 students. <br><br>Durango Transit buses run through the neighborhood, but most locals commute by foot. “The Buzz Bus is popular on the weekend with Fort Lewis kids,” claims Miely. The Buzz Bus is an on-call service that provides free transportation from 9:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. The neighborhood is only 25 miles from the Durango-La Plata Airport, which has daily flights to Dallas, Denver and Phoenix.

So Co, the downtown Durango neighborhood south of College Drive is within steps of fine dining establishments, and recreation. “It’s pretty rare to find a neighborhood that has such easy access to the restaurant and shopping options, the riverfront and the mountain trails that So Co does,” says Monique Flora of Wells Group of Durango, who has nearly a decade of experience in the city. “Main Avenue runs through the neighborhood and that’s not just the food capital of Durango, but it’s the food capital of Southwest Colorado.” Main is home to dozens of restaurants ranging from Asian fusion to American steakhouses to French bistros. Locals can also pop into one of the four breweries and two wineries along the road. The Animas River is nearby for whitewater rafting, fishing and swimming, and the 7-mile Animas River Trail is a paved path popular with runners and cyclists. Anarchy Brewing Company has six rotating draft beers and allows pets in its taproom inside a converted garage. Locals can lock their bikes at the racks outside and bring a lunch as Anarchy allows outside food, while enjoying views of the La Plata Mountains. Rupert’s Durango is a quirky breakfast spot with vintage toasters hanging from brightly painted walls. Diners can try the spicy Southwest portion of the menu with huevos rancheros and deluxe breakfast burritos. The Roost has a hip vibe with guitars and music posters on the walls and serves American classics like steak and shrimp plates in a brick building from the 1850s. For happy hour, Four Leaves Winery has daily tastings in its rustic setting with wooden tables and local paintings on the walls. The Natural Foods Co-op has groceries, smoothies and sandwiches, and Main Avenue has retail stores like 2nd Ave Sports, an outdoor sports shop and Overland, which offers heavy coats and cowboy boots. Locals can walk to Santa Rita Park, located on the banks of the Animas River. The 14.5-acre park offers soccer fields, sand volleyball courts and basketball hoops. Fanto Park is in the heart of the neighborhood and has grassy green space and a playground. The eastern edge of the neighborhood provides access to the Horse Gulch Trailhead, a 57-mile natural surface trail for hiking and mountain biking. For live music, locals head to The Animas City Theatre. The venue has two bars and hosts shows that cross a variety of music genres. All shows are 21 and up. Architectural styles vary in So Co, from mid-century ranches and bungalows to newer Craftsman houses. “You can have a brand-new build surrounded by homes from the 1950s that need a ton of renovations,” says Flora. “There are fewer Victorians than in the Grid, which helps with price point.” Single-family homes cost between $630,000 and $950,000. A handful of condos and townhouses exist here costing between $260,000 and $650,000. Most homes don’t have driveways, so street parking is necessary. “Everyone has dogs, so having a yard is huge,” says Flora. Paved sidewalks are shaded by mature pines. Proximity to the river and Durango’s arid climate make flood and wildfire insurance necessary. Kids in the area attend the Durango School District No. 9-R, beginning at Park Elementary School. Park Elementary holds a B-plus Niche rating and was named the top public elementary school in La Plata County. Next is Escalante Middle School, which has a B rating. Durango High School earns an A-minus grade, and students can participate in school-sponsored mountain biking and alpine skiing teams. Durango Transit buses stop along College Drive, but most locals walk or ride bikes to get around. “Some locals don’t even have cars,” says Flora. The neighborhood is bordered by Route 550 and Route 160, which provide access to ski resorts like Pagosa Springs 50 miles north. The Durango-La Plata Airport 20 is miles south, offering daily flights to Dallas, Denver and Phoenix.

Riverview is a quiet and accessible neighborhood near many of Durango’s biggest draws. “It feels the most like the Durango of 10 or 15 years ago,” says Anne Zalbowitz of Keller Williams, who has over two decades of experience in the area. “You don’t have the massive new builds that are higher in the mountains, and you don’t have all the traffic on Main.” The neighborhood is located between busy Florida Road, which is full of dining options and the Animas River and its accompanying trail with 7 miles of paved running and biking pathways. Folsom Park is in the heart of the neighborhood and offers a baseball field, basketball hoops and playgrounds for children. When locals want to ski but don’t want to drive far, they head to Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area. The one-slope ski mountain produces artificial snow to ensure conditions are always right. The complex also has ice and roller rinks with skating lessons and hockey leagues. The Hillcrest Golf Club is the only public course in Durango. The 18-hole course has views of the La Plata Mountains, a driving range and a full pro shop. Residents can visit the Durango Botanical Gardens, surrounding the Durango Public Library, for an afternoon picnic. Riverview is purely residential, but restaurants and shops are minutes away on Florida Avenue. Still Life Coffee & Botanicals serves breakfast and coffee; diners can enjoy a latte and baked goods at a barstool or peruse the tropical houseplants for sale. Spicy salmon and tuna rolls are on the menu at Pop Sushi, a lively Japanese restaurant with neon signs behind the bar and murals above the tables. J. Bo Pizza & Rib Company has the red and white checkered tablecloths of a classic pizzeria, plus an outdoor patio with ping pong tables. Customers can grab a slice or a beer and enjoy a game of pinball. City Market and Albertsons both have grocery essentials. Most homes in Riverview are mid-century ranch-style builds with a few updated Craftsman homes. Houses cost between $600,000 and $900,000, and many come with private driveways and attached garages. Many houses feature modest front and back yards and are on lots close to their neighbors. Over the past few years, apartments and condos have sprung up in Riverview. “Some residents, especially the locals in the service industry, were being priced out of Durango, and this provides another option,” says Zalbowitz. Two-bedroom condos are priced between $400,000 and $500,000. Durango’s dry summers and plentiful pines make the area susceptible to wildfires, so insurance is necessary. Kids in the area head to Durango School District No. 9-R, beginning at Riverview Elementary School. Riverview holds a B ranking on Niche. Next is Miller Middle School, which also has a B grade and opened a new campus prior to the 2024 school year. Durango High School holds an A-minus rating and is known for its theatre program. “People in the community go to the plays just like they would go to a football game,” says Zalbowitz. “The school has support from the community in every area." Durango Public Transit System has bus stops throughout the neighborhood, but many locals favor walking or riding their bikes. Riverview is about 20 miles from the Durango-La Plata Airport, which provides access to Denver, Dallas and Phoenix. Just across the river, Route 550 is the main route to ski towns in the north, like Pagosa Springs and Purgatory.