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Estes Park

Estes Park

$772,222 Average Value
$438 Average Price per Sq Ft
96 Homes For Sale

Gateway to the Rocky Mountains

Estes Park is a community near the heart of the Rocky Mountains and is surrounded by vast hillside forests that make the city a major attraction. “We are the gateway to the Rocky Mountains and Rocky Mountain National Park,” says Kate Miller, the Public Information Officer with the city. Estes Park is around 90 miles northwest of Denver and features a population of about 5,400 people. The area is a year-round attraction with the adventures and amenities of a Colorado mountain town. Most other cities and larger communities are several miles away, and Estes Park residents embrace that. “You get a great sense of community; people take this opportunity to connect with their neighbors,” Miller says.

Estes Park’s Fall River Visitor Center serves as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Estes Park’s Fall River Visitor Center serves as a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Homes in Estes Park sit on spacious lots surrounded by scenic alpine landscapes.
Homes in Estes Park sit on spacious lots surrounded by scenic alpine landscapes.
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Adventures at Rocky Mountain National Park

One of the main reasons Estes Park is a popular year-round destination is the easy access to outdoor recreation activities. The city is a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, a vast natural terrain spanning the Continental Divide surrounded by mountains and forests. Known for Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road, which pass large aspen trees and rivers, the park encompasses more than 415 square miles of mountainous terrain and wildlife. The park has more than 300 miles of hiking trails, around 140 lakes and over 70 mountains that top 12,000 feet, with non-stop opportunities to explore nature.

When the weather is warm, locals can hit the water for fishing, swimming, boating and white-water rafting. During the colder months, visitors and residents can head to the mountains for skiing or snowshoeing. “We have all types of activities around here,” Miller says. “People love the open lands and beauty of the park.” People will find several options for a more traditional park experience, including the popular Baldwin park. The park includes classic amenities like swings, picnic tables, the Riverwalk, a fishing bridge, and beautiful views of the natural mountain backdrop. Lake Estes is popular among anglers and boaters. The Estes Valley Dog Park is a highly rated spot where people can take their furry friends to run off some excess energy.

Estes Park provides RV-friendly spots for outdoor trips, complete with four-legged copilots.
Estes Park provides RV-friendly spots for outdoor trips, complete with four-legged copilots.
Scenic mountain vistas surround Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Scenic mountain vistas surround Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
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Stroll along the Riverwalk downtown

With Estes Park being a popular vacation destination, the community offers many shopping and restaurant options with a variety of cuisine. “It is a full-service town; we are not close to other cities, so we have what we need here,” Miller says. Downtown has welcomed visitors and locals for over 100 years and is the hotspot for eateries, shops, and boutiques along the bustling Riverwalk. Residents taking a stroll downtown will find Patterson Glassworks Studio & Gallery and Lonigans, a popular Irish Pub.

Baldwin Park provides outdoor recreation with easy access to the Riverwalk in Estes Park.
Baldwin Park provides outdoor recreation with easy access to the Riverwalk in Estes Park.
Estes Park residents visit Baldwin Park for quiet trails and mountain-town charm.
Estes Park residents visit Baldwin Park for quiet trails and mountain-town charm.
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Four-season destination in the Rockies

Estes Park is a year-round attraction because of its access to nature and mild and dry climate. The area can get busy when people vacation there, and the locals understand that and relish it. “Those who live here know how busy it can get, especially in the summer,” Miller says. “The community and local economy are supported by the visitors.”

Local shops and mountain-town charm define Estes Park’s historic downtown district.
Local shops and mountain-town charm define Estes Park’s historic downtown district.
Estes Park residents enjoy year-round recreation along the Lake Estes shoreline.
Estes Park residents enjoy year-round recreation along the Lake Estes shoreline.
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Premium price to live in Estes Park

The cost of living in Estes Park is about 20% higher than the national average. Single-family homes range from $230,000 to around $2.9 million, while condos and townhouses can go for $220,000 to $1.4 million. “Home values have gone up around here,” Miller says. “We definitely have a workforce housing challenge, but we are working on fixing that.” Large retailers are several miles away, so transportation costs can also add up for those who regularly travel to the larger cities. Transportation in town offers a free shuttle service that runs in the busier months and has several walking trails for people during the warmer months.

Attached homes in Estes Park combine modern design with scenic alpine backdrops.
Attached homes in Estes Park combine modern design with scenic alpine backdrops.
Rustic log homes in Estes Park combine natural materials with panoramic vistas.
Rustic log homes in Estes Park combine natural materials with panoramic vistas.
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Favorable student-teacher ratios in Estes Park

Estes Park School District receives a C-plus grade from Niche, with a student-to-teacher ratio of around 13-to-1. Estes Park High School receives the highest grade of the schools with a B-minus, and track and field team members brought home gold medals from the state championships in 2023. Students looking to attend other schools must be prepared to commute, with most other schools being several miles out of town. The University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Northern Colorado, and Colorado State University are about an hour’s drive away from Estes Park.

Families in Estes Park attend local elementary schools offering strong community programs.
Families in Estes Park attend local elementary schools offering strong community programs.
Estes Park Middle School offers academics and activities for grades six through eight.
Estes Park Middle School offers academics and activities for grades six through eight.
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Jillian Pillow
Written By
Jillian Pillow
Tyler Newbold
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Newbold
Conar McDaniel
Video By
Conar McDaniel

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jessica Lynch, an experienced agent 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

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
5,845
Number of Homes for Sale
96
Median Year Built
1984
Months of Supply
4.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,066
Above the national average
1,931
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,399
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,058
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
599
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
25,264

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Mar 29
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    1141 Wallace Ln, Estes Park, CO 80517

    $749,950

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,980 Sq Ft
    • 1141 Wallace Ln

    This unique property features an existing residence set on a large, private lot along a private drive, offering a rare combination of seclusion and versatility. The home blends historic charm with thoughtful modern updates and features a spacious open floor plan well suited for comfortable main-level living. Highlights include a wraparound deck, fenced yard, attached garage, and an additional

    Agent Photo
    Kirk Fisher
    RE/MAX Mountain Brokers
    (970) 788-2662
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  • Saturday, Mar 28
    Open Sat 11AM - 1PM

    683 Cedar Ridge Cir Unit 2, Estes Park, CO 80517

    $649,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,550 Sq Ft
    • 683 Cedar Ridge Cir
    • Unit 2

    Seller offering up to $15,000 in buyer concessions, subject to lender approval and terms of an accepted contract. Welcome to this nicely maintained detached condo designed for easy main-level living with no stairs and lovely views of the surrounding landscape. The home features brand-new carpet, refinished hardwood floors, and fresh interior and exterior paint, making it truly move-in ready. The

    Agent Photo
    Kirk Fisher
    RE/MAX Mountain Brokers
    (970) 516-4556
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  • Sunday, Mar 29
    Open Sun 12PM - 2PM

    272 Solomon Dr, Estes Park, CO 80517

    $980,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,799 Sq Ft
    • 272 Solomon Dr

    Experience the perfect blend of mountain serenity and everyday convenience in this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bath raised ranch. Set on nearly half an acre in one of the area's most sought-after neighborhoods, this home is just minutes from town-offering both peaceful seclusion and easy access to local amenities. Step inside to discover 2,800 sq. ft. of well-designed living space, all

    Agent Photo
    Scott Thompson
    Keller Williams Top of the Rockies Estes Park
    (970) 394-1622
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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

Estes Park Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
13,030
Median Age
55
Population under 18
15.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
36.5%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$77,037
On par with the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$110,342

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.5%
College Graduates
49.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.4%
% Population in Labor Force
52.9%
Below the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
12''
Average Winter Low Temperature
-1°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
106''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bike Score®®

50 / 100

Fairly friendly

Walk Score®®

40 / 100

Not friendly

Transit Score®®

10 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
Estes Park