Granby offers remote living just south of Rocky Mountain National Park
Granby is a rural town of around 2,000 residents that sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, about 2 hours west of Denver. Long, icy winters are the norm here, broken up by the temperate spring and summer months. Outdoor recreation is a major draw for the town — it has its own small ski resort and sits within 20 miles of Winter Park resorts and the vast Rocky Mountain National Park. Within the town, residents have easy access to shops, restaurants, schools and parks. “It’s quiet and peaceful, surrounded by mountains. A two-lane road is the only way in or out of town. You feel like you’re in your own little Switzerland,” says Laura Zietz, an agent with Sotheby’s International Realty and a Granby resident.
Cabins, chalets and rural ranchland near the Rockies
Luxury cabins on sprawling rural properties, small chalets in the hills, brand-new Traditional homes and modest ranch homes can all be found in Granby. The homes near the town’s main drag are situated on a traditional street grid, while those further out sit on winding lanes that extend out into the hillsides. Most residential properties in Granby have large lots, offering residents plenty of privacy. Prices range from around $500,000 to as high as $2.5 million, with smaller, older homes selling for less and large, luxury properties fetching the highest prices.
Residents can ski, snowboard and hike without leaving town
Granby Ranch, the town’s ski resort, is tucked away on the slopes at the southern edge of town. While it’s much smaller than the resorts in Rocky Mountain National Park or nearby Winter Park, it still draws a crowd. And because its slopes are less steep, it’s a great place for kids to learn to ski and snowboard. Hikers and bikers will find nearly a dozen trails in and around the town, ranging from easy loops to an 8-mile hike across steep terrain. Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake and Winter Park are major attractions, and all are within about a 20-mile trek of Granby. “Rocky Mountain National Park is our backyard. And we’ve also got Grand Lake up the road. It’s one of the west coast’s top-rated summer lake destinations,” Zietz says.
Small-town events spring to life during warm weather months
Granby has an array of events, including the Flying Heels Rodeo, a summertime event that brings people together for old fashioned bull riding, barrel racing and mutton busting. There’s also the Music & Market, a farmers’ market with live music that takes place once a week from June until August at Polhamus Park. On the 4th of July, there’s a small-town parade, fireworks and a rodeo.
Local shops, eateries and cafes are found on Agate Avenue
Agate Avenue is Granby’s main shopping and dining strip. It’s a wide, well-lit street lined with sidewalks and local shops. Residents can wake up for brunch at Mid Town Café or make a pitstop at Debbie’s Drive In for donuts and coffee. When dinner rolls around, locals can grab a table at Maverick’s Grille or stop off for a craft beer at Never Summer Brewing. Groceries and everyday goods are found nearby at City Market, while delicatessen items are available at Fitch Ranch Meats and Market. “Fitch Ranch farms all their own produce. It’s fresh, it’s local and the food is great,” Zietz says.
Well-rated public schools are close to home
Students in Granby attend well-rated public schools, starting with Granby Elementary School, which earns a B rating from Niche. The next steps are B-plus-rated East Grand Middle School and B-rated Middle Park High School. All three schools are located adjacent to one another in the center of town, and they serve around 1,300 students. The high school offers a specialized ski and snowboard program in addition to its AP courses and career and technical education programs.
Getting around the countryside via car or Amtrak
Granby’s remote location is nearly two hours from the nearest big cities. It’s about 85 miles from Denver and 98 miles from Boulder. Residents will likely need a car to get around as public transportation is limited. There’s a free bus service that shuttles between Granby and Winter Park, a major ski resort. Those who prefer to travel by rail can catch the train at the town’s Amtrak station, which offers a direct route to Denver. There’s a small, full-service hospital in Granby called Middle Park Health, but the nearest major medical centers are in Denver.
