$196,456Average Value$149Average Price per Sq Ft51Homes For Sale
La Junta is a central shopping hub in the Arkansas Valley
La Junta sits at the crossroads of U.S. Route 50 and the historic Santa Fe Trail and railroad. The county seat of Otero County, the city has about 7,100 residents and was once considered a meeting place between the railroad and farming culture. Today, located south of the Arkansas River, La Junta continues to thrive as a farming community, with museums, cultural landmarks and natural landscapes showcasing the area’s history. “La Junta is the central hub for the smaller communities in the Arkansas Valley,” says Tina Godfrey, who is a Realtor at Re/Max Advantage-The Murphy Group with over 25 years of experience. “There's lots of outdoor recreation, and we get 360 days of sunshine out of the year with mostly mild winters.”
Recognized as a historic landmark, La Junta City Park reflects the community’s New Deal-era heritage and remains a proud part of La Junta’s story.
In La Junta, many residents live a life deeply connected to horses—raising, training, and riding them across open pastures, where horsemanship is both a way of life and a cherished tradition.
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Single-family homes in La Junta, Otero County
Homes in La Junta were built in the late 1800s to the 1900s, with a handful of new houses constructed since 2010. The median home price is approximately $175,000, which is less than half the national median. Compact, single-story shotgun and cottage-style houses under 1,500 square feet typically sell between $20,000 and $120,000. These houses tend to have small yards and sit close together. Larger ranch-style homes and split-levels around 1,500 to 2,500 square feet usually go from $150,000 to $350,000.
The early 1900s brick homes in La Junta stand as timeless symbols of the community’s heritage, featuring solid craftsmanship, tall windows, covered porches, and distinctive architectural details that reflect the pride and permanence of a bygone era.
La Junta’s cottage-style homes, often nestled on large, grassy lots, exude cozy charm with their quaint designs, shaded porches, and plenty of outdoor space for gardens, gatherings, or simply enjoying the quiet surroundings.
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Outdoor recreation around La Junta
The city offers many recreational options, ranging from traditional and disc golf courses and public pools to parks, athletic fields and trails. La Junta City Park has basketball and tennis courts, a skate park, a playground and some walking paths around a small fishing lake. The city’s industrial park has a raceway, and people can explore the old trading post and hike in Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. “We have probably seven lakes that are within an hour of La Junta, and people frequently go boating, fishing and camping,” Godfrey says. “There’s also Withers Canyon and the Dinosaur Tracks south of the city for people to go hiking, biking and horseback riding.”
La Junta families and visitors can enjoy a variety of amenities at the La Junta City Park, from shaded paths and picnic tables to a modern skatepark and playground.
Outdoor lovers appreciate La Junta for its wide open skies, surrounding prairies, and easy access to nearby natural landmarks like Bent’s Old Fort and the Arkansas River.
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Shopping and dining options in the city center
Much of the city’s commercial activities are concentrated along First Street through Third Street. Here, residents can find Safeway, Family Dollar, Walgreens and many local and chain restaurants. Popular eateries include Lucy's Tacos and Boss Hogg's Saloon & Restaurant, which serves classic American fare. Walmart is at the western tip of the city along Conley Road. In summertime, many area farms have produce markets for residents to shop locally. “These farm markets are very big for us,” Godfrey says. “Lots of farmers set up their own markets throughout the entire Arkansas Valley area, and there are so many varieties of produce.”
Boss Hogg’s Saloon & Restaurant in La Junta is a beloved local hotspot where diners savor perfectly grilled steaks and hearty surf‑and‑turf in a rustic, welcoming setting that feels straight out of the old West.
Lucy’s Tacos in La Junta is a beloved local eatery—originally a food-truck-style setup that serves up huge, authentic Mexican dishes like carne asada and breakfast burritos.
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East Otero School District serves the city
The town is served by East Otero School District, which has an overall C-minus grade from Niche and a student-teacher ratio of 14-to-1. Students may attend La Junta Primary School, which gets a B, and then continue to the C-minus La Junta Intermediate School. La Junta Jr/Sr High School gets a C, offering sports as well as programs for English learners. The district is also home to Tiger Trade Academy, which offers a range of courses to high school students, including mechanical design, construction, animal science and computer systems. Located along Colorado Avenue, Otero College offers nearly 40 degrees and certificate programs.
Built in the mid-20th century, La Junta Intermediate School in La Junta reflects practical post-war public architecture with brick construction, long classroom wings, and large windows that welcome natural light.
La Junta’s Tiger athletics program at La Junta Jr/Sr High School includes football, basketball, soccer, and track, with home games held at the on-campus Tiger Stadium .
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Agricultural fairs and the Tarantula Fest
Celebrating the tarantula trek each fall, which is when large numbers of tarantulas skitter through La Junta, the city has an annual Tarantula Fest in September. The event features tours to see the tarantulas, a parade and family-friendly activities like face painting and movie screenings. “We also have lots of agricultural-based events,” Godfrey says. “There are small town fairs and festivals like the Arkansas Valley Fair, and they are one of our big attractions for tourists.” People can also see exhibits at Otero Museum or Koshare Museum, go bowling at Eagle Lanes, or catch a screening at The Fox Theatre, which has been open since 1912.
The Fox Theater in La Junta, built in 1912 as the Rourke Opera House and later converted into a classic Spanish Colonial movie house in 1939, still graces downtown La Junta with its historic marquee and beautifully restored lobby.
The Koshare Indian Museum in La Junta showcases stunning Native American art and beadwork beneath one of the nation’s largest self-supporting log roofs, blending tradition with striking architecture.
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Getting to Pueblo and other Arkansas Valley communities
U.S. Route 50, also known as Coast to Coast Highway, passes through La Junta, and state Highway 109 cuts through the east side of town. The city of Pueblo and the Pueblo Memorial Airport are both about 60 miles west. Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center is right in La Junta. People can also take a Bustang Outrider bus to get from La Junta to Pueblo.
The Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta is a community‑owned, nonprofit critical access hospital with a 24/7 emergency department and a helipad, serving southeastern Colorado.
In La Junta, residents rely on the highways—especially U.S. Route 50—as vital lifelines, connecting farms, homes, and businesses across the wide-open landscape with ease and purpose.
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Written By
Christina Xu
Photography Contributed By
Darren Asay
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On average, homes in La Junta, CO sell after 110 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in La Junta, CO over the last 12 months is $175,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautifully maintained home offers plenty of space and comfort, featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms across four well-designed levels. As you enter, elegant hardwood stairs lead you to the upper level where you'll find a generous primary suite with a bath, two additional large bedrooms, and a full bath. Just off the entryway, the main level welcomes you with a spacious living room filled
4 city lots in the General Commercial District, located on a corner lot with easy accessibility. This vacant property consists of 14,000 sq. ft. of flat ground and city utilities available. Located close to 2 major roads Highway 50 and 3rd Street. This would be a great location to bring a new business to the city of La Junta!
Downsizing, starting out, or investing, don't miss this affordable 1 bedroom, yet spacious home! Located just one hour east of Pueblo in the picturesque City of La Junta, this quaint home features updates throughout. Enjoy peace of mind with updated electrical and a newer 95% efficient furnace. The home offers easy maintenance with a spacious yard—perfect for outdoor living or an awesome
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