A west Colorado community on the Uncompahgre River
On the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, Montrose is a growing city with national forests, conservation areas and expansive parks in nearly every direction. It was incorporated in 1882 on the eastern banks of the Uncompahgre River with the expansion of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. In its early days, Montrose served as a shipping center, providing supplies to nearby mining communities.
Today, Montrose is home to over 21,000 residents, with a population steadily increasing and more than doubling over the past three decades. “Most people are moving to Montrose from bigger cities,” says Dennis Bailey, a local real estate agent who has lived in the community for almost 50 years. “You’re away from the hustle and bustle of other cities like Denver and Boulder. It’s a quiet area with historic buildings downtown. The community has grown and shifted a lot since I’ve lived here, but it maintains the community-oriented feel.” As the seat of Montrose County, major industries include healthcare, social assistance, education, retail and construction. Prominent employers include Montrose County School District, Montrose Regional Health and City Market.
Demoret Park in Montrose harkens back to the city's western history.
Downtown Montrose may be quiet, but it’s home to charming eateries housed in historic buildings.
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Main Street updates and the River Landing Shopping Center
Main Street serves as the city’s central shopping and dining hub and is lined with antique shops, art studios and family owned eateries, such as the award-winning Colorado Boy Pizzeria & Brewery. In fact, there are six breweries and distilleries in Montrose. Wolverine Drive is home to the River Landing Shopping Center, which has a Target, Natural Grocers and a handful of other eateries. “There’s a lot of revitalization going on downtown,” Bailey says. “A lot of the old buildings have been renovated and restored for new businesses. There’s an emphasis on keeping the historic aspects of downtown but bringing the infrastructure up to modern standards.”
The city currently has around $9 million worth of infrastructure projects planned for downtown in 2025. “As the city has grown over the years, the population has shifted to the south,” says Bailey. “So more modern shopping centers have been popping up on that side of town with big-box stores and restaurant franchises.”
Main Street serves as Montrose's central shopping and dining hub and is lined with antique shops, art studios and family owned eateries.
Big-box stores can be found to the south of Montrose at River Landing Shopping Center, which has a Target, Natural Grocers and eateries.
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Historic builds and brand-new neighborhoods in Montrose
Surrounding Main Street, residential lanes are lined with historic, early 1900s homes. Newer homes are common on the south and east sides of the city, and subdivisions are in continued development, including Brown Ranch and Cobble Creek.
The median home price is $450,000, with the area’s average price increasing by 8% from the previous year.
A few grand Victorian homes are nestled near downtown Montrose.
New subdivisions are common on the south and east sides of Montrose, where you'll find modern traditional homes.
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From pristine golf courses to the Black Canyon wilderness
Montrose has 38 public parks and 160 acres of open space. Outdoor recreation ranges from golf courses to botanical gardens within the city’s limits, while a short drive can take residents to expansive national forests, miles of hiking trails and remote campgrounds. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is around 12 miles northeast. The Uncompahgre National Forest is also nearby.
Golfers in Montrose can choose between joining Bridges Golf & Country Club and Black Canyon Golf Course.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is just 12 miles southwest of Montrose.
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Live music in the summer at Cerise Park
The city hosts numerous events throughout the year, from the Fourth of July parade to Oktoberfest. “A summer concert series started a few years ago and has quickly become one of the most popular events in Montrose,” says Bailey. The Montrose Summer Music Series is held four times from June to September at the Cerise Park amphitheater and is open to the public.
The Montrose County School District and private schools
The Montrose County School District re-1j earns a B-minus overall grade from Niche. The school district is one of the county’s largest employers, with over 1,000 full-time employees. The city also has a handful of private schools, including the Colorado West Christian School and Pope John Paul II Academy.
Colorado Mesa University’s Montrose campus offers 14 degree and certification programs, from business administration and criminal justice to early childhood education and social science.
Montrose High School is an above average public school in Montrose.
Colorado Mesa University in Montrose offers courses in business administration, criminal justice, early childhood education and social science.
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Lower than average crime rates
According to FBI data, the city of Montrose has lower rates of violent crime compared to the state and national averages. Property crime tends to be lower than the Colorado average and on par with that of the United States. As of December 2023, the Montrose Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 46 for every 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 178.
Take a drive along Route 50
U.S. Route 50 runs through town and leads around 60 miles northwest to Grand Junction. To the south, the road turns into Route 550, which goes roughly 105 miles south to Durango. The Montrose public bus is operated by All Points Transit and has both a residential and business route across town. The Montrose Regional Airport is on the north side of town and offers a limited number of direct flights, while Denver International Airport is around 290 miles northeast.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
Photography Contributed By
Laurel Turton
Video By
Jessica Johnson
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GreatSchools:
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Discover the majestic beauty of SW Colorado from this spacious, custom-built home in SE Montrose County. Located about 20 minutes from both Montrose and Ridgway, the home sits on an elevated 3.69-acre lot with stunning and expansive views of the western Sneffels Range, Uncompahgre Plateau and Uncompahgre River Valley. Bordered by ranch land to the west and public lands to the east, residents in
* Welcome to 948 Sage Road, a private Ouray County mountain retreat designed to capture 280-degree views of the San Juan Mountain Range to the south, Cimarrons to the east and the Elk Mountains and Grand Mesa, and Montrose Valley to the north. On 40 acres, with no HOA, this 3BR/2BA home offers hardwood floors and tongue and groove pine wood ceilings. The great-room, with vaulted ceilings,
Welcome home! Step inside to discover a thoughtfully designed home with a split-bedroom layout centered around the main living area and kitchen. The kitchen is a true highlight, featuring an island with a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. A window above the sink provides a pleasant view of the yard. The living room invites you to unwind at the end of the day with
Amanda EspinozaKeller Williams Colorado West Realty
40 Acres - Private Mountain Property with Endless Possibilities Located in the Beaver Hill area, this spacious property offers a private, semi-off-grid lifestyle with utilities nearby. Power is available at the lot line, while water access will require a well or cistern system. Situated at an elevation of approximately 7,500 to 8,000 feet, the land features mountain views and includes a portion
Beckie Pendergrass
Keller Williams Realty Southwest Associates, LLC - Montrose
This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath ranch-style home offers timeless design and modern comfort in the peaceful neighborhood of Stone Ridge. Built just 5 years ago, the residence features open-concept living with soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and a stunning stone-inlaid gas fireplace as the focal point of the living room. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with a large granite
Beckie Pendergrass
Keller Williams Realty Southwest Associates, LLC - Montrose
Investor’s Dream in Downtown Montrose! This duplex offers the perfect opportunity to generate steady rental income in the heart of town. Each unit features comfortable living spaces, and private outdoor areas, all within walking distance to shopping, dining, and local attractions. With strong rental history and excellent location, this property is an ideal addition to any portfolio whether you’re
Rendezvous Apartments is a beautiful property with 52 apartment homes for those aged 55 and better. 30 of the units were completely renovated in 2025 and 22 units are new construction opening in September 2025. The property has on-site management available Monday- Friday 8am-4pm. The common area building has a large community room that can be reserved for gatherings. Located just across the
LEVEL AND COMPLETELY SECURITY FENCED LOT. Easily Accessed from N Townsend/Hwy 50, Close Proximity to Montrose Regional Airport! .875-acre (MOL) lot, with easy access from Hwy 50. Lot has access from Jan Ct as well as 6225 Rd. Property is level, graveled, and fully fenced for security. General Commercial “C” zoning in Montrose County allows outside storage or display of non-hazardous
This house is located in the Woodgate subdivision just 1 mile South of Walmart ,City Market, and other retail outlets and restaurants. Only 7 minutes to the Montrose Hospital and downtown Montrose. The house has a great front view of the San Juan Mountain range, and the back yard has a patio deck with enclosed fence for your pet. Very nicely shaded in the afternoon and evenings. The neighbors
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