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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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Absolutely gorgeous 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath ranch style home in Brown Ranch! This stunning home features a huge great room w/tray ceiling, large dining area and kitchen w/big island, quartz counters, stainless appliance's, coffee bar and walk-in pantry. Large primary suite w/terrific layout - 2 walk-in closets and (again) stunning primary bath w/raised double vanity, double shower and soaker tub. 2
Beautiful New 3 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home in Hidden Lake Community for the perfect Lock and Leave scenario. Enjoy the benefits of having your own comfortable home in a community that offers a wide range of amenities that include dog park, a playground, pickleball and basketball court, as well as a private fully stocked lake for some catch and release fun. Also, the Seller is offering
Newer house set on 1.5 irrigated acres with many features. Beautiful 7" white oak hardwood floors and natural finish throughout the house. Bring your animals and make this yours. Secluded with beautiful views of Buckhorn mountain. Ten foot walls with vaulted ceilings in the living room and master bedroom, all on one floor with no steps. Granite countertops in kitchen and bathroom. Nicely updated
Welcome to wide-open Western Colorado living at 66462 Landfill Rd in Montrose, CO, just 2 miles from downtown with no HOA. Set at the foot of the Black Canyon on 10 beautiful acres with 2.5 shares of irrigation water, this peaceful property offers incredible scenery, usable land, and the space to create your ideal Colorado lifestyle. With few neighbors and breathtaking mountain backdrops, every
Clean as a Whistle! Nice open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, LIGHT & BRIGHT with SUNNY southern exposure and views of the San Juans*3 bedrooms/2 FULL BATHS, Large Master suite w/FULL bath and walk in closet plus two additional bedrooms and another FULL bath*Open kitchen with dining, and abundance of cabinet and counter space plus a breakfast bar, Newer Laminate Flooring and ALL APPLIANCES!
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 or covenants, this 3BR/2BA home offers a great-room with vaulted tongue and groove pine ceilings showcasing the Sneffels Range and
Welcome to 2555 Iris Court in Columbine Estates, a sought-after neighborhood in Montrose known for its peaceful setting and proximity to recreation. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-level home offers 1,354 sq ft of well-designed living space filled with natural light. The efficient kitchen features a pantry and thoughtful layout, while the adjacent living room centers around a cozy gas fireplace. A
With an unbeatable Montrose location offering both quick access to town and a wide-open country feel, this ranch-style 4BR/2BA home on 2.95 acres with no covenants delivers the best of both worlds. Set across the street from the 18th tee box of The Bridges Golf Course, you’ll enjoy the location and convenience without the dues. It also offers great mountain views, multiple garages, plentiful
Perfection to a T -- This modern-style home blends comfort, elegance, and high-end design, all nestled within one of the area's most prestigious neighborhoods: Quail Creek Ranch.The custom kitchen is both stylish and functional, with elegant cabinetry, granite tile countertops, stainless steel appliances, a raised bar for seating, and convenient pull-out drawers. It flows seamlessly into the cozy
Welcome to 302 Howard Fork Avenue, a beautifully maintained home built in 2018 that blends modern comfort with timeless charm in the heart of Montrose. Offering 1,716 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, this inviting residence features three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, providing both functionality and comfort for everyday living. The open-concept layout is filled with
Beckie Pendergrass
Keller Williams Realty Southwest Associates, LLC - Montrose
Discover 14.5 acres of peaceful mountain property located on Log Hill in desirable Ouray County. This beautiful, private parcel is fully fenced and surrounded by mature pinion and juniper trees, offering an ideal setting to build your dream home. The developed area of the property includes a fifth-wheel camper that is set up and ready for comfortable living while you build. Several additional
Nestled in the beautiful rural setting of Coal Creek in northwest Montrose, this homesite offers the perfect blend of peaceful country living and natural beauty. Coal Creek Valley Estates is a thoughtfully designed subdivision created for those who want to build their dream home surrounded by agriculture, open farmland, and sweeping views. This 3.01-acre parcel provides ample space for your home,
Enjoy easy living in this beautifully maintained, move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a 3-car garage in the charming San Juan Meadows neighborhood. The home features great curb appeal and a large, private backyard designed for low maintenance and relaxation. Inside, vaulted ceilings and an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area create a light and welcoming atmosphere. Professionally
Experience unparalleled beauty and tranquility at 17750 Remington Trail, Montrose, CO. This magnificent 40-acre home offers breathtaking panoramic views of Grand Mesa all the way around to the south and the Cimarron range, providing a picturesque backdrop to your daily life. Overlooking the city of Montrose, enjoy your morning coffee to amazing sunrises or experience the peaceful silence while
A rare opportunity atop Spring Creek Mesa in Montrose! A spacious, custom home with thoughtful features set on 44 improved acres, offering privacy, highly usable land, expansive views and exceptional proximity to the Montrose airport and community. The residence spans 3,243 square feet with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and multiple living areas suited for both everyday comfort and
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
Easily Accessed from N Townsend/Hwy 50, Close Proximity to Montrose Regional Airport! 1.469 acre (MOL) lot, with easy access from Hwy 50. Lot is cleared. Utilities are not on lot, but close. Gross Lease; tenant is responsible for all landscaping and maintenance of lot and must maintain $1M liability insurance. Landlord pays property tax and insurance. Located just one block off Hwy 50 frontage
Modern, smoke and pet free 4- Plex, walking, distance to downtown Montrose. Each unit has appliances including a dishwasher, stacked washer & dryer, air conditioning/ heating unit as well as a designated on-site parking space. Utilities of internet, water sewer and trash are included in the rental price. Tenants are required to set up electricity and additional utilities. Note: Interior colors
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
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