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Salida

Salida

Located in Chaffee County

$778,355 Average Value
$467 Average Price per Sq Ft
81 Homes For Sale

Salida blends an artistic downtown and outdoor recreation in the Rockies

Salida, also known as the Heart of the Rockies, blends its artistic downtown on the banks of the Arkansas River with the mountains, ski resorts and other recreation opportunities surrounding the city. “We are a year-round tourist destination because of the skiing through the winter, and we’re a river community in the spring, summer and fall,” says Kristi Miller, resident and Realtor with Barclay Realty Group. When not spending time outdoors, locals can explore one of the dozens of small businesses and restaurants in the historic downtown district.

Nearly everyone in Salida has mountain views.
Nearly everyone in Salida has mountain views.
Stop by Victoria's Tavern with friends for classic American food in Salida.
Stop by Victoria's Tavern with friends for classic American food in Salida.
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Outdoor recreation includes ski resorts, hiking and whitewater rafting

Because of its location on the Arkansas River, Salida has built up a reputation for kayaking, paddleboarding and rafting. “We have some of the best whitewater in the state,” Miller says. Whitewater Park is one of the main destinations for rafters, with four engineered features made of rocks and concrete. The park is part of the race path for the FIBArk Whitewater Festival, which takes place every June and has a variety of races, games and competitions. The mountains are as much of a draw as the river. People can hike up Tenderfoot Hill to the ‘S' that overlooks the city. Monarch Mountain opens its 1,000-plus acres to skiers of all levels during the winter. Salida also has the Hot Springs Aquatic Center, which has two indoor pools, and Riverside Park, with a playground and amphitheater.

Play golf with the family at the Salida Golf Club.
Play golf with the family at the Salida Golf Club.
Soak in the natural beauty of the Arkansas River in Salida.
Soak in the natural beauty of the Arkansas River in Salida.
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Historic downtown is Colorado’s first Certified Creative District

Downtown Salida is not only the largest National Historic District in Colorado but also the state’s first Certified Creative District. “We have some amazing local artists from all different mediums,” Miller says. There are nearly 30 galleries and studios downtown, as well as dozens of locally owned shops, bars and restaurants, most of which are along F Street. The Salida farmers market is on Saturday mornings from June to October. “It’s a great way to get vegetables, bread, body care, anything you can think of from local vendors,” Miller says. National chains like Walmart and Ace Hardware are along Highway 50.

There is something for everyone in the wide variety of shops Salida.
There is something for everyone in the wide variety of shops Salida.
Live music played most Friday nights in Salida.
Live music played most Friday nights in Salida.
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Heart of the Rockies Halloween is a local favorite

Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year. Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center, one of Salida’s leading employers and healthcare providers, hosts a night of games, food, drinks and trick-or-treating. “The homes on F Street get upwards of 800 to 1000 trick-or-treaters,” Miller says. Another staple of the event is the Thriller Zombie dancers, volunteers who march through the street every 15 minutes.

Salida housing includes historic and modern homes and condos

The Rocky Mountains fill Salida’s skyline. Within city limits, sidewalks often line close-together lawns. Properties farther away have more space, with anywhere from half an acre to three acres of land. Along and around F Street, late 19th and early 20th-century homes like Craftsmans, Queen Annes and other Victorian-era houses are typical. “People really like to buy these older homes and preserve them, kind of keep the feeling that may have been there in the early 1900s,” Miller says. The remaining homes range from bungalows and ranch styles to contemporary and modern construction. A single-family house can cost $400,000 to $2.2 million, depending on size, condition and location; the median price is $780,000. Mobile and manufactured homes generally cost between $100,000 and $670,0000, depending on location and condition. Condos are also available, with one- or two-bedroom units ranging from $450,000 to $700,000.

According to First Street, Salida is at major risk from wildfires. Salida Fire Department has performed occasional controlled burns to help mitigate risk.

There are several modern townhomes being built in Salida.
There are several modern townhomes being built in Salida.
Larger homes with wraparound porches can be found in Salida.
Larger homes with wraparound porches can be found in Salida.
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Public schools partner with Colorado Mountain College

Salida Schools serve the area. Longfellow Elementary School receives a B-plus from Niche, and Salida Middle School earns an A-minus. At the B-plus-rated Salida High School, students can apply for the Accelerating Students through the Concurrent Enrollment program, which allows them to take postsecondary courses for college credit at no tuition expense for the year after 12th grade. Colorado Mountain College in Salida has certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree programs like business administration and nursing. Residents of Salida and the nearby Poncha Springs have lower tuition rates than out-of-district students.

Salida High School has 394 students.
Salida High School has 394 students.
Colorado Mountain College is known for its small class sizes, personal attention and hands-on experience.
Colorado Mountain College is known for its small class sizes, personal attention and hands-on experience.
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Walkable and bike friendly within city limits and some public transportation

Salida is a pedestrian and bike-friendly community within city limits. “It’s not uncommon to see moms with two or three kids on these bikes that have been outfitted for shuttling your kids around, or a lot of people go to the grocery on their bikes with huge baskets,” Miller says. Otherwise, residents use cars to get around, although Mountain Valley Transit manages a bus route in the area. U.S. Route 50 and State Route 291 are two main thoroughfares. Colorado Springs Airport is about 105 miles away.

Zia Sampson
Written By
Zia Sampson
David Sanden
Photography Contributed By
David Sanden
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Jeffrey Knight

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

Agents Specializing 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

Salida Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$729,000
Median Sale Price
$700,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$749,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$699,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$575,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
172
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$467

Area Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,906
Number of Homes for Sale
81
Median Year Built
1965
Months of Supply
5.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,588
Below the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,593
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,154
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
643
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Salida Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
6,357
Median Age
49
Population under 18
18.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.6%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$64,936
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$94,289

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.9%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
45%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.5%
% Population in Labor Force
65.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
8''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
63''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®®

82 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®®

61 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
Salida