Many people have a dream of owning Durango, Colorado real estate. Specifically, they want to create their vision of an ideal lifestyle, be it town, ranch, farm, or resort property. There are many things to consider when on the quest for land that will provide you with the ideal locale and atmosphere for all your pursuits, so we thought a brief discussion would be helpful.
Think first of what your goals are for the land? Do you want to build a home? When? Do you want to hold the land for investment? How long?
In Durango, few people who come from elsewhere want to build immediately. Usually the quest for the perfect land begins a few years out. Experience says that plans may change, so remaining flexible, and looking at a good "exit strategy" up front will help make your decision one you can live with in the longer term.
Features of the land itself help establish priorities: What type of views are desired? What about water-is it just for the home or do animals, fishing rights, etc. need to be considered? Are there children and pets? How close to town/city amenities is necessary? What about topography- meadows and grasslands? rolling hills? forest and trees? And, for riders, hunters, hikers and the like, is the parcel close to public lands?
Access to land parcels can vary as some Durango area properties have seasonal access, usually meaning snowmobile only in winter. Roads in rural areas are usually gravel, either County and maintained by same, or private, with Covenants covering their maintenance by the group of owners. So, type of road, ownership and maintenance, and the grade/distance one has to travel should all be weighed. With that said, there are many, many options out there for all types of Durango Land buyers.
(Are you making a checklist yet? It can be a good guide when looking online, or working with a broker to help find the right types of land.)
In the Durango area, ranch and recreational properties offering hunting, fishing, winter sports and rural lifestyle are located throughout La Plata County. Alpine climate with dense fir forests, aspens and close-up mountain views can be had in the North Animas Valley. Lots range in size from ¼ acre home sites, to many acre retreats. The Bayfield/Vallecito area is known for lush meadows, pines, and wide open views, with plenty of water. West Durango including Hersperus, can have big La Plata Mountain views, rolling pastures, creeks, and trees. South of Durango is a bit warmer and drier, with rolling grasslands, big mountain or valley views, and possible irrigation water.
No matter where the land is located, home sites are generally valued based on amenities, locale and aesthetics, such as views, water and infrastructure nearby.
Homesites vary from small lots in established subdivisions- town and rural- to 35+ acre parcels with roads and utilities. Acreage runs from small parcels to large 1,000 acre ranches. Ranch amenities vary greatly, and consulting a ranch sales expert can help target your search to what suits your needs.
In summary, owning land in Durango, Colorado offers you the opportunity to create your own vision and lifestyle, and can provide a lasting legacy for your family. Let us know what questions you have, I am at your service!
Who can imagine that, trade a paperclip for a house? Yet it's been done. All you need is to believe and anything is possible.
