Salida CO Real Estate

Salida, Colorado is somewhat isolated and that’s just the way the residents want it to stay. It is located about 3 hours southwest of Denver and 2 hours west of Colorado Springs. With a population of 5504 as of the 2000 census, it is the largest town in Chaffee County and serves as the county seat. Salida (suh-lye-duh) was originally settled as a crucial connection for the railroads running between Denver and the Southwest.

Today the most important industry for Salida is tourism. It is particularly known for the FIBArk kayak race, held in June of each year since 1949. Drawing paddlers from all over the world, FIBArk (First In Boating on the Arkansas River) kayakers and rafters race 25 miles from Salida to Cotopaxi. It remains the longest and most grueling whitewater contest in the U.S. The history is colorful and the race is exciting, both part of the reason Outside Magazine named Salida as one of its, “20 Best Adventure Towns” of 2004.

Skiing is also fundamental to the city’s economy. “Monarch Mountain” with 350 inches of snow each year is a favorite of locals for its inexpensive lift tickets, sparsely crowded slopes and challenging runs. And, the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame along with the World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame are also located here. Naturally, fishing, hiking, backpacking and camping are all well represented in the area as well. The “Salida Hot Springs Swimming Pool and Bath” is the state’s largest indoor hot springs pool and it comes highly recommended by all who have soaked there.

Other area attractions include Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, Spinney Mountain State Park and the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum. Salida has every reason to be proud of the annual Art Walk. This yearly celebration of the arts encompasses 40 plus galleries and the surrounding boutiques and eateries. The festival is part of the reason author John Villani has named Salida as one of the, “100 Best Small Art Towns in America.”

The town has obviously taken great pains to preserve its historical architecture. Offering the largest historic district in all of Colorado, the entire downtown area is part of the National Register of Historic Places.

The weather in Salida CO is typically gorgeous. Summer highs usually reach the low 80’s with cool nights dipping into the high 40’s. With winter highs usually cresting the 40° mark, the surrounding area has been nicknamed, “The Banana Belt” of Colorado. It is sunny 300 days of the year, consistent with most of the rest of the state. Snowfall amounts are light, averaging 47 inches per year. The elevation of 7038 feet is greatly responsible for the clear skies and crystal clear air quality.

Salida CO real estate is something of a bargain right now. While the median home sales price was over $260,000 in 2008, that number dropped to the $190,000 vicinity a year ago and has remained relatively stable since then. It has nowhere to go but up.

Salida real estate is attractive on several levels. You should certainly place it on your list of second home possibilities with prices like these. And those nearing retirement are advised to investigate Salida now even if they are still employed. Essentially, the prices are just too good to pass up. There is little doubt that they will be increasing substantially within the next few years. This would seem to be one of those buying opportunities that deserves some additional scrutiny.