A Postcard from Aspen, Colorado
It's safe to say that there is nothing we lack for nothing at this point. Our vacation home is a condo in town, so we have nightlife at our door, and the skiing in our backyard. Holidays are the time we have the whole family here. It's been a worthy investment.

 

About Aspen, Colorado
The natural surroundings of Aspen have created a town which survives fads, trends and changes of fortune. With a rich history back to mining days, the town grew up equally rich in art, science and culture to complement the natural beauty. Popular as a year-round resort area, it is surrounded with mountains and has a river running through town. Its main attraction is the downhill skiing on Aspen Mountain and surrounding areas. Vacation homes are found on the mountain, in town, and in the valley.

Aspen is just as spectacular in the summer as it is in the winter. The charm in the atmosphere, architecture, vacation homes and ski vacation rentals is contagious. People flock towards Aspen in large numbers to soak in one of the last open outdoors and the great views of the Rocky Mountain Range. Even though the townsfolk are the locals & "jet setters" alike, they welcome everyone in, especially for the festivals in the summer and winter. Appreciation for the outdoors is reflected in every aspect of life in Aspen.

Aspen has many interesting shops, which display the works of gifted craftsmen. There are art galleries, boutiques, excellent restaurants, nightclubs and movie houses. Overall, there is probably no reason not to have a second home in Aspen if you can afford it. The beauty is unmatched.

An Average Lifestyle in Aspen, Colorado

It's fairly safe to say that the people who have created Aspen as it is today are intellectual, affluent, famous and thoughtful. They are committed to preserving the culture and feeling of the area, and giving it a depth that goes beyond just skiing. Culture is a big part of life, with concerts and political lectures ranking as high as a good latte. All this as the background to the ultimate in recreational vacation living.

Housing

There are great reasons to have a second home in Aspen, as long as you are willing to recognize that it doesn't come without cost. There are condos, townhomes, and new construction. Prices are definitely less in outlying towns like Basalt, El Jebel and Carbondale, but the winter drive makes that less desirable.  There is also a very strong and high-priced rental market.  Median House price (census 2000) $1 million. In 2004, the average home price was $2.7 million, with a lottery for affordable housing in town.

Things to Do in Aspen

Downhill Skiing at Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk are most popular

Cross Country Skiing

Trout Fishing and Fly Fishing

Ice Skating

Horseback Riding

Paragliding

Sleigh Rides

Snowmobiling

Snowshoeing

Camping

Mountain Climbing

Hiking

White Water rafting

Golfing

Tennis

Swimming

Bicycling

Kayaking

Hunting

Shopping

Cultural Activities in Aspen

Aspen Music Festival

Aspen Institute

Aspen Center for Physics

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet

Aspen Theater in the Park

Aspen Art Museum

Aspen Filmfest

Aspen Writers Foundation

Jazz Aspen Snowmass

Wheeler Opera House

Location
Pitkin County, in the Roaring Fork Valley of west central Colorado

Elevation: 7907

Size: 3.5

Distance to other major cities

Crested Butte, Co: 24,9 miles

Boulder, Co: 121

Denver, Co: 220 miles (3. 5 hours)

Getting To Aspen, Colorado

By car from Denver, etc. Or by Plane: Fly into Denver, then 30minute flight on United Express to Sardy Field, Aspen. Also Non-stop from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Minneapolis (Northwest Airlines.) America West non stop from Phoenix.

Other airlines fly non-stop in Eagle County Regional Airport (70 miles away).

Weather
This is real mountain country, where you might see snow any time of year on the peaks.

Annual Average Temperature: Summer highs in 70's and 80's, winter can be minus 30, with daytime in the 20 to 30s. Low humidity.

Economics and Demographics

Population: 5,914, with about 25,000 during peak season (visitors)

Median Age, 2000: 36.7

Median Household Income: $53,750

Principle Industries
Tourism