As featured in Outside magazine, New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, The Denver Post, and Sunset magazine, Salida, Colorado, is one of the best (some say THE best) small towns in the United States. 

 

As the gateway to the Rocky Mountains, and home of Colorado’s Fourteeners, this outdoor mecca offers hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, camping, rafting, kayaking and four-wheeling. Monarch Ski Area is 20 miles away for cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.  And, season lift tickets are cheap and partner with other resorts for free days! 

 

The Arkansas River runs right through the middle of town.  We celebrate our waterway with FIBARK (First in Boating on the Arkansas River), an international competition started in 1948.  Competitors flip and double flip in the kayak play holes or canoe the 26 miles downstream from Salida to Cotopaxi.  The Hooligan race is a popular local event, in which designers work to stay afloat!   

Also a haven for artists, many galleries and festivals abound.  At Artwalk, owners host open houses and demonstrations for a three-day weekend in mid-June.  Plenty of plein air and second Saturday events showcase artists as well.  Famous artists Jeanne-Claude and Christo plan to drape the Arkansas River with fabric.  Currently the project is projected for 2012.  We expect not only beauty but an economic burst for the area as thousands of "Over the River" lovers eagerly anticipate the lastest (and perhaps last) of their eye-opening installations. More info at www.overtheriverinfo.com.

 

Despite its size of about 5,500, Salida provides excellent medical care with a newly built  regional hospital.  Doctors are attracted by the "quality of life".  Other amenities include fine dining, theater and music, world-class classical music and a Carnegie library.  Of course, there are volunteer opportunities galore in book clubs, storytelling, animal shelter, mentoring or local government.  In Salida, your voice counts!  

 

Salida Realty Company serves a 60 miles radius, from Lake County’s Leadville and Chaffee County’s Buena Vista, Nathrop and Salida to western Fremont County’s Howard and Cotopaxi. Our reach in South Central Colorado includes Saguache County and Park County. We are licensed realtors in the state of Colorado.  Our focus is on service, action and responsibility.  If you want something special, we'll find it!   

Second home owners, retirees, families, investors, historic preservationists and those seeking refuge from the big city are drawn to Salida.  It's affordable and real.  Our downtown is a National Historic District, which people describe as "a cute little town," reflecting our mining and railroad heritage.  Plus, our folks are the friendliest.    

 

Come for a day. Stay for a lifestyle. If you wish to check out the blog or get up to date information about the market and area via e-newsletter, let me know at leslie@buysalida.com.