Drivers heading just a few miles west of Steamboat Springs may feel like they're in the middle of the shrub-speckled, rocky countryside. Only the clear views of Mount Werner rising in the rearview mirror serve as a reminder of town.
But after about five miles, some of the area's most popular and most affordable subdivisions appear, including Heritage Park, Steamboat II and Silver Spur Estates. This area around U.S. Highway 40 is particularly popular with working families.
And with the "Steamboat 700" development plans in progress, this area is about to get even more popular over the next several years. Consisting of 700 acres, approximately 2,000 homes, townhomes and condominiums and a small commercial center, this area will be annexed by Steamboat Springs and is envisioned as the next affordable area for full-time residents.
Affordability is a factor that often draws locals to the area now, for owners can get more home for the money than they can in town. Residents say that besides being affordable, the neighborhoods in this area are kid-friendly. There is a good sense of community here. Children hop on their bikes to stop by a friend's house, and neighbors greet each other as they pick up their mail and water their lawns.
Some of the homes in Steamboat II date to the 1970s, though many were built during the last two decades. Heritage Park, which is directly across the highway from Steamboat II, and Silver Spur are much newer developments but only have a few undeveloped lots remaining. Those neighborhoods have been some of Steamboat's busiest for new home construction in the last two years. Lots in Heritage Park and Silver Spur start at about $350,000. Home prices range from $500,000 to $1,000,000.
The newest neighborhood along West U.S., Highway 40 is West End Village, an affordable housing development near the intersection of the highway and Elk River Road. There are 79 lots in West End Village, where 38 are reserved for deed-restricted affordable housing sold to residents who make no more than 120 percent of the area's median household income. The other homes are being sold on the open market. The deed-restricted and open-market homes are to be interspersed throughout the neighborhood and are largely indistinguishable.
Throughout the West U.S. Highway 40 corridor, there are nice views of the ski mountain and surrounding hills, and Steamboat Golf Club is also nearby.
K - 12 students from attend Steamboat Public Schools, but also have the option of attending the private Chrisitan Heritage School, located next to the Heritage Park subdivision.
Another possible benefit of living in this area is that much of Steamboat's shopping is growing in the western direction. With newer stores such as Ace Hardware, there isn't reason to drive back through town except to buy groceries or eat out for dinner.
Good family-sized homes, easy shopping, a good sense of neighborhood and affordability are all reasons to choose a home along the West-40 corridor. Even hardcore skiers have no complaints, as the resort is only a 10-minute drive away.
Surrounding these subdivisions are smaller ranches, as well as several trails for horesback, biking, hiking and cross country skiing. The most popular trail is the Mad Creek Trail, which brings explorers over high country meadows and through lush alpine forests before dropping them down into Steamboat Springs.
