ASPEN & SNOWMASS VILLAGE
It’s reputation precedes it. There is no need to tell you that the cost of entry to Aspen real estate is only for a select few on planet earth. It’s cultural and recreational amenities are unparalleled. Equally stunning, Snowmass Village offers great value and an especially family-friendly atmosphere. Many of the areas best hikes launch from the village.
MARKET ANALYSIS
Aspen Market Information
Aspen experienced a very strong and healthy real estate market in 2013, especially in the core areas above the “round-about” (West End, Red Mountain, Core, East Aspen) and 2014 seems to be headed in the right direction. Inventory is down and sales are up compared to previous years. Investors have gobbled up most of the deals and bargain hunters have missed the boat. Properties that are priced correctly in good locations are selling. For investors, the best deals that are still on the market are in West Aspen, East Aspen, Woody Creek, McClain Flats, Starwood, etc. While it’s very difficult to find deals in Aspen’s core, or the much sought after West End, we feel that these investments are very insulated to market fluctuations and are great long term plays.
Snowmass Market Information
While most other real estate markets in the Roaring Fork Valley have accelerated in the last year, Snowmass Village has been slow to follow. Largely because of the Base Village fiasco and the unknowns moving forward, both investors and second home owners have been sluggish to buy real estate in Snowmass. Besides some good sales at the Viceroy and some lower priced single family home sales (sold mostly to locals wanting to access the Aspen school district), 2013 was another sluggish year in Snowmass. In our minds, the market over reaction due to the base village has created unbelievable values for savvy buyers. 2014 is off to a strong start in Snowmass; both condo sales and ski-in, ski-out properties up to the $10M are now under contract or have recently sold. We are bullish on Snowmass as a long-term play and feel this is a great time to get into the market.
Our Market Analysis
Thus far, Aspen experienced a healthy and rebounding real estate market in 2014, especially in the core areas above the “round-about” (West End, Red Mountain, Aspen Core, and East Aspen). Inventory is down and sales are up compared to 2012 and 2013. Properties that are priced correctly in good locations are selling. For investors, the best deals that are still on the market are in West Aspen, Woody Creek, McClain Flats, Snowmass, etc.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Snowmass and Aspen are sister cities and cross pollinate more than any other towns in the valley. That being said, Snowmass is more of a true get-away resort community with primarily second homeowners. Aspen has a higher percentage of year-round locals. As for properties, Aspen has very limited ski-in ski-out options, while they are in abundance on the Snowmass hillsides.
While many of the buildings are second homes or resort properties, there is still a thriving group of full-time Aspen and Snowmass locals. Snowmass has a much more laid-back attitude than Aspen and offers incredible mountain biking, hiking, and the best public recreation center in the valley, which boasts a heated, outdoor saltwater pool and gorgeous landscaping.
Services
Aspen’s airport makes the area convenient. Dining options are ubiquitous while grocery shopping is somewhat limited. The hospital is known for excellent care and many doctor’s of all specialization have offices in Aspen.
- CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
- AIRPORT
- HOSPITAL
You may find yourself to driving to Whole Foods or the big City Market downvalley weekly, or up Aspen for a doctor’s or vet visit, but you”ll make up for that by walking to the ski lift and taking a quiet evening stroll.
Lifestyle
While not the disco cocaine scene it used to be in the 8o-‘s, Aspen still offers amazing music events and even a dance clubs. A crowd of athletes in training, classical music aficionados and fashionistas rome the streets. During ski season you’ll be hard pressed to hear anyone from the States. Tourists from Australia and France fill up the hotels and restaurants.
Snowmass is very family-friendly, pet-friendly and well… friendly in general! You’ll take the free shuttle bus around town, ride your bike to the grocery store or walk most places. Going fishing will require getting in the car, but only for ten minutes. Not too bad heh?
Schools
The Aspen School District and are a private schools are highly sought after. They offer many activities and clubs that few down valley schools are able to offer such as skiing. Children in Snowmass attend the Aspen school.
- ASPEN SCHOOL DISTRICT
- ASPEN COUNTRY DAY
The Aspen School District and Aspen’s private schools are highly sought after. They offer many activities and clubs that few down-valley schools are able to offer, such as skiing. Children living in Snowmass also attend schools within the Aspen School District.
Fishing
The headwaters of the Roaring Fork start above Aspen. Very few riverfront properties exist in Aspen or Snowmass, but for excellent fly fishing you only need drive ten minutes up Independence Pass or downvalley towards the larger stretches of the Roaring Fork.