Basalt


Once upon a time, Basalt was where Aspenites went to buy their groceries. The town's original name was even “Aspen Junction” before the citizens elected to change it to Basalt in 1895, named after Basalt Mountain just to the north. Basalt now is a mountain community of around 4,000 people, which winds around the Roaring Fork River.


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Aerial view of Basalt, CO during winter

Basalt Real Estate Statistics

Average Price $2.6M
Lowest Price $398K
Highest Price $24M
Total Listings 139
Avg. Price/SQFT $1.5K

Property Types (active listings)

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Mount Sopris during autumn, outside of Basalt

Basalt Highlights


  • 01
    Modern, scenic homes and properties located right at the mid-point of Roaring Fork Valley
  • 02
    A selection of older properties in the downtown and newer developments outside of it
  • 03
    Great amenities for a smaller community, including shops, restaurants, and points of interest in the historic downtown
  • 04
    Parks and recreation sites, which are perfect for those searching for an active, outdoorsy lifestyle

19.8

Aspen Mountain

19.9

Aspen Highlands

17.2

Buttermilk

17.7

Snowmass

15.8

Airport

19.8

Downtown Aspen

Basalt At A Glance

Basalt, officially designated as a town, is located about halfway between Glenwood Springs (to the north) and Aspen (to the south). It’s actually part of the Edwards-Glenwood Springs Combined Statistical Area.

The town of Basalt can be divided into two main areas: the new developments and the historic downtown. The newer part is located further into the valley, up north towards Glenwood Springs, while the historic part of the town is found closer to Aspen. It is nicknamed “The Heart of the Roaring Fork Valley.”

Discover Basalt Real Estate

In terms of size (population), Basalt is comparable to towns such as Silt and Carbondale. Its real estate market is made up of mostly single-family homes (with some multi-family homes) in the luxury price bracket. Basalt appeals to homebuyers who are looking for a more rural lifestyle, whether that be year-round or as a second home for part-time living.

Because they haven’t regulated new construction like Aspen, much of Basalt is new, sleek, convenient, and emblematic of slightly understated modern luxury. Wide, freshly paved roads separate neighborhoods of mixed-material houses and condos. Further out, these modern houses gradually expand into estates on large lots. There’s room to stretch out and breathe in Basalt. But you’re still in the Roaring Fork Valley, surrounded by the princely Mount Sopris.

Real estate in Basalt tends to lean towards a traditional style. For single-family homes, this generally means cabin or cottage designs. This is especially true of older, mountain properties that are located further from the downtown. And while there are certainly multi-story floor plans available on the market, Basalt does have a significant number of single-story properties. 

There are a few condo buildings in Basalt for interested buyers. These properties have additional amenities for owners, such as parking, storage, outdoor entertaining space, and perks such as a fitness center or event space. HOA fees can vary depending on the building, so reach out to an experienced realtor for more information. Condos for sale in Basalt are desirable for their location, as they are positioned near the downtown—in contrast to single-family homes, which extend far into the valley and offer sought-after privacy.

Things To Do in Basalt

Basalt is a quintessential Colorado mining town, dating back to the 1880s, known particularly for its downtown area—as it offers a lot for its smaller size. Residents and visitors can take a historic walking tour starting at the Town Hall. In summer, flowers adorn the colorful Western facades, and Basalt's best shops and restaurants are found in this part of the town. 

A nexus of Colorado ski culture, Basalt is situated close to a number of resorts, trails, and mountains. It starts with the 12 miles of cross-country trails right out of town. 

The four Aspen ski resorts are about 30 minutes away, depending on location. Snowmass is Aspen’s largest domain and the best for intermediate skiers and riders, with 4,406 feet of vertical drop and 3,342 acres of terrain. Aspen Mountain, known as “Ajax” by locals, has long been the “local’s mountain,” with its steep, north-facing slopes and mogul fields. Aspen Highlands virtually guarantees fresh tracks if you can swing the strenuous 30-minute bootpack to the summit ridge. Lastly, skiers on the hunt for a sun-soaked and leisurely day on the slopes will adore the aptly named Buttermilk Mountain. 

The lesser-known but much-beloved Sunlight Mountain is 45 minutes from Basalt. Sunlight is the sort of small, local ski hill that once dominated the sport before the rise of corporate ski areas.

Basalt is the perfect place to be a mountain biker. The Prince Creek and Crown Trail System features over three dozen trails on the foothills of Mount Sopris. Trails for all levels exist, although the area caters particularly well to intermediates. 15 minutes down the road toward Carbondale, on the north side of Highway 82, is Red Hill, which is home to a dozen or so popular trails.

For gravity-driven adventures, Snowmass Bike Park is just 25 minutes away and serves up over 3000 feet of vertical drop without a single pedal stroke. Snowmass is considered one of the premier bike parks in the U.S. and is the centerpiece of the Roaring Fork Valley bike scene. Basalt is also a great destination for those who want to try their hand at fly fishing. 

It may not be home to global luxury brands like downtown Aspen, but Basalt the essentials. The big grocery stores, like City Market and Whole Foods, are a necessity when you live in the Valley. There are also plenty of unique boutiques and galleries. The best place to explore is Midland Avenue, the center of the historic downtown. 

Schools & Education In Basalt

Basalt’s three public schools are Basalt Elementary School, Basalt Middle School, and Basalt High School. Private schools include Aspen Country Day School and Aspen Community School, both grades K-8, as well as the Colorado Rocky Mountain School (9-12) in Carbondale.

Buy a Home in Basalt 

Finding your dream home in Basalt—or anywhere in the Roaring Fork Valley—isn’t always straightforward. But of all Aspen real estate agents, none has a better track record for success than Ryan Schwartz. For more information regarding Aspen homes for sale and Aspen real estate trends, or to list your home with a premier Aspen real estate agent, contact Ryan Schwartz today by phone or email.



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