Carbondale Real Estate Statistics
| Average Price | $3.5M |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $325K |
| Highest Price | $22.5M |
| Total Listings | 81 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $974 |
Property Types (active listings)
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Carbondale Highlights
Carbondale At A Glance
Carbondale has been a more affordable bedroom community to Aspen since the 1980s. Historically, there has been less tourism, and more people have lived here full-time, creating a strong local community.
At 6,200 ft in elevation, Carbondale is 1,700 ft lower than Aspen. That’s probably the ideal altitude for this region of Colorado. In winter, Carbondale remains sunny, as it’s not in a deep valley like Aspen. In the summer, it can be warm but not too hot. Because the valley is more expansive, Carbondale receives more sun and less rain than Aspen, which is in the midst of the Elk Mountains.
Discover Carbondale Real Estate
Carbondale’s real estate market is characterized by a couple of desirable traits: affordability and wide selection of properties. This includes single-family homes and condos, though there are far more available options for the former.
The hilly neighborhoods house a number of private, secluded estates, many with large parcels of land attached. Land sales make up a large part of the Carbondale real estate market, and plots range from downtown lots at less than an acre, to former ranch land subdivisions of more than 50 acres. Within town, the charm of Carbondale’s Victorian origins still shines through, with historic homes on the real estate market occupying tree-lined, grid-oriented streets.
Many Carbondale homes for sale are sprawling ranches and estates. These were once part of the region’s vast network of ranch land before eventually being subdivided and sold as residential real estate. Additionally, there are often Carbondale historic homes for sale within the downtown for those looking to be more centrally located.
Carbondale homes for sale, particularly the large estates outside the downtown, are much more affordable than those closer to Aspen. Recently, Carbondale properties have been selling for one-twelfth to one-sixth of the price per square foot in the Aspen Central Core—and, unless these properties are located in downtown Carbondale, they come with plenty of land attached.
Things To Do in Carbondale
Carbondale doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of Aspen. However, for many people, Carbondale’s local vibe and down-to-earth attitude will be the main attraction. And, at only 45 minutes away, it’s close enough to enjoy all the skiing, outdoor recreation, and culture Aspen has to offer.
Carbondale is one of the best places to be a mountain biker in the Roaring Fork Valley. Just outside town, on the north side of Highway 82, Red Hill is home to a dozen or so trails. Slightly further afield, 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.
For gravity-driven adventures, Snowmass Bike Park is 45 minutes away. It’s part of Snowmass’s impressive summer investment to turn the mountain into a year-round dynamo. The bike park serves up over 3000 feet of vertical drop, featuring jumps, drops, flow, and natural technical trails. In other words, whatever you are looking for, you’ll find it here.
One of the best things about Carbondale is its proximity to hot springs. The area is a hotspot for springs of warm, volcanic water, which became the namesake of nearby Glenwood Springs. The developed pools of Glenwood, like Iron Mountain and Yampah Spa & Salon, are just 15 minutes from Carbondale. There are also undeveloped pools that require a short hike, like Penny Hot Springs and South Canyon Hot Springs.
The Roaring Fork River is much larger in Carbondale than near its headwaters in Aspen, making it an excellent place for whitewater rafting and kayaking. During the melt season in early summer, whitewater sections like “cemetery rapids” provide a thunderous soundtrack to the thrill of being on the river.
Skiing in Carbondale
Carbondale is a nexus of Colorado ski culture. The closest ski resort is, in fact, not in Aspen. It’s the lesser-known but much-beloved Sunlight Mountain, which is about 35 minutes from Carbondale. Sunlight is the sort of small, local ski hill that once dominated skiing before the rise of corporate ski areas.
Of course, the four Aspen ski resorts are about 40-45 minutes away. Snowmass is Aspen’s largest domain, with 4,406 feet of vertical drop and 3,342 acres of terrain.
Hardcore locals cherish Aspen Mountain, which is home to an array of steep tree runs, moguls, and flawless black groomers that run like an elevator shaft back down to town. The mountain, known as “Ajax,” looks vertical from town, but you really start to feel the heights as you fly up the Silver Queen Gondola.
Aspen Highlands is home to the Highlands Bowl, one of Colorado’s snowiest microclimates. This northeast-facing terrain feature is like a catcher’s mitt for snowflakes, and the bowl fills with snow, even when only a few inches have fallen on the other slopes. Untracked turns are guaranteed if you can swing the 30-minute trek to the summit ridge in the cold, thin Colorado air.
The aptly named Buttermilk Mountain is a favorite for beginners and families. With broad, perfectly groomed pistes and plenty of Colorado sunshine, the skiing will put a smile on even the most grumpy of children.
Schools & Education In Carbondale
Carbondale is the center of the Roaring Fork Public School District. Crystal River Elementary School serves Pre-K to 4th graders, Carbondale Middle School serves 5th to 8th graders, and Roaring Fork High School serves grades 9 through 12. Bridges High School offers an alternative experience for 11th and 12th graders. Meanwhile, the Colorado Rocky Mountain School is an acclaimed private high school in Carbondale. Families with young children have an array of preschools and Montessori schools to send their children to.
Homes For Sale in Carbondale
Carbondale is home to an evolving real estate market. Not long ago, it was a low-key mountain town, but it’s quickly morphing into a hotspot for outdoor sports and mountain culture. Finding the balance between luxury, location, and the ability to renovate is a work of art. 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.
