Life in the West Elk Mountains: Embracing the Gunnison Lifestyle

homes for sale gunnison

Overview of the municipality of Gunnison

Gunnison, frequently referred to as “Gunny” locally, is a Rockies mountain town located 30 minutes south of Crested Butte. In spite of its isolation, Gunnison County has a lot of enjoyable things to do.

Browse the wide selection of homes for sale Gunnison Co , Colorado, to find the appropriate mountain retreat for your preferences and way of life.

Considering there aren’t many towns around, it’s a great location for getting away. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in the neighborhood all year long. The town’s population in 2020 was 6,560 people, and its elevation is 7,703 feet.

Location

Blue Mesa Reservoir is not far from Gunnison. Monarch Pass, which connects Salida to the east, and Cerro Grande, which connects Montrose, Colorado, to the west, are the two main routes that lead to Gunnison.

Demographics

There are 6.65k residents in Gunnison, CO, of which 98.6% are citizens. In Gunnison, Colorado, 156 persons, or 2.34% of the total population, were foreign-born as of the year 2020.

White (non-Hispanic) residents made up 5.81k of the population in Gunnison, Colorado in 2020, which was 11.4 times more than any other race or ethnicity. The next most prevalent ethnic groupings were 510 White (Hispanic) and 178 Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents.

What makes it unique

The Gunnison River created the park’s famously small canyons through roughly 1.7 billion-year-old Precambrian metamorphic rock over a period of millions of years. The canyon walls are lined with foliated gneiss and schist cliff faces, which produce stunning rock exposures. Colorado’s largest lake, the Blue Mesa Reservoir, is located in Gunnison. And this year, as a result of our rainy May, it’s much bigger than usual. The Blue Mesa is a wonderful site to do precisely that, whether you’re wanting to SUP, fish, kayak, or camp alongside the lake.

Living in Gunnison

Gunnison is an excellent place to live. You must truly love the outdoors if you want to live here. All year long, a wide range of activities are available.. Gunnison is the ideal destination if you like to fish, cycle, ski or snowboard, walk, run, hunt, and so on. The people of Gunnison are pleasant and very active. In a community where tourism is the main industry, it’s fun to meet new people and establish many relationships. Gunnison has lovely summers and is a little chilly in the winter. The added benefit is that you can drive to Crested Butte for your next winter skiing trip in about 45 minutes! Additionally, Crested Butte is the world’s wildflower capital in the summer.

Outdoor attractions and activities (mention parks and trails)

Discover the untamed areas of the Gunnison Valley on a bike, on foot, or with a fishing pole. Hartman Rocks, the Gunnison National Forest, Black Canyon National Park, and Curecanti National Recreation Area are just a few of the more than two million acres of public land that are reachable from this location. You’ve hiked five miles and need to get moving. Numerous well-liked camping spots close to Crested Butte have been transformed from dispersed to specified. If you intend to camp while visiting the Gunnison Valley, it is strongly advised to prepare a few fallback options in case your initial choice of campground doesn’t work out.

Economy

A little city in the Rocky Mountains called Gunnison, Colorado, with a varied economy and culture. With a 2 bedroom rent of $1,490 compared to $1,430 nationwide and a Grocery Cost Index of 104 compared to 100 nationally, Gunnison’s cost of living is marginally higher than the national average. The city is home to numerous small companies, including the REI Outdoors shop, Blackstock Bistro restaurant, High Country Chevrolet auto dealership, and Gunnison Valley Health hospital. Additionally, Gunnison organizes numerous festivals all year long, including the Crested Butte Music Festival, Gallery Walks at the Gunnison Arts Center, and Wine & Cheese events. The city has a ton of things to do, from camping in Blue Mesa Reservoir to skiing in nearby Crested Butte. With its thriving local economy and culture.

Top industries

Gunnison and Crested Butte’s economies, like those of other mountain communities in Colorado, are remarkably diverse despite the fact that tourism is their main source of income. Public lands, education, healthcare, and business are among the other top industries. A thriving small company and entrepreneurial community is also present. Startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs can all receive assistance from this network and services including the ICELab at Western, the Chambers of Commerce, and the Small Business Development Center. However, the culture of juggling challenging work with exciting excursions is what makes the Gunnison Valley’s workplace the greatest. 

Employment

With just one search, you may locate thousands of jobs in Gunnison! Finding your ideal fit has never been easier with thousands of new jobs added! Find Jobs While Traveling.

Cost of living

Gunnison, Colorado, has a very fair and moderate cost of living. Housing expenses are lower than the national average, with a median home price of about $330,000. The cost of living is great for those on a tight budget because groceries and other essentials are relatively inexpensive. There are employment options in the community, which can give families access to more discretionary cash for basic requirements. The town also boasts a low unemployment rate. In addition, Gunnison boasts spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains from several parts of the city, which draws tourists and locals alike. Based on a US average of 100, our cost of living indices are calculated. If the number is less than 100, Gunnison is more affordable than the US average.

Homes for sale in Gunnison

With a wood burning stove and views to the north, the kitchen is open to the dining area. The sizable living area with a wood fireplace will be your favorite place to relax. The primary suite, which has access to the back porch, a double vanity, and a walk-in closet, is also located on the main floor. A wonderful office, lofted bedroom, and bathroom with a standing shower and double vanity are all located upstairs. A second spacious living room with a full bathroom and a flexible space that can be used as a bed room or game room are also located in the walk-out basement. There is also a sizable laundry room with plenty of storage space. Finally, a 630 square foot “garage” is available for storing all of your outdoor equipment. One of Gunnison County’s most amazing and sought-after subdivisions has to be Wilderness Streams. With breathtaking mountain vistas in all directions, rolling meadows, streams, ponds, and forests, it is undoubtedly a magical site. Owners of Wilderness Streams have exclusive access to the National Forest for hiking, horseback riding, and touring the well-known Castles, as well as private stream and stocked pond fishing. This gorgeous log cabin merges seamlessly into the surroundings, offering privacy from the mature trees and excellent views of the pond and Anthracite mountain range. The greatest place to spend warm summer days is on the wraparound covered deck, taking in the scenery. The home feels opulent and expansive inside because of the high vaulted ceilings.

Overview of current trends

1. Real estate market: Gunnison, like many other parts of Colorado, has a robust real estate market in 2021. Housing continues to be in high demand, both for long-term residents and second homes. Property prices surged as a result of low supply and increased demand from out-of-state buyers.

2. Outdoor Recreation: Gunnison is a well-liked vacation spot for outdoor enthusiasts due to its scenic surroundings and close access to outdoor pursuits in the Rocky Mountains. Recreational pursuits like hiking, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, and camping were probably on the rise in 2021.

3. Sustainable Living: Gunnison and all of Colorado are becoming more aware of sustainable living principles. An increasing number of people are becoming interested in renewable energy sources like solar power, as well as eco-friendly construction designs and energy-efficient dwellings.

4. Education & Academics: Gunnison is home to Western Colorado University, which probably continues to draw students interested in outdoor and environmental programs as well as other academic areas.

5. Health and Wellness: In many places, including Gunnison, health and wellness trends have increased, such as organic food selections, exercise classes, and yoga studios.

Property types and architectural styles

The state’s southwest region is home to the lovely town of Gunnison, Colorado. Gunnison, like many other areas of Colorado, offers a variety of home types and architectural designs that complement the area’s rich past and beautiful surroundings.

Kinds of Properties:

1. Single-Family Homes: The most prevalent type of property in Gunnison is the single-family home. These can be anything from chic modern homes in more recent developments on the periphery to quaint old houses in the town’s heart.

2. Cabins and cottages are attractive alternatives for real estate, particularly as second homes or vacation homes, because of the picturesque settings. These homes frequently have a rustic, homey feel, making them perfect for people looking for a refuge in the wilderness.

3. Ranches and rural properties can be found on the outskirts of Gunnison, reflecting the region’s agricultural and ranching history. These homes frequently have a lot of space and stunning mountain views.

4. Townhouses and condominiums offer more compact living possibilities, as do these structures in most communities. These may be appealing to individuals looking for shared amenities and minimal maintenance.

5. Apartments and Rental Properties: Western Colorado University students and members of the local community are served by Gunnison’s rental market.

Styles of Architecture

1. Victorian: Some of Gunnison’s older districts are home to stunning Victorian-style residences. These homes often have elaborate facades, beautiful trim, and ornate details, which capture the elegance of the time.

2. Rustic Mountain: Gunnison’s architecture is influenced by the nearby Rocky Mountains in numerous ways. Natural elements like wood and stone are frequently used in the construction of rustic mountain homes so that they mix in with the surroundings.

3. Modern Mountain: As the town develops, more contemporary or modern mountain-style homes can be found; these homes are distinguished by streamlined exteriors, sizable windows that optimize vistas, and the incorporation of eco-friendly design elements.

4. Adobe and Southwestern: The history and culture of the area have had an impact on the architecture, and you may see some adobe-style homes or Southwestern design features that honor the Native American and Hispanic roots of the area.

5. Log Cabins: Residents of the rural and mountainous areas surrounding Gunnison still like staying in log cabins, which offer a flavor of the old-fashioned mountain lifestyle.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that the housing market and architectural trends may have changed since my previous update. I suggest getting in touch with a neighborhood realtor or doing further research on Gunnison, Colorado, for the most up-to-date details. Find a wide range of homes for sale Gunnison Co.