Aspen, Colorado, is a beautiful mountainside town, well known and loved for its winter skiing and year-round outdoor recreation. When searching for properties in the area, it can be difficult to know which neighborhood best suits your lifestyle and needs. A preliminary online search can be valuable in narrowing down your options, while visiting in person and working with an agent offer an opportunity to solidify your choice and find a property that’s just perfect. Before searching for Aspen Snowmass real estate, here’s what to know about entering the local market.
1. Start online
A buyer looking for the right neighborhood can learn a lot about the area without having to visit in person by searching online. Reliable tools offering public access, like NeighborhoodScout, provide basic information about cities and a breakdown of the neighborhoods and their amenities in the area. This is especially helpful for buyers in determining the type of community and properties they can look forward to seeing.
Online community forums are also a good place to search, as local residents will be able to answer any questions you have about the area from their experienced perspective. Simple resources like Google Maps can also provide information about the services and amenities in the area and how far of a commute you can expect from the neighborhoods you’re interested in. You can even map out a route to time your drive to jobs, schools, or outdoor recreation spots you might frequently want to visit.
2. Partner with an agent
When searching for Aspen homes for sale, partnering with a local expert is essential to connecting with properties that check all the boxes. Working with a skilled agent, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the area and all that it has to offer. An agent knows the differences between Aspen neighborhoods like the conveniently located Central Core, private communities immersed in nature like McLain Flats, or prime destinations like Old Snowmass. They can explain to you the environment and amenities of areas you’re interested in.
Alongside in-depth local knowledge, a real estate agent also has up-to-date knowledge about the real estate market and its fluctuations. With this information, they can help you find properties in neighborhoods that match your goals, as well as help you time and price your offer effectively and competitively. This information will make your neighborhood search shorter and less stressful.
3. Research the market
Buying a property is equal parts lifestyle choice and investment, which is why it’s important to consider the local market before moving forward with a purchase. After all, you want to purchase a home in a desirable community that is likely to appreciate in value over time. Properties in Aspen appreciate faster than the national average and most other towns in Colorado. Thus, those searching for a property in Aspen can count on neighborhoods that provide good long-term investments.
4. Search for schools nearby
Buyers with and without children can benefit from researching the education options in nearby neighborhoods. Those with families should search for school districts that can meet their children’s specific needs. Start by researching test scores, accelerated or special needs programs, and the type of curriculum the district provides, as well as extracurriculars like sports and an arts and music program. Those without children will benefit from higher home values near a highly-rated school district.
Aspen is an affluent town, and families with children will benefit from high-quality schools in the area. Highly rated public school options, like Aspen High School and Aspen Community Charter School, provide excellent education opportunities for all ages. Private school options are equally as impressive, with institutions like Aspen Country Day School.
5. Consider services and amenities
Also, explore the area around Aspen Snowmass real estate for services and amenities. For emergencies, research how far away the neighborhood is from essential services like hospitals, auto repair shops, and veterinarians. It’s also important to search for places like primary care doctors, grocery stores, post offices, restaurants, and entertainment areas. In areas like Aspen, a search for outdoor recreation can be especially fruitful, with a wealth of outstandingly scenic spots to explore.
Aspen’s services and amenities don’t disappoint, as spots like East Snowmass Creek provide excellent hiking and beautiful views, while the four world-class ski resorts in the town offer plenty of terrain for novices and experts alike. Shop at the Aspen Saturday Market or explore the downtown situated on five blocks to meander through the selection of art galleries, antique stores, fur shops, and more. The fine dining in the area spans cuisine from across the world and comes with great nature views.
6. Visit in person
Although an online search can tell you a lot about an area, seeing a neighborhood in person is the best way to understand whether or not it’s a good fit. After a home showing, walk through the neighborhood to get a feel for its energy, as well as the types of homes in the area. If a resident is out on a walk or in their driveway, don’t be afraid to ask them questions about the community. They can provide you with essential insights into the nature of the neighborhood, as well as any history of a home’s previous tenants.
Additionally, be sure to visit at different times of the day and week. The character of a neighborhood will be much different on a Sunday morning than on a Wednesday afternoon or evening. At this time, consider what types of neighbors and communities you’re interested in. Some buyers may prefer a more private experience, while others may want to form friendships with residents.
Ready to start your neighborhood search?
When trying to find the right neighborhood for you, consider these six tips for a successful search. If you need expert guidance in your search for Aspen luxury homes, contact experienced local agent Brittanie Rockhill to guide you through the process.
