What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Crested Butte, Colorado?

There is no single best neighborhood. It depends on whether you want to walk to Elk Avenue, ski from your door, live near the golf course or spend less and drive a few miles. Here is how the main areas compare, using descriptions from the local visitor bureau, Travel Crested Butte.

Old Town Crested Butte

The historic town centers on Elk Avenue, with restaurants, shops and events. Most of town is a designated historic district, so new construction and exterior changes need design review (see my post on historic district rules). Downtown has some of the highest property values in the area.

Mt. Crested Butte

About 3 miles from downtown, Mt. Crested Butte is its own incorporated town with its own codes. It is popular with seasonal owners and people who want ski and trail access. A free year-round bus and a 2-mile recreation path connect it to Crested Butte. Subdivisions closest to the ski area offer ski-in/ski-out access, plus condos, hotels and shops.

Skyland

Skyland is the golf course community near the town of Crested Butte, outside the town limits. Ask about association rules and any club membership requirements.

The Slate River valley

North of town toward Mt. Crested Butte, the Slate River valley has homes with wide views and quick access to trails and the water. Check the road, winter access and the water and septic setup on each property.

Crested Butte South

About 7 miles south of town, this unincorporated community has vacant homesites, single-family homes, condos and some commercial land. Prices tend to be lower than in the north end of the valley. See my full guide to Crested Butte South.

What about Almont and Gunnison?

Almont, roughly midway between Crested Butte and Gunnison, is known for fly fishing and rafting. Gunnison, about 26 miles from Crested Butte, is the largest town in the valley and sits more than 2,000 feet lower, so its climate is milder.

How do I choose?

Decide how you will use the home first. A full-time resident, a ski-season owner and a summer visitor will weigh walkability, ski access, winter road conditions and cost differently. Then visit in more than one season. A winter visit shows you how plowing, parking and heating work.

What should I ask about any neighborhood?

• Which town or county handles permits, roads and snow removal?
• Are there covenants, HOA dues or rental restrictions?
• Is the home on town water and sewer, or a well and septic?
• How does the road perform after a storm?
• Does the area have a bus connection?

What is the bottom line?

Old Town is walkable and historic, Mt. Crested Butte is closest to the lifts, Skyland and the Slate River valley offer more space, and Crested Butte South trades distance for lower prices. A local agent can help you compare them side by side.

Where do most people live in Crested Butte?

People live across the town, Mt. Crested Butte, nearby subdivisions and Crested Butte South, and many work in one place and live in another.

Is Mt. Crested Butte part of Crested Butte?

No. It is a separate incorporated town about 3 miles away with its own codes.

Which area has the lowest prices?

Crested Butte South and Gunnison generally cost less than the north end of the valley.

Is there public transit between the areas?

A free bus runs between town and Mt. Crested Butte, and a free bus stops near Red Mountain Park in Crested Butte South.

Connect with a great real estate agent in Crested Butte, Kelsey Loftis with Crystal Peak Properties. Phone: (970) 784-6768 · Email: kelseyloftis@gmail.com · Website: crystalpeakproperties.com