Homes for Sale in Telluride, CO
Nestled in a majestic box canyon at an elevation of 8,750 feet, Telluride is a historic mountain town surrounded by dramatic views of 13,000-foot peaks, lush aspen groves, and tranquil meadows. The town is well-known as a top ski resort destination, and for good reason. With more than 300 sunny days and 300 inches of snow yearly, a Euro-style terrain across 2,000 skiable acres, zero lift lines, and an absolutely gorgeous alpine setting, skiing in Telluride is a legendary experience.
Table Of Contents
Beyond its identity as a premier ski town, however, Telluride is an incredible place to call home. In fact, many who visit Telluride fall in love with the lifestyle and decide to stay for good. The mountain town provides an exceptional quality of life thanks to its highly rated schools, tight-knit community, amazing scenery, and dazzling variety of year-round recreational activities and exciting festivals.
Planning to relocate to Telluride? On this page, we’ll show you why this historic mountain town is a special place to call home. We’ll take a look at the lifestyle, the attractions, the Telluride real estate options, and more.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF TELLURIDE’S HISTORY
- Gold was first discovered in the region, which started the Pike’s Peak gold rush of 1858. Placer gold in the San Miguel River and the smuggler gold vein north of Telluride were discovered later on in 1875.
- Early settlement of Telluride started in 1875 after prospector John Fallon registered the first mining claim in the Marshall Basin.
- The town was originally founded as Columbia, Colorado in 1880. It was later on renamed to distinguish itself from another California mining town sharing the same name. The name “Telluride” originates from tellurium, an element used to separate gold and silver from rocks and ores.
- Telluride experienced a significant economic boom after the Rio Grande Southern Railroad connected the region to the rest of the country in 1890.
- By the early 1900s, more than $250 million worth of gold had been mined in the region’s mountains, and the town’s population reached 5,000.
- Entrepreneur Joe Zoline saw the potential of Telluride as a world-class ski destination in the 1970s. The town’s first ski lifts opened in 1972, which marked the birth of the Telluride Ski Area.
TELLURIDE AT A GLANCE
Location
Telluride is tucked within the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado, in a box canyon flanked by steep forested peaks at the base of a world-class ski-and-golf resort. The town is connected by a free-to-use gondola to Mountain Village, its companion town, which sits at the base of the ski area.
Telluride is accessible through Colorado Route 145, Black Bear Pass, and Imogene Pass. It is also served by the Telluride Regional Airport, once the country’s highest-elevation commercial airport at more than 9,000 feet. But due to limited flights at the airport, many passengers bound for Telluride use the Montrose Regional Airport instead, which is located around 70 miles north of the town.
Transportation
Transit options in Telluride are very convenient, making it easy to get around. Both Telluride and the neighboring Mountain Village offer free bus services, and the gondola linking the communities is free to use. However, the gondola ceases operations for regular maintenance in the spring and fall. There are no free shuttle services from the airport, although there are many agencies that offer airport pick-ups for a flat rate.
Weather
Telluride experiences a moderate continental climate characterized by many cold days throughout the year. Weather conditions can be challenging to predict as they change rapidly because of the high altitude. The town gets an average of 300 sunny days each year, and winter temperatures rarely go beyond freezing point.
January is the coldest month in Telluride when temperatures average 18.2°F. The town experiences the hottest temperatures in July when it averages 58.7°F.
Schools
Public schools in Telluride are administered by the highly rated Telluride School District No. R-1 in San Miguel County. The district serves a student population of over 860 and consists of four schools:
- Telluride District Preschool
- Telluride Elementary School
- Telluride Intermediate School
- Telluride Middle/High School
Parents who prefer private education can enroll their children at the Telluride Mountain School, one of the top private K-12 schools in Colorado.
Healthcare
Telluride Regional Medical Center provides a full spectrum of healthcare services, including the only 24/7 emergency and trauma care services offered in the Telluride region.
The center has been serving the Telluride area since 1978 and was granted a Level III Patient-Centered Medical Home certification by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
THE TELLURIDE LIFESTYLE
There’s plenty to love about the Telluride lifestyle. Below are just some of the many activities, destinations, and events to look forward to when you live in this historic mining town.
Recreational destinations
One of the best hiking destinations in Telluride is Bear Creek Trail. Located in the sprawling 325-acre Bear Creek Preserve just south of town, the trail takes visitors on a scenic, unforgettable journey leading to a spectacular waterfall display.
The trail has a moderate difficulty rating and an elevation gain of about 1,050 feet. It’s 2.3 miles in and out and it takes about an hour and a half to reach Upper Bear Creek Falls. Those looking for a longer hike can extend their journey by taking the Wasatch Trail, another popular trail in the area. The Wasatch Trail is connected to the Bear Creek Trail — just keep an eye out for the sign leading to the trail around two miles into your hike.
Initially developed as a high-end ski resort, Mountain Village is now a full-fledged town sitting at an elevation of over 9,500 feet, tucked amidst the soaring peaks of the San Juan Mountains. It draws countless visitors each year with its stunning scenery, thrilling snow sports, and wide array of shops and restaurants located alongside cabins and hotels.
Founded in 1987, the European-inspired town features an idyllic setting in the heart of a deep valley surrounded by lush forests. The gorgeous environment and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect spot for a vacation getaway.
One of the town’s top attractions is the historic Main Street. Once lined with gambling parlors and saloons during the mining town’s early days, it now features a dazzling collection of boutiques, gourmet restaurants, art galleries, cozy cafes, and elegant Victorian-era houses.
Enhancing Main Street’s laidback atmosphere are views of mountain peaks soaring high above the colorful storefronts and late boom-town architecture, giving it a picturesque charm unlike any other.
Dining
While Telluride might be a small mountain town, it has more than its fair share of exquisite dining destinations that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet grass-fed burger, a delectable slice of wood-fired oven pizza, or a hearty free-range steak, Telluride’s collection of incredible restaurants is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning foodies.
Below are some of the top-rated restaurants for you to check out:
The best way to start your day is by visiting The Butcher & The Baker, a locally owned and operated bakery and café that’s a beloved favorite for many locals. As soon as you enter the café, the aroma of freshly baked bread, artisan pastries, and specialty brewed coffee is sure to trigger your cravings!
While every item on their extensive menu is worth a try, the popular Day Maker Sandwich is a surefire palate pleaser – a flavor-packed sandwich consisting of farm fresh eggs and breakfast sausage topped with white cheddar, organic arugula, and house-made pepper jam, served on a homemade English muffin.
Located at the base of the gondola and Lift 8, Oak is a casual BBQ joint known for their slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone BBQ cooked to perfection, earning them a spot amongst the very best BBQ spots in Telluride.
In addition to their mouthwatering BBQ, Oak’s menu features an array of classic Southern comfort food including chicken fried steak, gumbo, bacon mac and cheese, and tasty sides like fired okra, seasoned steak fries, red beans and rice, and snap pea salad. Be sure to order their sandwiches, too – their Carolina smoked pulled pork shoulder sandwich is exceptional.
While some pizzerias only claim to serve “world-class” pizza, few actually have proof to back it up. Brown Dog Pizza is one such restaurant. Its owner and chef, Jeff Smokevitch, has won prestigious international pizza-making competitions throughout his career, including the International Pizza Expo (four times), American Pizza Championship, and World Pizza Championship.
Today, Smokevitch’s award-winning pizza-making skills delight countless diners in Telluride, who all come to savor their signature Detroit-style pizza, classic American pizza, thin-crust pizza, and Sicilian-style pizza. Completing their menu are a range of other delicious items including wings, salads, specialty subs, pasta, burgers, and more.
Events and festivals
Telluride visitors and locals look forward to a stellar lineup of unforgettable events every year, which include:
February
May
June
July
- The Ride Festival
- Telluride Americana Music Festival
- Telluride Plein Air Festival
- Telluride Chamber Music Festival
August
September
October
December
TELLURIDE REAL ESTATE
A varied selection of properties is available for those searching for Telluride real estate options. Whether you’re in search of a year-round residence, a vacation home, or an investment property, the variety of homes in Telluride can fulfill any budget, requirement, or preference.
From upscale condos and stylish townhomes to exquisite ranches and luxurious ski-in/ski-out estates, some of the most beautiful residences in Colorado can be found right here in Telluride. Owning a home in Telluride allows you to take full advantage of the fresh mountain air, the spectacular alpine scenery, and the myriad recreational opportunities, offering an unparalleled lifestyle in one of Colorado’s premier mountain towns.
Single-family homes
Telluride single-family homes range from comfortable cabins to luxurious ski-in/ski-out estates and golf course villas, and everything in between. They’re available in a variety of stunning architectural styles including traditional log, mountain modern, ranch, chalet, Victorian, Italian Villa, and contemporary. You’ll find properties in secluded locations surrounded by nature or steps away from the historic downtown district and its array of restaurants, boutiques, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions.
Single-family homes in Telluride offer a seamless combination of privacy, comfort, and style, offering the very best of mountain living. Some examples of features you can find in many Telluride single-family homes include:
- Meticulously landscaped grounds
- Exquisite interiors with upscale finishes and plenty of natural light
- High vaulted ceilings
- Radiant floor heating
- Spacious family rooms with wood-burning fireplace
- Chef’s kitchen with breakfast nook, large center islands, and top-quality stainless steel appliances
- Gorgeous primary suites with spa-like ensuite baths and large walk-in closets
- Expansive sundecks and patios overlooking picture-perfect views
- Ski-in/ski-out access
Condos and townhomes
Condos and townhomes in Telluride are available in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and prices, giving plenty of options for those looking forward to a low maintenance lifestyle. The most luxurious properties are equipped with top-quality finishes and lots of square footage and are typically priced from around $500,000 to upwards of $1 million.
If you’re planning to rent out your Telluride condo or townhome when you’re away, there are many reputable property management companies in town that can handle maintenance, repair, security, and upkeep.
Telluride neighborhoods
Homebuyers will be able to choose from a diverse assortment of residential communities, each with its own charm. Some of the most popular neighborhoods and subdivisions in Telluride include:
- Aldasoro Ranch – Located in the San Juan Mountains of Telluride, Aldasoro Ranch features a collection of single-family custom homes on lot sizes ranging from 1 to 15 acres. Every home in the neighborhood is highlighted by breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains and the Telluride region. Aldasoro Ranch is located just 15 minutes from the downtown district and the Telluride Ski Resort.
- Ski Ranches – Boasting a prime location minutes away from Mountain Village, Telluride’s world-famous ski resort, and the National Forest, Ski Ranches is a subdivision featuring single-family homes on wooded parcels ranging from 1 to 3 acres. This is the perfect place to live for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with its network of equestrian, mountain biking, and hiking trails with access to the lush National Forest.
- West Meadows – Located just 20 minutes from downtown Telluride, West Meadows is an exclusive gated community in a tranquil setting offering unmatched privacy. Homes in this sought-after community maximize the serene environment and the stunning views through features like floor-to-ceiling windows and sprawling outdoor living spaces perfect for entertaining.
- Elk Run – Nestled within a lush aspen forest on a mountain slope, Elk Run is a gated luxury community minutes away from Mountain Village and the Telluride Ski Resort. The exclusive neighborhood offers a relaxed and laidback setting complemented by stunning views of majestic 14,000-foot mountain peaks and unmatched privacy.
- Sunnyside Ranch – Situated on a secluded bench just north of Telluride, Sunnyside Ranch offers a superb location that’s highly accessible to the airport, the slopes, and all of the top-rated destinations in downtown Telluride and Mountain Village. As one of the most sought-after ranch developments in the Rocky Mountains, Sunnyside Ranch offers a serene setting surrounded by the National Forest on three sides and a lush landscape with vast open space and tranquil springs throughout. Properties in Sunnyside Ranch sit on 35-acre single-family lots scattered amongst enchanting aspen forests and open meadows, providing unmatched privacy in a picturesque environment.
For more information on the different neighborhoods and communities in Telluride, head to this page.
FIND YOUR DREAM HOME IN TELLURIDE TODAY
Discover the finest Telluride real estate options by working with us at Team TD Smith, the top real estate experts in the area. Count on our Mountains of Experience, deep local knowledge, and unparalleled expertise to help you fulfill your real estate goals in this exciting market!
Call or text us at 970.729.1577 or send us an email.