Top 5 Reasons Why People Move to Summit County

 

Summit County has become one of the most desirable places to live in the State of Colorado. With access to outdoor recreation and stunning mountain views, it’s no wonder that many people are flocking to Summit County to buy a home and live here year-round. Summit County includes ski resort towns such as Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and central mountain towns along I-70, including Silverthorne, Dillon, and Frisco. Here are the top five reasons why people move to Summit County. 

1. Fantastic Skiing and Endless Outdoor Recreation:

   One of the main reasons people decide to move to Summit County is the proximity to four world-class ski resorts, all within a half-hour of each other: Breckenridge Ski Resort, Copper Mountain, Keystone Resort, and Arapahoe Basin. The typical ski season extends from October/November to May/June (in some years, you can even ski in July depending on the weather!!) Vail and Beaver Creek are just a short drive west on I-70 for even more alpine ski options! Hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, boating, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, and camping are just a few of the endless ways to enjoy fun, cheap ways to get outside and enjoy the vast open spaces. Residents can appreciate the fresh and pristine mountain air, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, rock formations, forests, and striking mountain views that never get old. 

2. Highest Life Expectancy in the United States: 

   According to a study by the American Medical Association, Summit County has the highest life expectancy in the nation at about 87 years! That means that of all the people born in the county, the average lives until age 87 (which is 8-10 years longer than the average of other places in the United States.) Neighboring counties of Pitkin and Eagle also came in with life expectancies of about 85 years. What are the secrets to longevity, you ask? The natural and social environments of Summit County encourage healthy activities. Social activities also revolve around outdoor activities rather than food and drinking. Higher levels of physical activity help reduce stress and reduce the risk of obesity, further enhancing longevity. Access to clean water and air, in addition to high levels of education, high incomes, and quality medical care, all contribute to these impressive statistics. Another study also concluded that Summit County had the lowest cancer mortality rate in the country for the past 30 years!

3. Breathtaking Views: 

   Summit County is renowned for its awesomely amazing scenic views from every part of the county. High-elevation views over the Rocky Mountains are sure to make you stop in your tracks as you enjoy the fresh mountain air while taking in the sights. Popular scenic drives include the Loveland Pass Loop, the Independence Pass Loop, Boreas Pass, Tenderfoot Trail, Sapphire Point, and Ptarmigan Trailhead (outside of Silverthorne). Also, Breckenridge CO Peak 8 (take Ski Hill Road up as far as you can go, or take the gondola up to get a great view) has some of the most epic views in Summit County. Places to watch the sunset include Frisco Bay, Ptarmigan Trailhead, and Tenderfoot Trail (which has great sunset views in the summer when the sun sets behind the Gore Range, sending golden sun rays into the Rocky Mountain sky). Check out our Pinterest page to get more ideas for the best views in Summit County.  

4. Access to Mountain Lakes and Fly Fishing Rivers:

   The Dillon reservoir (also known as Dillon Lake) is a large freshwater lake located in Summit County and bordered by the towns of Frisco, Silverthorne, and Dillon. The reservoir is the center of attraction in the area. It offers fishing (and ice fishing), sail boating, paddle boarding, swimming, activities around the marina, and more! Several rushing streams in the area are also a significant feature of Summit County. The Ten Mile Creek runs along I-70 from Copper Mountain to Frisco is known as one of the best places to fish for trout. The Blue River, which starts in Breckenridge and goes all the way to Kremmling, passing the Dillon Reservoir, is also a famous fishing river. The best place to catch fish on the Blue River is in Silverthorne, where there is public land to fish from and areas where you can wade into the water. Other smaller mountain lakes and streams can also be found in the county.

5. Not Too Far From Denver: 

   Typically a 90-minute drive to Denver and DIA (give or take depending on the weather and traffic). Summit County saw a “Zoom Town” boom in 2020 as many employers have decided to allow their employees to work remotely. See tips on creating an ideal home office here. Given the proximity to a major airport, Denver International Airport, and a large metro area with conveniences and entertainment of a big city (including professional and medical services, professional and college sports teams, including the Denver Broncos Football, the Denver Nuggets Basketball, the Avalanche NHL Hockey team), Summit County seems to have it all!