Steamboat Springs, CO Real Estate and Community Blog

Q: Why do people live in Steamboat Springs and work somewhere else?

A: Because they can.

Did you know that almost 10% of Steamboat Springs’ work force do not work in Steamboat Springs? They work in places like Chicago, New York, Australia, or any other location with internet access and cell phone coverage. With the flexibility to live anywhere they choose, they pick Steamboat Springs.

It’s a good arrangement for the workers and for Steamboat Springs. Workers like the quality of life and the excellent schools. This is probably obvious, but living in a resort town is fun. There is so much to do in Steamboat, it’s like being on vacation every day. You’re living in the mountains with time to have fun enjoying them. Year round.

I have a friend from back East who says her and her husband are going to retire to Colorado. I can’t understand that. Why wait until you are in your 60’s? I want to hike and ski while I’m 29. (Disclaimer: I’ve been 29 for a while.)

Location neutral workers are good for Steamboat because it leads to a more stable community and increases tax revenue. It’s estimated that Steamboat’s location neutral workers contribute $35 million annually to the local Steamboat Springs economy and generate $600,000 in Steamboat sales tax revenue.

Location neutral workers stabilize a community. They aren’t second homeowners (even though a lot of them start out that way.) They are involved in the community through Rotary, SCORE, the schools, and community boards.

Steamboat Springs became a destination town only with the advent of technology. Before the Internet, Blackberries, email, and reliable air transportation, if you lived in Steamboat, you worked in Steamboat.