Are you a property manager in search of profitable year-round vacation rentals? If so, you’ve probably heard the word “micropolis.” According to the Wall Street Journal, a micropolis is a town with a population between 10,000 and 49,999. In contrast to suburbs, which are often described as bedroom communities for larger cities, micorpolitans are economic hubs that attract workers and shoppers from other areas. However, they maintain their rural charm, while avoiding the characteristic crime and congestion of the big cities. The Town of Silverthorne, Colorado was used as an example.
Located in Summit County, Silverthorne combines big city conveniences with mountain town ambience. The town itself boasts a Target, Office Max and a variety of excellent restaurants and coffee shops. The Outlets of Silverthorne provide endless opportunities for discount shopping for name brand items, thereby eliminating the need to endure the chaos of big city department stores. Silverthorne shares its borders with the neighboring Town of Dillon, which is home to the City Market Supermarket, the fantastic Lake Dillon Theatre, and the Lake Dillon Marina, a popular summertime sailing venue.
The Dillon Marina also holds a series of superb summer concerts. Movie fans will be pleased to know that Dillon has a first-run movie theater. Dillon is also the future home of a new Walgreen’s drugstore. The towns of Dillon and Silverthorne are so close together that people are often confused about which place they are actually visiting. That said, these two locations supply every sort of service you can possibly need. Given their close proximity to each other, you need not worry about driving time between errands and entertainment. If you’d prefer not to drive, the free Summit Stage bus goes to all of Summit County’s popular destinations. If you are traveling towards Copper or Breckenridge, on the way home, you can pick up your groceries or other items at either Safeway or Wal-Mart in Frisco. From there, it’s either a ten minute bus ride or a five-minute drive back to Silverthorne.
While these conveniences are certainly appreciated, Silverthorne’s appeal is based on its designation as a four-season playground for the outdoor enthusiast. For snow lovers, Silverthorne is a fast drive to Keystone, Copper Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin. Loveland is a quick drive in the opposite direction, and ambitious drivers can take a day trip to Steamboat. There’s an ice rink at the corner of Highway 9 and Hamilton Creek Road. Cross Country skiers and snowshoers can enjoy their sport at the Raven Golf Course on Eagle Road.
When the snow melts, the Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks boasts a labyrinth of rolling fairways that are surrounded by pines, aspens and grass-filled wetlands. The Blue River turns into an angler’s paradise. Cutthroat Anglers is located near the Silverthorne Pavilion. They offer equipment rentals and guide services. The Pavilion itself is in front of the Blue River. It is the site of a number of cultural events and weddings. In fact, the scenic, romantic bridge behind the Silverthorne Pavilion has provided many photo opportunities for wedding photographers. The Silverthorne Recreation Center is located on the other side of the bridge. This full-service fitness center offers a plethora of family activities, including an exciting outdoor skate park. The large pool area has a giant water slide, which is enjoyed by kids and kids at heart.
Equestrians who move to Silverthorne, Colorado have the best of both worlds. They get all of the conveniences associated with Silverthorne, along with a gated community known as Ruby Ranch, where you can board your horse at the Ruby Ranch Stables. Other renters and buyers, who want a more rustic setting, will choose properties in the Silverthorne Subdivision known as Wildernest.
Silverthorne also has an added perk: It’s closer to I70 towards Denver than the other towns. While this may seem like a minor issue, anyone who is trying to catch a flight to Denver International Airport after a holiday weekend can attest to the fact that traffic out of the resorts can be horrific. Staying in Silverthorne gives you a head start.
However, people might still be wondering why property managers would choose Silverthorne? Wouldn’t they prefer on-mountain properties at the specific resorts? Not always. Some visitors want to be “close to the party” but away from the noise. Others might find that on-mountain rentals are expensive. Occasionally, the properties that are managed by the specific resort receive less than stellar reviews. As such, a reliable and detail-oriented property management company might do quite well in Silverthorne, Colorado.