Breckenridge A Victorian Winter Wonderland..and More!
Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Breckenridge is a quaint 148 year-old Victorian town, originally built by gold prospectors. Today, it is known as one of the nation’s premier year-round resort locations. From championship golf, world-class skiing and snowboarding, gourmet dining, to a vast array of recreation and entertainment choices, Breckenridge truly offers something for the entire family.
“There’s gold in them thar hills!” Rawhide (1938) In 1859 the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush was on, and discovery of gold in the Breckenridge area brought miners and fortune seekers to the “Blue River Diggings.” Breckenridge (originally Breckinridge) was founded by General George E. Spencer’s prospecting company in November of 1859.
By June of 1860, a U.S. post office had been granted, and a single row of log cabins, tents, and shanties lined the banks of the Blue River. The Denver, Bradford, and Blue River Wagon Road Company was secured in 1861, giving lifeblood to the infant community. Breckenridge soon boasted several stores, hotels, and saloons and became the permanent county seat of Summit County, Colorado.
Today’s “gold rush” of sorts for this mountain community is in its real estate. While much of the nation’s real estate market is experiencing a major downward trend, the market in Summit County is red hot. According to Eric Thompson, managing broker of Slifer, Smith & Frampton Summit County, “Our business is up about 200 percent this year, and I don’t see a slowdown.”
Thompson attributes this growth to a combination of factors, starting with the limited supply of land. With U. S. Forest Service regulations and limitations, land available for development is at a premium. The county is close to reaching build-out capacity; it’s estimated there won’t be any additional land available for development within the next ten years.
According to Brooke Roberts Valance, sales and marketing director of Land Title Guarantee Co., many buyers are choosing to invest in real estate rather than the stock market. In 1998, the average price of residential housing in Summit County was slightly over $99,000.00. In 2006, the same average figure was over $457,000.00! According to Breckenridge realtors, buyers come from every age demographic.
The permanent year-around population of Breckenridge is approximately 3,335 with the peak season expanding to 35,026, based on 2006 estimations. According to Trulia.com, the area’s per-capita income is $29,675, compared to the state’s average of $24,049. Breckenridge boasts over 100 restaurants, 180 specialty shops and boutiques, 501 hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts, and 2,745 condo units.
The area is also home to: 5 dentists, 5 medical clinics, 2 pharmacies, 16 museums or art galleries, a library, an outdoor amphitheater, Riverwalk Center, and the only Jack Nicklaus designed , municipal golf course on the planet! The 27 hole, Breckenridge Golf Club is rated by Colorado Golfer as the Best Mountain Course in Colorado.
It’s easy to see why this mountain community, with a history as rich as its scenic landscapes, is the real estate hot spot of the Rockies. Located just 86 miles west of Denver, via Interstate 70 and Colorado State Highway 9, Breckenridge is 34 miles from Vail, 100 miles from Steamboat Springs and less than 20 miles away from the County’s three other ski resorts. This quaint Victorian town really is A Winter Wonderland and so much more!
Ross, Lillian. “The Summit Boom .” Colorado Summit Magazine Summer/Fall 2007 78. 21November 2007 .
“The Town Facts & Stats.” Breckenridge Colorado. 2005. Breckenridge Resort Chamber. 21 Nov 2007 .
“Activities Breckenridge Golf Course.” Breckenridge Colorado. 2005. Breckenridge Resort Chamber. 21 Nov 2007 .
“Historical Overview.” Town of Breckenridge. 1999-2007. Town of Breckenridge. 21 Nov 2007 .
Prepared by the Community Development Department, “The Breckenridge Overview 2006.” Town of Breckenridge. 1999-2007. Town of Breckenridge. 21 Nov 2007 .
“Breckenridge Real Estate Guide.” Trulia Real Estate Search. 2007. Trulia Inc.. 21 Nov 2007 .