Even those who’ve never traveled to Colorado are probably familiar with this state’s majestic scenery in places like the Aspen ski area, Telluride, Colorado Springs, or Idaho Springs. Indeed, the name “Colorado” is often enough to conjure up images of the top of a snow-peaked summit. Known internationally for its Instagram-worthy mountainous terrain, “The Centennial State” has plenty of breathtaking areas for nature lovers to explore. But it’s not just the thousands of retirees and nature enthusiasts that buy a quaint & secluded piece of Colorado real estate. There are also many exciting investment opportunities in this Western state.
Why buy land in Colorado?
Despite Colorado’s rugged terroir, there are plenty of rural acres and meadows for farmers to invest in. In fact, Colorado is well known for many agricultural and livestock industries, including wheat, milk, and cattle. These idyllic areas are great opportunities for anyone interested in agricultural property.
Outside of agriculture, Colorado has diverse business opportunities in big cities like Denver and Boulder. From aerospace and JavaScript coding to education and tourism, there are many fascinating business segments in this dynamic state. Also, as Colorado’s population expands, residential properties with cozy beds along suburban roads may become more valuable for real estate agents. Many buyers in the United States are getting more interested in a dream Colorado townhome, especially as more amenities and grocery stores open down the road from world-class hiking trails and ski resorts.
What kind of land is available in Colorado?
Geographically speaking, Colorado is one of America’s most colorful states. From invigorating “fourteeners” mountain views to pristine plateaus and plains, this state has many zones to choose from. There are also highly industrialized areas like Denver with land for sale if you’re interested in the excitement of city life.
How to buy land in Colorado?
If you’re looking to own a sublime slice of Colorado land, it’s best to work with a professional land broker. People with experience in the Colorado market know how to find and acquire the parcel that best suits your investment goals. Be sure to have an idea of why you want to buy land in Colorado to make the buying process as smooth as possible.
What are the benefits of buying land in Colorado?
Colorado is far more than every outdoor enthusiast’s idea of paradise. Sure, Colorado is a great state for those looking for gorgeous mountain peaks, hunting & fishing, and serene forests with trails, wildlife viewing, and camping. However, there are many economic opportunities for people who invest in Colorado land.
While it may not get as much press in the agriculture department, Colorado exports a lot of livestock throughout the USA. In fact, Colorado ranks high for its veal and beef exports. There are also many opportunities for those interested in fertile farmland, especially for crops like millet, wheat, and potatoes.
Also, Colorado’s population has steadily increased over the past few decades. More families, students, and professionals are attracted to Colorado’s business and educational opportunities. Investing in land near big cities like Denver could be an interesting strategy for those involved in real estate and property development. Developing homes and estates for sale in the heart of Colorado towns like Trinidad, Hartsel, Cotopaxi, and Walsenburg may be a viable strategy for some real estate investors.
What are the risks of buying land in Colorado?
Due to Colorado’s mountainous terrain, it has been prone to severe weather events like avalanches and wildfires. Those interested in finding a peaceful and charming outdoor retreat in the foothills should remember there’s a chance Mother Nature will turn on you. What was once a lovely, calming, and refreshing county for farms and ranches could become a huge safety hazard.
Plus, if there are a lot of pines and other trees in your area, you may have to worry about them falling over during snowstorms. Please always double-check the weather risks in your area before choosing a land parcel on a map of Colorado.
Wildlife is also a potential concern depending on where you build a Colorado cabin. Areas close to the Rocky Mountains may come in contact with a mountain lion. Elk and mule deer are other species to learn more information about if you’re thinking about buying acreage in a mountain community.
Another risk of buying land in Colorado is an overabundance of dry & arid soil. While many areas will bear fruit in Colorado, please be sure the ground you’re buying has the dirt you need. Always scan your soil scientifically to prove it’s well-suited for your agricultural goals.
What are some common mistakes people make when buying land in Colorado?
Many Colorado land brokers say people often ask too few questions when evaluating options in this state. Retirees often assume any land area is “good enough” for outdoor recreation. After all, Colorado is all mountains, right? Similarly, those interested in Colorado’s hot agriculture segment may assume every inch of this land is suitable for growing crops.
In reality, Colorado has a mix of geological regions, each of which is well-suited for very different industries. Prospective landowners should never assume Colorado land is uniform. Always ask for more knowledge regarding the terrain, zoning & boundary map restrictions, and suitability.
There are territories east, west, north, and south where you could find a Colorado house or farm listing. However, here’s a list of popular Colorado counties with land listings to start exploring possibilities:
- Gunnison County
- Costilla County
- Otero County
- Alamosa County
- Las Animas County
- Routt County
- Saguache County
- Ouray County
- Pueblo County
- Jackson County
- Lake County
- Teller County
- Conejos County
- Chaffee County
- Huerfano County
- Fremont County
- Kiowa County
- Hinsdale County
- Cheyenne County
- Crowley County
- Dolores County
- Boulder County
- Lincoln County
- El Paso County
- Jefferson County
- Garfield County
- Rio Grande County
- Clear Creek County
- Montezuma County
- Elbert County
- Delta County
- Prowers County
- Sedgwick County
- Washington County
- Rio Blanco County
- San Miguel County
- Arapahoe County
- Archuleta County
- Custer County
- Mesa County
- Montrose County
- Moffat County
- La Plata County
- Pitkin County
- Larimer County
- Baca County
- Bent County
- Douglas County
- Phillips County
- San Juan County
What is the price of the land?
Like most other states in the USA, the value of land in Colorado continues to climb. Although past price action can’t predict the future, Colorado land is less affordable today than it was a few years ago.
Most estimates suggest that an acre of farmland in Colorado is around $2,000. These costs will vary depending on what region you’re interested in, so getting a precise estimate of various types of lands in your target counties is essential.
What is the climate like in Colorado?
Many people describe Colorado as a “dry” state. Not only is Colorado’s state soil predominately dry, there’s fairly little year-round precipitation in the state. Average annual temps are around 45°F, but you will experience warm summers and chilly winters. Colorado is also prone to snow, especially in mountainous regions.
Generally, people judge Colorado’s average temperatures on its altitude. Interestingly, not all southern zones of the state are hotter than northern territories. Figuring out how cold it will be in Colorado depends on the average elevation of your chosen setting.
What is the soil like in Colorado?
Heavy clay is the predominant soil type in Colorado. While this may make Colorado seem like an “agricultural wasteland,” plenty of counties have arable soil. For example, the following counties have a robust agricultural climate and soil conditions:
Those interested in Colorado zones with stable agricultural conditions need to figure out their land parcel’s average elevation and soil type. It also helps to research the agricultural history in your Colorado address to understand whether it’s suitable for growing crops or maintaining livestock.
What is the water availability like in Colorado?
Water availability is a notable concern for many Colorado residents. Since Colorado is landlocked, it doesn’t have easy access to water sources. Also, according to recent data from the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Centennial State is facing the threat of water shortages as climate change impacts the state. Also, since Colorado’s population continues to climb, the demand for water resources is expected to outpace the local supply.
While environmentalists are hard at work addressing this issue, it is vital to keep tabs on how Colorado is addressing its water shortage issues. While Colorado has yet to enact rations on bath water, it’s unclear how climate patterns will impact this industry. If you have concerns about this issue, research the Colorado Water Conservation Board’s main website for more detailed info.
What is the elevation of the land in Colorado?
Colorado is way above sea level. In fact, estimates suggest most areas of the state are at least 6,800 feet above the sea. Of course, the mountainous areas of Colorado could be as high as 10,000 feet above sea level. Often, it takes people a few days to adjust to the higher elevations in the Centennial State. Anyone with health conditions that may be affected by higher altitudes should consider this factor before researching directions on buying land in Colorado.
What are the property taxes in Colorado?
A big reason people are buying land in Colorado is due to this state’s relatively low property tax rates. Recent estimates suggest Colorado has some of the nation’s lowest average property taxes. While big cities like Denver and Boulder are more expensive, many areas of Colorado have property taxes in the 0.5% range.
However, please remember property taxes are just one expense in Colorado. For instance, Colorado has a 4.55% average income tax rate, and a 2.9% sales tax. HOA, power lines & electricity, and water prices also vary depending on the location you purchase your Colorado houses. Be sure to evaluate the tax brackets in your section of the state before deciding whether to buy land in Colorado.