NEIGHBORHOODS

Forest Lakes

Surrounded by tall ponderosa pines and curious wildlife, Forest Lakes is one of the largest subdivisions in Southwest Colorado. The neighborhood is located near the town of Bayfield on the east side of County Road 501, and includes around 1,865 acres of mountainous terrain.

One of the benefits of living in Forest Lakes is the incredible access to the outdoor recreation nearby. It’s easy to enjoy camping, fishing, hiking and hunting with the neighborhood’s proximity to the San Juan National Forest and public lands. The Los Pinos River is just west of Forest Lakes, while Vallecito Lake and Lemon Reservoir are located north of the area, providing easy access to the Weminuche Wilderness. The neighborhood also has a private 25acre pond stocked with trout called Lake Simpatico.

With a wide range of older and newer properties at affordable prices, Forest Lakes attracts couples, families, retirees and even first time homebuyers. Many of the houses are custom-built by awardwinning builders. Some areas of the community are more densely populated than others, so residents have choices available that will meet a variety of needs. Others purchase an undeveloped lot to build their dream home under the canopy of evergreen trees.

Residents benefit from easy access to a public community center as well as a mail stop with a bulletin board and local newspapers.

The community collaboration, as well as the value placed on safety and quality of life, is something that makes this neighborhood unique. The neighborhood was established in the 1970s and is managed by the Forest Lakes Metropolitan District. A board of five elected members govern the district to perform road maintenance, snow removal, trash and maintenance of shared community areas.

Location: nearly 8 miles north of Bayfield Schools: Bayfield Elementary, Bayfield Middle School, Bayfield Senior High Activities: Biking,

hiking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife viewing HOA: None. See information about covenants online at www.flmd.com.

UTILITIES Electricity: LPEA Propane:

Black Hills Energy Water: Forest Lakes Metropolitan District Sewer: Forest Lakes Metropolitan District Trash: Forest Lakes District and private services

Recycling: No services on site, City of Durango