STEAMBOAT SPRINGS ANNUAL REPORT
The most definitive analysis of the Routt County Real Estate Market
The most definitive analysis of the Routt County Real Estate Market
Dear Friends, Clients & Steamboat Enthusiasts,
We are very excited to present The Agency Steamboat Springs’ first annual report, the most comprehensive review of the real estate market in Routt County. As we entered 2024, interest rates were high, there was a looming election, and with that, indecision floating in the market. Many of us expected the year to be less exciting than the previous two “post-COVID” years. As we look in the rearview mirror, 2024 turned out to be full of hot topics and another strong year of real estate sales in Steamboat.
Like many small towns, Steamboat Springs saw a large spike in post-COVID demand from 2021 to 2023. Many people predicted a reversal of this trend which potentially would have led to an increase in the number of homes for sale and stabilized or softened prices. Steamboat is a beautiful, unique town, and counter to these predictions, the market persisted with low supply and strong demand. Buoyed by a significant investment from the resort owner, Alterra Mountain Company, Steamboat experienced unprecedented enthusiasm for resort real estate. Combining this enthusiasm with the challenges and high costs of construction, we have seen pricing at the base area push upwards of $2500 per square foot.
A big driver of housing supply that directly correlates to pricing, is the availability of vacant land for new construction. While Steamboat has not seen a significant amount of large condo or resort development since 2010, it has seen a steady pace of low-density single family and townhome construction. Today, Steamboat has an extremely limited supply of undeveloped vacant land within the city limits. With a limited supply of land for new home construction and increased demand, we have seen the median price of homes coming for sale in Steamboat city limits increase upwards of 200% since 2019.
Historically, the combination of demand and supply of new homes is the biggest variable in real estate pricing. Today, the median price of a residential lot in the city of Steamboat Springs is $1 million versus $400,000 in 2019. As you read through this report, it is important to keep in mind the challenges that small communities like Steamboat face from the standpoint of both infrastructure and additional services as they relate to annexing land
for future development. Steamboat is a remarkable place to live and most of us choose Steamboat for the lifestyle it offers. When evaluating the future of real estate as an asset, it is important to understand the macro picture when making decisions. For those not familiar with the city boundaries of Steamboat Springs, looking at a map like the one on the next page shows there is limited opportunity to expand. To the north we have National Forest, to the South we have land already divided into medium sized parcels and to the West we border the Yampa Valley Housing Authority property, Brown Ranch.
While 2024 looked to be a relatively muted real estate year, it had some very exciting bigger picture events occurring that will have a big impact on Steamboat over the next ten years and beyond.
Brown Ranch: First and foremost, the Steamboat Springs community faced the decision of the Brown Ranch annexation. Brown Ranch is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a small community like Steamboat to build and create workforce housing on 500 acres of Yampa Valley Housing Authority owned land, less than four miles from downtown Steamboat. While City Council approved a plan for annexation in October of 2023, a citizen committee petitioned it to a citywide vote in March where the proposal was ultimately rejected by a wide margin. Since then, the city has begun a process that hopes to develop a new plan for the development that the community broadly supports. While this was a controversial conversation, we are certain our community will see a great long-term benefit from the opportunity presented by this development moving forward. Everyone who loves Steamboat knows the importance of maintaining our core services and the great amenities we all enjoy. Having a stable, healthy local community and workforce is what has and will continue to make Steamboat different from other resort towns.
Wild Blue Gondola and Full Steam Ahead: Steamboat Resort had its first year with a completed Wild Blue Gondola last winter as they wrapped up more than $200 million worth of on-mountain improvements. As members of the community and passionate enthusiasts of the local recreational opportunities, it was a very welcomed experience seeing the resort make more upgrades in the
past few years than in the previous two decades. Kudos to Alterra Mountain Company for making the investment, and ensuring our position as a world-class resort doesn’t change. While there are pros and cons to the enhancements made at the resort, Steamboat has always been a ski town and it is important we stay competitive in a world of increasingly attractive options for vacationers.
The Amble: Steamboat has not seen a new luxury condo development since 2009. The Amble has finally broken the drought, releasing 42 luxury condominiums next to the Steamboat Grand Hotel. Developed by East West Partners, whose strong leadership and robust financials set the stage for the next round of resort development. With an average price per square foot of $2100, there appeared to be an initial round of sticker shock and resistance by the buying community. As we move through 2025, we see this perspective changing and anticipate many market participants looking back with an “I wish I had” perspective on the Amble’s initial sale prices.
Discovery Land Company comes to Steamboat: Stagecoach Mountain, located 25 minutes to the South of Steamboat has seen many iterations of potential developments over the last 20 years. It appears a real plan is coming to fruition as Discovery Land Company moves forward with The Stagecoach Mountain Ranch development. Set to include a private ski resort, golf course and other outdoor recreation opportunities, this gated community of second homes has the potential to transform the Stagecoach area and neighboring bedroom communities like Oak Creek and Yampa. Having just entered the Routt County planning process, the development will start moving at a much quicker pace in 2025. We will do our best to keep everyone abreast of changes.
Real estate, as much as any market, directly reflects the old supply/demand curve we learned in Economics 101. In many areas, expansion and growth are a primary focus of economic development, and there are direct benefits to the community associated with this growth. In Steamboat, expansion and growth come with direct costs to the community that do not make sense economically. Therefore, infill becomes the primary source of new development. Restricted by physical and infrastructure
boundaries, the real estate market is confronted with the finite resource of land. As you read through this report, you will notice many of the trends show increasing prices and low supply, which are a direct result of Steamboat’s appeal as a community and recreational destination compounded by the tipping point we have reached in available land to develop. Steamboat has always been a vibrant outdoor playground, and over the past 15 years, we have seen a very passionate effort from specific community groups transforming our little town into a place hard to replicate.
Restauranteurs have created a culinary renaissance, the pickleball and tennis community has built a world class facility and Steamboat has been established as a premier mountain biking destination thanks to the community’s decision to invest $10 million in our trails. The music scene is thriving as organizations like Strings continue to support the arts, three fantastic golf courses complement our ideal summer weather, and our school system continues to be one of the best in Colorado as it works to meet the needs of a growing population.
Steamboat is truly a community which appeals to a broad audience and it is hard to see that changing in the future. Hence, we anticipate demand for real estate to stay strong. It is impossible to predict the future. However, our experience with construction has proven that building costs rarely fall and what looks expensive today will most likely feel like a sound investment five or ten years from now.
We hope you enjoy this report and associated analysis. Our goal is to be your resource in understanding the various aspects of the Steamboat real estate market as you make important decisions. Here at The Agency, we are passionate about real estate and the trends and data effecting the market, while not losing sight of the quality of life that drives investing in a community like Steamboat. We are all proud and fortunate to call Steamboat home.
Best regards,
Chris Paoli Managing Partner THE AGENCY STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
Pages 8 to 13 of the Steamboat Market Report analyze trends of the Steamboat Springs real estate market, combining all regions in the market. Then pages 14 to 21 delve into trends our team is seeing in each of the eight market sections individually. Page 22 puts the Steamboat Springs market in context with some of Colorado’s other premier resort destinations.
The Steamboat Market Report analyzes eight geographical regions, as defined by the Steamboat Springs MLS. For the sake of brevity, some regions have been combined when analyzing the data as specified below.
• Downtown/Fish Creek: Downtown/Fish Creek, Strawberry Park
• Mountain Area
• West Steamboat/US 40
• Hayden: Hayden North, Hayden South, Hayden Town
• South Valley/South & West: South Valley, South & West, Grouse Creek/Blacktail/Henderson Park, South Routt
• Stagecoach
• Oak Creek/Phippsburg/Yampa/Toponas
• North Routt/Elk River
Homes, condos, and land sales are included in the analysis. Commercial, fractional, and leased properties are not.
All data is sourced from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) of Altitude Realtors, and is considered reliable but not guaranteed.
Chris Paoli, Managing Partner of The Agency Steamboat, Ian Baker, Randi Fox, and Jessica Stanford.
THE AGENCY STEAMBOAT
1724 Ski Time Square Dr., C7 Steamboat Springs, CO 970-457-6880
Steamboat.TheAgencyRE.com steamboat@theagencyre.com
Total dollar volume for 2024 is up slightly from 2023, and has not returned to the record-setting amount of 2021. It is of note that for 2024, while total dollar volume is up, the total number of transactions is down, which is indicative of tight inventory and higher prices.
Available inventory has been trending downward for single-family homes, condos/townhomes, and land since the record-setting sales year of 2021. The composition of properties on the market has remained proportionally similar since 2014, with condos holding the biggest segment of available inventory, followed by single-family homes, then land. 2024 has the least inventory across Routt County since we began tracking this data more than a decade ago.
Minimal new inventory has been added to the market in over a decade, particularly near the Ski Area Base. This is changing with several notable projects in various stages of development.
• The Amble is under construction adjacent to the Steamboat Grand and will encompass 42 one to four bedroom residences.
• The Astrid, in planning, is a ski-in/ski-out property slated to comprise of four condos & 22 townhomes across seven buildings, with a separate pool and amenity building.
• Two smaller developments, Walton Creek Townhomes & Village Drive Townhomes, will add a total of 15 units to the available inventory.
• Another 30 townhomes are expected to go vertical in 2025 in Wildhorse Meadows.
• Lastly, the Stockman is a planned development at the base of the Steamboat Ski Resort that will include 204 multi-family condominiums and 41 hotel rooms along with more than 24,000 square feet of commercial space.
In 2024, the Steamboat market saw a typical seasonal pattern for when properties go under contract. The winter selling season peaked in March, with 95 properties going under contract that month. The summer remained the busiest selling season, with the number of properties going under contract increasing in June, peaking in July, then remaining steadily high through October.
Routt County saw most available properties sit on the market for an average of at least 100 days in 2024, with only the Downtown/Fish Creek Area having an average days on market below that mark. Properties in North Routt County and along the Elk River north of Steamboat Springs spent the most time on the market with an average of 160 days. West Steamboat and Hayden saw properties sit for roughly 140 days, while properties in South Routt were closer to 130 days.
The chart above illustrates the overall health of the Steamboat Springs real estate market in 2024. The green arrows indicate the clear trend in rising average sale prices. The red arrows show a fewer number of annual transactions caused by low inventory, resulting in an upward movement in price. The one outlier is the Oak Creek/Yampa/Phippsburg/Toponas area which saw downward movement of sale prices and total dollar volume, perhaps indicating an area of opportunity.
Residents of downtown Steamboat can expect a wide mix of properties from traditional bungalows to stunning new builds with a modern twist. A multitude of pathways link neighborhoods to parks, trails, and open space. Shops, restaurants, and local schools are often within walking distance. The free city bus connects downtown to the mountain area and west side of town. Downtown living is suited to those who enjoy the neighborhood vibe. The Fish Creek area above downtown has access to great views, hikes, and a central location in between downtown and the mountain. Primarily composed of townhomes, duplexes, and singlefamily homes, this area is home to many full-time residents. Homes at the upper elevation are a draw for those seeking larger lots and privacy.
There were a total of 61 single family homes sold in 2024, the lowest number in the last decade. However, total dollar volume was the third highest on record. The average price per square foot of single family homes also hit a record high of $862/per square foot. The highest priced single family home sale in 2024 in the Downtown/Fish Creek area was a new construction home at 120 Fox Tail Trail, which sold for $8,799,000.
The number of condo/townhome sales is up slightly from 2023, from 35 to 39 sales. While the number of sales increased 10% year over year, the total dollar volume in sales increased over 20%, indicative of rising prices in the market. Interestingly, the average price per square foot for condos and townhomes declined slightly to $757 per square foot from its 2023 high.
In the region surrounding the Steamboat Resort, accommodations run the gamut from fractional ownership studios to epic ski-in/ski-out estates. Choices range from condominiums with a full slate of first-class amenities to neighborhoods of single-family homes on larger lots. Many, but not all properties in this area allow short term rentals without restriction. The area is served by the free city bus for transportation to the Ski Area and west of downtown.
Similar to the Downtown/Fish Creek region, the total number of single family homes sold in the mountain area was at a ten-year low, while total dollar volume sold was the third highest on record. Mountain condos and townhomes saw a small increase of 6% for total units sold, but the total dollar volume increased an astounding 38% (or almost $100M) year over year. For years, pricing in the Mountain area has lagged behind Downtown/Fish Creek. In 2024, price per square foot for single family homes at the Mountain surpassed that of Downtown, which likely reflects sales in the newer construction neighborhoods of Barn Village, Wildhorse Meadows, and the in-demand nightly rental homes around the Ski Area.
• 130 single-family homes, 30 townhomes
The growing west side of Steamboat begins at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Elk River Road. Neighborhoods composed of single family homes like Steamboat II, Heritage Park and Silver Spur are dominated by locals and have a suburban charm. This is enhanced by the amenities of the area including brew-pubs, restaurants and a variety of other shops and services. Furthermore, the beautiful new Sleeping Giant School has also drawn people to the west side. New development in the West 40 area includes Basecamp Row and The Glen subdivision.
Since 2018, the average price per square foot in the West/US40 area has increased 153%. As prices increase throughout the market, many fulltime residents have migrated toward the west side of Steamboat and the increased demand brings rising prices with it. The total dollar volume and number of units sold for condos and townhomes spiked in 2024, reflecting the sale of the new construction Lofts at Riverside and the continued demand for live/work units.
• Three phases of building – Park Village, Hillside, then Overlook Preserve
• The entire neighborhood will be built out in 7 years
• The first six homes of Park Village are scheduled to begin at the end of January 2025 with a 6-8 month build time.
• These homes will be 1,700 – 1,900 SF with 2 car garages, with a likely price between $1M-$2M.
Located 25 miles west of Steamboat on Highway 40 with proximity to the Yampa Valley Regional Airport, Hayden offers a more affordable option to the city of Steamboat and is a popular bedroom community. Property development continues to enlarge the town, with opportunities to purchase new construction. The area outside of town is comprised of rural homes with acreage and ranch properties.
Hayden is one of the few areas in our market where both total dollar volume and the number of sales is down compared to 2023. In spite of that, the average price per square foot for homes increased slightly to a high of $342.38 per square foot. Hayden is one of the areas with the least liquidity. The average number of days on the market was 140 days.
Rolling ranchlands and wide-open vistas characterize the South Valley, South & West, South Routt, and Grouse Creek/Blacktail/Henderson Park areas of Steamboat. Single-family homes on acreage are dotted throughout the region, as are smaller ranch properties and several luxury housing developments. Many properties in this area boast recreational amenities and are home to horses and cattle. Several luxury subdivisions with large lots are in this area including Alpine Mountain Ranch, Priest Creek Ranch, Storm Mountain Ranch, Catamount, Dakota Ridge, Agate Creek, and Sidney Peak Ranch.
This region saw a record high in dollar volume for single family homes. Total sales topped out at over $135 million, which is a 27% increase. 22% of the total dollar volume was a result of only three sales at Alpine Mountain Ranch, the largest of which was $12,000,000, and the largest sale in this area for 2024. Price per square foot increased 24% to $951.07. Eleven sales, over one-third of the total number of sales, rang in at over $1,000 per square foot, due in part to the number of luxury subdivisions in this area.
DISCOVERY:
Roughly 20 miles south of Steamboat, Stagecoach State Park is the focal point of this neighborhood and a magnet for recreational use. A mix of condos, townhomes, and singlefamily homes, and a large amount of undeveloped land, the area attracts a fair number of commuters. Several new developments, including the ultrahigh-end Discovery project are in the planning stage and make this area one to watch in the coming years.
The single family home market in Stagecoach was relatively steady with both units and total dollar volume slightly down. Condos and townhomes saw explosive growth. Total dollar volume sold of condos and townhomes in this area was 71% higher than any other year in the last decade. This is due to the increase in units sold, as total price per square foot was flat year over year. Land sales also reached a record high of roughly $11.2M. Total units was down 11%, indicative of increasing land values in the area.
23395 Stageline Avenue | $1,620,709 Represented the Seller
Developer Discovery Land Company submitted a planning application for Stagecoach Mountain Ranch, officially starting the development process for the private skiing community. The luxury community, located at the former Stagecoach Ski Area, is proposed to include 613 housing units and numerous amenities available only to members such as a private ski area, Nordic ski facility, equestrian center, and a variety of sports courts. The low density development will include approximately 2,872 acres of open space, and construction of a community retail center. Other Discovery Land Company communities include the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana.
The town of Oak Creek is 20 miles south of Steamboat and is another bedroom community with a small downtown including a grocery store, shops, restaurants, and a library. Phippsburg, Yampa, and Toponas are even farther south. While Phippsburg and Yampa have small downtown and commercial areas, much of the property in this area is comprised of large parcels and ranch land.
This region saw the largest declines in the Steamboat market, and looking into 2025 provides the opportunity to purchase while the market is soft. Total dollar volume, average sale price, and average price per square foot were down anywhere from 21-38%.
North Routt is a tight-knit community that values the outdoors, recreation, and privacy. Homesteads, cabins, and single-family homes on acreage are the mainstay of offerings. Surrounded by the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and the backdrop of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, North Routt is the place for those who want to live in the center of nature’s playground.
The North Routt single family home market is similar to the broader Steamboat market where total sales volume is growing faster than units sold, which is indicative of rising prices. Vacant land in North Routt has become more valuable since 2023, with number of parcels sold declining by nearly 38%, but total dollar volume increasing 50%. North Routt is the least liquid area in the Steamboat Market with properties selling, on average, after 160 days on the market.
Colorado is an outdoor paradise with an ideal climate, dramatic mountains and four seasons of outdoor recreation. Each town has a unique personality and community, appealing to a specific subset of buyers. Here is a birds-eye view of pricing and sales for a few of the major resort markets:
APARTMENTS:
1. Cottonwoods at Mid Valley: Phase One: 86 one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos. Phase Two will bring an additional 150 affordable condos
HOTELS:
2. 1801 Lincoln Ave: Everhome Suites, 114 Room hotel located at 1801 Lincoln Ave.
3. Holiday Inn Express A & B: 3400 S Lincoln Ave. Hotel A – 90 rooms; Hotel B – 73 rooms.
4. 1750 Central Park Dr.: 180 room short term and extended stay hotel.
RESORT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS:
5. The Amble: 42 Luxury condos.
6. The Stockman: 204 Slopeside residences and 41 hotel rooms.
7. The Astrid: 4 condominiums and 22 townhomes per the website on 1/10/2025.
8. Steamboat Meadows at Wildhorse: 30 townhomes plus an amenity building.
9. Terrain at Walton Creek: 2075 Walton Creek Rd. - 8 luxury townhomes in 2 buildings.
10. Village Dr. Townhomes: 7 luxury townhomes in 2 buildings.
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS:
11. The Glen: 130 single family homes and 9 duplexes on Gossard Pkwy. New homes under construction now.
12. Discovery Land Company: Private ski community located on Stagecoach Mountain. Preliminary application is 613 residential units on 5,059 acres.
13. Basecamp; 7 townhomes under construction now.
14. The Crawford: Luxury townhomes with estimated completion in summer 2025.
Global real estate brokerage The Agency is proud to share the news of opening a new office in April 2024, which will be known as The Agency Steamboat Springs. This new locale marks the fifth office in Colorado, joining existing locations in Denver, Aspen, Telluride, and Boulder. The Agency Steamboat Springs will serve buyers and sellers throughout Routt County and the Yampa Valley, including Hayden, Clark, Oak Creek, Phippsburg and beyond.
“We are thrilled to be opening our fifth office in Colorado in the coveted ski town of Steamboat Springs,” said Mauricio Umansky, CEO and Founder of The Agency. “We have found trusted local experts who we know will represent The Agency well as we continue to introduce our brand to sought-after destinations around the globe.”
“Our offices in Colorado are thriving, and we are confident our new Steamboat Springs office will be no exception as we continue to paint the region Agency red,” said Jim Ramsay, Executive Vice President of Franchise Sales at The Agency. “Known for its world-class skiing, family-friendly atmosphere, and local charm, we are looking forward to expanding our brand into this flourishing market.”
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, has rapidly emerged as a premier destination for homebuyers seeking a true sense of community within an idyllic mountain setting. Known for its year-round outdoor activities and close-knit small-town charm, Steamboat’s robust market demand continues to grow.
The Agency is an agent-first, tech-driven, boutique brokerage representing clients worldwide. Our team caters to a broad spectrum of classes, including residential, new development, ranch and rural properties, resort real estate, luxury leasing and vacation rentals along with commercial and leasing opportunities. Breaking away from the traditional brokerage model, The Agency takes a collaborative approach to the business, fostering a culture of partnership in which all clients and listings are represented in a collaborative environment. Agents and clients benefit from the shared resources and networks of the entire global team, including in-house creative, public relations and cutting-edge technology divisions. The Agency has closed more than $72 billion in real estate transactions since 2011, comprising over 100 offices in 11 countries, and counting, as one of the fastestgrowing boutique, luxury real estate brands in the world.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, has rapidly emerged as a premier destination for homebuyers seeking a true sense of community within an idyllic mountain setting. Known for its year-round outdoor activities and close-knit small-town charm, Steamboat’s robust market demand continues to grow. In this article, Chris Paoli, Managing Partner of The Agency Steamboat Springs, highlights why this mountain town is captivating buyers nationwide.
What activities and lifestyle draw people to Steamboat Springs?
Steamboat is truly a four-season outdoor playground. While most people connect Steamboat Springs with “champagne powder” and its famous ski resort, those who love this town know how amazing the other three seasons are. From mountain biking, hiking, hunting, kayaking and fly fishing to pickleball and a thriving arts community, Steamboat is an adult playground set in a true small town. It’s a step back in time with kids walking to school and riding bikes to the ice cream shop and ranchers moving livestock on rural roads.
What kind of homes do you find in Steamboat Springs?
Steamboat has a broad mix of housing styles and options. From the historic mining camp homes downtown to the architecturally on-trend new homes, there are options for almost any desire.
How’s the real estate market in Steamboat Springs right now?
Steamboat is benefiting from an incredible $250 million investment by the Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. and a dynamic culinary experience, which is resulting in strong demand. Combine this with a challenging market to create new inventory and we have strong pricing.
Who is buying property in Steamboat Springs right now?
One of Steamboat’s greatest strengths is its appeal to a broad pool of buyers. There is truly something for everyone, which results in a uniquely dynamic community full of all demographics. From young families to retirees, and everything in between, there is a vibrant sub community to join.
What neighborhoods are attracting buyers most right now?
We are seeing strong demand in all categories of property. From condos and homes with easy access to enjoy the recently expanded ski area to the amazing walkability of downtown, properties within the city limits are in high demand. In some of our newer neighborhoods like Alpine Mountain Ranch, owners are pushing the limits of Steamboat’s architecture with eye-catching new construction.
What are some home amenities or features you see buyers seek out right now?
Buyers come to the mountain and love the views. Steamboat is closing the gap with the design trends that are hitting the East and West coasts first. Buyers coming from major markets like Dallas, Miami, Chicago, San Francisco and New York are bringing their design passions to the mountains.
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Ski Resort in Colorado with 3,741 skiable acres
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Driving distance from Denver
3.16 MILES
Length of the Wild Blue Gondola, the longest in North America
30 MINUTES
Distance to Yampa Valley Regional Airport, which receives dozens of daily direct flights from 16 major U.S. cities
13,508
Population of the City of Steamboat Springs
293
Average inches of snowfall per year