As the eighth largest state in the US, Colorado is home to a variety of landscapes and terrains, each offering unique appeal for land owners. This beautifully diverse state is known for its arid deserts and snowy mountains alike, with lots of options for both small-town and big-city living.
Whether you’re interested in a seasonal ski rental property in Eagle County, a suburban homestead in Douglas County, or an off-grid oasis in Costilla County, Colorado has what you’re looking for and more. Here are five of the best places to buy land in Colorado, featuring our insider tips on making a confident investment.
How to Know Which Colorado Region Is Right for You
Choosing the right region starts with having a clear understanding of your budget and goals. For instance, touristy areas are pricier than other places, and building on undeveloped land requires some cash to get started.
Land owners can use Colorado terrain for many different uses, such as:
- Building
- Investing
- City living
- Going off-grid
So, where is the best place to buy land in Colorado? It’s all based on your short- and long-term goals.
To start your search on the right foot, check out these five diverse regions.
San Luis Valley
Boasting wide blue skies and rolling sand dunes, San Luis Valley is the head of the Rio Grande River and the largest alpine valley in North America.
For affordable land, recreational property, and off-grid potential, look no further than San Luis Valley. This uncrowded region is home to many small towns, outdoorsy communities, and a growing tourism market, all surrounded by wide-open views and stunning mountain backdrops. Conejos County, Saguache County, and Costilla County all lie within Colorado’s San Luis Valley—giving land buyers a range of diverse and affordable land options in this scenic, off-the-beaten-path region.
Check out areas around the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, where you can sandboard, swim, and hike. Running through the valley is the Rio Grande River, providing ample opportunities for rafting and fishing. Undeveloped land is ideal for remote, off-grid living in nature, while small valley towns offer family-friendly peace of mind.
The Western Slope
Colorado’s Western Slope region refers to the land found west of the Continental Divide. Accounting for 38% of Colorado but only 10% of the state population, this western region is one of the best places in Colorado to buy land for agricultural, recreational, and residential use. Mesa County, Delta County, and Garfield County are standout choices in the Western Slope—each offering a unique mix of affordable land and natural beauty.
Tucked amidst rolling plains beneath the Rocky Mountains, you’ll find cities like Grand Junction and Delta. Far from any urban hub, these small yet vibrant communities are a stone’s throw from stunning landscapes and year-round outdoor activities.
Fertile Colorado land also abounds in the Western Slope, which contains the highest concentration of organic farms in Colorado. The region is also home to a national park, ski resorts, and natural hot springs—all ideal for recreational land owners.
The Front Range Foothills
On the eastern side of the Continental Divide are the Front Range Foothills, vast plains in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. Located in central Colorado, this region is valuable for landowners thanks to its remote privacy, mountain views, and proximity to cities like Boulder and Denver.
The Front Range Foothills are full of small mountain towns that offer year-round outdoor activities, ideal for residential and recreational land investments alike. Jefferson County, Douglas County, El Paso County, and Fremont County all showcase the best of the Front Range Foothills, with a variety of raw land options perfect for mountain getaways, homesteads, or long-term investments.
Southwest Colorado
Colorado’s southwestern region is home to a slower pace of life, featuring rugged beauty, expansive terrain, and easy access to outdoor pastimes. Prospective buyers will love this area’s potential for investment, recreational, rental, and undeveloped land.
Thanks to schools like Fort Lewis College, southwestern Colorado is home to several college towns which are fueling an entrepreneurial culture and projected economic growth rates. To tap into this limitless potential, the best time to consider buying land in Colorado is now.
Or check out places like Durango for small town living with scenic landscapes and a healthy work-life balance. Whether you’re looking for undeveloped residential land or seasonal property near hiking and skiing, southwest Colorado has you covered.
Central Colorado
Central Colorado is a broad and diverse region well-connected to other areas and major cities, making it the perfect location for a land purchase or investment property. Check out Park County, just two hours from Denver, or Chaffee County, two hours from Colorado Springs, for seasonal getaway properties and mountain cabins with gorgeous views and endless outdoor fun.
Rolling plains, towering peaks, rushing rivers—central Colorado is a hotspot for outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, skiing, fishing, rafting, and more. Meanwhile, the area’s small towns are bustling with restaurants, art galleries, and antique shops. For recreational and investment land buyers, central Colorado is your pick.
Finding Your Perfect Colorado Spot Starts Here
Now that you know where to buy land in Colorado, head to Land.com to discover available acreage that matches your vision. Browse land for sale in Colorado using our convenient search filters to narrow down acreage, budget, property type, and more.
The best place to buy land in Colorado is where your goals align with the perfect property. Start exploring today.
Sources:
United States Census Bureau. Colorado. https://data.census.gov/profile/Colorado?g=040XX00US08.
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. San Luis Valley Region. https://choosecolorado.com/regional-profile/san-luis-valley-region/.
Colorado Tourism Office. Mystic San Luis Valley. https://www.colorado.com/region/mystic-san-luis-valley.
Uncover Colorado. The Colorado Western Slope. https://www.uncovercolorado.com/western-slope-colorado/.
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Central Western Slope Region. https://choosecolorado.com/regional-profile/central-western-slope-region/.
Uncover Colorado. Colorado’s Front Range––Much More Than Big Cities. https://www.uncovercolorado.com/front-range-colorado/.
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Southwest Colorado Region. https://choosecolorado.com/regional-profile/southwest-region/.
