Basalt | Pitkin County

Basalt is a picturesque mountain town that rests at the confluence of two Gold Medal waters, the Fryingpan River and the Roaring Fork River. The rivers, combined with a lively historic downtown district, make Basalt a desirable place to call home. Real estate in Basalt is affordable and provides the opportunity to live where there is awesome fishing, rafting, canoeing and kayaking, and only a short drive from amazing skiing at Aspen's four ski resorts and Sunlight Mountain in nearby Glenwood Springs.

Real estate in Basalt appeals to those who want to live a quieter mountain lifestyle. Buyers love Basalt for its throwback charm, ideal mountain weather, countless outdoor opportunities, convenience and price point. It's the perfect opportunity to live a relaxed alpine lifestyle where you can get your fill of fishing, skiing, hiking, fine foods, and intriguing festivals and events.

Basalt has a few different neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm. The historic downtown offers premier condominiums that are perfect for young professionals and growing families. Many of the condos on upper floors above retail businesses on the ground level. The town has a surprisingly hip restaurant scene, with several highly rated restaurants on Midland Avenue in the downtown core. The downtown has a classic mountain charm, while newer developments to the west of town are more contemporary.

Willits is a growing mid-valley commercial and industrial district that has lots of newer lofts, condominiums and homes. Willits offers the most metropolitan living experience in the valley, with upscale, contemporary condos surrounded by cool coffee shops, succulent dining and happening nightlife destinations.

Basalt benefits from the Roaring Fork Valley's amazing bus service that provides transportation from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. It's not uncommon for residents of Basalt to earn a top income in high-priced Aspen while enjoying the affordability of living in the mid valley. From Basalt, it's also a quick trip downvalley to Glenwood Springs, where many of the valley's big-box stores like Wal-Mart and Target are located.

Another attraction of Basalt is its mild weather. Basalt is considered a mid-valley destination and receives considerably less snow than Aspen that is less than 20 miles up the road. While Aspen experiences winter conditions for five to six months of the year, Basalt gets less snow and temperatures are considerably warmer. This means that spring springs a little sooner and fall stays a little later in Basalt, giving residents more time to enjoy all the wonderful trails for hiking, biking, jogging and horseback riding.

Neighborhood Highlights

Basalt's reach extends from Old Snowmass upvalley to Catherine Store Road near the Ranch at Roaring Fork Golf Course downvalley near Carbondale. The Basalt Business Center and Southside communities have larger single-family homes and duplexes not far from Highway 82 and the downtown area.

Orchard Plaza is adjacent to Willits and has its own grouping of shopping and dining options. The local movie theater and one of the valley's larger grocery stores is here, along with a few other retail businesses and banks.