Crestone

Crestone is a rather unusual little town located in a remote area of southern Colorado. Although there's only 128 residents, the town has over 24 spiritual communities and centers, including the Temple of Consciousness (which is currently for sale if anyone is interested). The median household income here is $41,080, although the average median home goes for around $284,400, so the cost of living here is pretty high. Retail trade is the most common industry with over 32% of the population in it. The second most common industry is construction.

Many of the properties in Crestone are very unique and rely heavily on solar power. You can even find classes here on how to build your own solar powered home.

There are a couple of bed and breakfast places in addition to the spiritual centers and there are a lot of outdoor options for things to do nearby. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is less than an hour away and the nearby mountains have tons to do and see. There are some great views from this town as well.

It's amazing that Crestone has carried on after all these years. It got its start back in 1880 after gold was found nearby in Burnt Gulch and the population got to 2,000, however, in the surrounding areas on cattle ranches and homesteads there were over 10,000 people. Crestone has seen a rise and fall of the population over the years, at one point hitting a low of 40. Although not many residents call it home, it is busy with frequent visitors for hiking ,camping, and the spiritual centers. There are two cafes in town and a small natural grocers, but outside of that, there isn't much.

Crestone is a one of a kind place in Colorado and maybe in the world. Talk about funky! There is the Valle View Hot Springs not far from town and it is clothing optional, I went there with my aunt an uncle when I was a little girl and have been fascinated with Crestone and the San Luis Valley ever since.

There are some amazing homes and mountain properties scattered around the town, the properties are not cheap but they are reasonable and you can get big lots, double 35 acre lots plus, if you hunt around. Many of the homes are passive solar, or are in some fashion off the grid. Many homes are so unique and lovely with greenhouses and art work in the yards. The west side of the Sangre de Cristos are magical and for retirees or professionals who are looking to work from home or have a getaway cabin the area around Crestone should get some attention.

There are some serious hippies and counter culture going on in the town itself, but outside town there are ranches and ranchers, horse people and cowboy types. People seem to be intense in these parts and there is the feel of the desert on the wind and in the ski. There are a lot of animals, birds and deer abound. The Great Sand Dunes are about an hour away and the valley is the gateway to New Mexico.

There are no grocery stores in Crestone so I imagine people have to travel al the way south the Alamosa or even north to Salida or Buena Vista, but I bet there are some local organic sources of produce and local cattle or even buffalo meat is sold. This is a raw and lively place, kind of other worldy:)