Salida

Salida started as a home for many of the Ute Indians in this area, and today many of the nearby mountains peaks are named for these people. In the early years of Salida there were many miners, railroad expansionists, ranchers, and farmers. These people put Salida on the map, but since it's early years things have calmed down and this has become a great place to live without the hustle and bustle of a larger town. The current population of Salida is just over 5,200. You can still see evidence of the past here, but it is mixed in with the new. A trip down the main street here gives the feeling of being in the old west.

For a town of this size, there are plenty of restaurants, and the nice thing is most of them are locally owned. You won't find any of the chain type restaurants with the exception of a few fast food joints. Shopping here is pretty good with a variety of locally owned stores. There is also a Walmart.

This is the kind of town that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you can find camping, hiking, fishing, skiing and hunting. There are numerous places for visitors to stay including numerous motels and plenty of bed & breakfast places to choose from.

For families with children who may be looking to relocate to this scenic town, the schools here are all above average academically, from the elementary on up to the high school.

Salida is a great mid-sized town in south central Colorado. For those moving to Colorado who want to buy property in the mountains but still want to be near a true old west town with a modern outlook don't overlook the Salida area. It is worth a drive up HW 50 up the Arkansas River Valley from Canyon City. Salida does have an old west saloon look and feel, many of the downtown buildings are historic. The downtown has transformed into a locally focused business and outdoor sport launching centre.

The Arkansas River flows along the eastern edge of town and gives the town its feel and acts as its glue. There are lots of walking and biking trails around town and along the river, many many people use their bikes as their main mode of transportation in and around town. There are a lot of rafters and kayakers. The sister town of Buena Vista is only 20 mins away near the big peaks, the Collegiate Peaks, where there is wilderness and amazing camping off endless forest roads. Chaffee County in general is amazing, with hot springs and the river. Salida makes a nice, quiet but interesting place to call home.

There is a new ultra modern subdivision right along the river but it seems they overbuilt or they are too expensive because even though they are beautiful and architecturally cool looking many are sitting empty even after a year. I think the cost of living in the area is pretty high unless you go a few miles out of town then there are big open properties that are reasonably affordable.

The herbal shop downtown, Vital Living, is a great example of a small unique local business in Salida. The shop offers handcrafted teas, lotions, sunscreen, tinctures and much much more. Salida seems like a great place to lay down roots for up and coming businesses looking to enjoy and thrive in a Colorado mountain town.