Having visited the opulent Edwardian Stanley Hotel on the outskirts of EstesPark, Stephen King used a fictionalized version of the hotel as the setting for his horror novel The Shining. When a TV mini-series was made of the book, parts of it were shot at the hotel. The hotel is a splendid piece of the old world and a really popular tourist destination that is a must see.
EstesPark, a town on the Big Thompson River in Larimer County, Colorado, has (according to the 2010 Census) a population of 5,858
Having visited the opulent Edwardian Stanley Hotel on the outskirts of EstesPark, Stephen King used a fictionalized version of the hotel as the setting for his horror novel The Shining. When a TV mini-series was made of the book, parts of it were shot at the hotel. The hotel is a splendid piece of the old world and a really popular tourist destination that is a must see.
EstesPark, a town on the Big Thompson River in Larimer County, Colorado, has (according to the 2010 Census) a population of 5,858. It is a mile and a half above sea level and located five minutes from the RockyNationalMountainPark. A popular tourist location, the Park is visited by some 3 million visitors each year. Its moderate temperature, low humidity and 300 days of sunshine a year make Estes Park a popular spot for year-round golf and other outdoor pursuits of all kinds. The downtown area was destroyed in a flood in 1982 and since then has been rebuilt to include a music venue, the outdoor PerformancePark, and river walks. Estes Park has come back strong and is loved by the locals and visitors alike.
Moving to EstesPark
Because it is a booming tourist destination, visitors have a wonderfully wide choice of hotels, rental cabins and condos that are available to rent. With the National Park's stunning mountain views and plenty of lakes and streams, EstesPark is popular with residents, tourists, and really anyone who likes pretty things. Its proximity to the park means that the cost of living is higher than nearby Loveland. With prices at the lower end of the EstesPark price spectrum it's worth checking out. But bear in mind that long-term rental houses and apartments can be difficult to find, as the market is geared towards the tourist market and the higher prices it fetches.
Neighborhoods in EstesPark
Estes Park takes the fact that it is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside around very seriously. Construction of housing must comply with scenic corridors conservation orders that protect the wilderness areas in and around EstesPark. In the booming 1920s, construction of cozy mountain cabins started at about the same time as the RockyMountainNational Park was opened. The housing in EstesPark is mostly single family residential houses, but if you are interested in a condo, check out Ranch Meadows, the largest town home/condominium complex in town. The following are some notable areas and apartment complexes in Estes Park:
High Drive: The oldest area of town is High Drive on the southeast side of DeerMountain, where many of the original restored cabins are located. Because the houses are older and smaller than the larger more modern houses, prices are at the low end of the EstesPark market. definitely worth a look!
Carriage Hills and Little Valley: Dating from the 1960s and 1970s and close to town, Carriage Hills and Little Valley offer some of the most affordable house prices in EstesPark. Because of the age of the properties, some renovation or updating may be necessary.
Grey Fox Estates: Located off Highway 7, near EstesPark and the National Park, Grey Fox Estates offers some of the priciest houses in the area. Get out your wallet!
Arapahoe Meadows and Fall River Estates: Located close to everything the Park has to offer, other pricey areas include Arapahoe Meadows and Fall River Estates.
The rent-adjusted senior complexes are all located near the Park, including Lone Tree Village and Pine Apartments. Loveland, 40 miles to the west of EstesPark has a number of commercial apartment complexes that may appeal.
Living in EstesPark
With its proximity to RockyMountainNational Park, EstesPark offers a wealth of year-round outdoor activity for just about any taste. There's hiking and whitewater rafting in the warmer months or skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, so you'll certainly keep fit. The restored downtown area has some 300 shops, most of them locally owned, selling everything from crafts to antiques and clothes. It is a popular place where friends and neighbors meet up for coffee or a drink. The PerformancePark is a popular outdoor venue offering a wide variety of musical acts, from jazz to Country and Western. And if you are in the mood for a picnic, check out nearby LakeEstes. Estes Park's own Rooftop Rodeo, has been voted the best rodeo several times. To make getting around easier, a shuttle runs into downtown EstesPark from June to September. Completely restored after the 1982 flood, downtown EstesPark is the site of lush landscaped parks and easy to navigate river walks that are popular with locals and tourists alike. Estes Park is a small town with a lot to offer!
