It's all about the drywall -- Gypsum, Colorado was named for the large deposits of (wait for it) gypsum in the mountains. It's home to American Gypsum, a major manufacturer of gypsum-related products.
But alas, there's much more to the area than mining, and tourism is now a primary driver as well. Located on the Eagle River just before it joins the main Colorado River, it's in a prime recreation area on the Rocky Mountain down slope areas between Denver and Salt Lake City. The stretch of Interstate 70 passing through here to the west was one of the last constructed in the major parts of the system. Care was taken to blend the freeway in with the natural surroundings. In the end, the roadway was stacked, with one direction on top of the other, and blended into the hills of Glenwood Canyon. Just about 40 minutes in the other direction is the world-famous ski resort of Vail.
Moving to Gypsum
While the mine and the plant are the big employers in town, there are other sectors of the economy, so property rentals are not entirely dependent on how the construction industry and product sales are going. Like any good move plan, start searching for a place as soon as you think you might be moving. Waiting to the last minute limits your choices to what's available. Of course, being a mountain community, there isn't going to be as much moving activity in the winter. If you are packing light and don't mind a little snow here and there, you might just find a deal. Get yourself a list of places to rent in Gypsum and match available housing for rent with your desires and in the price range you are most comfortable with. Then it's just a matter of signing the lease and loading the truck. Get your credit report in order -- as much as you can, anyway, and be prepared to pay first month, last month and deposit.
Gypsum Neighborhoods
While there aren't really defined separate neighborhoods in this small mountain town of less than 7,000 people, there are areas with their own individual little attributes.
West: In the hills on the westside of town, the homes are on large lots on weaving road that climb up the hillside. On the north side of the Eagle River and south of the freeway, there is a nice selection of single family homes that would be good part of town to search for housing to rent.
Highway 6: On U.S. Highway 6, which was the main route through until I-70 was completed, lie areas of new construction with multi-unit structures that would be a perfect part of town to look for condo rentals. Eagle County Regional Airport is on this side of town too, and you can follow Highway 6 up the mountain to get to the town of Eagle, which is just over a mile away.
South Gypsum: To the south of town are the great greens at the Gypsum Creek Golf Club. Here you just might be able to land rental condos where you are just steps away from the course. If knocking a little ball around and trying to get it to fall into a hole isn't your scene, the homes are still awesome!
Living in Gypsum
You will definitely experience four seasons. Dry, fairly hot summers that meld into crisp fall days where it can be hot one day and snowing the next give way to winter snows that are complimented with a lot of sunny, albeit cold, days. Even though it's in the mountains and the snow can pile up, it's a dry climate overall. The mountain biking trails, backpacking sojourns and horseback riding paths could keep anyone busy for a long time. In any direction you go, it's easy to find outstanding outdoor recreation in any season. Of course, you can't spend all your time taking in the natural wonder and having fun in it right?
Okay, so you could -- but when you do get the inkling to go inside, try some of the great restaurants in town. The Gypsum Grill is famous for great steaks and Ekahi Grill rocks the Hawaiian fare. Tu Casa presents highly-rated Mexican food and Heidi's Brooklyn Deli brings a taste of New York to the small town. Just down the road in Eagle, sample the brews at Bonfire Brewing or grab a bite and a beer at the Dusty Boot Steakhouse and Saloon.