Living in the VailValley: Lifestyle and Neighborhoods
The Vail Valley offers an incredible array of family, recreational, business and community opportunities to fit any lifestyle. Located within EagleCounty, the VailValley is home to over ten different towns and communities (from East to West): Vail, Eagle-Vail, Minturn, Avon, Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead, Edwards, Wolcott, Eagle, and Gypsum.
These towns are part of one of the fastest growing counties in Colorado, and residents enjoy a variety of housing options, from multi-million dollar estates, to expansive ranches, single family homes, and condominiums. Family-owned businesses and restaurants thrive in the growing and supportive communities. EagleCounty is home to sixteen schools, and four public libraries, and two recreation centers. The Eagle County Regional Transportation Authority operates a fleet of buses that service the entire county, and the EagleCountyRegionalAirport transports over 325,000 passengers a year.
The county's residents are politically engaged, civic-minded, and actively host many well-known festivals, celebrations, rodeos, and concerts throughout the year. Avon's 4th of July is heralded as one of the largest firework displays in Colorado, Beaver Creek hosts the World Cup Ski Races annually, Minturn hosts one of the most famous Summer Framers Markets in the mountains, and the town of Eagle draws thousands of people to the summer PRCA Fair and Rodeo.
Just over 30 years ago, the primary industry in EagleCounty was agriculture, but today the largest industry in the Valley is tourism.With several of the nations highest rated ski resorts, the VailValley attracts visitors nationally and internationally for skiing, adventure sports, and luxurious vacations.The quality of life in the VailValley is unparalleled, explaining why many people come to visit Vail and decide to live here.
Below is a short profile of the most popular neighborhoods and residential subdivisions in the VailValley.If you have any questions, please call me at 970-376-1202 and I would be happy to help.
Vail
Vail is comprised of East Vail, VailVillage and Lionshead, and West Vail.
East Vail is known for its waterfalls, streams, lush forested mountains and quiet non-commercial atmosphere.The first area seen upon arrival to the VailValley, East Vail begins at the bottom of VailPass, is 5 miles from VailVillage and is a popular second home community with easy access to skiing and recreation via the free Town of Vail bus system.
Fast facts on East Vail:
Surrounded by White RiverNational Forest
Bike paths that run throughout and over VailPass to Breckenridge
Workout facility, dining, spa facilities, pool and tennis are found at the Vail Racquet Club\
Offers parks, open spaces, hiking trails and views of the majestic GoreRange
The Vail Golf Course is adjacent on the way to VailVillage and is Vail’s public 18 hole Golf Course which becomes the Vail Nordic Ski Area in Winter.
VailVillageis a small, quaint pedestrian village with Swiss-style architecture which is the center for activities for Vail.At the base of VailMountain, its charming boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and nightclubs offer the best in entertainment and fun. In winter, is definitely the place to be for après ski. In summer, Vail is home to the largest Farmer’s Market in Colorado, offering local artisans, great food and fresh produce. Vail’s multi million dollar renovations includes the new Solaris center which will include a new ice skating rink, bowling alley, movie theatre and fabulous shops.
Lionshead
The more modern of the two villages, Lionshead, is at the heart of Vail’s multi million dollar renovation. The Arrabelle center is the new heart of Lionshead with ice skating rink, world class spa and high end shops and restaurants. Lionshead is home to Vail’s Eagle Bahn gondola, the fastest way to access VailMountain year round. CascadeVillage just west of Lionshead offers its own ski lift to Simba Run on VailMountain and boasts the best Athletic Club and Spa in Vail as well as the lovely Cascade hotel.
Fast Facts for Vail and Lionshead.
The Best 4th of July parade and Fireworks
Ford Amphitheatre in Vail is home to the Bravo concert seriesand the Vail International Dance Festival and the Award Winning Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
Lionshead is the access point forthe on mountain activity center for Tubing, Ice Skating, and hiking at Eagle’s Nest
Festivals nearly every weekend include Vail Jazz Festival, Oktoberfest, the Teva Mountain Games, and the Gourmet Food and Wine Festival
West Vail
The commercial center of Vail, West Vail boasts two supermarkets, a hardware store, a hotel, a sports center, and many local restaurants. It is easily accessible on the free Town of Vail bus line which runs from West Vail to East Vail and is only 2 miles from VailVillage.Homes high up on the mountains offer fabulous GoreRange and VailValley views and bike trails run through West Vail and west down valley.
Fast Facts for West Vail
DonovanPark is a new town park featuring a community Pavilion for weddings, dances, and community meetingsand Stephens Park is the local dog park.
The “Gold Medal” Gore Creek runs through West Vail making it the perfect spot for fly fishing in the high country.
RedSandstoneElementary school is the local K-8 public school
Minturn
The closest community in proximity to Vail and just 10 minutes from Vail, Minturn was originally a mining town in the late 1800’s where Molybdenum ore was mined for steel production.One of the oldest towns in Eagle County, it’s a peek at the past, Thetown of Minturn has evolved toan artist’s haven with funky shops,Art galleries, antique shops and casual dining.Minturn’s farmer’s market is a local’s favorite, featuring live music, many local artisans and jewelry designers, and a variety of Ethnic foods.
Eagle Vail
Ideally situated between Vail and Beaver Creek, this quiet unincorporated neighborhood is home to local families and second home owners alike with tree lined streets, pocket parks, and a small town feel. Eagle Vail boasts wonderful amenities including a par 3 golf course, an18 hole golf course open to the public, soccer fields, community pool, basketball and tennis courts and a Pavilion for hosting community events.
Fast Facts for Eagle Vail
5 minutes to Avon and Beaver Creek
Eagle Vail golf course winds through the community
New Master Plan for Updating and Renovation
Lovely mature landscaping and creeks
Home to MeadowMountainElementary School and the former BattleMountainHigh School which just recently moved to the new facility in Edwards
Many local shops and restaurants are a big draw and do a bustling business