Nestled in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains, Telluride, Colorado, is a town where world-class outdoor adventure, historic charm, and small-town luxury coexist. Whether you're looking for a vibrant walkable lifestyle, quiet alpine views, or ski-in/ski-out access, Telluride has a neighborhood that matches your vision.
Choosing where to live in Telluride depends on your lifestyle preferences, desired amenities, and connection to nature. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top neighborhoods in Telluride and Mountain Village, each offering a distinct flavor of mountain living.
1. Downtown Telluride
Historic Charm and Walkable Living
The heart of the community, downtown Telluride is as picturesque as it is lively. Lined with Victorian buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and top-tier restaurants, this is where Telluride’s storied past and modern elegance meet.
Living here means having the convenience of walking to the gondola, festivals in Town Park, cafes, yoga studios, and local schools. Properties range from historic mining-era homes to modern townhouses and beautifully restored condos. If you value being at the center of the action while still immersed in natural beauty, downtown Telluride may be your perfect fit.
Ideal for: Full-time residents, second-home owners, and buyers who appreciate urban energy in a mountain setting.
Living here means having the convenience of walking to the gondola, festivals in Town Park, cafes, yoga studios, and local schools. Properties range from historic mining-era homes to modern townhouses and beautifully restored condos. If you value being at the center of the action while still immersed in natural beauty, downtown Telluride may be your perfect fit.
Ideal for: Full-time residents, second-home owners, and buyers who appreciate urban energy in a mountain setting.
2. Gondola Corridor
Unmatched Access to Mountain Village and the Slopes
One of Telluride’s unique features is its free gondola that connects the town with Mountain Village. The neighborhoods along this corridor offer convenient access to both urban amenities and ski terrain.
Homes in this area—particularly around Oak Street, South Aspen Street, and Depot Avenue—are highly desirable due to their walkability and ski access. Properties here command premium pricing but deliver exceptional lifestyle benefits. These homes are ideal for those who want quick access to both summer trails and winter slopes.
Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts, seasonal visitors, and investors looking for strong vacation rental potential.
Homes in this area—particularly around Oak Street, South Aspen Street, and Depot Avenue—are highly desirable due to their walkability and ski access. Properties here command premium pricing but deliver exceptional lifestyle benefits. These homes are ideal for those who want quick access to both summer trails and winter slopes.
Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts, seasonal visitors, and investors looking for strong vacation rental potential.
3. East Telluride
Stunning Views and a Quiet Residential Feel
Located at the far eastern edge of town, this residential area is often overlooked but offers spectacular views of Bridal Veil Falls and the surrounding peaks. The proximity to Town Park and river trails makes it ideal for those who enjoy nature just outside their front door.
East Telluride offers a blend of luxury homes and renovated cottages with large yards and less foot traffic. It’s a peaceful area with a slightly more residential vibe while still being close to the amenities of downtown.
Ideal for: Families, dog owners, and buyers who prefer a quieter neighborhood without sacrificing convenience.
East Telluride offers a blend of luxury homes and renovated cottages with large yards and less foot traffic. It’s a peaceful area with a slightly more residential vibe while still being close to the amenities of downtown.
Ideal for: Families, dog owners, and buyers who prefer a quieter neighborhood without sacrificing convenience.
4. West Telluride
Convenience with a Local Vibe
West Telluride is a great area for those who want to be part of the local fabric of the town. Just a short stroll from the main business district, this neighborhood has a slightly more relaxed pace and includes a mix of newer builds, multi-family units, and historic homes.
Residents love being near the Valley Floor, a protected open space perfect for biking, walking, and cross-country skiing. You’ll also find easy access to the school campus and the grocery store—practical perks for year-round living.
Ideal for: Full-time residents and those looking for more attainable property options within town limits.
Residents love being near the Valley Floor, a protected open space perfect for biking, walking, and cross-country skiing. You’ll also find easy access to the school campus and the grocery store—practical perks for year-round living.
Ideal for: Full-time residents and those looking for more attainable property options within town limits.
5. Mountain Village
Luxury Living with Ski-In/Ski-Out Access
Just a 13-minute gondola ride from downtown Telluride, Mountain Village feels like a European alpine resort. With its cobblestone plazas, high-end accommodations, golf course, and direct access to the Telluride Ski Resort, it’s a dream location for those who prioritize comfort, space, and easy access to adventure.
The real estate market in Mountain Village features luxury single-family homes, expansive townhomes, and ski-in/ski-out estates. Properties often come with larger lots and sweeping views of the Wilson Range. The village also hosts events and family-friendly festivals throughout the year, giving it a welcoming atmosphere.
Ideal for: Luxury buyers, seasonal residents, and families who want more space and access to resort amenities.
The real estate market in Mountain Village features luxury single-family homes, expansive townhomes, and ski-in/ski-out estates. Properties often come with larger lots and sweeping views of the Wilson Range. The village also hosts events and family-friendly festivals throughout the year, giving it a welcoming atmosphere.
Ideal for: Luxury buyers, seasonal residents, and families who want more space and access to resort amenities.
6. Aldasoro Ranch
Privacy, Prestige, and Panoramic Vistas
Located just a few miles above Telluride, Aldasoro Ranch offers a private, upscale residential enclave set on sprawling lots. This neighborhood features architecturally stunning homes with panoramic views of the Sneffels Range and San Sophia Ridge.
What sets Aldasoro apart is its serenity. With mature aspens and wide-open meadows, residents enjoy the best of both worlds: mountain seclusion and proximity to town. Despite its remote feel, Aldasoro is just minutes from the airport and a short drive to both Telluride and Mountain Village.
Ideal for: Buyers seeking tranquility, privacy, and grand mountain estates.
What sets Aldasoro apart is its serenity. With mature aspens and wide-open meadows, residents enjoy the best of both worlds: mountain seclusion and proximity to town. Despite its remote feel, Aldasoro is just minutes from the airport and a short drive to both Telluride and Mountain Village.
Ideal for: Buyers seeking tranquility, privacy, and grand mountain estates.
7. The Ski Ranches
Rustic and Residential with Room to Breathe
The Ski Ranches neighborhood lies between Telluride and Mountain Village, offering a more residential and down-to-earth lifestyle. Homes here are situated on large lots—typically one to two acres—and often surrounded by forests and open space.
While Ski Ranches doesn’t offer direct ski access, its homes are more affordable than those in Mountain Village and offer more land. The community feels like a private mountain retreat and is particularly popular with locals and families.
Ideal for: Year-round residents, nature lovers, and those seeking more space and lower density.
While Ski Ranches doesn’t offer direct ski access, its homes are more affordable than those in Mountain Village and offer more land. The community feels like a private mountain retreat and is particularly popular with locals and families.
Ideal for: Year-round residents, nature lovers, and those seeking more space and lower density.
8. Sunshine Mesa and Specie Mesa
Rural Retreats with Jaw-Dropping Views
The Mesa neighborhoods provide an extraordinary setting for buyers looking for a true mountain escape. Located further out from town, Sunshine Mesa and Specie Mesa offer expansive properties, open skies, and breathtaking San Juans and Wilson Peak vistas.
These areas are perfect for building custom homes, operating a ranch, or simply enjoying unmatched privacy. While they require a longer drive into Telluride, the peace and beauty they offer are well worth it for those who value seclusion and space.
Ideal for: Buyers seeking a second home, ranch lifestyle, or a place to create a custom mountain sanctuary.
These areas are perfect for building custom homes, operating a ranch, or simply enjoying unmatched privacy. While they require a longer drive into Telluride, the peace and beauty they offer are well worth it for those who value seclusion and space.
Ideal for: Buyers seeking a second home, ranch lifestyle, or a place to create a custom mountain sanctuary.
Final Thoughts
Telluride is more than just a resort town—it’s a community with distinctive neighborhoods catering to various lifestyles. Whether you want the excitement of downtown, the luxury of Mountain Village, or the solitude of a mesa estate, there’s a perfect place to call home. Each neighborhood offers its own blend of charm, amenities, and natural surroundings, so it's essential to explore your options and align them with your goals, whether you're relocating full-time, investing in a vacation home, or building your dream retreat.
Ready to Find Your Place in Telluride?
If you're considering a move to Telluride, there's no substitute for working with a local expert. Matthew Hintermeister brings unparalleled knowledge of the area’s neighborhoods, market trends, and lifestyle offerings. Whether you're looking for a ski-in/ski-out home, a private estate, or a walkable downtown condo, Matthew will guide you every step of the way.
Visit matthewsellstelluride.com to explore current listings, schedule a consultation, and take the first step toward discovering your perfect home in Telluride.
Visit matthewsellstelluride.com to explore current listings, schedule a consultation, and take the first step toward discovering your perfect home in Telluride.
