9.0 out of 10

Evergreen

Ranked 1st best city in Colorado
39.6358343836113 -105.337162840471
Great for
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Safe & Sound
  • Parking
  • Schools
  • Peace & Quiet
Not great for
  • Nightlife
  • Public Transport
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Professionals
  • Singles

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Best of Both Worlds!! A small town feel yet close to the city and the high country!"

Evergreen is a wonderful place to call home. Not only is it spectacular in beauty, but it offers the "best of both worlds". It gives you that small town feel while providing very easy access into the Denver Metropolitan area as well as easy access to the "high country" where you can ski, camp, and snowmobile, among other things.

The views in Evergreen are quite stunning, particularly for those who have panoramic views or a snow-capped view of Mt. Evans, Mt. Rosalie or Longs Peak. Most of the terrain is gently sloping to steep and when you compare homes here, I like to say it's like comparing "apples to pizzas" as most homes are not the cookie-cutter type and every lot is different.

Hiking and mountain biking are prevalent in the Evergreen area. With access to thousands of acres of open space and forestry land, it is easy to get out into nature. Evergreen Lake is often the hub of many outdoor activities. Here you can fish or rent a canoe or paddle boat in the warmer months or ice skate, play hockey and ice fish during some of the winter months. You can also walk around the path that encircles the lake.

Evergreen offers you a true sense of "community" with many local events and festivals being held throughout the year. These are not only fun, but help bring people together for that "small town" feel. The Summer Concert Series offers a free concert every other Wednesday throughout the summer. Evergreen also hosts a local Jazz Fest, an Arts Festival, a rodeo, parades (a Homecoming parade and a Rodeo parade) and a Holiday Walk. There are other events and activities as well.

Speaking of the sense of community, if you live here, you will very likely run into someone you know while shopping in the grocery store or specialty stores, at Home Depot or Wal-Mart or while dining in a restaurant. You usually don't have to wait for a table when dining out and there are rarely any lines in which you have to wait. Road rage is practically non-existent. The peaceful lifestyle lends itself to relaxed and happy people. Traffic jams are more often caused by a herd of elk standing in the middle of the road.

It is not uncommon to have local "guests" in your yard. These guests usually include a herd of elk or deer or a fox or two, but there are also coyotes, raccoons, bears and mountains lions which you might see on occasion. After all, it is mountain living and most locals just prefer to co-exist with the wildlife. It is a good idea to read the "Living with Wildlife" publication, distributed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This information can also be found on the internet.

People are friendly and laid back. The lifestyle is casual and relaxed, but many are also into health and exercise. Evergreen is pretty "green" and takes recycling pretty seriously. The air quality seems to be better than in the Denver area and Colorado is known for its over 300 days of sunshine per year.

You can easily shop in the Evergreen area as it offers two grocery stores, plus Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and many restaurants and specialty shops. Downtown Evergreen is a favorite with tourists with its cute shops and "old Evergreen charm". You do need a vehicle, especially if you live outside of the main corridor and northern portion of Evergreen. There is a local "Call and Ride" bus, as well as RTD/public transportation, but it is limited. Depending upon the area in which you live, a 4x4 could be a must, though many people get by with either an AWD or a front-wheel drive vehicle.

The climate in Evergreen more closely matches that of the Denver area versus the high country. Evergreen averages about 10 degrees cooler than Denver, though there are days when the temperature in each area is closely matched; days when Evergreen is in the sun and Denver is dreary and vice versa. On a sunny day though, you will see several locals only wearing light jackets or sweaters, even if temperatures may be in the 30s. Here, you are closer to the sun so you may feel warmer even when it's cold outside. However, it does get chilly when the sun goes down, even on some summer nights. Most homes do not have air conditioning. Many locals merely open their windows at night to let in the crisp cool mountain air. The amount of snow varies each year, but is more closely matched with the Denver Metro area than the high country. Evergreen will get more snow than the Denver area though.

The elevation in/around Evergreen ranges from about 7200 feet up to over 9000 feet. Due to the elevation and cooler temperatures, Evergreen has a shorter "growing season" than that in the Denver area. The soil is very rocky and therefore, gardeners need to amend the soil to get things to grow well.

You will not find a lot of well-manicured and thick lawns in Evergreen for many reasons. The soil does not lend itself well to those, the lots sizes are larger and many prefer not to waste water, and the wildlife can wreak havoc on a lawn. Some homes are on a well and many well permits do not allow irrigation. Some on public water or with watering rights choose to have a small area of nice lawn as a compromise. Many prefer to leave their landscape more natural. Fences, especially privacy fences are not common. Many will use either a split rail or an invisible fence to contain pets.

If you have an Evergreen address, you may live in one of two counties: Jefferson County or Clear Creek County. There are two high schools in Evergreen: Evergreen High School and Clear Creek High. There are both public and private schools running up through 8th grade. Many of the schools have won awards.

At the end of October, 2012, the average price of sold home in North Evergreen was $482,327, and the average price of a sold home in South Evergreen was $402,356. Generally speaking, "North Evergreen" is the area north of Evergreen Lake and includes parts of Kittredge and Clear Creek County while "South Evergreen" is further south. It is important to note that due to the varying prices of homes throughout the Evergreen area, a monthly average sold price could end up very skewed depending upon what has sold. For a more detailed boundary map of North and South Evergreen, please contact me or RE/MAX Alliance in Evergreen.

Evergreen was my home for 15 years. I raised children here and love the area. I loved the small town environment, the beauty and wildlife, and the lack of lines and heavy traffic. Plus it is closer to the high country so many of the locals ski and snowboard. The drawback is that the summer season is shorter than in the Denver area.
Pros
  • Beautiful scenery
  • Great for outdoor enthusiasts
  • Great Farmers" Market (May to October)
  • Great public and private schools
  • Recreation options out your front door
  • mountain town feel by the city
  • Take a trip to the City in 30 mins and it is an easy drive to the airport
  • wildlife
Cons
  • Many restaurants close early in evening
  • Major Hospital 35-45 minutes away
  • Nightlife is usually star gazing
  • property can be pretty expensive close to town
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Forever Evergreen"

Evergreen is a small town in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains just west of Denver Colorado. It is a very desireable area in which to buy and live. Notice the ratings. Community activities abound all year long, including the upcoming contest to guess when the barrel will fall through the ice in the Spring. There is ice-fishing and ice-skating on the lake, and a quick drive to major ski areas in the winter, boating in the summer plus the rodeo and many festivals! Come and join in anytime!
Pros
  • Great public and private schools
  • Recreation options out your front door
  • mountain town feel by the city
  • Take a trip to the City in 30 mins and it is an easy drive to the airport
  • wildlife
  • Fresh Air!
Cons
  • Major Hospital 35-45 minutes away
  • Nightlife is usually star gazing
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Evergreen is a "mountain" suburb of Denver"

Evergreen is a sweet place! To those who do not know Colorado and the Front Range Denver area Evergreen is a little jem tucked up away from the city. If you need to find a mountain place fairly close to Denver with some beautiful properties that are moderate in cost (in some places) Evergreen may be the place. But if you need to commute into the Denver area every weekday it may be just a bit to far away to make it worth moving there.

I like how the town is far enough away so that you really feel like your'e in the mountains. But, it is close enough to take a day trip to from the Front Range to grab dinner, ice skate in the winter or just take a Sunday drive. The traffic in the whole Front Range is getting more and more rediculous but you can get pretty lucky heading up and down from Evergreen.

I go their to ice skate in the winter months on the lake that the town keeps pretty skateable, for a small fee you can skate and rent skates too. There are the row of restaurants where you can grab a bite and watch the town bustle. I also like the many hills and neighborhoods that skirt around the town. If you go up some country roads there are amazing homes and properties, real mountain homes with character, a mix of old and new construction. There are parks in town and open space and forest access meadows and trails all around. It is a great place to mountain bike too, I think it is kind of famous for some singletrack trails.
Pros
  • wildlife
  • mountain town feel by the city
  • winter snow can lock you up in mountains:)
  • Take a trip to the City in 30 mins and it is an easy drive to the airport
Cons
  • far to commute everyday
  • property can be pretty expensive close to town
  • winter snow can lock you up in mountains:(
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"A beautiful little town I'd love to call home"

Growing up in Colorado I can remember going to Evergreen as a child. It, like much of Colorado, is beautiful with wide open spaces and plenty of wildlife. In fact, after my husband proposed to me we opted to have our wedding in Evergreen and I have nothing but great memories of the beauty surrounding us on that day.

If you're looking to live in Evergreen, there's not too many other towns or cities in Colorado that can boast having all of the schools K-12 have a rating of 9 or 10 on a 10 point scale (10 being the highest). These scores are from the state testing standards and in addition the parents overwhelmingly agree their schools are tops.

One drawback to Evergreen are the housing prices. The median sale price in 2012 as of September was $398,200 according to Zillow.com. While many of the homes are beautiful and on acreage, this price tag leaves many people on the outside looking in.

Evergreen is also great for outdoor enthusiasts. There's downhill skiing close by as well as hiking, fishing, and biking. If the weather's too cold for you, Evergreen has a great rec center with an indoor pool and a special area for the kids with a slide. It also has a rock climbing wall. For residents or visitors to Evergreen there is ice skating on Evergreen Lake in the winter. There is a spot for parents to watch their kids and also a picnic area. If it gets too cold there is a warming hut that sells snacks and warm drinks while you can sit and warm up by the fire.

While there are shops and grocery stores in Evergreen, if you're looking to do some serious shopping you may have to find yourself headed into Denver, although most of what you need can be found right here.
Pros
  • Great public and private schools
  • Recreation options out your front door
Recommended for
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
HeatherS
HeatherS Evergreen sounds like a beautiful place to get married, I like your post:)
2yrs+
Add a comment...
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Evergreen-Close to skiing and city action CHECK OUT MY EVERGREEN PHOTO OF THE DAY"

Evergreen is a quaint little town nestled in the Rocky Mountains just 30 minutes West of Denver. It is the has the best of both worlds-Beautiful mountain living yet close to all the modern conveniences and cultural aspects of a big city.
Pros
  • Close to all the outside activities I love-Hiking, Sking, Biking and watching wildlife!
  • Awesome year round weather! 350 Days of Sunshine
  • Take a trip to the City in 30 mins and it is an easy drive to the airport
  • Recreation options out your front door
  • Great public and private schools
  • wildlife
  • mountain town feel by the city
  • winter snow can lock you up in mountains:)
Ryan
Ryan Beautiful photos! :) I can't wait to see some great winter shots!
2yrs+
Add a comment...
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 2/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"Evergreen is Colorado at it's Finest"

I moved to Colorado in the early 70s - part of the Rocky Mountain High phenomena. While my family had vacationed in Evergreen many times, I'd forgotten how the town really emboddied the attributes and scenery I'd been searching for. Evergreen really has it all. Charming Main Street, music, art and theatre, shopping, 1000s of acres of Open Space and National Forests, abundant recreation from hiking and biking to skiing and paddle-boating on Evergreen's Bear Lake, friendly people, variety of neighborhoods and home pricing, great public and private schools, lots of family activities, even dedicated dog parks, and views the world rarely sees.

Most of Evergreen is within an hour of Denver International Airport (DIA) and 40 minutes to downtown Denver's big entertainment and sporting venues. There is plenty of employment available, and new businesses opening to service the folks that don't want to drive down the hill to get car repairs, medical services, cultural activities, shopping and other services.
Pros
  • Recreation options out your front door
  • Great public and private schools
Cons
  • Major Hospital 35-45 minutes away
  • Nightlife is usually star gazing

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