5.5 out of 10

Bonanza

38.295393598445 -106.140269199732
Great for
  • Clean & Green
  • Lack of Traffic
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Peace & Quiet
Not great for
  • Childcare
  • Eating Out
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Internet Access
  • Medical Facilities
Who lives here?
  • Country Lovers
  • Professionals
  • Tourists
  •  
  •  

Reviews

3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 1/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 1/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 1/5
  • Childcare 1/5
2yrs+

"Amazing beauty in the mountains that only 16 people are enjoying"

Bonanza is located about an hour south of Salida. This tiny mountain town currently has only 16 residents, 10 male and 6 female. Bonanza has some of the most amazing views you will ever see, and that's a pretty good compliment considering the incredible scenic beauty of Colorado as a whole. All of the residents work in agriculture, forestry, fishing, or hunting. Back in 2000 the median income was $63,750, but that has dropped significantly to just $12,940 which is probably the lowest I've ever seen for anywhere in Colorado outside of the projects. This change is most likely due to a wealthy person moving out of the area or people losing their job because of the current economic situation in our country. However, the median home value here is $83,804 which is also extremely below the state average.

Bonanza doesn't have much to offer unless you want to live in the remote mountains with no shopping or restaurants for at least an hour drive away. The same goes for healthcare. The nearest medical center is in Salida. One great thing about the residents here is how much they rely on solar power. As they are at such a high altitude, they have the use of the sun pretty much year round. While this isn't the kind of living for most people, I can understand the desire to live in a place like this, for the beauty and nature it has to offer.
Pros
  • beautiful mountain views
  • remote and small
Cons
  • cold snowy winters
  • remote and small
Recommended for
  • Country Lovers
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 1/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 1/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 1/5
2yrs+

"Bonanza -- the tiny mountain town of south central Colorado"

Bonanza is the least populated town in Colorado, some say it is the second smallest town but I can't find information for which is the smallest so I guess Bonanza wins! Located at 9500 feet the tiny town of about 15 residents is in a remote area of south central Colorado, off the beaten path in the mountains north of the San Luis Valley. The area is gorgeous with high snowy mountains, thick pine forests and its far share of sun and snow combo. This would be a great place to look for remote properties or land. The closest town with supplies and shopping is probably Salida, about an hour or less away depending on the weather.

The average household income is reported at about $65,000, due to the fact that there really is no work in the area. Most homes are for those who are retired, independently wealthy or it is their vacation getaway home. Most of the town is an abandoned ghost town that boomed in pioneer times when it was a thriving silver mining town.
Pros
  • remote and small
  • beautiful mountain views
Cons
  • remote and small
  • cold snowy winters
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Tourists
  • Country Lovers

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