Seeking a better life for themselves and their families, Miners and Pioneers settled in the Animas Valley and Durango in the late 1800’s. Today Durango maintains the spirit of those rugged early adventures and continues to fulfill dreams of those fortunate enough to call Durango home. According to the State of the Rockies Report Card, La Plata County (Durango) is the most livable county of its size in the eight Rocky Mountain States. Gold and silver in the mountains used to be the primary drawing cards that brought people to Durango. Now the breathtaking natural beauty of the Southwest and the world-class mountain activities are combined with the modern conveniences, jobs, technology, education and health care draw visitors and a few lucky residents from around the globe.
The friendly people of Durango know how privileged they are to live and raise families here.

One young Durango native recently said; “I’ve been to dozens of countries around the world and have seen many wonderful places, but I’m so glad that my parents decided to raise our family here. As kids we took it for granted that we could snow ski in the mountains one day and water ski at Navajo Lake the next. Growing up we didn’t realize how amazing it was to kayak and mountain bike next to Olympians, fish a “gold medal” river, and go rockclimbing all within city limits. Now that I have seen how others live, I know how truly fortunate I am.”

Durango maintains a well earned reputation as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. “Outdoor Magazine” recently listed Durango as one of its “top ten sports towns”. It also caters to a diverse community with a wide variety of interests.

Durango offers over a 100 fine restaurants, first class community fitness and recreational center, respected medical facility with a growing population of work renowned physicians, fine public schools, four year college, top rated golf courses, symphony concerts, theatres and numerous art galleries and museums. These gifts of urban living are wrapped in a clean, safe “mountain town” package.

The climate in Durango is perfect. The low humidity makes winter days seem warmer and summer days seem cooler. Winter or summer the sun is almost always shining and the air is clean and crisp. A stunning palette of color explodes from the spring wild flowers and autumn leaves. Miles of trails connect the city to the Wilderness. Come see the snow capped peaks, meet the smiling people and you will agree that “living in Durango is like living in a post card!”