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 adventurers and continues to fulfill dreams of those fortunate enough to call Durango home.

According to the 2004 State of the Rockies Report Card, LaPlata County (Durango) is the most livable county of its size in eight Rocky Mountain States. Gold and silver in the mountains used to be the primary drawing cards that brought folks to Durango. Now the breathtaking natural beauty of the Southwest and world-class mountain activities are combined with modern conveniences, jobs, technology, education, and health care to draw visitors and a few lucky residents from all over the globe.

The friendly people of Durango know how privileged they are to live and raise their families here. One young Durango native 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 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 kayack and mountain bike next to Olympians, fish a "gold medal" river, and go rockclimbing all within the 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".

However, it also caters to a diverse community with a wide variety of interest. Durango offers over 100 fine restaurants, first-class community fitness and recreational center, respected medical facility with a growing population of 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 all wrapped in a clean, safe "mountain town" package.

The climate in Durango is perfect. The low humidity makes winter days warmer and summer cooler. Winter or summer the sun is almost always shining and the air is clear and crisp. A stunning palette of color explodes from spring wild flowers and autumn leaves. Miles of track and 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 postcard!"