Land for Sale in Colorado
With its diverse landscapes and rich history, Colorado is one of the United States’ most beautiful and intriguing places. From the time before it was a U.S. Territory all the way up through its centennial and induction into the Union, Colorado has been known for its beauty and wonder.
This article will discuss some of the history of Colorado as well as the land that is currently for sale there. Whether you are looking to develop, settle, or acquire land for resale, Colorado has a wide range of land types to offer you.
A Quick History of Colorado
According to paleontological and anthropological studies, what we now call Colorado was inhabited by humans as early as the beginning of the Paleo-Indian period (13,000 years ago). For most of this archaic period, people who lived in Colorado were hunter-gatherers.
Up until the western colonization of Colorado in the 16th and 17th centuries, the area was populated by several semi-nomadic people who were known for hunting bison and other species of fauna. The development of agriculture by the British colonials (and later the United States) proved difficult, and no significant exports were developed until later.
Colorado became a U.S. territory in 1861 and was later admitted into the Union in 1876. The nickname “Centennial State” was given to Colorado because it was officially made a state exactly one hundred years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Finding Land for Sale in Colorado
Buying commercial real estate is far from simple and requires much more time and energy than purchasing private land.
Depending on the kind of land you want to purchase in Colorado, a broad online search will yield mixed results. Keep reading to learn about some search tools you can use to find land for sale in Colorado.
Use of Search Tool, What to Expect in Results
When you use a search tool like Google, you get broader, less specific terms and resources that may be useful to you. Try using a search engine or database that is local to Colorado and not the greater internet.
Several resources such as landflip.com or coloradolandcabins.com. These resources are compendiums of local data and realtors and offer a much more refined search field than general search engines.
Scope of Land
Colorado is known for its wide range of climates and land types. From more arid, desert-like areas to mountainous, snow-capped reaches, this State has almost every type of land you can think of when it comes to climate and landscape.
Farmland would count as commercial only in certain circumstances but will nevertheless require time and research to purchase. Using a trusted agent or local development agency is recommended.
If you plan to purchase land for your private use, either to build a home or for other developmental projects, using a local realtor will likely be the best option. But there are several areas that are for sale by the owner as well. Using discretion, in either case, is important. Things to consider:
- Budget
- Land Size requirements
- Uses
- Resale/appreciation value and development costs
All these factors will affect how you intend to develop the land. Not only are costs of land and maintenance a factor, but costs of goods and services associated with development, distance, and labor are also concerns to bear in mind.
Farmland For Sale in Colorado
Historically, Colorado was not known for its farmland. Today, however, there are many opportunities for those who want to cultivate private or commercial farmland. You should stay away from the catch-all agencies such as Zillow for things like this, there are local groups and agents that have better information and connections.
Even with advancements in irrigation and modern cultivation technologies, farmland in Colorado can be difficult to farm and maintain. When researching land you are interested in, don’t forget to research the best, most resilient crops you could grow on that specific land.
For example, You will want to ensure that your prospective purchase is located either near irrigation or can be developed into an irrigated territory relatively inexpensively. Otherwise, your farmland purchase will require a larger initial investment than you may be prepared for.
Land for Sale By Owner in Colorado
There are many private owners in Colorado with land to sell. Private sellers can make things much simpler for both parties, but there are things to keep in mind to avoid unnecessary turmoil. Remember a few key things:
- Since there is no realtor or agent, you have to do your own due diligence
- Inspections, coding, and other regulator concerns are your responsibility
- Ensuring that the sale is completed through appropriate state channels is up to you as well
Without an agent helping you through this process, you will be responsible for all the details that are involved in evaluating and buying a property. If the property has a structure on it, it can get complicated, so make sure you consult with a professional if you are not well versed in the buying process.
Where is the Cheapest Land in Colorado?
Some of the more arid and undeveloped land in Colorado prices at around $900 per acre. This is far below the U.S. national average for land at around $3,000 per acre. Farmland is priced at around $4,000 per acre, which is a little higher.
The areas to the southeast of Colorado, such as Costilla County, are the cheapest, according to a survey conducted by the local government. As a rule of thumb, the areas which are more temperate or heavily populated will be more expensive.
These parcels range from farmland to undeveloped private acreage, but the farmland parcels are typically more expensive. The same rules apply when shopping for cheap land; make sure you do your research and plan ahead.
How Much Does an Acre of Land Cost in Colorado?
The average sale price of one acre of land in Colorado in 2020 was about $1,400. Now, this is an average price that is calculated, including all types of land parcels, including farmland. The cheapest acres cost around $800, while the more expensive plots are upwards of $3,050 per acre.
- Degree of development
- Standing structures
- Irrigated
- Farmland
These are a few of the factors that affect the price of an acre of land in Colorado. Remember that even if only one acre of the parcel you are looking at is developed in any way, this could affect the overall price.
What is the Prettiest City in Colorado?
When considering land in Colorado, you may want to look at which city you would most like to live in or near. Many people hear “Colorado,” and they immediately think of Denver, the capital city. But it all comes down to what your tastes are. Are you looking for:
- Architecture
- Natural Features
- City-scapes
- Culture and the arts
- Historical significance
The term “pretty” mighty be subjective, but most will agree that it includes an appropriate appreciation for the aesthetic of the land, people, architecture, or general atmosphere of the location.
Architecture
When it comes to architectural beauty, the most notable city in Colorado is Boulder. While there are too many significant architectural sites dispersed around the State to mention, Boulder has the highest concentration of colonial and mid-century buildings.
Sites include the Schaeffer Chabad House, the Harbeck-Bergheim House, and the Boulder Pottery Lab. These are all buildings located on “The Hill,” which is a historic college distinct hang out populated by some of the most ornate examples of architecture in Colorado.
Natural Features
As we have said, Colorado is replete with some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America. From desert lowlands to Rocky Mountain heights, Colorado has it all. But the city which is located nearest the most diverse mix of landscapes is Telluride.
Telluride is often cited as the most beautiful town in Colorado because of its location. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Telluride partakes of a wide range of the Colorado wilderness spectrum. You can see the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies from the valley and look out across an expanse of arid desert to the south.
Not only this, but Telluride is home to many golf and ski outlets that let you take in the landscape from a more relaxed vantage point. It can be an affordable getaway destination, but you should plan a budget that suits you before visiting.
City Scapes
We have to give this one to magnificent Denver. Denver is not only the capital city; it is the city with the densest and rich urban landscapes. The Denver International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world and is nationally acclaimed for its unique design.
If you begin at the History Colorado Center, you will be greeted by a spacious building that houses many historic artifacts and art installations. The building itself is quite unique in design as well. From there, you can look for the Holy Ghost Church and the Botanical Garden, both structures of great beauty and invention.
Smaller, more intimate, and historical sites include the Molly Brown House and the Downtown Aquarium. Both are kid-friendly as well and present to view some amazing urban architecture for the city lover.
Culture and the Arts
Denver once again wins this spot because of the many museums and historical installations available. Some of the most significant are listed below:
- Denver Art Museum
- Clyfford Still Museum
- Art District on Santa Fe
- Golden Triangle Creative District
Sites such as the Denver Art museum sport some of the most culturally enriching and accessible installations in the city. With a rotating selection of pieces and exhibits, it is definitely worth your time while in Denver.
The Clyfford Still Museum offers a unique experience of the artwork of Clyfford Still, the renowned American Abstract Expressionist. They have nine primary exhibits and several other installations worth seeing.
The Art District on Santa Fe is a world-renowned center, what’s known as a “designated art district.” It offers shops, studios, tents, booths, permanent exhibits, and street art displays almost year-round.
The Golden Triangle Art District is also a popular art scene in Denver, hosting many of the best historic and culturally significant art installations and pieces in the whole state. This area definitely points Denver out as the most culturally rich and diverse city in Colorado.
Conclusion
The great cities of Colorado range from the small and cozy to the large and mighty. Make sure you know what suits you and your family best before committing to an area for purchase and development.
As always, relying on yourself for inspections and regulations in the case of private sellers is going to involve more work, so do your homework and make certain the land and structure, if any, that come with it are in compliance with local codes.