Art, nature, and a tight-knit community all coexist in Carbondale in the central Rockies, about 30 miles northwest of Aspen. For some, it seems too good to be true. Spectacular outdoor recreation? Exciting culinary creations that highlight the locavore lifestyle? Friendly neighbors that gather every first Friday of the month to enjoy the town? Carbondale has it all.
Carbondale’s deep roots with art, nature, and commune living are traced back to its 19th century beginnings. The town originated as a farming and ranching community that provided food for the area. As Aspen rose in popularity, so did Carbondale, but as a more grounded and laidback alternative. Arts came into the community, and so did wellness pursuits, so much so that transplants who once proclaimed to be city dwellers shed their suits and devoted themselves to outdoor recreation and eating extremely well, with gusto.
The housing market in Carbondale chronicles the town and its residents’ down-home attitude and affinity for all things creative and open. Apartments and single-family residences can be found in historic Downtown Carbondale. Farther from the town center are acreage properties on rolling, rugged hills. Late Victorian, Nordic, split-level, and contemporary mountain homes are all well-represented in the local real estate— a callback to Carbondale’s agricultural past as well as a testament to the locals’ design sensibilities.
