Living in Durango and Our Surrounding Areas

There’s a rhythm to life in Durango that you don’t quite find anywhere else—a steady heartbeat shaped by the mountains, the Animas River, and the kind of community that still waves when you drive by. I should know: I was born and raised here, and now I get to watch my own little ones grow up with the same red dust on their boots and sun on their cheeks that colored my own childhood.

Durango is more than a dot on the map of southwestern Colorado. It’s a living, breathing patchwork of old ranching families, artists, river guides, and folks who came for a season and never left. Our roots run deep—just ask anyone whose family name is carved on the old barn wood out by Hermosa, or who remembers the first time they rode in the Snowdown parade. There’s pride here, but also humility: a shared understanding that nature is the real boss, and we’re just lucky enough to call her neighbor.

As a mom, I’ve come to appreciate Durango’s gentle pace. Mornings start with the sound of magpies and the promise of adventure—maybe a hike up Horse Gulch, or a lazy float down the river with the kids. We’re a family that counts horses as part of our clan. If you spend any time at the county fair or the local rodeos, you’ll see how horses aren’t just a pastime here—they’re part of our culture, a bridge between generations.

Living here means knowing how to make the most of what you have. Frugal living isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life. We swap hand-me-downs at school, trade garden veggies with neighbors, and find joy in simple pleasures: a homemade picnic at Lemon Reservoir, or watching the aspens turn gold in the fall. If you’re raising a family here, you learn quickly that the best memories don’t cost a thing.

Our community is tight knit, but welcoming. From the Durango Farmers Market on a Saturday morning to the impromptu bluegrass jams at the park, there’s always a sense of belonging. Schools here still feel personal, with teachers who know your child’s name and neighbors who look out for one another. Safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s a given.

For those who love the outdoors, Durango is paradise. Whether you’re riding horses in the San Juan National Forest, mountain biking the Telegraph Trail, or simply stargazing from your backyard, nature is woven into every day. It teaches our kids resilience, gratitude, and a respect for the wild that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Durango isn’t perfect—winters can be tough, and living far from big city conveniences means you learn to be resourceful. But for my family, and so many others, the trade off is worth it. There’s a magic here that’s hard to explain until you’ve lived it: a sense of place, of history, and of hope for the next generation.