Firstly why Aspen, Colorado?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Aspen
• State: Colorado
• Population: 7,190 people
• Aspen’s quick summary would be Aspen locals know the gondola lines can be endless on a powder day, but the view from the top of Ajax is worth every minute.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 1,200 annually
• While this many move-out: 1,000 annually
• Net Migration: 200 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 150

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its skiing and luxury lifestyle attracting affluent residents

Perk #1: Aspen Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 43%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 55%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $113,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Aspen is $120,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $7000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Aspen’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 140 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $5,514
• Property Tax %: 1.95%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,900
• Rent for an average house: $4,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Aspen Highlands
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Aspen, Snowmass-Village, Basalt, Carbondale, and probably could include Woody-Creek
• Avg. Age of Homes in Aspen: 76 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Aspen’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Aspen are  Tourism, Real Estate, and Retail
• Aspen Job Scene: moderate job market mainly in tourism and hospitality
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech engagement, primarily focused on tourism and local services ,
• Aspen Resident’s pay $3,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Aspen: 8.5%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 80 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 3

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Aspen

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: Highway 82 provides access into Aspen from regional routes
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: evening congestion on Main Street
• Transportation Score: 24 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Aspen: 15,000
• Cars registered per Person: 2.1
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Aspen: dmv.colorado.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 65 of 100
• Local Airport: Aspen/Pitkin County

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Aspen’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Aspen is best described as has cold winters with heavy snow and cool summers with temperatures in the 70s
• Winter Weather in Aspen i’d describe as very cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Aspen can be described as cool with potential snow
• Summer’s in Aspen are mostly warm and sunny
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Aspen is usually chilly with possible snow
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 6 days in summer
• Days in a row in Aspen below Freezing: 83
• Average Annual Rainfall: 24 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely unspoiled by industrial activity
• Aspen Winter Air generally excellent air quality affected minimally by pollution

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Aspen Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Aspen 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Aspens’s city limits are 0
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Aspen Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Aspen Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Aspen only Doctors is about 10
• Local Hospitals here is  0
• Full-time Aspen only Police Officers is about 40
• Crime Rate Index: 15/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Aspen’s Monthly utility bill average is $160
• Aspen’s Monthly Gym Membership: $85
• Aspen’s Water Quality Score: 85

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Aspen

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: wealthy ski resort town known for outdoor recreation and the arts
• You might enjoy live music at the Aspen Music Festival
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Aspen  features a high-energy nightlife known for upscale clubs bars and cultural events in a scenic environment

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Aspen

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features high-end dining spots and local cafes
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Aspen
• The Popular Sports Team is Aspen Skiing Company
• Top Level Political Climate in Aspen can be described as liberal affluent area focused on environmental and social issues
• Aspen’s Longer standing religious establishment is Ascendigo Autism Services

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Aspen Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Aspen has 30 Parks?
• Isis Theatre Park is Aspen’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Aspen Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-3pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Skiing, hiking, and biking

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Aspen Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Aspen can be described as relaxed affluent mountain town with a vibrant culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Aspen summer activities outdoor arts and crafts local fairs
• The Cities people commute to from Aspen are Colorado-Springs 106 miles away Glenwood-Springs 41 miles away Vail 60 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Aspen or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: evening congestion on Main Street. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Aspen’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Aspen Highlands is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Aspen are Colorado-Springs 106 miles away Glenwood-Springs 41 miles away Vail 60 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 15 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Aspen has 83 days in a row below freezing and 6 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Aspen people have an average (positive or negative) $7000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   150 homeless people living in Aspen. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal affluent area focused on environmental and social issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Aspen.

Retiree & Senior Life in Aspen

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may be eligible for tax relief programs targeting property taxes
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Aspen Valley
• Aspen Senior Center offers recreational activities social programs and wellness services

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Aspen, Colorado?

If Aspen, Colorado ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Aspen, Colorado, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!