Aspen is the largest city and county seat of Pitkin County, Aspen is the 53rd largest city in the state.
The city sits along the southeast (upper) end of the Roaring Fork Valley, along the Roaring Fork River, a tributary of the Colorado River about 40 miles south of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It is surrounded by mountain and wilderness areas on three sides: Red Mountain to the north, Smuggler Mountain to the east, and Aspen Mountain to the south.
Founded as a Mining camp in the Colorado Silver Boom and named because of the abundance of Aspen trees in the area, the city is now a ski resort and cultural center. The city emerged as a skiing mecca following World War II and the foundation of the Aspen Skiing Company by Walter Paepcke, a Chicago industrialist who sought to create a utopian community of the mind and body.
There is always something to do here in Aspen. Stop in one of the charming, 100-year-old watering holes for a drink. Move on to quesadillas at any one of our five Mexican restaurants. When you've worked up a healthy south-of-the-border spirit, join the local population for salsa dancing.
For many, Aspen's natural beauty and special culture make it an almost spiritual retreat. But for those who like a little action with their altitude, we can kick it up a notch with all kinds of adventures for the whole family. First and foremost in the winter months is downhill and cross county skiing. The adventure of a lifetime waits you on one of our four mountains. Go for a real Rocky Mountain high and try paragliding. Tandem flights are scheduled every day, weather permitting; you'll launch from the top of Aspen Mountain. If this sounds a tad strenuous, consider a hot-air balloon ride.
Aspen is a paradise found, and the homes here are firmly linked to this paradise. Homes therefore do not come cheaply and the average selling price for a home is $3,100,000. Condominiums sell for just under $1,000,000. Most properties here are vacation rentals and it is easy to see why! Aspen is probably the most visited skiing place in the world behind the Swiss Alps.
Aspen is probably the most visited skiing place in the world behind the Swiss Alps.
Housing Cost
Aspen is a paradise found, and the homes here are firmly linked to this paradise. Homes therefore do not come cheaply and the average selling price for a home is $3,100,000. Condominiums sell for just under $1,000,000. The average Aspen home price is $1,200,000 while houses range from $500,000 to $18,000,000.
Demographics
Estimated population in July 2005: 5,804. Aspen covers 3.5 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 7,907 feet above sea level.
Zip codes: 81611 - Area code: 970
Climate
Aspen, CO climate is mild during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 60's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 20's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 77.20 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 7.40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be relatively big during summer with a difference that can reach 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 27 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Aspen is 23.26 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is March with an average rainfall of 2.74 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
Colorado River about 40 miles south of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. It is surrounded by mountain and wilderness areas on three sides: Red Mountain to the north, Smuggler Mountain to the east, and Aspen Mountain to the south.
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