As the town of Steamboat Springs continues to grow and lure new businesses, homebuyers are moving into the expanding bedroom communities of Hayden and Oak Creek. Both are almost equidistant from Steamboat and each town offers buyers something completely different.

Dubbed a working town built on pioneer grit, Oak Creek, in the south valley, has been going through a period of renewal. An eclectic blend of housing can be found, from former miner’s cabins and single-family homes, to mini homesteads. The main street houses numerous family-owned shops, eateries and a small supermarket. Close proximity to the Flat Tops Wilderness Area makes Oak Creek popular with adventure seekers and hikers.

West of Steamboat lies Hayden, a former county seat until 1879. The town, known for its agricultural heritage, boasts the mildest climate in Routt County. “Relative to Steamboat, Hayden is very affordable and we still have a nice inventory of lots available in the $30,000-$40,000 range,” shares Amy Williams, a realtor specializing in the area for Colorado Group Realty. Twenty-seven new building permits were issued in 2017 and the community is on track to reach the same amount in 2018.

Hayden has been growing at a steady rate, spurring the Chamber of Commerce to re-open and support a handful of new businesses. The small town boasts three restaurants, a brewery, coffee shops, a grocery and a hardware store. “It’s a really tight knit community and everyone helps each other out,” says Joee Pavlica, who bought her Hayden home in June. “It’s easy to get to Craig if I need to go and shop, I can ride by bike to everything I need directly in town, plus the commute to Steamboat is so serene. I it back and feel my blood pressure drop every time.”