If we’ve learned one thing from the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s that many of us can work and learn remotely. While most of Colorado was pretty much locked down in early spring, as restrictions began to lift, smaller Colorado towns saw an increase in tourism and spending as more and more residents planned getaways that allowed them to enjoy a change of scenery while stilling being productive.

One of those popular getaway destinations is Salida, located about 140 miles south of Denver.

According to a recent 9 News article, Jillian Chernofsky, owner of the Creekside Chalet cabins in Salida, said that when the property was shut down in March and April the cancellations began rolling in. However, when the cabins reopened in mid-May, the situation changed dramatically.

“Our revenue for 2020 is up 25 percent over 2019," Chernofsky said. "We’re seeing the highest occupancy in four years. This is the busiest we’ve ever been.”

As more and more people are valuing space over the conveniences and amenities of dense, urban areas, rural towns are certainly gaining attention. According to a market real estate update, in Chaffee County, home to Salida, home closings were up 58 percent in July over the same month in 2019. In August, the median closing price for a home in the county hit a 10-year high at nearly $480,000, a 19 percent increase year to year.

If you’re considering a change of scenery in one of Colorado’s more remote towns, there are some great properties to be found. Give Metrowest a shout – we’d love to explore your options!