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Frisco, Colorado
Set Amid Spectacular Mountain and Lake Scenery, Touristy Frisco Has a Cute Downtown and Laid Back, Touristy Vibe
Cost of Living: Above the National Average
Overview
Nestled 9,090 feet above sea level, Frisco is a cute mountain town tucked along the shores of deep blue Dillon Reservoir (Lake Dillon) in north central Colorado's sky-scraping Rocky Mountains. It started out as a silver boom town in the late-1800s and today sits amid four of Colorado's top ski resorts (Keystone, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge and A-Basin).
The median age is 48, and about half of locals hold at least a four year college degree. Politics lean to the left. The crime rate is below the national average. About 3,000 people live here, and the population has remained steady during the last decade. The cost of living is more than double the national average.
Population, Median Age, Crime, Cost of Living, Etc.
Real Estate
The median home price is about $975,000, reflecting a 1% increase from last year. Most residences are condominiums, many in stylish Alpine-style buildings with beautiful views of the reservoir, mountains and the surrounding valley.
Downtown
The charming, touristy downtown is chock full of fun shops and boutiques, outdoor gear retailers, bicycle rental stores, ice cream parlors, clothiers, candy shops, rafting outfitters and excellent eateries. Flower planters overflowing with color line the street during the summer months. Many buildings resemble a modern log cabin, with wood pole exteriors. There are a couple of big box stores, too.
Recreation
Outdoor recreation is the hallmark of this area. Skiers, not to mention river rafters, hikers, campers and other outdoor adventurers, come from around the world to hang out in Frisco, giving it a very mellow, outdoorsy vibe. It is a good spot to set up camp if planning to ski at several of the nearby resorts.
It is also the base camp for river rafting along the mighty Arkansas River through Brown's Canyon, where the rapids are fast, the crystal clear water is full of Colorado rainbow trout and gravity-defying big horn sheep peek down from their mountain perches.
Frisco, Colorado
Dillon Reservoir, 3,200 acres of sparkling blue water, is the perfect spot for an early morning or late afternoon sail, paddle or boat ride (the water, though, is too cold for swimming). Frisco Bay Marina has boat rentals and lakeside dining. The fishing is world-class.
Mountain biking is another favorite activity in these parts. Trails radiate from town and traverse some of the most spectacular scenery the country has to offer.
Frisco does not have a tradtiional golf course (it does, though, have a disc golf course). The nearest course is Copper Creek in Copper Mountain, about 10 minutes away.
Festivals, Farmers' Market, Library
Festivals are a Frisco staple. The tasty BBQ Challenge occurs every June. Free concerts in the park take place on Thursday nights during the summer. The Arts at Altitude Arts Fest brings the best local and regional artists together every fall.
The farmers' market is open throughout the summer and is the area's top spot for fresh meats, veggies, jams, preserves, salsa and more.
When not attending a festival, shopping at the farmers' market or enjoying the gorgeous outdoor scenery and fresh mountain air, locals can be found at the Summit County Library, which receives rave reviews. Activities include a book discussion group, a writers' group, computer literacy classes and more.
Transportation
Frisco is a walkable town, which is good since there is no public transportation. There is, though, a shuttle up to the ski resorts.
Medical
St. Anthony Summit Hospital is the local medical facility and is a part of Centura Health.
Climate
The area receives a whopping 160 inches of snow each year, on average, and about 20 inches of rain. Winter temperatures are often in the single digits, and summer temperatures are usually in the 70s and 80s. Even during the winter, the skies are often a gorgeous blue.
Drawbacks
Retirement in Frisco has some drawbacks. It sits along busy I-70, but it can still feel remote in the winter, even when it fills with skiers. The interstate occasionally closes due to blizzards and rock slides.
Is Frisco a Good Place to Live and Retire?
Even with these downsides, Frisco's appeal is hard to deny, with its scenic setting, mellow vibe, good medical facility and outstanding outdoor recreation. It is worth checking out at retirement time.
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