The Housing Dilemma in Steamboat Springs

In the picturesque town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a fierce debate is underway over a proposed housing development known as Brown Ranch. This once-affordable “cowboy ski town” is grappling with skyrocketing real estate prices that have left even high-income professionals struggling to find homes.
Rising Real Estate Challenges Since the pandemic, Steamboat Springs has seen single-family home prices soar by about 80% to an average of $1.8 million. The surge has put homeownership out of reach for many, with property taxes also escalating by 86%. Local realtors report that competition is so intense that those without all-cash offers are often sidelined. Read more about the housing crisis.
Brown Ranch: A Divisive Proposal The Yampa Valley Housing Authority’s Brown Ranch project has ignited a community-wide debate. Proponents argue that the development is essential for providing affordable housing. However, opponents, led by longtime resident Jim Engelken, voice concerns about its scale and impact on local infrastructure. Engelken, who has lived in Steamboat since 1979, believes the project is “too big, too much, and too expensive.”
“Yes, we need affordable housing, no question,” Engelken said. “It needs to be smaller to start with, it needs to have some ability to generate its own way, its own money.”
Despite these concerns, the city council approved the project, but opposition efforts have led to a ballot measure that will let voters decide its fate in March.
Broader Trends in Mountain Towns Steamboat Springs is not alone in this struggle. Other mountain and resort towns like Driggs, Idaho, and Woodstock, New York, have experienced similar real estate booms. In Driggs, home prices have risen around 80% since the pandemic, while Woodstock has seen a 78% increase. The influx of buyers seeking more affordable alternatives to high-profile destinations has exacerbated these issues. Explore Driggs home prices and Woodstock prices.
Community Identity at Stake Steamboat’s identity as a small-town Western haven is at risk. The town, once known for its affordability compared to places like Vail, is now facing a real estate crisis. City Manager Gary Suiter notes that the town’s authentic charm is being challenged by these rapid changes.
As the debate over Brown Ranch continues, the community must weigh the need for affordable housing against the preservation of its unique character. The outcome of the March ballot will be pivotal in shaping the future of this beloved “cowboy ski town.”