Thinking About Relocating to Durango? Here’s the Real Scoop

If you’re dreaming about relocating to Durango, I get it — this place is special.
The scenery is jaw-dropping, the community is welcoming, and the outdoor lifestyle is second to none. But let’s have an honest conversation: living in Durango isn’t always easy.

There’s a saying we locals know well: “People don’t come to Durango to make money — they come to Durango with money to spend.” And it’s true.

When I moved here back in 1997, fresh from California, I had a serious reality check. The pay rates were lower than I expected, and housing costs were high — even back then. Fast-forward to today, and that gap hasn’t really closed. It can be tough for working families to make ends meet, especially with the cost of housing climbing faster than wages.

Durango’s economy runs on a few key industries — tourism, healthcare, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the railroad, local government, and the trades. There aren’t a lot of big corporations here, and that’s part of what keeps our small-town character alive.

Now, before you start second-guessing your move — here’s the flip side: Durango offers a lifestyle that’s hard to find anywhere else. World-class mountain biking, skiing, hiking, river rafting, and a community that genuinely looks out for each other. The quality of life here is rich — just not necessarily in the financial sense.

So if you decide to make Durango your home, come prepared — and come with the right mindset. Enjoy the mountain air, the slower pace, and the people who make this place what it is.

And one small request from those of us who’ve been here awhile: please don’t complain about the cost of living. Yes, it’s expensive — but that’s the price of living in paradise.

Thinking About Making the Move?

If Durango is calling your name, let’s talk about what that move could look like for you. I’ve helped countless families relocate here — and as someone who made the leap myself nearly three decades ago, I know what it takes to make Durango not just a destination, but home.

📞 Call, text, or reach out at MichelleBrownHomes.com — I’m always here to help you start your Durango story.