V ail, Colorado, known for more than 30 years for its world-class skiing, has evolved into a year-round resort community called the Vail Valley. Now, the communities of Vail, Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead, Cordillera, Eagle-Vail, Avon, Edwards, Wolcott, and Eagle all offer an exciting lifestyle with wonderful recreational opportunities both in the winter and summer. The Vail valley is currently in the midst of a population boom. It is predicted that by 2020, the entire valley will be home to 80,000 people. Vail is currently home to 4,500 permanent residents, plus another 5,000 part-time residents of vacation properties. The rest of Vail Valley has approximately 18,000 residents.

The valley is 100 miles west of Denver and is nestled high up in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It is at an elevation of 8,150 feet. Within a short distance on the I-70 corridor are several other great resort areas including Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. You can find something in this region for everyone ... great skiing and snowboarding in the winter, championship golf, hiking, biking, white water rafting, kayaking, camping, and fishing in the spring, summer and fall.

Besides being one of the favorite ski destinations in the world, Vail is a community people love to live in. There are numerous employment opportunities, especially during the ski season when valley employers hire over 4,000 employees during peak season. Full-time professional opportunities also are available and many employers offer housing assistance programs, free transportation, parking programs, plus competitive wages and benefits. Last fall Vail voters approved funds for a conference center in the heart of Vail. Projections have shown that the conference center will boost Vail's economy by generating 70,000 additional room nights by year five, and contribute more than $34 million to the community. The median income for a household in Vail is $56,680 per year.

The Town of Vail includes East Vail, Vail Village, Lionshead, Cascade Village and West Vail. Coming into the valley from the east, East Vail is the first community that is encountered. This is a breathtakingly gorgeous residential neighborhood encircled by the White River National Forest. Favorite activities here include hiking one of the numerous trails in the summer and snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice climbing in the winter. East Vail is just five miles from Vail's two main village areas where chair lifts and the gondola are accessed.

Vail Village and Lionshead form the heart of the Town of Vail. These bordering villages are nestled around their respective clock towers, which have become worldwide symbols of America's foremost mountain resort. Charming yet cosmopolitan, Vail Village and Lionshead are also home to some of the Vail Valley's most celebrated residential properties. Spectacular single-family residences line the slope-side paths of Beaver Dam, Forest and Rockledge roads. Along Vail Village and Lionshead's pedestrian streets and walkways you will find some of the Valley's most exclusive townhome and condominium residences. Many of Vail Village and Lionshead's residences feature ski-in, ski-out access, while others are just a few steps from the slopes. Virtually all are within easy walking distance of the resort's famous shopping, dining and entertainment venues.

Cascade Village is situated just one mile west of Lionshead. It has an award-winning hotel, a lavish spa and fitness facility, a four-diamond restaurant, as well as upscale homes and condominiums. Best of all, Cascade Village has its own chairlift for quick and easy access up Vail Mountain. West Vail is only 2 miles from Vail Mountain. West Vail has a variety of affordable restaurants, retail shops, lodging and supermarkets. There is a free shuttle service that can take skiers in to one of the villages where they can access any Vail's many chairlifts.

Vail Valley has housing options for every taste and budget, from alpine style condominiums and log cabins to gated community luxury homes. According to the 2000 Census, Eagle County has over 22,000 housing units. The median housing cost for the county is $350,000. Eagle County strives to make owning a home simple and affordable for everyone. Their down payment assistance program provides a loan of up to $10,000 (or up to $20,000 for lower-income families) for down payment and closing costs. In the greater Vail Valley, exclusive subdivisions of Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead, Singletree and Cordillera are highly sought after neighborhoods. These communities offer luxury homes with panoramic views for the high-end buyer of a million dollars and up.

Established in 1958, the Eagle County School District covers approximately 1,700 square miles in the Central Colorado Rockies. The district serves Eagle County with eight elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools, one alternative high school and one charter school. The district has an outstanding reputation for offering an exceptional educational experience to resident students. In addition, there are several private schools in the Vail Valley. Higher education and continuing education opportunities include Colorado Mountain College and The Source Technology Group.

The Vail Valley is a wonderful and magical place! It is perfect to live, work, retire, vacation with a second home, or raise a family. If you are considering moving to this mountain wonderland, or would like more information, please feel free to request a "free relocation package" today!