More people are coming home – to Bayfield.
The real estate market in the small bedroom community 20 minutes south of Durango has been growing steadily, attracting homebuyers who are looking for more affordable houses or something just a bit more country than what is available in its larger neighbor.
In 2010, the U.S. Census counted 2,333 Bayfield residents, and that number is steadily growing. The population of the quiet town has increased 48.41 percent since the 2000 count.
Many families who want to buy a home are looking into the quiet town with curious eyes, while others have lived there their whole lives and love it.
Jerome Bleger, broker-associate with the Wells Group of Durango, has a client in the process of selling a home in Bayfield. The property was under contract as of Wednesday.
“You can get a great home for under $300,000,” Bleger said about the market in Bayfield. “You get more bang for your buck.”
Jenny O’Connor is Bleger’s client and is in the process of selling her home because her family needs more space.
The family lived in the house since 2008.
O’Connor, who considers herself a native Bayfield resident, said property prices in Bayfield are more affordable. Also, the town has a great school district and is a nice community, she said.
“Bayfield has that country flavor,” she said.
The asking price for the home was listed at $245,000 and the deal is scheduled to finalize Friday.
According to the Multiple Listing Service, 44 homes have been sold in Bayfield’s in-town market at a median price of $245,000 since the first of the year. In the past 12 months, 65 homes have been sold in the town at the same median price. Four homes are listed under contract.
Also the Forest Lakes subdivision, which is considered the rural area outside of the town, has seen significant growth, according to the MLS. Since the first of the month, 31 homes have been sold in the subdivision at a median price of $214,000.
In a 12-month period, 48 homes were sold for a median price of $214,500.
In 2012, 41 homes sold at a median price of $170,000 and, the next year, 50 homes sold at a median price of $212,000.
The town is demonstrating a slow and steady growth.
Chris La May, Bayfield’s town manager, said the town hasn’t had any new home construction in recent years. And, he said, as of now there are no plans to build a new subdivision in the town. However, the town has experienced more growth.
“There’s definitely been more vehicle traffic this year,” he said.
Also, he has noticed more commerce taking place this summer. Even though there hasn’t been a lot of new construction, it appears that people are moving into the area, he said.
The Bayfield School District has seen an increase in enrollment, La May said. The district also enrolls students from unincorporated areas surrounding the town, he said.
Don Ricedorff, broker-associate with the Wells Group of Durango and spokesman for the Colorado Association of Realtors, said Bayfield has boomed with sales activity.
“There are many buyers that want to own their own home, perhaps a single family home with a yard, and the affordability in Bayfield allows them to purchase,” Ricedorff said. “There has been strong sales activity in some of the newer neighborhoods that offer new construction and new amenities that has increased the options for buyers for Bayfield homes.”
vguthrie@durangoherald.com
