Here’s the community’s namesake “alpenglow” over the San Juan Mountains. Photo Courtesy: Getty Images.
Cohousing might be a new concept to you. However, it’s one of the hottest trends in awesome, mountain-style living. For those who want to live sustainable lives in a caring community but also retain their family’s privacy, a new cohousing community in Ridgway is seeking community members. Mountain adventurers and remote workers alike will enjoy this unique opportunity to get back to nature and give their families a more relaxed lifestyle in this stressful world.
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How to tell if cohousing is for you
People living in Alpenglow CoHousing will all have their own private homes. The Common House functions like an extended living room and social space for the community.
An option for outdoor adventurers and those who love mountain living, Alpenglow’s community members write community bylaws by mutual agreement—it’s like being your own HOA with your likeminded neighbors. Alpenglow CoHousing is situated on 4.2 acres in the center of Ridgway near the Uncompahgre River and with breathtaking views of the Cimarron and San Juan Mountains.
“We welcome new neighbors who wish to contribute their ideas, energy and talents to our developing project,” said member Christine Strickland.
Alpenglow’s inaugural community members stress that the advantages of Alpenglow’s opportunity are for those:
-seeking greater connection with others, people who cooperate and use consensus to guide their decision-making.
-concerned about the environment, active in nature, involved in the arts, or engaged in civic action.
-ready for small-town living (perhaps after years of big-city traffic).
The Town of Ridgway is a state-certified Creative District and part of Colorado’s Creative Corridor, with a full calendar of music, theater, and inspiring mind-expanding events including outdoor festivals plus art galleries, stores, and classes, all within walking distance from Alpenglow. Alpenglow is situated in heart of the town and surrounded by magnificent mountains. On the Cimarron Range to the east, Chimney Peak and Courthouse Mountain are the most photographed and hiked destinations in the area. To the south, the majestic San Juan Range consists of a group of magnificent rocky peaks surrounding picturesque Mount Sneffels, overlooking the Sneffels Wilderness Area.
Remote workers have great Wi-Fi
As a remote worker, retiree, or young-or-midlife professional, Alpenglow beckons with its proximity to the San Juan Mountains. There’s high speed internet, too. However, the community also would like potential residents to understand that cohousing means a level of connection that might be enhanced compared to their current neighborhood or in apartment settings.
“People here can enjoy the privacy of their own homes but want to be available to their fellow Alpenglow community members because we care. We care that you need a babysitter, dog walker or someone to drive you to an appointment,” said member Arlene Richter.
These are the open units as of March 26. Call for updates at 970-318-6428.
What types of homes are available?
Homes range from one-to-three bedrooms, with additional “flex rooms” or lofts. The purchase price includes the home, garage and 1/26th of the land and value of the Common House.
There are five designs available in the neighborhood right now. Twelve of the 26 units have been claimed, so if the mountain lifestyle with an opportunity for enhanced connection sounds good to you, move quickly. You can also take a video tour of the designs. Check out floorplans, as well.
How much do they cost?
Every home has its own price depending upon unit size, location and view and will cost $335,000 to $750,000. The community will be as environmentally considerate as they can while still making the homes as affordable as possible within the range of the Ouray County real estate market. The buildings will be made of effective insulating materials and the homes, including the Common House, will all be wired for solar panels.
Amenities include:
-Common House (2,995 square feet)
-yards and walkways
-workshop (900 square feet)
-gazebo
-carports with extra parking spaces for guests
-wiring for electrical car charging stations
-solar power (on Common House and garages)
-wiring for solar bike racks
-Alpenglow community garden
Ridgway offers awesome adventures
Alpenglow is just 40 miles from Telluride Ski and Golf Resort and Telluride’s historic and creative district and a few hours from Moab, Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Also nearby are outdoor destinations like Durango, Grand Junction, Aspen, and the Four Corners, as well as Mesa Verde National Park. Hikers, cyclists, skiers, snowmobilers and others will find themselves in the heart of the outdoor capital of the world.
Just 5-6 hours by car from Denver as well as Salt Lake City and Albuquerque, stay in touch with your friends during visits or head to the metro areas for meetings or a weekend of city life.
The Alpenglow CoHousing community might be just what you need right now to reconnect with your family, build community and be closer to the wilderness you love. In fact, at Alpenglow, it’s right outside your own back door.
Find out more during an informational gathering on April 18 from 3-4 pm MST. Those interested should contact the Alpenglow folks via phone 970-318-6428 or the website to get a zoom invitation. You can also find them on Facebook or sign up for their newsletter. For more about cohousing watch this Ted Talk. And for a great introduction to Ridgway and Alpenglow watch this video.
This content was originally published here.