HEY DUDE! Thanks to a prolonged snowstorm that dumped almost 3 feet of wonderful white powder Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort was able to open Sunday with its annual benefit day. Upwards of 3,000 skiers and snowboarders packed the area with this year's proceeds going to the Durango Winter Sports Foundation and Durango Nature Studies.Lifts 1 and 2 are running and most of the front side is open, nearly 100 acres. Purgatory hopes the back side will be open next week. We love the back side and can't wait until its open.Meanwhile, here in the valley, the sun is shining, the sky is brilliant blue, temps in the low 40's. Life is good in the beautiful San Juans.http://homesindurango.com/http://durangorealestate.biz/ 12/03/2007

MOVE OVER SAN FRANCISCO: If someone were to ask you which Colorado downtown has as many restaurants per capita as San Francisco, your mind would probably flash to Aspen, Boulder, Vail, or, more likely Denver. But you would be wrong. It's Durango.According to The Denver Post San Francisco has a restaurant for about every 180 residents; Durango has about 160 per resident. The Post featured  Chez-Grand-mere, Ken & Sue's, Gazpacho, Seasons, Sushitarian, Mahogany Grill and the Durango Diner. Also the Cyprus Cafe and Jean-Pierre's Bakery and Cafe were critiqued.  Check them out on http://homesindurango.com/ .  Call us toll free (800) 834-8445 or email charles@rigbyassociates.com.   12/03/2007

SNOW REPORT FROM DMR!!! If you haven't heard, Purgatory is about to get a ton of snow! The forecast is calling for 19-33 inches before the weekend is done. We are anxiously awaiting the storm and will determine opening day based on the accumulation today and tomorrow. If the snow piles up, as it is predicted to, we are hoping to get the lifts turning on Sunday, December 2nd with the 15th annual Benefit Day. Please keep checking our website or call our Snow Report at 970-247-9000 ext 1 for daily updates. The storm is moving into the area right now and light snowflakes have begun to fall at the resort. Today we are expecting 3-5 inches of accumulation. The bulk of the storm is expected to land tonight and tomorrow with 10-15 inches possible tonight and another 6-12 inches predicted throug... 11/30/2007

BUILT GREEN: The Durango area's biggest development received one of Colorado's top honors recently.Tierra Vision Homes was presented with the "Built Green Builder of the Year" award at the annual Home Builders Meeting in Denver for its work at the Three Springs Development. Tierra Vision Homes is a subsidiary of the Tierra Group, a Southern Ute company, which is behind the 2000-plus unit development east of Durango in Grandview.When complete, Three Springs will be comprised of five neighborhoods networked into each other and will contain upwards of 2,000 homes and a mix of commercial development. The project is centered around the new Mercy Regional Medical Center.Congratulations guys!http://homesindurango.com/http://durangorealestate.biz/ 11/16/2007

PURGATORY: Durango Mountain Resort got some big press this month. Ski Magazine selected Purgatory as one of the "Seven Great Mountains to Ski With Your Kids" in the November 2007 issue. One of only two resorts selected from Colorado, Purgatory was hailed for its "rolling steps that are roller coaster fun, but never intimidating."The resort was pinpointed as being a great location for kids because of the family-friendly atmosphere of both the resort and the town of Durango. "With the one-two combo of town and resort, families find great skiing, comfortable digs ans an authentically Western experience," wrote the magazine. Ski also cited Mesa Verde and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as excellent side vacations for families.Purgatory is scheduled to begin the 2007-08 winter ... 11/15/2007

Here it is mid-November and there are still trees in the Animas Valley ablaze with golden leaves. We aren't complaining, as the days have been sunny with temperatures in the 60s - much more like early October than November. While Dalton Ranch Golf Club (go to www.daltonranchgolfclub.com) is open 2 weeks later than normal and continues to have members play daily rounds, Durango Mountain Resort, our local ski area, isn't letting warm weather stop its plans to open Dec. 1.  "A fleet of new snowmaking guns" is enabling the resort to make up to 50% more snow than last year, and be more energy efficient. Good news for those of us looking to put away sandals, golf clubs and other warm-weather activities and enjoy the snow, snow, snow! which we all know will come soon.  Think big fluffy flakes,... 11/14/2007

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: The Regional Housing Alliance of La Plata County has renewed its intergovernmental agreement it the Durango City Council, but the accord did not come without controversy.Three years ago, the RHA signed agreements with La Plata County, Durango and Ignacio. Beginning in 2008, the agreements must be renewed annually. At Tuesday's council meeting the RHA asked councilors to renew the agreement as the Board of County Commissioners and Ignacio Town Board had done in recent weeks.The City Council's vote, however, was not unanimous. Councilor Leigh Meigs voted against renewal of the agreement. She said she is disappointed in the progress of affordable housing efforts and the lack of guidance in creating a policy and an ordinance for affordable housing in the community.Let's ... 11/10/2007

EMPLOYMENT: The national unemployment rate for the month of September 2007 was 4.7 percent, which is up .1 percent from the month of August.The State unemployment for the month of August, 2007 was 3.6 percent, which is down .2 percent from the month of July. This rate is 1.1 percent lower than the national average.La Plata County boasts an unemployment rate for the month of August 2007 of 2.6 percent, which is down .1 percent from the month of July. This rate is 2.1 percent lower than the national average and 1 percent lower than the state average.Our economy is strong, the real estate market remains good. If your thinking about a move to Durango, now is a terrific time. Give us call!http://homesindurango.com/http://durangorealestate.biz/ 11/09/2007

STATISTICS: The Durango Area Association of Realtors just completed its statistics for the 3rd quarter of 2007. The total number of residential home sales for In-Town Durango increased slightly by 1%compared to the same period in 2006, while In-Town Bayfield saw a decrease in units sold of 20%. Average days on market for In-Town Durango increased by 1% to 133 days as compared to thesame period in 2006 and In-Town Bayfield decreased 17% to 115 days. The condo/town home market experienced a 30% decrease in the number of units sold in both the Durango and Resort markets over the same period last year. The median price decreased for Durango units to $230,000 with average days on market of 90 days down from 239 same quarter last year. The Resort market experienced a 30% decrease in the media... 10/24/2007

2008 BUDGET: Here is a summary of major capital improvement projects included in the city of Durango's 200 budget:Streets and associated improvements - $1,507,500 for alley repaving, road construction, walk ramps, etc.Parks and Recreation Department - $6,642,800 for parks, open space and trails and greenway acquisition.Facility and system improvements - $1,003,00 for radio and computer upgrades for the police department, for the City Hall heating, air-conditioning upgrade and for the affordable housing fund.Water and sewer systems - $2,116,750Parking improvements - $1,653,750 for paving, vehicle washer, bus-stop shelters and signs.Airport - $283,000 to replace the terminal's roof, to renovate the restrooms and to build an employee parking lot.Total for Capital Improvements Program = $13... 10/22/2007

DIVERSE DURANGO: This past weekend the Durango Cowboy Gathering filled the Diamond Circle Theater and the Abby Theater with cowboy poetry and songs. Highlighting the event was a motorless parade and a Horse Exposition. Cowboys and cowgirls were everywhere.At the same time, Saturday night Durango went Mo-Town. The Community Concert Hall played host to the Coasters, Marvelettes and, best of all, the Platters. This talent packed show presented most of each group's number 1's, including "The Great Pretender", "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" and "Twilight Time."Western swing, campfire music and Mo-Town - only in Durango! If you're not living here - we can help.http://homesindurango.com/http://durangorealestate.biz/ 10/09/2007

ECONOMY: Deborah Walker, Associate Professsor of Economics and co-director of the Office of Economic Analysis and Business Research at Fort Lewis College, says our local economy continues to look good despite what we hear from some economists regarding the national credit crunch caused by problems in the mortgage lending market.Even thought we might eventually feel some of the fall out, as of now most local indicators are still positive. We are lucky to live in a fairly diverse seconomy and do not have to rely on one sector to keep jobs and income growing.In looking at the local labor market, for example, the average number of people in the labor force in the second quarter of 2006 in La Plata County was 91,627. In 2007 the average increased to 93,800. The number of people in the county... 10/05/2007

100 YEARS AGO: This advertisement appeared for The Local Security Co. "A bargain - Two fine building lots (corner) on Fourth Avenue for $400 if sold quick"My, how things change. Keep up to date on Durango real estate at http://homesindurango.com/ and http://durangorealestate.biz/. 09/20/2007

DREAMTOWNS: Seven of the 10 small cities that offer the best quality of life are in western states, according to a Bizjournal.com study that identifies American "dreamtowns."Bizjournals' study was inspired by the heavy public interest in small-town life and business opportunities. More than 1.7 million people move from metropolitan areas to small cities or rural counties each year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau research.The study identifies the small communities that would be most attractive to people considering such a move. The highest scores go to well-rounded places with strong economies, light traffic, moderate costs of living, first-class educational systems, and good access to big-city attractions.The study group was the nation's 577 micropolitan areas, which are defined as... 09/14/2007

MOVE OVER SAN FRANCISCO: If someone were to ask you which Colorado downtown has as many restaurants per capita as San Francisco, your mind would probably flash to Aspen, Boulder, Vail, or, more likely Denver. But you would be wrong. It's Durango.According to The Denver Post's Wednesday Food Section San Francisco has a restaurant for about every 180 residents; Durango has about 160 per resident. The Post devoted 4 pages, yes we said 4 pages, to covering several Durango establishments. Featured were Chez-Grand-mere, Ken & Sue's, Gazpacho, Seasons, Sushitarian, Mahogany Grill and the Durango Diner. Also the Cyprus Cafe and Jean-Pierre's Bakery and Cafe were critiqued.While The Post did a terrific job in exposing the culinary side of Durango, they missed a few of our favorites:** Patio dini... 09/12/2007

THE WORD IS OUT! Durango is the darling of the glossies this year. Fresh on the heels of being named the nation's top mountain biking mecca by Outside magazine, our fair city is again in the headlines. In its September issue, National Geographic Adventure tapped Durango as one of its top "Amazing Adventure Towns."The write up reads, "For multisport adventurers seeking a home that has it all, Durango feels like the center of everything. Head uphill and you're in the Rockies, hiking, skiing, and ice climbing in legendary alpine terrain. Hit the lowlands and you're in the Southwest, with year-round access to mountain biking, Anasazi ruins, and slot canyons. Hang around town and you'll discover Main Street's Wild West character and a thriving community euphoric about life in America's premi... 09/10/2007

CONSERVATION IN ACTION: After years of negotiation the City of Durango purchased a 177 acre tract of land on the side of Animas Mountain known as Jacob's Cliffs from Jake Dalla. Now known as Dalla Mountain Park, the land has many unique features including spectacular cliffs and fields of enormous boulders, small open meadows and impressive views of the La Platas and Perins Peak. The City will manage the property as a public park and has granted a conservation easement to ensure that it will always remain open even if ownership should change in the future.http://homesindurango.com/http://durangorealestate.biz/ 08/19/2007

SENIOR HOUSING: The Volunteers of America announced in their spring newsletter that their affordable housing project for seniors is on track with a projected opening sometime during the late summer or early fall of this year. The project, located off of E. 32nd Street near County Road 250, houses 30 units that will be leased to individuals and couples who meet eligibility criteria. These criteria include being at least 62 years of age and meeting the income guidelines established by HUD: 1 person =$20,800 per year; 2 people =$23,700 per year. Applicants must also pass a criminal background check. Rent is calculated at 30% of the individual or couple's adjusted monthly income and the initial lease term is one year. Each unit is approximately 500 square feet with one small pet allowable p... 08/17/2007

HURRAY!: In an effort to keep up with other ski areas around the nation, Durango Mountain Resort has announced a $35 million project to construct a 130,000 square foot lodge at the base area. La Plata County commissioners unanimously approved plans for the six-story structure to be built on the southern side of the existing main mall plaza. Plans for the lodge and surrounding area include retail space, a restaurant, a day spa & salon, fitness center, pool and hot tubs, an outside bar, a stage and 37 in-lodge condominium units. The restaurant will replace Purgy's, a popular base-area bar and restaurant. Under the approved plan the resort will update the plaza itself, doubling it in width.To be demolished: the current lift ticket office, the administration building and maintenance buildin... 08/07/2007

CRIME: It's hard not to laugh when out-of-town buyers ask, "Does Durango have a crime problem?" They obviously are from the "big city." The Durango Police Department released their arrest totals for 2004. Take a look:1 arrest for Manslaughter by negligence (auto wreck)2 arrests for Rape6 arrests for Motor-vehicle theft54 arrests for Fraud85 arrests for Vandalism86 arrests for Drug violations445 arrests for DUIIn our opinion Durango is about as close to "Mayberry" as you can get. Our biggest problem is that some of our citizens believe that stopping at a red light is optional.http://HomesInDurango.com   /   http://DurangoRealEstate.biz  08/07/2007