As someone who lives full-time in Summit County, I’ve noticed a very familiar pattern: come Friday afternoon, the flow of traffic on I-70 starts moving west. And sure enough, our grocery stores, trailheads, and coffee shops fill with Denver folks trading in city life for mountain air even if just for the weekend.
And honestly? I get it. That’s exactly what drew me here, too.
So whether you’re up every weekend or just daydreaming about spending more time in the mountains, here’s a little local insight into why Summit County keeps calling Denverites back and what you might want to know if you’re one of them.
Summer is Seriously Underrated
Everyone knows winter is a big draw up here (hello, powder days), but summer is the real hidden gem. Locals joke we “come for the winters and stay for the summers,” and it’s true. July in Summit means wildflowers everywhere, morning hikes that don’t require headlamps, and lake days that feel like vacation without the airfare.
Some of my favorite local things to do this time of year:
- Paddleboarding on Lake Dillon (bonus points if you catch sunrise)
- Free concerts in Dillon and Frisco
- Hiking Meadow Creek or Mohawk Lakes for wildflower overload
- Dillon and Breck farmers markets for local snacks and mountain-town energy (Breckenridge has a new Farmers Market every Thursdays from 4-7PM)
The Second Home Dream (and What Locals Actually Think)
I talk to a lot of people from Denver who say, “We’re just up here so much, we’re thinking about buying someday.” And I say: totally fair.
About two-thirds of homes in Summit are owned by people who don’t live here full time. Some rent them out when they’re not using them, others keep them as personal retreats, and many grow into spending more and more time here each year.
Is it right for everyone? Nope. But if you love it up here and want a place to call your own there’s absolutely a way to make it happen.
A Few Things I Wish More Denverites Knew Before Spending Time (or Buying) Up Here
Living in Summit County full-time has given me a front-row seat to how different life is up here whether you’re just here for the weekend or slowly falling in love with the idea of staying longer. Here are a few things I find myself sharing often:
- Each town has its own vibe: Frisco is small, central, and super walkable. Breck is full of historic charm and big energy. Silverthorne is growing fast and has a more local, laid-back feel.
- Short-term rental rules and HOAs vary widely: Even within the same town, one neighborhood might allow nightly rentals while another restricts them entirely. It’s worth understanding the nuances if you’re even casually looking.
- Mountain living comes with its own learning curve: Snow loads, frozen pipes, high-altitude baking, and wildlife-proofing your trash are all real parts of daily life here.
Whether you’re here for 48 hours or starting to think about 52 weekends a year, a little local knowledge goes a long way.
Thinking About a Place of Your Own? Or Just Want My Favorite Coffee Shops?
Whether you’re full-on house hunting or just want ideas for your next weekend getaway, I’m always happy to share what I know
P.S. If there’s something you’re curious about owning, visiting, renting, whatever; send me a message. I’ll answer in my next blog or just send you a local’s take straight away.
