Steamboat Springs is a stunningly beautiful ski resort city in northern Colorado’s Yampa Valley. Known not only for its excellent skiing but also for its geothermal hot springs which are said to have therapeutic properties, the city draws thousands of visitors each year. Although the LGBTQ community here is slightly on the smaller side, Steamboat Springs is a very liberal and welcoming city where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2014. While it is certainly a popular tourist destination, it is also a very diverse and welcoming city that would make a wonderful place to call home.
A Look at Steamboat Springs's History
Legend has it that early settlers of Steamboat Springs heard a chugging noise similar to that of a steamboat when they stood near one of the area’s natural springs. Although no steamboat ever appeared, the name stuck. The town was officially incorporated in 1900 and grew quickly, particularly after the arrival of the railroad in 1909. It became an important city for cattle ranching as well as a railroad depot, and eventually, it grew to become the recreational destination that it is today.
A Few Fun Facts About Steamboat Springs
Read more fun facts about Steamboat Springs here.
Steamboat Springs’s LGBTQ Community
Steamboat Springs is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
One Colorado is the state’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equality for LGBTQ members across the state, and for their families. The group works toward the goal of a fair and just Colorado for all, and it does this by giving resources, planning events, and providing education, advocacy, and support in a wide variety of ways.
What's the Weather Like in Steamboat Springs?
It is perhaps unsurprising that Steamboat Springs receives plenty of snow per year, making it ideal for skiing – 154 inches in fact. It also receives plenty of sunny days -242 of them on average- making it a sunny, snowy place perfect for skiing. In the summer, highs in July typically reach around 82°F, while the average low in January can drop to around 5°F. Spring and fall are typically mild and pleasant and wonderful times to enjoy the outdoors. The area receives 22 inches of rain on average each year.
Can’t-Miss Events in Steamboat Springs
Winter Carnival is one event that can’t be missed when in Steamboat Springs. This celebration of all things winter sports is a festival full of lights, stunts, and amazing shows that has been going strong for more than a century. Don't miss your chance to join in on the fun!
Yampa Valley Pride is a newer pride celebration in the area, but it’s one you’ll definitely want to put on your calendar. This annual celebration of the area’s LGBTQ community includes family-friendly entertainment, parties, vendors, and plenty of opportunities to meet friends and have fun!
The Best Neighborhoods in Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is a smaller city, which means unlike some larger towns, it doesn’t have one specific “gayborhood,” or area where most of the LGBTQ population lives. Instead, the LGBTQ community in Steamboat Springs is sprinkled throughout the city, which simply means that there are many wonderful places to choose from. Finding the home and neighborhood that is right for you will largely be a matter of budget and personal preference, and as a result, it can be very helpful and important to find a Steamboat Springs LGBTQ realtor who knows and loves the city, and who can point you toward homes that might be a good fit. Those who live in Steamboat Springs should be aware that prices within the city boundaries can be quite steep – with the current median list price of homes currently for sale in Steamboat Springs being around $4 million. This shouldn’t discourage those interested in moving to the area though, as while there are certainly more expensive homes on the market, there are also more affordable options more on the outskirts of the city, as well are more affordable condo and apartment options available.
Arts and Entertainment
Steamboat Springs has an excellent collection of art galleries, and the first Friday of each month is a wonderful time to check them out. Typically, the galleries stay open until later in the evening, and refreshments are served. Spending an evening hopping from gallery to gallery is a great way to enjoy local artwork and have plenty of fun.
Steamboat Springs has a very vibrant performing arts scene. Whether you enjoy opera, dance, symphony, drama, comedy, or even stand-up poetry, you can find it here. Steamboat Creates helps keep residents and visitors aware of all of the performing arts options currently available – and there are always many to choose from.
Parks and Recreation
One simply can't mention Steamboat Springs without mentioning its excellent skiing opportunities. There are several excellent ski resorts in the area, and hundreds of ski trails to choose from ranging from more beginner trails to very challenging trails for experts. The unmatched ski experience in Steamboat Springs is unique and shouldn’t be missed.
In addition to being known for its skiing, Steamboat Springs is also known for its hot springs - and there are plenty to choose from. A relaxing soak in one of the many geothermal springs in the area is a great way to unwind after a great day of skiing or hiking.
Steamboat Springs Nightlife
Café Diva, although not specifically an LGBTQ restaurant, is an excellent place to enjoy a night out in Steamboat Springs. This relaxed, yet elegant restaurant offers delicious food, a cozy atmosphere, and friendly patrons.
Old Town Pub is a vintage western-style lounge that harkens back to the town’s early days. It offers strong drinks, excellent food in large portions, and lively crowds. Definitely put it on your list for a night out in Steamboat Springs!
Contact a Steamboat Springs Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Steamboat Springs, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Steamboat Springs, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Steamboat Springs gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
