A technical guide to the micro-climates, transfer taxes, and transit logistics that define the Vail Valley real estate market.
Most buyers don't realize Vail has three distinct base areas, each with its own personality and price point.
The Function: The Racer's Hub. Home to Ski School and the connection to the Back Bowls via Chair 6.
The Real Estate: Quieter and more residential than the main village. Ski-in/Ski-out condos here (like The Manor Vail) are coveted for their "quiet luxury."
View Golden PeakThe Function: The Social Hub. Heated cobblestone streets, Gondola One, and the dining scene (Sweet Basil, Matsuhisa).
The Real Estate: The highest price-per-sqft in the valley. You are paying for the "Car-Free" lifestyle and legacy status.
View Village ListingsThe Function: The Family Hub. Home to the Eagle Bahn Gondola (Ski School) and the Ice Rink. Rebuilt in the 2000s.
The Real Estate: Newer construction (Arrabelle, Ritz-Carlton). Often larger floorplans better suited for families than the historic Village condos.
View LionsheadOnce you leave the resort core, Vail becomes a story of sun exposure and bus lines.
Pros: Dramatic scenery (waterfalls, bighorn sheep), cheaper price/sqft, and direct access to the East Vail Chutes.
Cons: Limited sun in deep winter. You must check the "Shadow Line" before buying.
👉 Search East Vail
Pros: South-facing slopes get sun all day. Home to the grocery stores (City Market/Safeway). A true "locals" neighborhood.
Cons: Highway noise. The "North Side" of I-70 is sunny but noisy; the "South Side" is quieter but darker.
👉 Search West Vail
| Zone | Sun Exposure | Bus Line | Vibe |
| East Vail | Low (Winter) | Green/Blue | Rustic/Quiet |
| Vail Golf Course | Moderate | Gold Line | Exclusive |
| West Vail (N) | High | Red/Green | Sunny/Active |
| West Vail (S) | Low | Red/Green | Secluded |
Buying in Vail comes with specific financial and logistical realities. Know them before you write an offer.
Most properties in the Town of Vail are subject to a 1% Real Estate Transfer Tax upon sale. This funds the free bus system and parks. *Exceptions apply in certain subdivisions.
The Town of Vail Bus is the lifeline of the valley. It is free and runs late. Properties within a 5-minute walk of a stop command a rental premium.
Parking in the village structures is paid in winter ($30+/day). Homeowners can apply for distinct Value Cards or passes, but waitlists exist for prime access.
Matt Blake helps you navigate the shadow lines, tax districts, and rental regulations.
Schedule a Consultation4,729 people live in Vail, where the median age is 49.5 and the average individual income is $97,791. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Vail, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Thai Yoga Massage with Lydia, Ford Park, and Troy's Ski Shop.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 3.08 miles | 8 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.13 miles | 6 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.64 miles | 12 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.59 miles | 79 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.9 miles | 9 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 1.65 miles | 21 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.74 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 0.43 miles | 57 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
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Vail has 2,435 households, with an average household size of 1.94. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Vail do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 4,729 people call Vail home. The population density is 1,004.96 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
Matt's clients most often use the words integrity, intelligence and passion when describing his approach to working on their behalf. Start working with him today!
