- County
- Pitkin (county seat)
- Elevation
- 7,908 ft
- Population
- About 6,500 (2025 Census estimate)
- Denver
- About 200 mi via I-70 and Glenwood Springs ยท about 3.5 to 4 hr
- Airport
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), about 3 mi from downtown
- Ski areas
- Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass
Drive times are typical and change with traffic and weather.
Living in Aspen
What it's like to live in Aspen
Aspen was founded in 1880 as a silver camp and is now the Pitkin County seat. It sits on the Roaring Fork River with Aspen Mountain rising right off the edge of downtown, and Red Mountain and Smuggler Mountain on the other sides. Year-round life here runs on more than skiing: the Music Festival, the Aspen Institute, about 30 city parks, and more than 25 miles of city trails. Free town buses and an on-demand shuttle make it easy to skip the car in town.
Homes range from Victorian houses in the West End to downtown condos to large estates on Red Mountain. The Aspen Times reported in April 2026 that the 2025 median sale price was $17.5 million for a single-family home and $3.175 million for a condo. A large share of the town lives in deed-restricted housing run through the Aspen-Pitkin County Housing Authority, which has its own rules on who qualifies.
The costs go beyond price. Buyers inside city limits pay a real estate transfer tax of about 1.5% at closing. City short-term rental permits are capped in many residential zones, and rentals carry an extra 10% tax. In winter the only road in from Denver runs through Glenwood Springs. I live on the Front Range, so for Aspen I team up with a local agent I trust and stay with you through the whole move.
Where it is
Where Aspen sits in Aspen & Snowmass
Hover a pin for a quick look. Click to open that town's guide.
Neighborhoods
Where to look in Aspen
West End
A quiet, historic area of tree-lined streets with Victorian homes from the mining days next to newer houses.
Central Core
Downtown condos and townhomes within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the gondola.
East Aspen
A residential area east of downtown with mountain views on all sides.
Smuggler
Homes at the base of Smuggler Mountain, near the old Smuggler Mine, looking across at Aspen Mountain.
Red Mountain
Hillside estates north of town with views over Aspen; the lower slopes are in city limits and the upper part is in the county.
Woody Creek
A rural area down valley, with most homes on large acreage.
Get outside
Things to do in Aspen
- 01
Aspen Mountain
The original ski area, rising straight out of downtown, with about 3,267 feet of vertical and the Silver Queen Gondola to the summit.
- 02
Aspen Highlands
About 1,040 skiable acres and the summer shuttle stop for the Maroon Bells.
- 03
Maroon Bells
Maroon Lake sits at 9,580 feet with a 1.7-mile loop around it; summer visits need a reservation or the shuttle.
- 04
Ashcroft Ghost Town
A silver-era townsite 11 miles up Castle Creek Road, run by the Aspen Historical Society.
- 05
Aspen Music Festival and School
An eight-week summer season of more than 400 classical events, centered on a 2,050-seat music tent.
- 06
Rio Grande Trail
A 42-mile trail that starts at Herron Park in Aspen and runs to Glenwood Springs.
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FAQ
Aspen questions, answered
How far is Aspen from Denver?
About 200 miles via I-70 and Glenwood Springs, roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. Independence Pass is shorter but closes from fall until about Memorial Day.
Can I rent my Aspen home short term?
The city requires a permit, caps permits in many residential zones, and added a 10% short-term rental tax in 2023. Homes in unincorporated Pitkin County follow separate county rules. Confirm current rules with the City of Aspen.
What is the real estate transfer tax in Aspen?
Inside city limits the buyer pays about 1.5% of the price at closing, which funds affordable housing and the Wheeler Opera House. Some addresses with an Aspen mailing address sit in the county, so confirm by address.
Can you live in Aspen year-round?
Yes. Aspen has a hospital, a library, free town buses, and daily flights to Denver. Summer is as busy as winter, and the shoulder seasons in spring and fall are quiet.
What is the elevation of Aspen?
About 7,908 feet.
What school district serves Aspen?
Aspen School District, which runs Aspen High School. Confirm the district for any specific address.
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