- County
- Summit (county seat)
- Base elevation
- About 9,600 ft
- Population
- About 4,900 (2024 estimate; 5,078 in 2020)
- Drive from Denver
- 80 mi ยท about 1 hr 45 min
- Nearest airport
- Denver International (DEN)
- Ski area
- Breckenridge Ski Resort (Peaks 6 to 10)
Drive times are typical and change with traffic and weather.
Living in Breckenridge
What it's like to live in Breckenridge
Breckenridge was founded in 1859 as a gold camp and is now the Summit County seat. Its historic district dates to 1980, and 249 buildings east of the Blue River were mapped for it. Skiing started on Peak 8 in 1961 and now spreads across five peaks. It's a real town all year, with trails, the Breckenridge Festival of Film each September, and the snow sculpture contest each January.
Homes range from studio condos near Main Street to large homes in the Highlands and Shock Hill. The county assessor's review of sales from July 2022 to June 2024 put the single-family median for Breckenridge and the area around it at about $2 million, as reported by Summit Daily. Altitude MLS data shows a 2026 year-to-date median of $1,295,000 across home types as of early October 2026. Wellington Neighborhood is the main deed-restricted option, where about 80 percent of the 122 homes are held for people who work in the county.
Short-term rentals are the big question here. The town capped non-exempt licenses at 2,200 in 2021, some zones have waitlists, and a license stays with the owner, so a buyer applies fresh. Fire risk is real too: the Peak 2 Fire forced more than 400 homes near Peak 7 to evacuate. I live on the Front Range, so for Breckenridge I team up with a local agent I trust and stay with you through the whole move.
Where it is
Where Breckenridge sits in Summit County
Hover a pin for a quick look. Click to open that town's guide.
Neighborhoods
Where to look in Breckenridge
Historic District
Older homes, newer infill, and condos around Main Street, close to the gondola.
Shock Hill
Fewer than 60 lots of larger homes northwest of downtown, with its own stop on the BreckConnect Gondola.
The Highlands
Large homes on lots up to four acres on the north side of town, near the 27-hole town golf course.
Peaks 7, 8 and 9
Luxury homes and condo communities on the upper slopes at Peaks 7 and 8, and mostly condos near Peak 9.
Warriors Mark
Condos and townhomes near Peak 10 and the Blue River, a few minutes from downtown.
Wellington Neighborhood
122 homes on a reclaimed dredge mine site about a mile from downtown, mostly deed-restricted for people who work in the county.
Get outside
Things to do in Breckenridge
- 01
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Skiing began on Peak 8 in 1961, and terrain now runs across Peaks 6 through 10.
- 02
International Snow Sculpture Championships
Each January, teams carve sculptures from 20-ton blocks of snow.
- 03
Ullr Fest
A December week with a winter parade honoring Ullr, the Norse god of snow.
- 04
Breckenridge Festival of Film
Held each September since 1981.
- 05
Historic District
One of the largest historic districts in Colorado, with 249 mapped buildings east of the Blue River.
- 06
Town golf course
27 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus, next to the Highlands.
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FAQ
Breckenridge questions, answered
How far is Breckenridge from Denver?
About 80 miles via I-70 and Highway 9, usually about 1 hour 45 minutes. Highway 285 to Highway 9 is about 109 miles and roughly 30 minutes longer, but it can beat I-70 on busy winter weekends.
Can I short-term rent a home in Breckenridge?
The town caps non-exempt licenses at 2,200, and some zones have waitlists. Licenses stay with the owner, not the home, so a buyer applies on their own. Confirm the zone and the current waitlist with the Town of Breckenridge before you write an offer.
What does a short-term rental license cost in Breckenridge?
Reported fees are a business license of $75 to $175 plus a yearly regulatory fee of $756 per bedroom. Ask the town for current figures before you run the numbers.
How high is Breckenridge?
About 9,600 feet, one of the highest towns in the country. Expect thinner air, strong sun, and long winters.
Which schools serve Breckenridge?
Summit School District RE-1. Confirm the school for any address with the district.
Can I live in Breckenridge year-round?
Yes. The town runs all year with trails, festivals, and the Festival of Film in September. Expect long winters and busy holiday weekends.
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