Although Colorado may not have the same number of rivers as some of the lower elevation states, there are still plenty of opportunities to live “on-the-bank”. From the North Platte and Arkansas Rivers out on the plains to the Yampa and Rio Grande that flow down the mountains or the locally named Colorado River, this state has lots of popular riverside property for homes.
What are the Potential Risks of Riverside Properties in Colorado?
To be honest, there are a few difficulties with homes that are bank-mounted. For some out on the plains, the river may wash away and erode a small amount of land every year; reducing the usable acreage. Higher elevations may need to worry about the water undercutting boulders and causing rockslides, although in areas where there are homes, this is extremely rare.
Riverside homes also need to watch for flash floods or spring melt run-offs that can wash away whole swaths of land including sheds, driveways, or even the home itself, depending on location and construction. Fortunately, most home development companies take this into account and build accordingly to reduce the possible damage level. Home owners can also negate most of the flooding problems with simple planning and easy to build retaining walls. Traditionally, most structures lost to normal level flooding are placed by homeowners after the original construction is completed. It’s only in the occasional “no-one saw this coming” hundred year floods that professionally planned houses are washed away and insurance often covers that kind of loss. Unfortunately, “often” is the operative word since most insurance companies are wary of issuing flood policies to homeowners that reside next to major bodies of water.
What are the benefits of Riverside Properties in Colorado?
For the same reason people enjoy living next to a lake: They are fun! There are lots of activities that a family can have on the river. From kayaking and canoeing to fishing and swimming, a river offers tons of opportunities for family enjoyment. Since many houses are located near banks where the water runs a little slower, there are usually places near a river home that are open for exploration of wildlife for kids. Rivers are also a great place to hold events like Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve Fireworks so a bank-side home will probably have a great view for local events.
Activities aren’t the only reason to live near the river. The running water will create its own air-conditioning during the hot winters. Much like a lake, rivers tend to draw the heat out of the air, making the surrounding area cooler and more enjoyable. This increases the amount of comfortable outdoor time and reduces energy bills since the central air doesn’t need to be run as often during the hot months.
Finally, who can resist having a picturesque river landscape out the back door? Morning coffee is always nicer when accompanied by a Bob Ross painting come to life. During the summer and spring, the banks are green with life and the winter months bring natural ice sculptures and soft murmurs as the water flows by.
All in all, it is easy to see why many people prefer to live on the river. Although it can have its share of hazards, most of those dangers are easily planned for and mitigated. In return, the benefits, both in recreation and daily life, are almost innumerable. Maybe it’s time to find a place there.
Feel free to call True Performance Real Estate today and any questions you might have about Riverside Properties in Colorado!
Call: 303-317-6311