By Susana
The real estate market may be slower than usual right now in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, as in most of the nation (world?) but in my opinion it won’t be like that in Steamboat for long. And I’m even willing to place some bets. (Ask my husband and he’ll tell you I only place bets when I know I’m going to win – so watch out!)
What, you may ask, do I base this on? One word: Technology. And the human need for sanity. (Okay, seven words.) More specifically: technology and how we humans are now interacting with it; technology and the impact that it is having, and will continue to have at an accelerated rate, on our society, our culture, our way of working.
Sure Steamboat is expensive, but not that expensive. A lot of people have jobs which produce the income needed to be able to buy a decent home here (and the necessary toys required to enjoy a ski town). So, what’s kept them away from Steamboat? Their being tied to metropolitan areas for work.
The internet and cell phones started changing that already a few years back. We apparently already have 700+ people living here that have “Location Neutral” jobs. What I’m seeing though are all the jobs that are being created by these new technologies that are inherently Location Neutral. As manufacturing jobs leave our nation (of which there never were very many in Steamboat anyway), Location Neutral jobs are taking their place. And what better place for people to live, when they can choose ANYWHERE to live, than Steamboat?
If you’re sitting in front of a computer all day, the human need for sanity (in my opinion) requires beautiful vistas to be right outside, fresh air, and outdoor exercise.
When you spend your days working within the virtual realities of cyberspace, the human need for sanity demands that we have face-to-face interactions with people on the street and the grocery store who know our name and our history. What does Steamboat have if not an extraordinary community within a lovely, user-friendly setting?
Okay. Which way are you going to bet? Show me your money.
Tags: real estate market trends in Steamboat Springs colorado, ski resort lifestyle, technology affects on lifestyle
