Recently I was reminded once again that we are living in a very desirable place. Our family was out of town visiting with friends and family and our conversations inevitably included some commentary which reflected an elevated appreciation of the Durango area. On our return trip we stopped in a small town in Arizona to rest for the night. While getting ready to resume our journey the following morning, I was approached by a traveler, who wanted some directions. She asked where we were going and I told her that we were going to our home in Durango. Having said that, a complete stranger to me loudly shouted out that she absolutely LOVED Durango and would love to live there!

I shouldn’t have been surprised by this comment.

Thirteen years ago, on an Anniversary getaway, my wife and I spent a few hours in Durango. We had stopped in town for lunch and a walk through the downtown shops. Shortly after resuming our journey and driving north through the Animas Valley, my wife blurted out, in no uncertain terms, that she wanted to move here. As an avid fly fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, you can just imagine how that started my mind racing. I didn’t know what to say to my wife for fear of diluting the possibilities. Five weeks later, my wife, daughter, son and I were permanent residents, and we never looked back.

Durango has grown since we moved here and the vast majority of this growth has improved our quality of life. Durango and La Plata County enjoy a vibrant economy based on a relatively modest growth rate of 2 to 4 percent. This lively economy has afforded the community the ability to provide its residents with a new recreation center, a new library, expansion of the river trail and numerous other amenities which make the Durango/La Plata area even more desirable. And while many real estate markets are languishing, the Durango/La Plata area market has proven to be quite resilient, and should continue to show strength into the future.

The Beginnings of the Homebuilders Association of Southwest Colorado
Twelve years ago, a group of leading homebuilders and local business owners got together and established the Homebuilders Association of Southwest Colorado (HBASC). Since its inception, the HBASC has redefined the local homebuilding experience by increasing the level of professionalism within the building community. Whether you are building, remodeling or redecorating, I would strongly recommend the HBASC as a starting point and valuable resource for finding qualified professionals. With more than 200 builder and associate members, HBASC offers a full spectrum of services, including educational seminars, political representation and community activities.

One of the major fundraising activities of the Home Builders Association is the annual Parade of Homes. During two weekends in September, builders and subcontractors are able to showcase their craftsmanship, products and skills in homes they have built in the Durango/La Plata County area. This year, 30 homes were showcased for the general public to view. Habitat for Humanity benefits as a partner in the sales of the tickets and, as a partner, has received a portion of the proceeds each year.

For more information about the Home Builders Association of Southwest Colorado or Custom Touch Builders, feel free to contact me at (970) 259-1296.

Russ Turpin owns Custom Touch Builders, dedicated to building custom homes in Durango and its surrounding communities since 1994. Russ also serves as President of the Homebuilders Association of Southwest Colorado and manages, still, to fit in a little flyfishing on the side.