In Colorado, the spacious backyard, long seen as a symbol of the state’s love for the outdoors, is quickly becoming hard to find.
Homebuyers looking for space to play, garden, or relax under the Colorado sky are facing a tough reality: yard space now costs much more than before.
shows that Colorado homeowners now pay an average of $38.77 per square foot for their backyards, making the state the ninth highest in the country for yard prices.
The rest of the top 10: California ($80.33), Hawaii ($77.13), New York ($53.74), Washington ($52.42), Massachusetts ($48.53), Maryland ($48.33), Oregon ($42.34), New Jersey ($42.01), and Florida ($38.70).
Thatap more than 52% above the national average, a big change putting pressure on the Colorado lifestyle. As backyards get smaller and prices rise, what used to be a standard part of owning a home is now becoming an expensive luxury.
This study matches recent findings from , which show how difficult it has become to own land in Colorado.
The state ranks seventh nationally for land prices, with an average acre costing $942,200.
For most Coloradans, buying just one acre would mean saving 30% of their income for over 50 years. This makes the dream of owning a home with a yard harder to reach.
Homebuilders are reacting to Colorado’s shrinking backyards by rethinking how to design neighborhoods.
Ryan Delp, Denver market president for , said communities like Green Valley Ranch and Reunion offer buyers a variety of yard, garage, and bedroom choices to match their needs and budgets.
“Affordability is key,” Delp explained, adding that Oakwood focuses on efficient, attainable homes that don’t sacrifice livability.
Even as private yards are getting smaller, these neighborhoods include shared parks, trails, and clubhouses, providing families with places to gather and play.
Other developers are also focusing on shared green spaces. At , a 236-acre community in Westminster built by Brookfield Residential and Dream Finders Homes, residents enjoy a network of parks, trails, and open spaces.
Every home is close to a pocket park, making the neighborhood feel like an extension of the backyard for both kids and adults.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this postap preparation.
