Living in Edgemont Highlands: 2026 Community Guide for Buyers & Relocators

If you’re dreaming of a home surrounded by tall pines, private trails, and a peaceful mountain setting just outside town, Edgemont Highlands living might be exactly what you’re looking for. Located northeast of Durango off Florida Road, Edgemont Highlands is one of the area’s most sought-after communities for relocating families, retirees, and second-home owners who want a “tucked in the trees” feel without being way out in the middle of nowhere.

As a Durango Realtor who regularly works with buyers considering Edgemont Highlands, I see the same reactions again and again:
“It feels so peaceful here.”
“We love the trees and trails.”
“It feels like Colorado, but we’re still close enough to town.”

This guide walks through what Edgemont Highlands living is really like in 2026: location, lifestyle, amenities, pros, cons, and who this neighborhood is (and isn’t) a good fit for.

 

1. Where Is Edgemont Highlands and What Does It Feel Like?

Edgemont Highlands sits just outside Durango along County Road 240 (Florida Road), in a forested, gently rolling area with a strong “mountain neighborhood” feel. You’re far enough from downtown to feel removed from the busyness, but close enough that daily trips into town are very doable.

Roughly speaking, you can expect:

• About 10–15 minutes to get into Durango (depending on where you’re going and conditions)

• A heavily treed, high-pine environment

• A mix of paved roads and neighborhood streets designed for residential use

• Homes nestled into the trees rather than sitting out in a big open field

If you want a more “wooded” feel than in-town Durango, but don’t want to move all the way out to Bayfield or up toward Purgatory, Edgemont Highlands living offers a nice middle ground.

For general forest and wildland info in the region:
👉 Colorado State Forest Service – https://csfs.colostate.edu

 

2. Architecture & Home Styles in Edgemont Highlands

One of the major draws of Edgemont Highlands living is the overall look and feel of the homes. This is not a mish-mash of random styles; it’s a planned mountain community with design standards.

You’ll typically see:

• Mountain-modern or contemporary mountain architecture

• Natural materials like wood, stone, and metal accents

• Open floor plans with big windows to bring in light

• Decks and patios designed to enjoy the outdoor setting

• Well-maintained landscaping that works with the trees and terrain

Homes range from more modest, efficient floor plans to larger custom builds. Many were built in the 2000s and 2010s, with newer phases still feeling fresh and current.

If you’d like to see what’s currently available in Edgemont Highlands:
👉 https://durangohomesearch.com

 

3. Amenities That Define Edgemont Highlands Living

Unlike a basic subdivision, Edgemont Highlands was designed with lifestyle amenities in mind. The “mountain community” concept is baked into how the neighborhood functions.

Some of the key features include:

Private Trail System

Miles of private community trails wind through the trees, giving residents easy access to walking, running, and light hiking without ever leaving the neighborhood.

Find nearby area trails and connections with COTREX:
👉 https://trails.colorado.gov

Community Open Space

A significant portion of the land in and around Edgemont Highlands is dedicated as open space, which helps preserve the wooded feel and gives the neighborhood breathing room.

River Access (in Designated Areas)

Certain parts of the broader “Edgemont” umbrella (including older Edgemont phases nearer the Florida River) have designated river access for residents, which is a rare perk in the Durango area. Exact access will depend on the specific HOA/sub-HOA, so it’s important to verify that for each property.

Community Gathering Spaces

Common areas, lodge/clubhouse spaces, and HOA-coordinated amenities (which can vary by sub-area) create opportunities for neighbors to connect.

Overall, Edgemont Highlands living is very much about that combination of privacy, quiet, and being able to walk straight out your door and into the woods.

 

4. Daily Life in Edgemont Highlands: Town, Errands & Convenience

Edgemont is not “in town,” but it isn’t remote either. Daily life usually looks like:

• A short drive down Florida Road into Durango for:

  • Groceries

  • Gas

  • Restaurants and coffee shops

  • Schools

  • Healthcare (including Mercy Hospital a bit farther out on 160)

• Using the trails in the neighborhood for exercise instead of needing to drive to a trailhead

• Coming home to a quieter, darker-sky environment than fully in-town living

There is no Target in Durango, but there is a Walmart, Home Depot, REI, etc. For more robust shopping, most residents visit nearby Farmington or take a day trip to Albuquerque (about 3.5 hours away). There is a local Amazon Prime warehouse so online shopping is very convenient. For day-to-day life, people rely on Durango’s local grocery stores, hardware stores, and services.

The City of Durango has a general utilities & services hub here:
👉 https://www.durangogov.org

 

5. Outdoor Lifestyle: Trails, Trees, and Nearby Recreation

If you love being outside, Edgemont Highlands living fits that lifestyle very naturally.

You’ll typically see residents:

• Walking or jogging on the community trail system

• Taking dogs out on morning and evening walks

• Enjoying nearby recreation areas off Florida Road and into the San Juan National Forest

• Heading toward Vallecito, Lemon Reservoir, or other nearby outdoor spots on weekends

Because you’re already out of the main town core, it’s a shorter “jumping off” point to the lakes and higher-elevation trailheads to the east and north.

Colorado Wildfire Risk educational map (for general awareness & planning):
👉 https://coloradoforestatlas.org

Living in a forested setting does come with some extra responsibility around defensible space, wildfire planning, and thoughtful landscaping — which many Edgemont owners are already very mindful of.

 

6. The Pros of Edgemont Highlands Living

Here are the biggest pros I see buyers appreciate:

✅ Pro 1: Peaceful, Wooded Setting

If you want tall pines, quiet streets, and a “cabin in the woods” feel with newer homes, this is a huge plus. Many people choose Edgemont specifically for this reason.

✅ Pro 2: Proximity to Durango

You get the forest feel without a long commute. For many buyers, 10–15 minutes to town is a sweet spot.

✅ Pro 3: Trails and Open Space

Being able to walk onto a private trail system from your front door is a lifestyle perk you can’t easily replicate in town neighborhoods.

✅ Pro 4: Cohesive Architecture & Modern Construction

Newer homes, strong design controls, and a cohesive look help maintain neighborhood appeal and resale value.

✅ Pro 5: Good Fit for Remote Work

With a quiet environment and easy access to town, Edgemont Highlands living works well for remote workers who want a peaceful home base.

✅ Pro 6: Strong Long-Term Appeal

Demand for this kind of neighborhood in Durango has been steady for years, and that typically supports long-term value.

 

7. The Cons of Edgemont Highlands Living (Realistic Tradeoffs)

Every neighborhood has tradeoffs. Here are the cons I’d realistically talk through with a buyer — framed accurately and not exaggerated:

❌ Con 1: You’ll Drive for Almost Everything

There are no shops, grocery stores, schools, or gas stations within Edgemont itself. Daily life includes driving into Durango for errands, school drop-offs, sports, etc. If you prefer to walk to coffee or restaurants, in-town neighborhoods may be a better fit.

❌ Con 2: Winter Driving on Florida Road

While the county does a good job plowing and maintaining main routes, winter still means snow, ice, and slower driving at times. Most residents get good all-weather or snow tires and adjust driving habits accordingly. If you absolutely hate winter driving, it’s something to consider and talk through.

❌ Con 3: HOA Rules and Dues

Part of what keeps Edgemont Highlands living attractive is the HOA design standards and maintenance of common areas. But that also means:

• You will have HOA dues (amount varies by sub-area).

• You’ll need HOA approval for certain exterior changes, fencing, paint colors, etc.

For many buyers, this is worth it for the order and aesthetics. Others prefer less regulation and may choose a more rural or non-HOA neighborhood.

❌ Con 4: Lots Are Not Large “Acreage Parcels”

Edgemont is a neighborhood, not a 10-acre-ranch-style setting. Lots can feel wonderfully private because of the trees, but if you’re looking for wide-open acreage, horse facilities, or large fields, other areas outside Durango might make more sense.

❌ Con 5: Wildlife & Forest Responsibilities

Living in a wooded setting means:

• You will see wildlife (deer, foxes, possibly bears).

• You’ll want to be thoughtful about trash, bird feeders, etc.

• You may want to stay informed on wildfire awareness and defensible space best practices.

For most buyers, this is part of the charm, not a problem — but it does require a slightly different mindset than a purely urban subdivision.

 

8. Who Is Edgemont Highlands a Great Fit For?

Based on your goals, Edgemont Highlands living may be ideal if you:

• Want a quiet, forested neighborhood with newer homes

• Like the idea of private trails and open space

• Don’t mind a short drive into town

• Value architectural consistency and neighborhood standards

• Are a remote worker, retiree, or relocating family who wants a peaceful base

• Love the idea of “mountain living” but want something more polished than a cabin in the woods

You might prefer another area if you:

• Want to walk to coffee, shops, and restaurants every day

• Prefer no HOA at all

• Need large acreage or farm/ranch use

• Hate any winter driving in snow

 

Thinking About Edgemont Highlands Living? I’d Love to Help.

If you’re considering a move to Edgemont Highlands — or you’re comparing it to other Durango neighborhoods like Twin Buttes, in-town Durango, Dalton Ranch, or North Durango — I can help you sort through the options and find the best fit.

Start browsing homes (including Edgemont) here:
👉 https://durangohomesearch.com

Get my relocation guide:
👉 https://durangohomesearch.com/relocation

Reach out directly:
👉 https://durangohomesearch.com/contact

Whether you’re relocating, retiring, or buying a second home, we’ll make sure Edgemont Highlands living is the right match for how you actually want to live day-to-day.