Welcome to Silverthorne
Silverthorne is Summit County's commercial hub, offering the best combination of value and convenience in the Colorado High Country. Sitting at the north end of the county where I-70 meets Highway 9, Silverthorne puts you within a 20- to 30-minute drive of every major ski resort in the area. With excellent schools, diverse housing options, and the kind of everyday services that other mountain towns lack, Silverthorne has become a top choice for families and full-time residents.
The town's population is around 4,800, making it one of the larger communities in Summit County. Unlike resort towns that quiet down between seasons, Silverthorne stays busy year-round thanks to its retail centers, restaurants, and growing residential neighborhoods.
Why Silverthorne?
Affordability and Value
Silverthorne typically offers more affordable real estate compared to resort towns like Breckenridge and Vail. A three-bedroom home here might cost half of what a similar property goes for in a resort village. For buyers who want to live in the mountains full-time without paying resort-area prices, Silverthorne is often the first place to look. Newer construction is more common here than in older mountain towns, meaning you are more likely to find modern layouts, energy-efficient windows, and attached garages.
Convenience and Services
Silverthorne is where Summit County residents go to run errands. The town has services that simply do not exist in smaller resort communities.
- Outlets at Silverthorne: Over 60 stores including Nike, J.Crew, and Columbia. This open-air shopping center draws visitors from across the region.
- Grocery and retail: Walmart, Costco (in nearby Dillon), and multiple grocery stores. No need to drive to Denver for a big shopping run.
- Medical facilities: St. Anthony Summit Medical Center, the county's primary hospital, is located here along with dental offices, urgent care, and specialty clinics.
- Direct I-70 access: Exits 205 and 207 connect Silverthorne to Denver (about 67 miles east) and Vail (about 35 miles west).
Blue River Recreation
The Blue River flows through the heart of Silverthorne, and the stretch below the Dillon Dam is designated as Gold Medal trout water by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. This means the fishing here is some of the best in the state, with large brown and rainbow trout regularly caught by fly anglers. Beyond fishing, the riverside path system offers miles of paved trails for walking, running, and biking. Moose, deer, and foxes are common sightings along the river corridor, especially in the early morning and evening hours.
Silverthorne Neighborhoods
Wildernest
Wildernest is Silverthorne's largest residential area, spread across the hillside above town. The community includes single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums at a range of price points. Homes sit among mature pine and spruce trees with views of the valley and surrounding peaks. Condos in Wildernest start around $350K, while single-family homes range from $700K to $1.5M depending on size, views, and updates.
Hamilton Creek
A newer development on the south side of town with modern homes and excellent valley views. Hamilton Creek has attracted buyers looking for contemporary construction with open floor plans and high-end finishes. Homes here generally start around $900K and go up from there.
Eagles Nest
Silverthorne's premier golf-course community, featuring the Eagles Nest Golf Course, a par-72 layout designed to blend into the mountain landscape. Homes in Eagles Nest are among the most upscale in town, with prices typically ranging from $1.5M to $4M+. The community includes a clubhouse, fitness facilities, and well-maintained common areas.
The Summit and Surrounding Areas
Several smaller subdivisions and condo complexes fill in around Silverthorne's commercial core. Many of these offer the most affordable entry points in Summit County, with older condos available under $400K. For buyers interested in the financial side, our mortgage basics guide covers what to expect when financing a mountain property.
Family-Friendly Living
Silverthorne is one of the most practical places in Summit County to raise a family. The town offers direct access to Summit County schools, including Silverthorne Elementary and Summit Middle School. The Summit County Recreation Center, located between Silverthorne and Frisco, features an indoor pool, climbing wall, weight room, and gymnasium. Youth sports leagues, summer camps, and after-school programs run throughout the year. The combination of good schools, safe neighborhoods, and everyday services makes Silverthorne the go-to choice for families who want mountain living without the isolation that can come with more remote resort locations. For more on town events and community services, visit silverthorne.org.
To explore nearby communities, see our Dillon area page. For townhome options throughout the county, check our townhome guide. And for families considering the move, our family guide to Summit County covers schools, activities, and more.