Top 5 Pros & Cons of Living in Forest Lakes | Bayfield, CO (Durango's Neighbor)

Forest Lakes is one of the most affordable forested neighborhoods near Durango, Colorado — a private lake, national forest out the back door, and homes starting around $400K. But it's not right for everyone, and in this honest local review I break down exactly who should (and shouldn't) buy here. I polled our past clients who actually live in Forest Lakes and asked for their real pros and cons after living here a while — then added my own take from showing these homes to buyers who chose not to move here. You'll get the good, the bad, and the parts most agents won't mention. Inside this video: What your dollar really buys from $400K to $800K+ (with real listing examples) The private lake, the trails, and the one big amenity restriction to know about Why buyers relocating from out of state keep landing on this neighborhood The elevation, snow, and driveway realities nobody warns you about Metro district vs. HOA — and how the fees can affect your loan The sunlight factor that made even my own parents move If you're weighing Forest Lakes against being closer to downtown Durango, this one decision is what makes or breaks it for most of my clients. 📲 Thinking about moving to Durango or Southwest, CO? We help tons of people relocate here—and we’d love to help you, too! Whether day, night, or weekends, we’ve got your back. Call, text, or email us anytime! Contact the team! Jon Burden 📲 Call/Text Direct at (970)-446-5678 📲 Email: [email protected] 👨‍💻 Website: www.woosaproperties.com Google Reviews- https://g.co/kgs/Zkpwj28 🚨 Subscribe for weekly videos on Durango real estate, neighborhoods, and living in Colorado:👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 ✅ https://bit.ly/3CbvVDN Colorado Real Estate Agents- Brokerage- HomeSmart Team- Core Home Team Jon Burden- FA100087455 Licensed in Colorado & New Mexico. New Mexico R1 Realty Jon Burden- 50531 Follow us on Instagram: / jonburden.realtor Follow us on Facebook: / jonathan.burden.5 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 SUBSCRIBE TO THIS CHANNEL HERE: https://bit.ly/3CbvVDN 📥 FREE BUYER GUIDES — Want the notes in writing? Grab our free PDF guides on Durango neighborhoods, home insurance, relocation and more (takes 10 seconds): 👉 https://woosaproperties.com/guide-lib... 00:00 Forest Lakes Durango, CO: Is this your neighborhood? 00:39 Forest Lakes overview: Durango drive times & home prices 02:04 Forest Lakes Pro #1: It actually feels like Colorado 04:12 Forest Lakes Pro #2: The private lake & amenities 04:49 Forest Lakes Pro #3: Your dollar stretches further near Durango 07:02 Forest Lakes Pro #4: A strong Bayfield-area community 08:20 Forest Lakes Pro #5: Lakes, national forest & skiing near Durango 10:33 Forest Lakes Con #1: Snow & elevation (7,300–8,400 ft) 11:53 Forest Lakes Con #2: Steep roads & winter driving in Durango 13:05 Forest Lakes Con #3: The commute to downtown Durango 14:19 Forest Lakes Con #4: Metro district vs. HOA fees 15:37 Forest Lakes Con #5: Sunlight, tree cover & home spacing 16:47 Who Forest Lakes near Durango is right for About Durango, Colorado: 🟢https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durango... 🟢https://www.durango.org/ 🟢https://www.durangogov.org/ 🟢https://www.downtowndurango.org/