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Hi, I’m Delain Mott – I’ve lived in Evergreen for over 8 years, sold many of homes here, and I still pinch myself every morning when I wake up to elk in my yard and 300 days of sunshine. If you’re thinking about moving to Evergreen (or nearby Conifer, Kittredge, or Bergen Park) in 2026, you’re in the right place.
This is the no-BS, up-to-the-minute guide written by someone who actually lives here – not some generic relocation site or Denver blogger who’s never been past Idaho Springs.
Let’s dive in.
Why People Are Moving to Evergreen in 2026 (It’s Not Just the Views)
Yes, the mountains are gorgeous. But here’s what’s really driving the 2026 move-ins:
• 25–35 minute average commute to downtown Denver on a good day (I-70 improvements + remote work = game changer)
• Top-ranked public schools (Evergreen High routinely in Colorado’s top 10)
• Zero light pollution – you can actually see the Milky Way from your deck
• Property values up 41% since 2020 and still climbing (but still cheaper per square foot than Boulder)
• Small-town vibe with big-city amenities 20 minutes away (Whole Foods, Target, and a killer craft beer scene in North Evergreen at Evergreen Brewery)
Evergreen Real Estate Market Snapshot – December 2025 (2026 Forecast)
Right now (as of Dec 2025):
• Median sold price: $1,165,000 (up 7.2% YoY)
• Average days on market: 19
• Inventory: 1.8 months (still a strong seller’s market)
• Interest rates: hovering 5.75–6.5% for 30-year fixed (expected to drop to low 5s by summer 2026)
My 2026 prediction: another 6–9% appreciation, especially in Hiwan Hills, Evergreen North, and anything with flat driveway + southern exposure.
The Best Neighborhoods in Evergreen for 2026 (Ranked by What Buyers Actually Want)
1. Hiwan Hills / Hiwan Golf Club
Perfect for: Golfers, flat-driveway seekers, social butterflies
Price range: $950k – $3M+
2. Evergreen North (above Upper Bear Creek)
Perfect for: Privacy, acreage, big mountain views
Price range: $1.2M – $6M (yes, really)
3. The Ridge at Hiwan
Perfect for: Newer construction, lock-and-leave, community pool
Price range: $900k – $1.8M
4. Bergen Park / South Evergreen
Perfect for: Young families who want to be 5 minutes from King Soopers and Starbucks
Price range: $750k – $1.4M
5. Soda Creek / Troutdale
Perfect for: Old-Evergreen charm, walking distance to downtown and the lake
Price range: $1M – $2.5M
Want the full interactive map of every neighborhood with current listings? Click here →
Cost of Living in Evergreen vs Denver (2026 Numbers)
• Housing: 58% higher than Denver proper
• Groceries: 8–12% higher
• Property taxes: Jefferson County = 0.56% (lower than Denver’s 0.71%)
• Car insurance: actually cheaper because fewer accidents
• Heating bill in January: budget $350–$550 (you will learn the word “snowmelt system”)
Pro tip: Buy a home with a south-facing driveway. You’ll thank me when you never shovel again.
Schools – Why Families Fight to Get Into Evergreen
Evergreen boasts some of the best public schools in Colorado:
• Evergreen High School – routinely top 5% statewide
• Evergreen Middle School – Blue Ribbon school
• Bergen Meadow & Bergen Valley Elementaries – both 9/10 on GreatSchools
Private options: Montessori School of Evergreen, Evergreen Academy, and Evergreen Country Day (20 minutes down the hill).
The Commute Reality Check (2026 Edition)
Good day (Mon–Thu remote work crowd): 27–35 minutes to DTC or downtown
Bad day (Friday afternoon ski traffic): 60–90 minutes
Secret local route almost nobody knows: Stagecoach → Squaw Pass → 285 (adds 8 miles but usually saves 20 minutes)
Winter in Evergreen – What Nobody Tells You
• We get 100–150 inches of snow… but the sun melts it fast
• You will own a snowblower or pay a guy $85 every storm
• Studded snow tires are worth their weight in gold
• Elk will eat every plant that isn’t wrapped in chicken wire (except for rosemary)
Summer in Evergreen – Pure Magic
• Highs rarely top 85°
• Thursday night farmers market + live music at the lake
• 5-minute drive to 10 different trailheads
• You can golf in a hoodie at 8pm in July
Hidden Costs of Mountain Living (So You’re Not Surprised)
• Well & septic inspection = $800–$1,200 (mandatory)
• Radon mitigation system = $1,200–$2,000 (90% of homes need one)
• Bear-proof trash can = $350 (or pay $110 fines)
• Driveway snow removal service = $800–$1,500 per season
Your 2026 Moving-to-Evergreen Checklist
☐ Hire a local agent who actually lives here (hi!)
☐ Get pre-approved (rates are dropping – lock in now)
☐ Schedule well/septic inspection the day you go under contract
☐ Budget extra for snow tires and a generator
☐ Join the “Evergreen Colorado Chat” Facebook group the day you move in
Ready to make the move?
Let’s talk. Text or call me anytime at 720-788-7484 or click here for your free 2026 Evergreen home value report → Link Here
Welcome home (almost),
Delain Mott
Guiding You Home Colorado
Your Evergreen neighbor and full-time Realtor® since 2018
P.S. The elk don’t care what your offer price is – they just want your aspen trees. We’ll talk fencing options when we meet 😉
