Whether you're already looking at houses for sale in Pueblo, CO or just starting to consider a move, now is the perfect time to get to know this town that's rich in both history and modern culture. From Colorado's famous great outdoors to some of the greatest food in the region, Pueblo offers a little something for everyone—including one of the most affordable housing markets in the state! Keep reading to learn more, and remember us when you're ready to discuss building new homes in Pueblo!
Recreation
Nestled at the confluence of the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek, Pueblo offers a variety of outdoor recreation and relaxation. Thanks to its location in the "Banana Belt," it gets less snow than other parts of Colorado and offers a mild climate year–round. Still, many of the state's most famous ski resorts are less than three hours away, so powder days are always within reach! Here are some local ways to adventure outdoors:
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park Adventure enthusiasts of all ages can get their adrenaline fix—along with breathtaking views—at this one–of–a–kind attraction. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park's famous suspension bridge is the highest in the country at 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Visitors will also enjoy a zip line, skycoaster, water clock, carousel, gondola rides and—for the bravest of all—a guided climbing tour up the granite rock walls of the gorge.
Lake Pueblo State Park With over 4,000 surface acres of water, 60 miles of shoreline and nearly 10,000 acres of land, this park offers endless entertainment for both novice and experienced adventurers. Hike and camp among the 200–year–old Juniper trees, or get wet waterskiing, river tubing, fishing and sailing. Watch the sun set over the Greenhorn Mountains to the west, or end the day with awe-inspiring views of magnificent Pikes Peak to the north.
Garden of the Gods One of Colorado's most postcard–worthy experiences is just 45 minutes away (less than the length of your favorite TV drama!). This National Natural Landmark wows with towering red sandstone rock formations, dramatic views of snow–capped Pikes Peak and blue skies in every direction. Spend the morning hiking with or without a guide, then enjoy a well–earned meal in a glass–enclosed café before exploring the world–class Visitor & Nature Center. Open–air Jeep, Segway and electric bike tours are also available.
Manitou Incline Originally built as a cable car to carry pipeline materials to Pikes Peak, the incline has been transformed into one of the most unique and challenging trails in the country. Work up a sweat while ascending a head-spinning 2,768 steps with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Considered an extreme workout, it rewards hikers with stunning views of the eastern plains—and eternal bragging rights.
Pueblo Whitewater Park Want to get a whitewater fix without leaving the city limits? This half–mile stretch of the Arkansas River boasts eight manmade chutes—perfect for kayaking or river surfing and just minutes from downtown shops and restaurants. Life jackets are required by law, and cold–weather gear is encouraged since the river is fed from high altitude. Paddles up!
Local culture
Steel mills and railroads put Pueblo on the map, but over the years the city has blossomed into a thriving cultural center that values both family cafes and upscale restaurants, livestock shows and hot–rod expos, street performers and music festivals. One major source of pride among locals is the renowned green chile stew, which can be found at farmers' markets throughout the summer and drizzled atop just about anything. Here are some must-see stops to get a feel for what Pueblo is all about.
Pueblo Riverwalk Built along the Arkansas River in the heart of historic downtown Pueblo, this 32–acre waterfront development offers entertainment for locals and visitors alike. Explore this mile–long channel by foot or take a 30–minute guided gondola cruise. There's plenty of shopping and dining, plus fun festivals throughout the year!
Creative Corridor Three beautiful city centers—Downtown Main Street, Union Avenue Historic District and the Mesa Junction—make up this inspiring, imaginative corridor dotted with historic Pueblo properties. Take a leisurely stroll through museums and galleries, past street sculptures and fountains, all while enjoying live music and local culture.
City Park Established over 100 years ago and billed as having the "handsomest gates in the west," City Park showcases the rustic, native–stone architectural style that has become synonymous with the American mountain west and other Pueblo properties. Park amenities include a carousel, fishing pond, dog park, miniature train, disc golf course, public pool, walking and biking paths, bocce courts, picnic tables and a zoo—all shaded by the decades–old canopies of enormous oak trees.
Colorado State Fair & Rodeo Colorado's biggest summer party is held right here in Pueblo every August and September. One of the largest single events in the state, it offers concerts, livestock shows, parades, competitions, carnival attractions, the PRCA rodeo and the World Slopper Eating Championship. Never had a slopper? This open–faced cheeseburger smothered in Pueblo's famous green chile is a big hit with the locals.
Pueblo Levee Mural Is "world recordholder" a must–have quality when you're neighborhood hunting for Colorado new homes? Pueblo earned its spot in the Guinness Book of World Records in 1995, when a three–mile concrete levee was transformed into the world's longest painting after decades of collaborative artist work. The levee was demolished in 2014 for restoration, but artists are currently back at work creating a new mural. See history in action!
Lifelong learning
Contrary to a popular aphorism, curiosity is a life–giving trait. Luckily, Pueblo offers a variety of options for satisfying inquiring minds—from nature and science to heroes and history. Here are a few of notable places to learn something new.
Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center Dedicated to helping community members connect with nature, this center consists of two recreational and educational facilities, plus a rehabilitation center for birds of prey. The downtown Pueblo location offers hiking, biking and picnicking along the river, as well as a variety of community events and programs. The Beulah campus includes over 600 acres of solitude, with a serene mountain lodge, hiking trails, a ropes course and an amphitheater, and can be rented for overnight camping, weekend getaways, reunions and more.
Heroes Plaza Home to four Medal of Honor recipients (more per capita than any other U.S. municipality), Pueblo is known as the "Home of Heroes." In fact, President Dwight D. Eisenhower remarked in 1953 that there must be something in the water here! A newly renovated Medal of Honor Plaza in downtown honors William Crawford, Drew Dix, Carl Sitter and Raymond Murphy, telling the story of how each soldier earned the highest honor in the United States Armed Forces. Free and open to the public 24/7/365.
Steelworks Museum of the West Often referred to as "Steel City," Pueblo was instrumental in bringing the railroad to Colorado and contributing to the industrialization of the western United States. This popular museum showcases artifacts and archives related to the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company, and it offers continuing education in the form of lecture presentations, science camps, bike tours and more.
Famous people from Pueblo
Earl Boen (actor)
Earl "Dutch" Clark (NFL Hall of Fame inaugural member)
Jeff Valdez (film producer)
Jim Bishop (businessman)
Bat Masterson ("Old West" icon)
Connie Sawyer (actress)
Damon Runyon (playwright)
John Gill (climber)
David Packard (businessman)
Gary Knafelc (NFL player)
Bill Baldwin (actor)
As a Colorado local homebuilder, Richmond American has been building new homes in Colorado for over 40 years. It'd be our honor to build yours next. And with hundreds of personalization options, from cabinets and flooring to home technology, you'll have a new home uniquely suited to your tastes and lifestyle.
