Moving to Evergreen?
Your Complete Guide.

About Evergreen

Evergreen is the dream that many Denver residents eventually pursue: mountain living without sacrificing access to the city. Situated at approximately 7,000 feet in the Front Range foothills of Jefferson County, Evergreen feels worlds away from the bustle of the Denver metro — yet it's only 28 miles and about 35–45 minutes via I-70 from downtown Denver. It's the kind of community where elk graze in front yards, mornings start with ponderosa pine views, and weekends are spent at the lake rather than in traffic.

Unlike planned suburban communities, Evergreen has a distinctly organic, authentic feel. There's no grid of identical streets here — instead, winding mountain roads connect forested properties that range from cozy cabins on half-acre lots to sprawling multi-acre estates with panoramic Rocky Mountain views. The town center along Highway 74 features a walkable collection of local restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and the beloved Hiwan Golf Club. Evergreen is the kind of place where neighbors know each other, local events draw the whole community, and the pace of life is deliberately unhurried.

Evergreen's population is approximately 9,000, though the broader Evergreen area (including Bergen Park, Kittredge, and Conifer) houses a much larger community of mountain-lifestyle enthusiasts. Many residents are professionals who work in Denver — in healthcare, law, finance, and technology — and make the I-70 commute daily. Others work remotely, making Evergreen an increasingly attractive option for those freed from the need to be in an office every day.

Evergreen Lake: The Heart of the Community

At the center of Evergreen is Evergreen Lake — a stunning 43-acre reservoir that becomes the town's social hub in every season. In summer, residents kayak, paddleboard, and fish its calm waters, while the surrounding trails attract hikers and cyclists of all ages. In winter, the lake freezes and transforms into one of Colorado's most beautiful outdoor ice skating venues — the Evergreen Lake House hosts skating sessions with mountain views that are simply breathtaking. It's one of those places that makes you realize how unique Evergreen truly is.

Adjacent to the lake, Buchanan Recreation Area and Alderfer/Three Sisters Park offer miles of maintained hiking trails through dense pine and aspen forests, with views stretching to the Continental Divide on clear days. Wildlife is abundant — elk, deer, foxes, black bears, and mountain lions all call the Evergreen area home, making every hike a potential wildlife encounter.

What to Know About Buying Mountain Property

Purchasing a mountain property in Evergreen requires a different level of expertise than buying in the suburbs. Many properties rely on well water and septic systems rather than municipal utilities — understanding well flow rates, water quality, and septic capacity is essential before making an offer. Properties may be in designated wildfire risk zones, which affects insurance costs and mitigation requirements. Steep driveways, seasonal road conditions, and proximity to fire stations can all impact property insurance and everyday livability.

This is precisely where Eric Fitch's expertise becomes invaluable. Eric understands mountain property nuances deeply — including how to evaluate lot usability, access easements, HOA structures (or lack thereof), and how elevation and exposure affect structural considerations. His due diligence process for mountain properties goes significantly deeper than standard suburban transactions, protecting buyers from expensive surprises.