Homeownership in Steamboat Springs doesn’t have to feel out of reach. The Cottonwoods at Mid Valley was created for local residents who want to stay, grow, and build equity in the community they help sustain. Priced from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$400,000s, these homes offer a practical and attainable path to ownership for Routt County’s workforce, something we have not ever seen here in Steamboat before.
The Cottonwoods at Mid Valley is a new housing community developed by the Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA). It represents one of the largest for‑sale workforce housing projects in Steamboat in decades and is designed to help local residents achieve meaningful homeownership in a market that has historically priced many out.
This first phase includes 86 condos, ranging from one to three bedroom units. Each unit is built with quality design, thoughtful layouts, fantastic views all while keeping modern mountain living in mind. Every unit offers parking, either indoor covered parking or covered carports, plus direct access to Steamboat’s coveted trails and easy access to the free city bus.
One of the most exciting parts of The Cottonwoods is its pricing structure. Thanks in large part to support from the Steamboat Springs City Council’s short‑term rental (STR) tax fund, buyers can access these units at significant discounts compared to market rates. This funding, more than $10 million, helps reduce prices drastically below what similar condos would cost on the open market.
As a result, one‑bedroom to two‑bedroom homes are going to start in the mid‑$200,000s to mid‑$400,000s. This shift opens the door for many who previously felt priced out, including teachers, local employees, service workers, first‑time home buyers, and others who contribute deeply to the fabric of the community. Curious to see pricing, click here to view The Cottonwoods Pricing Guide.
Because these homes are deed‑restricted to maintain long‑term affordability, there are eligibility rules designed to prioritize local household stability and community benefit.
Key requirements include:
Employment in Routt County - applicants must work or be retired from an organization physically located in the county.
Income limits - typically no more than 140% of Area Median Income, adjusted based on household size.
Primary residence commitment - buyers must intend to live in the condo full‑time and cannot own other homes in Colorado unless they are sold within a set timeframe.
Once potential buyers meet eligibility requirements, they can enter a lottery system designed to fairly allocate limited units to qualifying applicants.
The Cottonwoods is more than a housing project, it’s a community collaboration. Support has come from multiple sources, including donations, local mill levies, state grants, and the STR tax revenue approved by voters.
It reflects a growing recognition in Steamboat Springs that housing affordability isn’t just an economic issue, it’s a community sustainability issue. When teachers, healthcare workers, fire fighters, service staff, and others can afford to live here, the entire town benefits from stability, continuity, and local vibrancy.
Phase One of The Cottonwoods is scheduled to be completed soon, we are hoping before the end of March 2026. Interested buyers should:
Complete the Homeownership Pre‑Screening Form to confirm eligibility.
Review deed‑restriction requirements and lottery guidelines.
Stay updated by signing up for newsletters and local housing authority communications.
Successful applicants will receive guidance through the purchase process, supported by YVHA and our team here at The Agency Steamboat. We will be working as their Transactional Broker partner.
The Cottonwoods at Mid Valley represents a major milestone in Steamboat Springs, a rare opportunity for locals to buy affordable, deed‑restricted homes in a market that has historically been out of reach for many. It’s a powerful example of community collaboration, thoughtful planning, and long‑term investment in local families and workforce stability.
If you’re a local resident, worker, or employer in Routt County looking to understand more about this opportunity, now is the time to get informed and get involved.
Interested in how The Cottonwoods could affect your home‑buying plans? I’d love to help explain eligibility, pricing, and how it fits into your Steamboat Springs real estate goals.
Whether you are looking to buy or sell in Steamboat, she hopes that you will allow her to work for you. Contact her now!
