You've seen it from I-70. A cluster of old miners' houses tucked into a steep valley just past Georgetown, at exit 226. Most people never take the exit. The ones who do tend to fall a little in love.
Silver Plume sits at about 9,100 feet and has around 200 residents. It started as a silver mining camp in the 1870s and was incorporated in 1880. Today it's one end of the Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District, and the Georgetown Loop Railroad still runs between the two towns.
What it's like to live here
Quiet. Really quiet. There's a tiny main street, the George Rowe Museum in the old schoolhouse, and the 7:30 Mine Trail right above town for a morning hike with a view down the valley.
Georgetown is five minutes away for restaurants, the post office run and a little more bustle. Loveland Ski Area is about 10 minutes up the road. Denver is a little under an hour on a good day.
The honest part
This is high, narrow and snowy. Silver Plume averages around 150 inches of snow a year, and the valley gets limited winter sun. You'll want a home with a plan for snow removal, a reliable heat source and ideally a garage.
Most homes are historic, and that's the charm. It also means a few things:
- Historic district rules. Exterior changes, additions and new builds may need town review.
- Older systems. Foundations, insulation, wiring and plumbing all need a careful inspection.
- Water and sewer. Homes in town are generally on town water and sewer.
- I-70 noise. Some homes sit close to the interstate. Others are tucked up the hillside.
Who Silver Plume is for
Skiers who want to live 10 minutes from Loveland. History lovers who want a real Victorian, not a reproduction. Remote workers who want a small town where the mountains are right outside the front door.
If you've ever looked down at Silver Plume from the highway and wondered, let's take the exit together.
Nearby: Georgetown · Empire · Clear Creek County
