Evergreen and Conifer are beautiful Denver suburbs and sister communities that are often compared to each other due to their similar scenery and small-town feel.
Let’s dive into the similarities and differences these two mountain towns have with each other, and ultimately help you decide which town is for you.
Location, Scenery, and Weather
Conifer, located along U.S. Route 285, is roughly 30 miles southwest of Denver, while Evergreen is located about 30 miles west of Denver. Conifer and Evergreen are about 9 miles apart—just a 16-minute car drive along Highway 73 which is the road that connects the two towns. Both locations offer a peaceful escape from the city with the convenience of being close enough for day trips to Denver.
Conifer and Evergreen have a similar look and feel as they are both in the Rocky Mountain foothills, but Conifer is a bit more rural and more spread out. Conifer neighborhoods tend to line Highway 285, as do the grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Evergreen, conveniently situated just off I-70 with an elevation of around 7,160 feet. Conifers elevation starts about about 8,000 feet, resulting in even higher snowfall levels. Typically, both towns receive an annual snowfall of approximately 90-100 inches.
The hottest weather is from June through August, with highs ranging from 79-84 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter temperatures are relatively mild with the help of the intense sun. Highs range from 35-50 degrees, but lows can dip into single-digits in January. As always, the weather will slightly vary depending on the elevation of your residence.
Population, Community, and Schools
Evergreen has a higher population than Conifer, with about 9,500 residents as of 2023. Conifer has fewer residents at an estimated population of close to 7,700. One of the biggest differences between the two mountain towns is that Evergreen’s social scene is much livelier and has a central historic downtown area where locals gather in coffee shops, family-owned restaurants, and art galleries.
Evergreen Lake is a huge social hub for locals and attracts people from all over the Denver metro area. In the summer, you’ll find live bands playing at the Evergreen Lake Concert Series every other Wednesday, and in the winter, Evergreen Lake freezes over for ice skating and drop-in ice hockey games. Conifer doesn’t have a designated downtown area, and the stores tend to be more scattered along 285, but the town does put on its own events.
All schools are in Jefferson County (which includes Evergreen and Conifer) are highly ranked. The Conifer and Evergreen public schools have excellent national rankings and are ranked at 9/10, landing them in the top 20% of Colorado public schools. Evergreen High School is ranked slightly higher than Conifer Senior High School. I live in Evergreen but two of our children have attended Conifer High School and had a great experience.
Outdoor Activities
Evergreen and Conifer both embody the mountain lifestyle, with incredible access to the outdoors, including open-space parks that offer hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. Pikes Peak National Forest runs straight through Conifer, providing the town with a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Staunton State Park and Flying J Ranch are popular outdoor favorites perfect for the outdoor enthusiast.
Conifer is a fantastic place for rock climbers, and climbing groups often meet right in Staunton State Park. Evergreen offers an abundance of outdoor adventures, including hiking or mountain biking at open space parks such as Elk Meadow Park and my personal favorite, Alderfer Three Sisters Park.
One of Evergreen’s biggest draws is Evergreen Lake nested right adjacent to the heart of downtown. Evergreen Lake offers recreation year-long, including ice skating, ice hockey, fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing, and various community events.
Evergreen and Conifer both have easy access to Colorado interstates (I-70, I-285) that can take you to ski resorts, mountain towns, and various attractions in the Rocky Mountains.
Commutes
If you live in Conifer you’ll take Highway 285 to get down the hill for city access, and if you live in Evergreen you’ll mainly utilize i70. Depending where you live you will want to factor in your commute time.
Denver International Airport is about 52 miles from Conifer, roughly a 55-minute drive depending on traffic. The Denver Tech Center is about 30 miles away—or a 40-minute drive.
If you’re commuting from Evergreen, your drive to the Denver International Airport is about 48 miles, usually around a 55-minute drive. To get to the Denver Tech Center, your drive will be about 29 miles, and will probably take you roughly 45 minutes.
For skiing purposes, Evergreen is going to be closer to more of the major ski resorts but Conifer can have faster access to Breckenridge ski resort. The closest ski resort to both towns is Echo Mountain in Idaho Springs. Evergreen is about a 30-minute drive away from Echo Mountain and Conifer is about 45 minutes.
Median Home Price
Both towns offer a variety of housing options with a similar cost of living, including single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. The median home value in Evergreen is around $900k to $1 million range, and the median home value in Conifer is a little lower at about $700k-800k. Your dollar travels a little further in Conifer than Evergreen. Both towns have limited inventory and competitive markets, though Evergreen tends to have a slightly higher inventory but with more demand.
Evergreen Colorado or Conifer Colorado - Which Mountain Community is for You?
Evergreen Colorado and Conifer Colorado are both beautiful towns that offer the quintessential Colorado experience to residents and visitors alike.
Evergreen, known for its picturesque lake, active community, and historic main street lined with shops and restaurants, is a popular destination for those seeking a mix of outdoor activities and small-town charm. The town is situated at a slightly lower elevation than Conifer, allowing for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
On the other hand, Conifer offers a more rural and serene mountain experience, perfect for those looking to truly escape the city life. This small town is home to sprawling ranches, dense forests, and plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the great outdoors. While Conifer may not have the same level of amenities as Evergreen, it makes up for it with its peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural beauty.
Whether you prefer the active community feel of Evergreen or the rural privacy of Conifer, both mountain towns offer an attractive living choice and an idyllic setting to enjoy all that Colorado has to offer.
Contact an Evergreen Colorado Real Estate Agent
Shad & Claudine Phillips – Certified Mountain Area Specialist 303-218-6926
Have Questions? – Text @ 214-682-2113 – No Really, I Don’t Mind!
To learn more about Evergreen Colorado homes for sale or to receive email notifications when homes are listed for sale in Evergreen Colorado, call 303-218-6926 or contact an Evergreen Colorado REALTOR®.
