Welcome to Lawson Hill
There's so much to love about Lawson Hill. Set on the San Miguel River valley floor at roughly 8,700 feet, Lawson Hill pairs easy access to both Telluride and Mountain Village with a compact neighborhood business district, a regional transit hub, and trails right outside the door.
Lawson Hill's real estate landscape includes condos, townhomes, live/work and larger homes, and a limited number of development lots, often at more accessible price points than historic Telluride or Mountain Village. Explore current Lawson Hill, CO Homes for Sale to see what's available today.
Lawson Hill, Colorado – Community Overview & Real Estate Guide
Lawson Hill is a planned, unincorporated neighborhood in San Miguel County, tucked along Highway 145 on the valley floor between the town of Telluride and Mountain Village. Widely regarded as one of the area's most beloved locals' neighborhoods, it blends residential streets, a compact commercial core on Society Drive anchored by Telluride Brewing Company and neighborhood cafes, and a regional park-and-ride, with the San Miguel River, a paved bike path, and the Galloping Goose Trail close by. It appeals to full-time residents, remote workers, and second-home buyers who want a practical, well-connected base in the Telluride region.
Overview of Lawson Hill, CO
Lawson Hill sits in San Miguel County at roughly 8,700 feet, just west of Telluride and below the mesa that holds Mountain Village. A 3.4-mile paved bike path parallels Highway 145 to downtown Telluride, and the 1.4-mile Meadows Trail drops about 450 feet from Mountain Village to the neighborhood. The Lawson Hill Park & Ride on Society Drive is a stop for SMART buses and CDOT's Bustang Outrider, while Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is a short drive away and Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), which handles larger commercial flights, is about 65–75 minutes by car or shuttle. Homes range from small condos and townhomes to larger duplex and single-family properties, with some deed-restricted units in the mix.
Key Facts about Lawson Hill, CO | |
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Area | Compact residential and light-commercial neighborhood on the San Miguel River valley floor |
County | San Miguel County |
Established | Planned neighborhood developed by Telecam; unincorporated, with local governance through San Miguel County and property owners' associations |
Elevation | Roughly 8,700 feet |
Population | Small community; Census data shows roughly 250 residents and about 80 households in the immediate area |
Main Roads | Highway 145; Society Drive and Society Turn; connected to Telluride by a paved bike path and to Mountain Village by the Meadows Trail |
Lawson Hill offers the best of both worlds: the practical convenience of a valley-floor neighborhood with its own cafes, brewery, and transit hub, plus quick access to Telluride and Mountain Village and some of the best trails in the San Juans. Whether you’re seeking a condo near Society Drive, a townhome with mountain views, or one of the last development lots, Lawson Hill remains one of the region’s most accessible and enduringly popular places to put down roots. Ready to see what’s currently listed? Browse Lawson Hill, CO Homes for Sale or connect with the O'Neill Stetina Group for local expertise.
Location & Connectivity in Lawson Hill
Lawson Hill sits on the valley floor along Highway 145, between Telluride and the base of the mesa that holds Mountain Village. At its center is the Lawson Hill Park & Ride at 130 Society Drive, a stop for SMART's Lawson Hill service, the Down Valley and Norwood routes, and CDOT's Bustang Outrider between Durango and Grand Junction. The facility has roughly 120 parking spaces, bicycle parking, restrooms, and electric vehicle charging.
Day-to-day life in Lawson Hill is largely car-based, but the neighborhood is unusually well connected for a mountain community. A paved path runs to Telluride, the Galloping Goose Trail heads toward Lizard Head Pass, and SMART buses link Lawson Hill with Telluride, Mountain Village, and down-valley communities such as Norwood and Placerville. A four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for winter travel.
Connectivity & Transportation — Lawson Hill, CO | |
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Location Map & Overview of Lawson Hill | Unincorporated neighborhood in San Miguel County at roughly 8,700 feet, on the valley floor along Highway 145 between Telluride and Mountain Village. |
Nearby Areas & Communities around Lawson Hill |
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Attractions & Points of Interest in Lawson Hill |
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Public Transport in Lawson Hill |
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Road Access & Main Highways |
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Parking in Lawson Hill | Lawson Hill Park & Ride (130 Society Drive) offers roughly 120 free spaces from 6 a.m. to midnight, with no camping or overnight parking. Residential parking depends on the property and HOA. |
Walking & Cycling in Lawson Hill | Walk Score rates the area car-dependent (28) and Bike Score somewhat bikeable (24), but dedicated trails make recreation easy: a 3.4-mile paved path to Telluride, the Galloping Goose Trail, and the 1.4-mile Meadows Trail to Mountain Village. |
Taxi & Ride Apps | Regional shuttle companies such as Telluride Express and Mountain Limo provide shared and private service; Uber/Lyft availability is limited in this remote mountain market. |
Airport Access from Lawson Hill |
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Lawson Hill's valley-floor location is part of its appeal: it offers a quieter, more practical alternative to living in town or on the mesa, with real transit, a paved path to Telluride, and trailheads on the doorstep. With Telluride Regional Airport nearby and Montrose Regional Airport handling larger flights, Lawson Hill balances everyday convenience with genuine access to the Telluride region for full-time residents and second-home owners alike.
Lawson Hill Real Estate Market Trends (2026)
Lawson Hill sits at the more accessible end of the Telluride-area market. Because it is a small neighborhood with few sales, published median figures for Lawson Hill itself are scarce, so current asking prices are the best guide: they range from about $425,000 for a small studio-style condo, to roughly $650,000 for one-bedroom condos, about $830,000 for a three-bedroom home, and $1.15–$1.2 million for larger live/work and townhome properties, with one of the area's last large development lots, Lot C on Society Drive, listed at about $1.8 million. For context, Zillow's typical home value for the broader Telluride area was about $2.28 million in June 2026, and Telluride Association of Realtors reporting put 2025's median single-family price at about $4.4 million in the town of Telluride and $7.6 million in Mountain Village. Deed-restricted homes were the fastest-selling segment in the county in 2025, with 20 sales between $265,000 and $2.4 million; improved deed-restricted properties averaged about $789,000 and took roughly 73 days from listing to sale.
Property Type | Typical Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Studio / Small Condos | ~$425K (current asking) | Smallest units on Society Drive, around 480 sq ft; the most accessible entry point |
One-Bedroom Condos | ~$649K (current asking) | Alexander Overlook, roughly 960–990 sq ft; about $650–$675/sq ft asking |
Three-Bedroom Homes | ~$830K (current asking) | Society Drive, about 1,200 sq ft; check for deed restrictions and eligibility rules |
Live/Work & Larger Homes | ~$1.15M–$1.2M (current asking) | Larger Society Drive and San Miguel Ridge Road properties, roughly 1,800–2,400 sq ft |
Development Lots | ~$1.8M (Lot C, Society Drive) | Described in the listing as one of the last large development lots in Lawson Hill |
Deed-Restricted Homes (area-wide) | $265K–$2.4M (2025 MLS range) | Fastest-selling segment in the county; improved units averaged ~$789K and ~73 days to sell |
Methodology & notes: Lawson Hill price points reflect current asking prices on listings in the neighborhood as of early October 2026 and are not sales medians, so they will change as listings sell. Area-wide context comes from Zillow's Home Value Index for the Telluride area (June 2026) and from Telluride Daily Planet reporting of Telluride Association of Realtors and local brokerage data on 2025 sales. Telluride-region medians swing sharply because transaction volume is low and a single sale can move the numbers. Always verify current pricing, deed-restriction status, and comparable sales against the MLS before making decisions.
Lifestyle in Lawson Hill
Lawson Hill blends the practicality of a valley-floor neighborhood with easy access to world-class skiing, trails, and the dining and culture of Telluride. Life here revolves around the outdoors, local cafes and the neighborhood brewery, and an easy commute to town or the mountain.
Location in Lawson Hill
On the San Miguel River valley floor at roughly 8,700 feet, along Highway 145 between Telluride and Mountain Village.
Community in Lawson Hill
A close-knit locals' neighborhood with a compact business district on Society Drive, a regional park-and-ride, and a mix of full-time residents and second-home owners.
Dining in Lawson Hill
Telluride Brewing Company's taproom and Craft Kitchen & Pizza, Cindybread for baked goods and breakfast, Steaming Bean Coffee, Telluride Coffee Roasters, and Telluride Truffle.
Education near Lawson Hill
Part of the Telluride R-1 School District, with schools located in the town of Telluride, a short drive or SMART bus ride away.
Housing in Lawson Hill
Condos, townhomes, live/work and larger homes, and a few development lots, with some deed-restricted units mixed in.
Transportation in Lawson Hill
SMART buses, Bustang Outrider, and the Galloping Goose via the Lawson Hill Park & Ride, plus a paved bike path to Telluride and the Meadows Trail to Mountain Village.
Climate in Lawson Hill
High-alpine climate with dry air, abundant sunshine, warm summer days that cool sharply at night, and snowy winters.
Amenities in Lawson Hill
Neighborhood cafes, a brewery taproom, fitness studios, a park-and-ride with EV charging, and quick access to Telluride's grocery, healthcare, and shopping.
Demographics in Lawson Hill
A mix of full-time locals, workers in Telluride and Mountain Village, and second-home owners; Census data shows a median age around 44 and an average household size of about two.
Pros of Lawson Hill
More accessible price points than town or the mesa, strong transit and trail connections, a walkable cluster of cafes and the brewery, and quick access to skiing and Telluride.
Cons of Lawson Hill
Car-dependent daily life, limited inventory, some deed-restricted units with eligibility rules, and busy Highway 145 traffic at peak commuting times.
Outdoor Activities in Lawson Hill
World-class skiing and snowboarding in winter; hiking, biking, and paddling on the valley floor, the Keystone Gorge loop, and the Galloping Goose Trail in summer.
Lawson Hill's lifestyle brings together everyday practicality and mountain recreation: neighborhood cafes, a brewery on the corner, trails and transit at the doorstep, and world-class skiing nearby, ideal for buyers seeking a genuine locals' base in one of Colorado's most celebrated mountain regions.
Amenities In & Near Lawson Hill, CO
Lawson Hill offers neighborhood cafes, a brewery, fitness studios, and a regional transit hub of its own, plus quick access to Telluride's healthcare, grocery, and cultural resources. Use the cards below to explore what makes this valley-floor community both convenient and livable.
Hospitals & Clinics near Lawson Hill
Telluride • San Miguel CountyPrimary medical care and emergency services are located in Telluride, a short drive from Lawson Hill.- Telluride Regional Medical Center — 500 W Pacific Ave; San Miguel County's only 24/7 emergency and trauma care (Level V trauma center)
- Primary care and specialty services — offered through the medical center
- Larger hospitals — in Montrose and beyond for more specialized care
Supermarkets & Shopping near Lawson Hill
Society Drive • Telluride • Mountain VillageNeighborhood cafes and shops are on Society Drive, with full-service grocery and retail in Telluride and Mountain Village.- Clark's Market — 700 W Colorado Ave, Telluride; the largest full-service grocery in town
- Village Market — 455 Mountain Village Blvd, Mountain Village
- Telluride Farmers' Market — Fridays, June through October, with produce from within 100 miles
- Society Drive — Cindybread, Steaming Bean Coffee, Telluride Truffle, and more
Fitness & Recreation near Lawson Hill
Trails • Ski • FitnessTrails, the river, and the ski area anchor daily recreation, with fitness studios right in the neighborhood.- Telluride Ski Resort — reached via Telluride or the Mountain Village gondola
- Paved path, Galloping Goose Trail, and Meadows Trail — walking, running, and biking from the neighborhood
- Keystone Gorge loop — an easy 2.2-mile hiking loop nearby
- Telluride CrossFit, Thrive, and Tonic Method — fitness studios on or near Society Drive
Pet Services near Lawson Hill
Veterinary • Boarding • TrailsPet services are concentrated in Telluride, with abundant trails nearby for dog walking and hiking.- Veterinary clinics — located in Telluride, a short drive away
- Pet boarding and grooming — available in the San Miguel County region
- Trails and river paths — extensive walking routes on the valley floor
Schools Near Lawson Hill, CO
Lawson Hill is part of the Telluride R-1 School District, which operates four schools serving roughly 775 students in 2025–26, according to the Colorado Department of Education. The district's schools are located in the town of Telluride, a short drive or SMART bus ride from Lawson Hill, and the district draws a strong reputation for academics and the arts for a rural mountain school system.
Families relocating to Lawson Hill should confirm current enrollment boundaries, transportation options, and any residency requirements directly with the district, since schooling logistics in a small, spread-out mountain community can be unique. Independent options such as Telluride Mountain School are also available.
School | Type | Location | Highlights |
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Telluride Elementary & Intermediate Schools | Public (PK–5), R-1 District | Telluride | The district's two primary schools; accessible from Lawson Hill by car or SMART bus. |
Telluride Middle School | Public (6–8), R-1 District | Telluride | The district's single middle school, serving Telluride and surrounding communities. |
Telluride High School | Public (9–12), R-1 District | Telluride | Comprehensive high school with a strong academic and arts focus for a rural district. |
Telluride Mountain School | Independent (Pre-K–12) | Telluride area | Accredited independent school founded in 1998 with a Montessori pre-K program; roughly 120 students. |
- School District: Telluride R-1 School District, serving Telluride and the surrounding area, including Lawson Hill.
- Notables: A small district with four schools; Telluride Mountain School offers an independent pre-K–12 alternative.
- Tip: Confirm current enrollment boundaries and student transportation (driving, SMART bus, or other options) directly with the Telluride R-1 School District before purchasing.
Investment Potential in Lawson Hill, CO
As the practical, locals-oriented counterpart to historic Telluride and ski-resort Mountain Village, Lawson Hill offers buyers and investors strong fundamentals across entry-level condos and townhomes, deed-restricted housing, and a few remaining development lots. Constrained land supply, a transit hub, and steady demand from people who live and work in the region support long-term value retention, even as price data can look volatile because so few sales occur in a market this small.
Why Lawson Hill? It offers more accessible price points than town or the mesa, real transit and trail connections, and a neighborhood business district, and local brokerage reporting has noted typical-to-strong absorption at the entry-level end of the market. That said, the same scarcity that supports values also means buyers should expect limited inventory, and should factor in HOA dues, property taxes, insurance costs, and any deed-restriction rules.
- Buy & Hold: Condos and townhomes near Society Drive and the Park & Ride offer an accessible way into a supply-constrained region.
- Rental Market: Long-term rentals serving local workers are in steady demand; third-party estimates put area-wide average rents roughly in the $2,300–$2,600 range, but rental rules vary by property.
- Value-Add/Resale: Older units can present renovation opportunities, particularly kitchens, baths, and finishes.
- Risk & Underwriting: Confirm deed-restriction terms, HOA dues, insurance costs, and any short-term rental regulations before purchasing.
What Performs Well
- Updated, move-in-ready condos and townhomes with garage or storage space.
- Homes close to the Park & Ride, the bike path, and Society Drive amenities.
- Properties with clear, well-documented title and, where applicable, straightforward deed-restriction terms.
Compliance Checklist
- Verify whether a property is deed-restricted and confirm eligibility, occupancy, and resale rules with the appropriate local housing authority before making an offer.
- Review HOA documents, dues, reserves, and any rental or short-term rental restrictions, and confirm county requirements with San Miguel County.
- Budget for Colorado mountain-market property taxes, insurance, and HOA reserve contributions.
Whether holding a condo near Society Drive, a townhome with mountain views, or one of the last development lots, Lawson Hill's constrained land supply, transit connections, and everyday livability continue to make it one of the Telluride region's most practical and resilient real estate markets.
Thinking About Moving to Lawson Hill?
As the locals' neighborhood between Telluride and Mountain Village, Lawson Hill offers a rare blend of everyday practicality, small-town community, and year-round outdoor recreation. You'll find neighborhood cafes and a brewery on Society Drive, a regional park-and-ride, and quick access to Telluride and Mountain Village.
Housing includes condos, townhomes, live/work and larger homes, and a few development lots, with some deed-restricted units. Premiums follow views, condition, and proximity to Society Drive and the trails. HOA dues and deed-restriction rules vary, so always confirm before investing.
Daily life balances mountain recreation and convenience: a paved path to Telluride, the Galloping Goose Trail, skiing minutes away, and local dining just down the street. Ready to take the next step? Explore current Lawson Hill, CO Homes for Sale or reach out to the O'Neill Stetina Group to schedule a tour. New to buying in the area? Start with our Buyer's Guide and learn why buy in Telluride.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lawson Hill
How much does it cost to live in Lawson Hill?
- Small condos: from ~$425K (current asking)
- One-bedroom condos: ~$650K (current asking)
- Three-bedroom and larger homes: ~$830K–$1.2M (current asking), with development lots near $1.8M
Is Lawson Hill a good place for investment properties?
Yes, for buyers who value accessibility and long-term stability. Lawson Hill's more attainable price points, transit hub, and constrained land supply have supported steady demand, and entry-level properties have seen typical-to-strong absorption. Buyers should confirm deed-restriction terms, HOA dues, and rental rules before purchasing.
Do I need a car in Lawson Hill?
Most residents have one. Lawson Hill is car-dependent for daily errands, though the Park & Ride connects to SMART buses, Bustang Outrider, and the Galloping Goose, and a paved path runs to Telluride. A four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for winter travel to the airport and beyond.
What types of properties are common?
A mix of condos and townhomes near Society Drive, live/work and larger homes, one-bedroom condos with mountain views, and a few remaining development lots, including some deed-restricted units that carry their own eligibility and resale rules.
What makes Lawson Hill unique compared to Telluride and Mountain Village?
Lawson Hill combines a locals' neighborhood feel with real convenience: a brewery and cafes on Society Drive, a regional transit hub, a paved path to Telluride, and generally more accessible price points, all between historic Telluride and ski-resort Mountain Village.
How do people get around, and which airports serve the area?
Daily travel is mostly by car on Highway 145, supplemented by SMART buses, Bustang Outrider, the Galloping Goose, a paved bike path to Telluride, and the Meadows Trail to Mountain Village. Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is a short drive away for smaller and charter flights, while Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), about 65–75 minutes away, handles larger commercial service.
Which schools serve Lawson Hill?
Lawson Hill is part of the Telluride R-1 School District, with schools located in the town of Telluride, plus independent options such as Telluride Mountain School. Confirm current boundaries and transportation directly with the district.
Ready to explore Lawson Hill for yourself? Browse current Lawson Hill, CO Homes for Sale, or connect with the O'Neill Stetina Group for local expertise on neighborhoods, deed restrictions, HOA structures, and current Lawson Hill listings.
