For seasoned broker Melanie Muss, Aspen real estate’s most important currency isn’t just square footage or price per acre, it’s the lifestyle it affords. With years of experience navigating the industry’s ever-competitive terrain, Muss has a clear-eyed view of what continues to drive demand in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Yes, certain neighborhoods remain perennially sought-after—as is the rule in most major hubs—but what changes in Aspen is the remarkable variety of the lineup: Riverfront parcels, ski-access homes, and ranch-style retreats all offer proximity to both nature and culture.
In recent years, off-market deals have accelerated, and the region around Aspen proper has seen newer residents moving into Snowmass, Basalt, and Carbondale. Throughout it all, Muss remains a trusted advisor, guiding her clients not only toward investment-worthy properties, but the life they’ve been seeking all along. Below, she shares her read on the region’s market pulse, neighborhood trends, and what a smart buyer should keep on their radar right now.
In your view, how has the Aspen real estate market shifted in the past five years?
Aspen real estate has always been in high demand. We’ve seen a tremendous influx of buyers in the last five years, and demand, especially for unique properties, remains strong. Pricing is a big topic of conversation, with records on a price-per-square-foot basis frequently being broken. Aspen has also seen a growing trend toward off-market activity, with a lot of properties selling before being publicly marketed.
What is the current market temperature in the region?
One thing that makes Aspen’s real estate market so unique is that there is such a limited amount of land, so our supply is forever limited. We aren’t expanding out, and we aren’t going vertical. Buyers feel like this valley is a good place to put their resources. While there is conversation about what is happening in the world in terms of market forces, Aspen remains somewhat immune, as the decision to get into this market is often lifestyle-driven.
Could you highlight a few key neighborhoods of interest?
There is always a lot of focus on the Core, Red Mountain, and the West End. Some others include Highlands Mountain, Snowmass, and river properties.
Are you seeing people buy farther out from Aspen proper? If so, where and why?
Our buyers are smart and sophisticated, and they are also open to exploring the different and special parts of our market. Ranches are in demand and in low supply. Ski-access properties are really appealing.
What kind of buyer is each one attracting right now?
Highlands is known as the locals’ favorite mountain, and being moments from downtown, I see properties at Highlands appealing to a wide range of buyers. The ski access is great, and the size of the homes is also really appealing to multi-generational users. You can satisfy so many wants in terms of views, proximity to town, and privacy.
Everyone thinks of Snowmass as being the great winter spot for kids, and now it has so much happening in the summer, too. Home to Anderson Ranch and some of the best hiking and biking, property here was always a value proposition. Now, with the final buildings happening at Base Village and a finite number of on-mountain houses, Snowmass has really come into its own.
STANDOUT PROPERTIES
761 Moore Drive
Special for its size and phenomenal floor plan, which includes 10 interior fireplaces, two offices, and proximity to town with ski access and views.
Aura at Base Village in Snowmass
An example of the new construction being offered, with ski access and proximity to restaurants and shops.
143 N. Conundrum Creek Road
A special river home in a wooded setting.
in your life?
