Living In Vail
The Vail Valley Community
What is it like to live in Vail and surrounding areas?
Marta, Clinical Coordinator, Talks About the OR
Department and Team at Vail Health
Living in Vail, Colorado, the "high country," provides opportunities to enjoy not only the countless outdoor activities the area has to offer, but also daily cultural, educational and family events. With the allure of world-class ski resorts, plus everyday amenities, including great schools, community centers, shopping and restaurants, more than 52,000 people make Eagle County their home.
At an elevation of 8,150 feet above sea level, Vail receives an average of 200 inches of snowfall per season and residents see more than 300 days of sunshine per year. Vail is served by
Eagle County Airport, 30 miles to the west, offering services to select cities in the U.S., and Denver International Airport is approximately 100 miles to the east with national and international flight services. The town operates the largest in-town free shuttle bus system in the country, and Vail Health offers a free shuttle service for hospital staff from Gypsum, Edwards, Avon, Leadville and Frisco.
Prospective employees are encouraged to search the Internet for information on local real estate, transportation and amenities. The Vail Daily is Eagle County's daily newspaper, and the Vail Valley Partnership is our chamber and tourism bureau. In addition, our
Eagle County and Employee Housing pages are helpful resources. However, the best way to get to know the area, and our hospital in particular is to visit us in person!
Eagle County is home to Vail, Avon, Edwards, Eagle, Minturn and Gypsum.
View Map of Eagle County
Town of Vail
Vail is home to 4,500 permanent residents and 5,000 part-time second homeowners. The town enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year and boasts an average summer temperature of 75 degrees with a winter average of 45 degrees. Vail is world-renowned for its ski and snowboard resort and for being host to an array of cultural and entertainment offerings.
Referred to as the "Heart of the Valley," Avon is the gateway to Beaver Creek Resort as well as various other mountain adventures. Its location and services make life convenient and affordable for close to 6,500 residents. Avon is home to the Avon Recreation Center, Whitewater Park, Nottingham Park and great local restaurants and shops.
Edwards
The residents of Edwards enjoy some of the Valley's best dining and entertainment. Local recreational activities range from snowshoeing and skiing to golfing, hiking and biking. Edwards is located just 10 miles west of Vail.
Town of Minturn
Just two miles south of I-70, and only 10 minutes from Vail, Minturn is an old railroad town developed in the late 1800s. Quaint shops and restaurants provide respite after touring some of the area's most majestic sites on foot, bike or kayak/raft.
Town of Eagle
The Town of Eagle is a community of 6,500 residents. Located 20 miles west of Vail, Eagle boasts clear blue skies, beautiful scenery, and a friendly small-town feel.
Town of Gypsum
Located 30 minutes from Beaver Creek and 45 minutes from Vail, the Town of Gypsum is the west end of the Eagle Valley. Nestled along the Eagle River, Gypsum residents and visitors enjoy fishing, rafting/kayaking, hiking and golf. In addition, the town provides ball fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, an outdoor theater and more.
Vail Health offers subsidized housing to employees who either are relocating to the Vail Valley or being hired as a seasonal employee. Vail Health subsidizes housing to reduce the out-of-pocket costs and to help get employees familiar with the Vail area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible for seasonal housing?
Eligibility for Vail Health's employee housing benefit during the period of employment is determined during the recruitment and hiring process.
- Where would I live?
Vail Health's housing is shared housing and there are a limited number of beds available. Units are located throughout the community, all within call distance of the hospital. Vail Health does offer pet friendly units, but they are very limited. One pet is allowed per employee and only for seasonal and relocated employees. Vail Health does not allow travelers or temp employees to have pets. In order to bring a pet, Vail Health requires all carpets and upholstery to be professionally cleaned upon departure from the unit.
- Are the units furnished?
All units are partially furnished with queen size beds and basic furniture. The kitchens are stocked with basic utensils and kitchen appliances. Linens and toiletries are the employee's responsibility.
- Are there washers and dryers?
All units have a laundry facility on-site or within the unit.
- What is the rent?
The subsidized rent for Vail Health's employee housing is $650/month per person, and is payroll deducted. Utilities provided include heat, electricity and water; if utilities exceed the listed amounts (Xcel $100.00 and Holy Cross $85.00), the employee will cover the difference.
- Is there a security deposit?
A non-refundable processing fee ($150.00) and security deposit ($100.00) are due at the time of signing an employee lease agreement. We accept all major credit cards and checks to cover the security deposit and processing fee. Although we absorb most of the financial burden customarily required to set up a seasonal household, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has determined that any form of subsidy is considered income to the employee. The result is that we are required to report the difference between the rent we pay for a unit and the $550/month for employee rent as taxable income to the employee during occupancy. Please confer with a tax advisor to determine any potential personal effect. If you have any questions regarding the housing program or area accommodations, please call Vail Health's Property Manager and Housing Coordinator at (970) 477-5195.
Following is a short list of schools in Eagle County.
Pre-schools and Daycare Centers
Vail Childcare Center-Vail
Miller Ranch Child Care Center-Edwards
The Treehouse-Vail
Pooh Corner Pre-School-Minturn
Rumpelstiltskin Pre-School-Avon
Prater Lane Play School-Avon
Nurturing With Nature-Avon
Family Learning Center-Edwards
Mountain Tots Pre-School-Eagle
Gypsum Christian Academy-Gypsum
Laugh and Learn Pre-School-Gypsum
Secondary Schools & Higher Education
Colorado Mountain College is a two-year and four-year college with campuses in Aspen, Rifle, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Spring Valley, Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Leadville, Buena Vista and Salida, and Vail.
Colorado Mountain College is a two-year and four-year college with campuses in Aspen, Rifle, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Spring Valley, Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Leadville, Buena Vista and Salida, and Vail.