The largest subdivision in La Plata County is Forest Lakes; it’s also my second rated best place to live in the Bayfield country area. The community is located about 12 north of Bayfield. The lower section of the subdivision has homes on large residential sized lots and there is a central sewer system. The majority of the homes are in the upper section on a quarter to full acre lots; these homes are on individual septic systems. Natural gas has recently been piped in throughout the community, which has had a significant impact on the resident’s heating bills. The entire subdivision is served by a central water system. If you like living in the tall pines and want to get a nice home and property for your money, Forest Lakes should be at the top of your list. Homes in this community sold in the $187,000 to $770,000 range during 2021/22, with an average price of $459,000. The community is adjacent to the National Forest and there are a number of trails to enjoy.
Five Reasons you’ll love living at Forest lakes:
- Large lots provides plenty of space between neighbors
- Quick drive to Bayfield
- Beautiful trees, foliage, and topography
- Excellent value for your money
- Central water and piped-in natural gas
| Attributes | Comments | Rating 1-10 |
| Quality of Roads | Unpaved roads throughout community –maintained relatively well by the county | 4 |
| Distance to pavement | 0 to 4 miles depending on location within community | 5 |
| Distance to Town | 10 to 20 minutes, depending on location within community | 8 |
| Distance to nearest gas and convenience store | 10 to 20 minutes, depending on location within community | 8 |
| Snow Levels | Moderate to high | 3 |
| Lot Sizes | .2 to 1.2 acre lots are the typical size | 4 |
| Proximity to Schools | 10 -20 minutes to middle and high schools, 15 to 25minutes to elementary school. | 3 |
| Natural Gas Availability | yes | 10 |
| Road / Other Noise | Low noise | 9 |
| Proximity to poorly maintained homes | Most homes in the area are adequately maintained, some are poorly maintained. | 5 |
| Views | About 30% of the homes have some views, 10% have good views | 4 |
| Central Water | yes | 10 |
| Central Sewer | Central sewer in lower section of Forest lakes, septic for about 60% of the homes | 4 |
| Age of area homes | Predominantly built between 1970 and 2000 | 4 |
| Architectural Requirements | None; in this community the lack of architectural requirements hurts the community | 5 |
| Value for Your Money | Good Value | 8 |
| Appreciation Potential | Good because of affordable homes relatively close to town. | 7 |
| Area Landscaping | Mostly natural | 5 |
| Recreation/Facilities Nearby | Close to public lands and hiking trails, 15 minutes to Vallecito Lake. | 3 |
| Average Ratings | 5.74 | |
