Paonia | Delta County

Paonia is a cozy mountain paradise known for apple orchards, peonies, and wineries. The statutory town has a population of around 1,500 residents, many of whom live on the grid streets of town or just outside the city. Homes for sale in Paonia are affordable - mainly in the $350,000 to $500,000 range. Most of the Paonia real estate for sale are single-family homes, townhouses, farmhouses, duplexes, condos, mobile homes, and trailers with two to five bedrooms. Just outside of the town limits are several rural properties for sale with open space, river frontage, and pastureland available. Many of the mountainside homes for sale near Paonia are newer, secluded, and are well-maintained.

Paonia is a tight-knit community situated in one of Colorado's most stunning river valleys. The North Fork of the Gunnison River runs through the northwest corner of town, and there are riverside lots available or lots for sale that are only a short walk from the river. There are also other creeks and waterways around Paonia, so living near water is more affordable and accessible than most mountain towns.

If your dream is to plan and build a forever home in the mountains, consider 5.5 acres just south of Paonia in the fertile river valley. Highly sought-after acreage with irrigation, a water tap, a gravel drive, electric and new septic installed is available for just over $200,000. Take in stunning views of Mount Lamborn and Mount Gunnison every day from this prime location.

Many older, affordable houses in town make for perfect starter homes for new families. There are stick-built, early 20th century, two-level, three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes with around 1,800 square feet of living space for approximately $375,000. Recently renovated properties with about 1,500 feet of space, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, new carpet, and a new kitchen can be yours for around $400,000.

Neighborhood highlights:

The nearby North Fork Valley was home to the Ute people until approximately 1880 when the Ute Indian Reservation was closed by the U.S. government. The town was settled shortly afterward by Samuel Wade and William Clark. Wade brought peony roots that led to the many peonies in the area. Paeonia is Latin for peony. The extra vowel was eventually dropped when the town was named Paonia in the 1880s.

The area around Paonia is known for its orchards which produce apples, cherries, pears, peaches, and plums. Several vineyards and wineries have been established in the area. It is one of the few regions of Colorado that has successfully cultivated and bottled a pinot noir.

The town's economy consists of coal mining and agriculture. Some of the state's best livestock comes from the region, like cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry.

Paonia has a few fun festivals and events throughout the year, like the three-day Mountain Harvest Festival, a BMW rally for motorcycle enthusiasts, and the New-Age Rainbow Gathering annually at nearby Overland Reservoir.

The Paradise Theater hosts a biennial film festival, The Paonia Film Festival. It celebrates the magnificence of Western Colorado and the fascinating tales of the people who reside there.