Dining
Notable
- Lariat Lodge Brewing (mountain brews, huge patio)
- Murphy's Mountain Grill
- The Wildflower Cafe (brunch favorite)
- Creekside Cellars Winery & Cafe
Breweries
2+
Coffee
Muddy Buck Coffee House (local institution in historic hotel building)
Evergreen
Mountain-town living 45 minutes from downtown Denver — elk, pines, and a frozen lake
Evergreen commands a $830K–$878K median as of 2026 — roughly $80K–$120K above neighboring Conifer but substantially below Summit County mountain towns — reflecting its position as the metro's most commutable genuine mountain community. Jefferson County R-1 (A−, #22 in CO) serves the area; Evergreen High School holds an A grade and ranks #26 statewide. Off-peak commutes to downtown Denver run 37–45 minutes via Hwy 74 to I-70. With 9,300 residents, 230+ miles of trails, Evergreen Lake for winter ice skating and summer paddleboarding, and Elk Meadow Park's year-round elk herds, this unincorporated CDP at 7,220 ft is built for households that want mountain living without mountain isolation.
Community Snapshot
At a Glance
Parks & Outdoors
Evergreen Lake — ice skating — winter), fishing, paddleboarding, 1.3-mile loop trai
Elk Meadow Park — 4.6-mile loop, elk herds year-round, Jeffco Open Space
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park — rock formations, 7+ miles trails
Bear Creek Canyon — hiking and creek access
Mount Evans Scenic Byway — seasonal) — highest paved road in North America (14,264 ft
230+ miles of hiking and biking trails in the Evergreen Park & Rec District
Housing Market
Market Snapshot
Life Here
Lifestyle & Culture
Arts & Culture
Evergreen Lake House — events, classes, weddings on the lake
Events
- Evergreen Lake ice skating season (Dec–Feb)
- Summerfest and Jazz Festival
- Evergreen Players theater productions (community theater since 1950)
Theater
Evergreen Players — one of Colorado's oldest community theaters
Pets
Dog Parks
Elk Meadow Dog Park (Jeffco Open Space — one of the best in the metro)
Trails
Elk Meadow, Alderfer/Three Sisters, Bear Creek — most Jeffco trails allow leashed dogs
Vets
Evergreen Animal Hospital, Bergen Peak Veterinary Clinic
Education
Schools & Childcare
A-
Jefferson County School District R-1
#22 in Colorado
- Evergreen High School
- Wilmot Elementary
- Bergen Meadow Elementary
Getting Around
Commute & Transit
Downtown Denver
37–45 min
Rush hour: 55–75 min
Hwy 74 to I-70 — scenic but weather-dependent in winter
Golden / Lakewood
20–25 min
Hwy 74 east
RTD Route EV — Evergreen to Federal Center Station (W Line connection). Limited schedule — peak hours only.
Similar Communities
Communities in the same region, same county, or a similar price tier as Evergreen.
Common Questions
FAQ — Evergreen
What are the school ratings in Evergreen?
Evergreen is served by Jefferson County School District R-1, rated A− by Niche and ranked #22 in Colorado. Evergreen High School holds an A grade, ranks #26 among public high schools statewide, #18 for athletics, and receives a 9/10 from GreatSchools. Wilmot Elementary is a highly rated mountain school. D’Evelyn Jr/Sr High School is available to all Jeffco residents by application. District boundaries are complex — verify enrollment eligibility by address.
How long is the commute from Evergreen to Denver?
Evergreen is approximately 30 miles west of downtown Denver via Highway 74 to I-70. Off-peak drive time is 37–45 minutes; during rush hour, expect 55–75 minutes. The route is scenic but weather-dependent in winter. Golden and Lakewood are closer at 20–25 minutes off-peak. RTD Route EV runs from Evergreen to Federal Center Station for a W Line connection, but operates on a limited peak-hours-only schedule.
What is the median home price in Evergreen?
As of February 2026, the median home price in Evergreen is approximately $830K–$878K. Redfin reports $830K (down 10.8% year-over-year) while Zillow shows $878K. List prices often start at $950K+. The range runs from $500K cabins to $2M+ estates, and homes average 40–86 days on market depending on price tier.
What outdoor recreation is available in Evergreen?
Evergreen Lake is the community’s centerpiece — offering ice skating in winter, fishing and paddleboarding in summer, and a 1.3-mile loop trail year-round. Elk Meadow Park provides a 4.6-mile loop with year-round elk herd sightings. Alderfer/Three Sisters Park features distinctive rock formations and 7+ miles of trails. The Evergreen Park & Recreation District encompasses 230+ miles of hiking and biking trails. The seasonal Mount Evans Scenic Byway reaches 14,264 feet — the highest paved road in North America.
What are the crime statistics in Evergreen?
Evergreen reports minimal violent crime incidents, per Jefferson County Sheriff data, consistent with its rural mountain community character. Property crime is also below average, consisting primarily of crimes of opportunity. As an unincorporated area, law enforcement is provided by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Crime statistics for small communities can fluctuate year to year due to low population.
What is the cost of living in Evergreen?
Evergreen’s cost of living is 24% above the national average (Salary.com 2026), with housing as the primary driver. Property tax rates run approximately 1.0–1.5% of appraised value under Jefferson County, with a median annual tax bill of approximately $5,010. As an unincorporated community, there is no municipal sales tax — residents pay only the Jefferson County and state rates.
What dining options are available in Evergreen?
Evergreen offers a curated mountain dining scene. Notable options include: • Lariat Lodge Brewing — mountain brews with a large patio • Murphy’s Mountain Grill — casual dining • The Wildflower Cafe — popular brunch spot • Creekside Cellars Winery & Cafe — wine and dining The area has 2+ breweries including Lariat Lodge and craft options in Bergen Park. Muddy Buck Coffee House is a local institution housed in the historic Evergreen Hotel building.
What healthcare facilities are near Evergreen?
The nearest hospital is St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, approximately 25 minutes away, which operates as a Level I Trauma Center. Denver hospitals are roughly 40 minutes from Evergreen. There is no hospital within the community itself. Residents should plan for the distance when considering urgent medical needs.