San Luis Valley - The Largest Alpine Valley in the World...

You have read some of the history of this valley, what about it today and it's economic future?

Being basically an agriculture based economy this growth is locked into availability of water which has excess some years and during dry spells hurts the farmers.  This area will not show large growth.  Improvements in farming techniques will help spur growth. 

The most of the industry in the valley is directed towards agriculture and is growing with the improvements in farm machinery & equipment. Creating an environment that will educe companies to move here, this will create a moderate growth.

Adams State College is growing and is bringing in additional students and facility.  This can be counted on for a medium growth pattern over the next decades.

Tourism is a area that has a large growth potential.  The valley has 300+ miles of mountains surrounding it, rivers, campgrounds, hiking trails abound, the valley and mountain areas that are wonderful for both on road and off road bicycling.  Narrow Gauge and soon Standard Gauge Steam trains to ride to ride back to the 1900's turn of the century era.  Great vacationing for the occasional tourist who has most of this to themselves but under utilized greatly.  This is probably the best economic growth area.

Retirement:  With probably the best summer weather in the Rocky Mountains it is an Ideal area for Retirement.  Winters are on the cold side compared to the east slope of the mountains, but the small amounts of snow and the sunny days make it a wonderful season to be here.  Cost of living is probably the lowest in the state.  Housing is very affordable, even if one does as many do, have a  nine month summer home here and RV to the south during December to March.  Turn of the century Victorians abound, Modern  homes and factory built homes are available.  City homes, small ranches up to thousand acre ranches are available and priced right.  Three medical centers are located in Del Norte, Monte Vista and Alamosa. The Valley being only a few hours drive to Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Albuquerque and Denver allows one to have big city shopping and entertainment.  If you desire a fun but quiet area to retire you would do yourself a favor to look at the "Valley"

Airports are in almost every town, with Alamosa the commercial airline center with commuter flights to Denver and Albuquerque..

The "Valley" will grow and become a stronger part of the Rocky Mountains but it will be moderate and not out of control such has been seen in many areas of the state.