The search for a place to live with a small-town feel, strong community ties and more affordable homes has sent many people to the town of Hayden 23 miles west of Steamboat Springs.

The main street through Hayden has a handful of stores, restaurants and one flashing red light. There's a town park and a new playground, a nice library and a well-stocked grocery store.  Residents cite the good schools, which take students from elementary school through high school, and the more reasonable home prices as reasons to live in Hayden.

And once they're there, people say they like how town residents feel a bond with one another.  Most everyone in town goes out to watch the kids play baseball, and most everyone shows up for town events.

 For these reasons and more, Hayden is growing. Home prices are climbing and lots selling.  Several new subdivisions have just opened up, including Sagewood, Yampa View Estates, Johnson Ranch, Vista Verde and The Villages.

Homes in Hayden usually sell for $200,000 to $450,000, with townhomes selling for around $150,000. Compared to Steamboat, it's easier in Hayden to find big, family-sized homes with large yards, or to buy a home sitting on a 35-acre parcel of land for a price that can be considered affordable.

For many people who work in Steamboat Springs, the half-hour commute each morning and night is worth the chance to own a home in Hayden.  More growth and economic development will benefit the town, but while the town grows, it should keep supporting efforts to bring the community together.  Events like Summerfest, which brings live music, good food, antique cars and art booths to Hayden's town park, as well as the annual Routt County Fair, provide special events during the summer.

Between Steamboat Springs and Hayden is the town of Milner.  Primarily a bedroom community to towns on either side, there are approximately 50 homes with an additional amount in ranchettes around the contryside.  Home prices are reflective of Hayden, and school-age children have the option of attending Steamboat Springs or Hayden schools.