Somerset, Colorado...Mining Towns Do Still Exist in The West. This small coal mining town started off as a company town. Housing was supplied by the mine companies to mine employees. The town is still around and only exists because of the three surrounding coal mines, but property is privately held by various individuals.
What is you see in the picture pretty much shows the town of Somerset. The Northfork of the Gunnison River runs along side the town. The houses are nestled nicely in between the small space left between the mountains.
Somerset has a post office and the cafe is once again open. I have it on my list of things to do to stop by for a meal. The elevation is just over 6000 feet above sea level. 
The town is really in Gunnison County. A mountain range separates it from the rest of the County, and the quickest way to get to Gunnison, the county seat, is over a graveled mountain pass that is only open in the summer. Somerset sits on the eastern edge of Delta County and it feels like the town is part of Delta County. In the winter you have to drive through Delta and Montrose Counties just to get to the town of Gunnison. 
This is truly a get it away from it all place. There is a post office, community center and the cafe is once again open. I have it on my list of things to do to stop in and introduce myself and have lunch.
Houses in Somerset can be used for a lot of purposes. They are great for mine employees. They are also wonderful for hunters that like to come to the area in the fall. This area has prime deer, elk, bear and mountain lion hunting. A house in Somerset can also give you a get it away from it all retreat. Things are quiet and slow in Somerset. The nearest stoplight is about 45 miles away.
The coal mines produce some of the cleanest burning coal there is. It's low in sulfur. Somerset has been a coal mining town since 1896. There are two mines in town and one in Bowie...just a few miles down the road. The scenery is wonderful. The area is surrounded by National Forest.
I've lived on Colorado's Western Slope for over 22 years. I love this area and all it has to offer, and I enjoy sharing what I know about my home. As a REALTOR®, I also love to share my expertise in this area as well. If you need any real estate information for Montrose County, or Delta County, Colorado...please give me a call.
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