Travel Nurse Housing in Aspen, Colorado: Complete Guide
Aspen is a world-renowned mountain resort town in the Colorado Rockies, famous for legendary skiing, cultural festivals, and a glamorous atmosphere. Travel nurses typically work at Aspen Valley Hospital or commute to larger facilities in Glenwood Springs.
Aspen Valley Hospital serves the Aspen area. Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs is about 40 minutes away.
Whether you are heading to Aspen for your first travel nursing assignment or returning for another contract, this guide will help you navigate the housing market, understand what to expect from local costs, and find a neighborhood that fits your needs. Aspen has a lot to offer travel nurses, and a little planning goes a long way toward making your assignment a success.
Major Hospitals and Health Systems
Aspen is home to several major hospitals and health systems that consistently hire travel nurses across a wide range of specialties. Knowing which facilities are in the area helps you plan your housing search around commute times and gives you a sense of where demand is concentrated.
Aspen Valley Hospital — A critical access hospital with emergency and medical services serving the Aspen and Snowmass Village area.
Valley View Hospital (Glenwood Springs) — A community hospital about 40 minutes from Aspen with more comprehensive services.
Travel nurse demand in Aspen is generally moderate, with ED, med-surg, and orthopedics (ski injuries) being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during ski season (December-April) and summer festival season. If you are flexible on specialty or shift, you will have even more options to choose from in this market.
Best Neighborhoods for Travel Nurses
Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will make during your Aspen assignment. Where you live affects your commute, your safety, your access to amenities, and ultimately your quality of life for the duration of your contract. Here are the top neighborhoods that travel nurses should consider when searching for housing in Aspen.
Downtown Aspen
The walkable core with restaurants, galleries, and ski-lift access.
Pros: Walkable, ski access, world-class dining, cultural events
Cons: Extremely expensive, tourist crowds, difficult housing market
Snowmass Village
A ski resort community about 10 miles from Aspen.
Pros: Ski access, resort amenities, mountain views, quieter than Aspen
Cons: Expensive, seasonal pricing, car-dependent for Aspen errands
Basalt and El Jebel
Down-valley towns about 20 miles from Aspen with more affordable housing.
Pros: More affordable, year-round community, valley views, practical
Cons: Commute to Aspen, limited nightlife, car-dependent
When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Car required. Highway 82 connects the Roaring Fork Valley. Winter driving requires preparation. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Aspen through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.
Average Housing Costs
Housing costs in Aspen are in line with the national average. Here is a general overview of what you can expect to pay for rental housing in the area. Keep in mind that prices vary by neighborhood, season, and the specific amenities included with the unit.
- Studio apartment: $1,500 to $2,500 per month
- One-bedroom apartment: $1,800 to $3,200 per month
- Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $2,200 to $4,000 per month
Aspen is one of the most expensive housing markets in America. Employer housing assistance is often available and may be necessary. Basalt and Carbondale offer significant savings.
Many travel nurses in Aspen find their housing through Furnished Finder , which connects healthcare travelers with landlords who specifically offer furnished, short-term rentals designed for assignment-length stays. It is one of the most widely used housing platforms in the travel nursing industry and an excellent starting point for your search. You can also explore local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and extended-stay hotels to compare your options and find the best fit for your budget and preferences.
GSA Stipend Rate
The General Services Administration publishes per diem rates that many travel nursing agencies use as a baseline for calculating housing and meals and incidentals stipends. The GSA rate for the Aspen, CO area varies by time of year, with higher rates typically applying during peak travel seasons and lower rates during off-peak months.
It is essential to check the current GSA per diem rate for your specific assignment dates and location, as rates are updated annually each October and can change significantly from year to year. You can look up the exact rate on the GSA website or ask your recruiter for the figures they are using to calculate your pay package. Keep in mind that your actual stipend may differ from the published GSA rate depending on your agency’s internal pay structure and policies.
Understanding how your stipend fits into your total compensation is key to evaluating any travel nursing contract. For help breaking down the numbers, use our pay calculator to compare packages side by side and see your estimated take-home pay after taxes, stipends, and deductions.
Housing Tips for Aspen
Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Aspen that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.
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Employer housing may be necessary — Aspen’s housing crisis means many employers offer housing assistance.
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Ski season pay premiums — Winter contracts in Aspen often command premium pay due to high demand and housing costs.
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Cultural richness — The Aspen Music Festival, Aspen Ideas Festival, and Theatre Aspen bring world-class culture.
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Altitude at 7,908 feet — Aspen sits at nearly 8,000 feet. Altitude adjustment takes time.
For a comprehensive overview of the housing search process from start to finish, including how to spot scams and negotiate lease terms, check out our complete travel nurse housing guide. It covers everything you need to know regardless of which city you are heading to.
Cost of Living Overview
Aspen is one of the most expensive small towns in America. A hamburger can cost $25. Housing is the biggest challenge.
When budgeting for your Aspen assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Clark’s Market is the main grocery store and is pricey. Many residents drive to Glenwood Springs for more affordable shopping. Tracking your spending during the first two weeks of your assignment will give you a realistic picture of your monthly costs and help you adjust your budget accordingly.
Things to Do on Days Off
One of the greatest perks of travel nursing is the opportunity to explore a new city on your days off. Aspen has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.
- Skiing at Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Highlands, and Buttermilk — Four world-class ski areas on one lift ticket.
- Maroon Bells — The most photographed peaks in North America, accessible from Aspen in summer and fall.
- Aspen Music Festival — A prestigious summer music festival with orchestral, chamber, and contemporary performances.
- Independence Pass — A stunning 12,095-foot mountain pass open in summer with breathtaking Continental Divide views.
Take full advantage of your time in Aspen. Exploring the local culture, trying restaurants you have never heard of, and visiting nearby attractions are what make travel nursing more than just a paycheck. Many travel nurses find that their days off are when they truly fall in love with a new city.
Final Thoughts
Aspen, Colorado offers travel nurses a legendary Colorado mountain resort with four world-class ski areas, the iconic Maroon Bells, world-class cultural festivals, and travel nursing opportunities at Aspen Valley Hospital. With Aspen Valley Hospital and a well above average cost of living, it is a market well worth considering whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned veteran looking for your next destination.
Start your housing search as early as possible, ideally four to six weeks before your assignment start date. The best furnished rentals tend to go quickly, especially in popular neighborhoods near major hospitals. Furnished Finder is an excellent resource for finding travel nurse housing in Aspen, and joining local travel nurse social media groups can give you insider tips and real-time availability updates.
For more resources on finding and securing great travel nurse housing anywhere in the country, explore our complete housing guide. And when you are comparing pay packages for Aspen assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.
We wish you the best on your Aspen assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.