Cortez

Cortez is an exquisite, private home-rule municipality in Montezuma County, located less than 30 minutes from Mancos and Dolores and about an hour from Durango Airport.

Welcome to Cortez

A peaceful, active community with a rich history
 
 
Cortez is an exquisite, private home-rule municipality in Montezuma County, located less than 30 minutes from Mancos and Dolores and about an hour from Durango Airport. It offers stunning views and a wealth of exciting amenities. As one of the largest towns in Montezuma County, Cortez residents enjoy the convenience of the historic downtown lined with several retail shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Cortez boasts unique culture and archeological highlights, located between the iconic Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Mountain Tribal Park. It is a perfect base camp for those exploring historical sites and excavations, including hiking to ancient ruins and traversing epic mountain biking trails. With striking sights and sounds and friendly locals, it's no wonder that Cortez has become such a hotspot in Colorado.
 

What to Love

  • Rich history and culture
  • Unique small-town atmosphere
  • 10 minutes to Cortex Airport and 15 minutes to Dolores or Mancos
  • Fabulous dining options
  • Ample green space

Local Lifestyle

Cortez offers residents a perfect suburban-rural mix combined with a small-town ambiance, making it a perfect place to live for those looking for peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of a big city. Residents spend much time exploring archaeological sites or attending exciting events at the Cortez Cultural Center. Cortez is conveniently located close to Dolores and Mancos, as well as numerous restaurants, shops, and both cozy indoor and outdoor destinations.
 

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Cortez features some of the best restaurants, shopping areas, and entertainment spots when looking to discover various dishes, retailers, and places to have fun. The Farm Bistro on Main Street is one of the community's top eateries, offering creative and local dishes served in a rustic-chic setting with a lounge. For mouthwatering and eclectic lunch and dinner fare, check out Loungin' Lizard, set in a hip, contemporary space.

La Casita de Cortez is the perfect spot for those craving unique Mexican fare in the heart of Cortez. This spot is known for its homey vibe and casual, shaded seating area. Residents also love Pippo's Café, a down-home spot serving incredible breakfast, from pancakes to sandwiches and other hearty American dishes. For a fun night out at a restaurant with specialty burgers and draft beer, as well as live music, ax throwing, and a hunting-themed atmosphere, head to Blondie’s Trophy Room.

Shopping enthusiasts have a multitude of retail venues to explore, including Ifa Country Store, a farm supplier offering lawn and garden products, agricultural and irrigation equipment, turf and ornament items, and more. Love on a Hanger is a stylish women’s clothing boutique offering chic accessories and wardrobe essentials. Meanwhile, those looking to update their home’s interior should visit Notah Dineh Trading Co, whose extensive collection of Navajo rugs, Native American pawns, Pueblo pottery, and jewelry are local favorites.

Things to Do

Cortez is well-known for its tremendous archaeological sites and natural spaces. The community’s proximity to Mesa Verde National Park offers residents and visitors ample space to explore various outdoor adventures, from camping and exploring cliff dwellings to navigating through thousands of archaeological sites. A great local hangout with darts tournaments, shuffleboard tournaments, and other games (as well as a local bar) is American Legion.

Residents and visitors to Cortez enjoy numerous recurring events and festivals where locals celebrate their community. The annual Montezuma County Fair is among the most anticipated events, filled with exciting activities, entertainment, local vendors, and children’s games.

Third Thursdays is another fantastic event where residents can enjoy live music, dancing, local cuisine, and vendor shopping. Other beloved events in Cortez include the Dean Hanson Golf Tournament, the Cortez Hot Air Balloon Rendezvous, Harvest Beer Fest, and the Ute Mountain Rodeo.
 

Schools

The Montezuma Cortez School District serves Cortez. Educational opportunities include:

  • Children’s Kiva Montessori, K-8
  • Lewis Arriola School, K-5
  • Corte Middle School, 6-8
  • Lighthouse Christian Academy, PK-12
  • Mesa Elementary School, K-5
  • Kemper Elementary School, K-5
  • Montezuma Cortez High School, 9-12
Stacked Real Estate, a prominent name in the realty sector, offers a diverse range of homes for sale in Cortez, CO. Leveraging their extensive market knowledge and industry expertise, they ensure that clients receive top-notch assistance in finding the perfect residence amidst the scenic backdrop of Cortez. Exploring the beauty of the Southwest becomes even more tempting when you consider the opportunities in Cortez, Colorado real estate. With its rich history and stunning landscapes, many are seeing the value of investing in properties in this hidden gem.

Browse Listings in the Area

For Sale
MLS® 810854

$800,000

20 S Market Street, Cortez, CO 81321
8 Baths 18,564 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 813574

$295,000

1831 Aldridge Road, Cortez, CO 81321
3 Beds 2 Baths 1,674 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 811534

$45,000

1220 Wagon Wheel Drive, Cortez, CO 81321
For Sale
MLS® 811529

$25,000

1220 Wagon Wheel Drive, Cortez, CO 81321
For Sale
MLS® 811530

$25,000

1220 Wagon Wheel Drive, Cortez, CO 81321
For Sale
MLS® 796915

$1,396,000

1209 E Main Street, Cortez, CO 81321
2 Baths 4,071 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 801766

$1,250,000

1010 N Broadway, Cortez, CO 81321
1 Bath 4,000 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 808603

$1,200,000

TBD Sligo Street Street, Cortez, CO 81321
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Overview for Cortez, CO

8,742 people live in Cortez, where the median age is 37.9 and the average individual income is $24,833. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

8,742

Total Population

37.9 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$24,833

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Cortez, CO

Population Households Employment

Cortez has 3,546 households, with an average household size of 2.44. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Cortez do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 8,742 people call Cortez home. The population density is 1,403.22 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

8,742

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

37.9

Median Age

49.02 / 50.98%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
3,546

Total Households

2.44

Average Household Size

$24,833

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Around Cortez, CO

There's plenty to do around Cortez, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

77
Very Walkable
Walking Score
56
Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Books, Liquid Assets, and Cold Stone Creamery.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining · $ 0.73 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Liquid Assets Logo
Dining 0.08 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Cold Stone Creamery Logo
Dining · $$ 0.74 miles 8 reviews 4.9/5 stars
Yellow Car Country Wines Logo
Dining 1.38 miles 16 reviews 4.9/5 stars
Smitty's Liquors Logo
Dining · $ 1.25 miles 6 reviews 4.8/5 stars
The Pie Maker Logo
Dining · $$ 0.12 miles 37 reviews 4.7/5 stars

Schools in Cortez, CO

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Cortez. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Mesa Elementary School
703 West 7th Street, Cortez, CO, 81321
PUBLIC
K - 5th
1/5
Children's Kiva Montessori School
510 North Beech Street, Cortez, CO, 81321
PUBLIC
K - 8th
No rating available
Cortez Adventist Christian School
540 W 4th St, Cortez, CO, 81321
PRIVATE
K - 8th
No rating available
Montezuma-Cortez Middle School
450 West 2nd Street, Cortez, CO, 81321
PUBLIC
6th - 8th
No rating available
Manaugh Elementary School
300 East 4th Street, Cortez, CO, 81321
PUBLIC
K - 5th
No rating available
Montezuma-Cortez High School
418 South Sligo Street, Cortez, CO, 81321
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
2/5
Southwest Open Charter School
401 North Dolores Road, Cortez, CO, 81321
PUBLIC
9th - 12th
No rating available
Kemper Elementary School
620 East Montezuma, Cortez, CO, 81321
PUBLIC
K - 5th
1/5

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Contact Details

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(970) 739-1480

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641 E Main St., Unit A

Cortez, CO 81321