It’s no secret that housing prices have been on the rise in Colorado, but did you know that the Centennial State is home to four of the five most expensive ‘inland’ housing markets in the country?

A recent article published by Builder took a look at how coastal housing markets compare to non-coastal housing markets around the United States, based on the understanding that coastal markets historically tend to be more expensive when compared to their landlocked counterparts. For example, San Francisco has a median existing home price of $1.2 million, while none of the most expensive inland housing markets that have a metro population of at least 250,000 break into seven figures.

After comparing inland housing markets around the country – again, only those with a population of at least 250,000 in the metro area – Builder determined that the four most expensive markets were located in Colorado, with the fifth-place spot snagged by Portland.

Ranking as the most expensive was Boulder, with median existing home prices in this metro area of $833,622. Granted, that’s expected, as Boulder was also the most expensive inland housing market in 1980 ($86,248 home price), in 2000 ($284,133 home price), and in 2010 ($358,272 home price). Even in 1990, it cracked the top five, ranking as the fifth-most expensive inland housing market with a median existing home price of $121,104.

That being said, in the current housing market, Colorado claims four of the five most expensive inland metros, compared to Colorado claiming two of the top five in 1980 (Boulder, Fort Collins), one of the top five in 1990 (Boulder), three of the top five in 2000 (Boulder, Fort Collins, Denver), and two of the top five in 2010 (Boulder, Fort Collins).

Following Boulder in the current market is Denver, with a median existing home price of $636,651. Then Fort Collins, at $593,282. And then Greeley – likely a surprise to many Coloradans – at $573,957.

As noted, Portland rounds out the top five list, with a home price of $569,876.

Oddly enough, major metropolitan area Colorado Springs didn’t make the top five despite its massive growth and expansion. According to Realtor.com, the median listing home price in Colorado Springs is significantly lower, at $489,000.

So there you have it – if you’re looking to live away from the coasts, Colorado is one of the most expensive places to buy. That being said, plenty of metros are cheaper, including Colorado Springs and Pueblo.

Does this data surprise you? Let us know in the comments.

Find the full Builder report here.

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