Trying to choose between a brand-new home and a resale in Three Springs? You are not alone. In this neighborhood, the decision is not just about age or finishes. It often comes down to timing, lot type, community rules, and how you want to live day to day. If you are weighing your options in Three Springs, this guide will help you compare both paths and make a more confident decision. Let’s dive in.
Why Three Springs Is Different
Three Springs is the region’s only Traditional Neighborhood Development, and that gives it a different feel than many other Durango-area communities. The master plan calls for more than 2,000 homes and more than 300,000 square feet of commercial and retail space over time.
Nearly half of the 681-acre community is planned as open space, parks, trails, and schools. Full buildout may take more than 20 years and depends on market demand, so your choices today are shaped by where the neighborhood is in its long-term growth.
What the Current Market Looks Like
Inventory in Three Springs is fairly thin, and the number of available homes can vary depending on where you look. As of spring 2026, published sources show a limited mix of active homes, rentals, and a small number of official new-build opportunities.
Recent sales suggest a neighborhood median around $720,000. Redfin reports a median sale price of $719,758 for the three months ending May 2026, with a median 91 days on market and a 97.6% sale-to-list ratio. In plain terms, homes are selling, but buyers still need to compare options carefully because the neighborhood includes several property types and price points.
New Build Pros in Three Springs
A new build can be a strong fit if you want current construction standards and a more modern layout. In Three Springs, that matters because the community’s Sustainable Development Program uses green-building standards for new development.
The official materials say current homes are third-party inspected to meet or exceed a HERS score of 90 or less. The community also connects that standard to lower utility bills, easier maintenance, and lower upkeep, which can be appealing if you want more predictable ownership costs in the near term.
Another plus is that Three Springs is not built around a single large national builder. Current builders listed by the community include Durango Colorado Builders, High Country Construction, Shaw Ltd, SilverPick Contracting, and Sutter Homes, which gives buyers a range of styles and approaches.
New Build Tradeoffs to Consider
The biggest tradeoff with new construction in Three Springs is timing. Some of the active homes on the official site are marked to be built, which means your move-in date may be less certain than it would be with a completed resale home.
That matters in a neighborhood with a long, demand-driven buildout timeline. If you need to line up a job move, school-year timing, or a sale of another property, a to-be-built home may require more flexibility.
Selection can also be narrower at any given moment. Official new-build examples currently range from about $429,000 to $549,000 on the community site, while other platforms show new-construction examples reaching higher price points. Even so, the active pipeline appears smaller than the broader resale pool.
Resale Pros in Three Springs
Resale homes offer something many buyers value most, clarity. You can see the exact home, the actual lot, the yard, the orientation, and the current condition before you close.
That is especially useful in Three Springs because lot size and layout vary quite a bit. The neighborhood code allows several lot types, including row-house lots as small as 1,650 square feet, narrower alley-loaded lots at 3,500 square feet minimum, and 55-foot minimum-width front-loaded and alley-loaded lots at 5,500 square feet minimum.
Current resale inventory also gives you a wider spread of options. Recent listings have included houses from roughly $649,000 to $1.2 million, townhomes from about $545,000 to $749,000, and vacant lots from about $124,000 to $167,500.
Resale Tradeoffs to Consider
With resale, every property needs to be judged on its own merits. In Three Springs, active resale stock can include houses, townhomes, and land, so comparing one listing to another is not always simple.
A resale home may also come with more variation in upkeep, finishes, and lot usability. Unlike a new build, you may be looking at systems, landscaping, or design choices that reflect a previous owner’s preferences rather than a current build standard.
That does not make resale better or worse. It just means your decision should be based on the specific property, not only the category.
Lot Size May Matter More Than Age
In many neighborhoods, buyers focus first on whether a home is new or existing. In Three Springs, lot type can be just as important.
Current residential lots listed for sale are commonly around 6,446 to 10,542 square feet, with many around 6,700 to 8,300 square feet. If you care about yard space, home spacing, outdoor use, or the feel of the homesite, it is worth comparing lots closely instead of assuming all homes in the neighborhood offer the same setup.
This is one reason resale can be attractive. You can stand on the lot, see the orientation, and understand how the property actually lives before making a decision.
Community Rules Can Shape Your Choice
In Three Springs, daily-life rules can influence your decision just as much as price or floor plan. The neighborhood has both a Master Association and a Residential Association, and annual assessments are billed quarterly. There is also a one-time working capital fee equal to the annual assessment due at purchase.
The metro district tax assessment is included in the property tax bill. Buyers should also know that exterior changes, including landscaping and building-exterior alterations, require approval from the Design Review Committee.
Practical rules matter too. RVs, boats, and camper trailers should be stored off-site. Trash containers must be removed after collection and stored in fenced areas or garages, and residents are encouraged to use garages while on-street parking remains available for visitors.
Snow removal is another detail worth understanding. Street-front homeowners handle sidewalk snow removal, the city plows public streets and alleys, and the residential association handles private alleys and some green-court areas.
Amenities Add Real Value
Part of the appeal of Three Springs is that the neighborhood offers more than just homes. Community features include paved trails, wetlands, Three Springs Plaza, planned pocket parks, a 75-acre city community park under development, and direct connection to the Telegraph Trails system.
The community also includes Mercy Regional Medical Center, on-site businesses and restaurants, fiber-optic service, and transit connections. Whether you choose new construction or resale, these shared features are part of the value you are buying into.
When a New Build Makes Sense
A new build may be the better fit if you want:
- More current building standards
- Potentially lower utility bills
- Lower near-term maintenance
- A modern floor plan
- The appeal of being among the first occupants
In Three Springs, those benefits are tied directly to the community’s sustainability standards and current construction practices. If efficiency and easier upkeep are high on your list, new construction deserves a serious look.
When a Resale Makes Sense
A resale may be the better fit if you want:
- Immediate or faster occupancy
- To walk the exact homesite before closing
- More choices across price points and property types
- A better sense of yard, orientation, and neighborhood placement
- Less uncertainty around construction timing
In Three Springs, resale inventory is currently broader than the official new-build pipeline. That wider range can be helpful if you are balancing budget, lot preference, and move-in timing.
A Simple Way to Decide
If you are stuck between the two, start with the factors that matter most in this neighborhood:
- Timing: Do you need a completed home soon, or can you wait for a to-be-built property?
- Lot: How important are yard size, orientation, and spacing?
- Maintenance: Would you rather have newer systems and potentially lower upkeep?
- Rules: Are you comfortable with design review, storage limits, and shared community standards?
- Budget: Which option gives you the best overall fit for your price range?
In Three Springs, there is no universal right answer. The best choice is the one that matches how you want to live, how soon you need to move, and what kind of property setup fits your priorities.
If you want help sorting through active options in Three Springs, working through lot differences, or comparing new construction against resale value, Jeremy Deas can help you make a clear, informed decision.
FAQs
What is the difference between a new build and a resale in Three Springs?
- A new build usually offers current construction standards, modern layouts, and potential energy-efficiency benefits, while a resale lets you see the exact finished home, lot, and condition before closing.
How much do homes cost in Three Springs?
- Recent sales reported a median around $719,758, while active listings have included townhomes, single-family homes, and vacant lots across a wide range of price points.
Are there HOA fees in Three Springs?
- Yes. Three Springs has a Master Association and a Residential Association, annual assessments are billed quarterly, and a one-time working capital fee equal to the annual assessment is due at purchase.
Can you store an RV or boat at a home in Three Springs?
- Community rules say RVs, boats, and camper trailers should be stored off-site.
Are lot sizes different in Three Springs?
- Yes. The neighborhood includes several lot types, from row-house lots starting at 1,650 square feet to larger lot formats with 5,500 square foot minimums, and current lot listings commonly fall around 6,446 to 10,542 square feet.
Is a resale home easier to move into than a new build in Three Springs?
- Often, yes. A resale is typically already completed, while some new-build opportunities in Three Springs are listed as to be built and may involve more timing uncertainty.
