Silverthorne vs Dillon: Which Mountain Town Fits You?

Torn between two great Summit County bases? Silverthorne and Dillon sit minutes apart, yet they deliver very different day-to-day experiences. You might be weighing lake life, ski access, rental potential, or simple convenience. In this guide, you’ll learn how each town feels, what you can expect from the housing, the latest short-term rental rules, and the amenities that shape daily life. Let’s dive in.

Silverthorne vs. Dillon at a glance

Silverthorne reads as a true town center with a larger year-round base and a strong mix of shopping and services. The population was estimated at about 5,200 as of July 1, 2024, according to the U.S. Census QuickFacts for Silverthorne. You feel the convenience edge here with more retail and everyday essentials close at hand. U.S. Census QuickFacts for Silverthorne

Dillon is intimate and lake-focused. The 2020 census puts the population around 1,064, and the compact core wraps around Lake Dillon and the marina. It draws buyers who want to be close to the water, amphitheater events, and a small, walkable center. Dillon, Colorado overview

Housing and neighborhoods

Silverthorne homes and areas

In Silverthorne, you’ll see a wide mix: established single-family neighborhoods like Wildernest, Mesa Cortina, Three Peaks, and Willowbrook alongside newer communities such as Summit Sky Ranch. The town core has a significant number of condos and townhomes, while master-planned and infill projects push single-family pricing higher. This blend gives you options whether you want a lock-and-leave condo or a view-heavy mountain home.

Dillon homes and setting

Dillon’s footprint is smaller and more condo and townhome oriented, especially around the marina and town center. Single-family homes exist but are less common inside town limits. Many buyers choose Dillon to prioritize lake access and short walks to the water, amphitheater, and restaurants.

Price signals to watch

Because these are small mountain towns, a few high-end sales can swing monthly medians. Treat price numbers as snapshots and always note the date and the source. For example, in Silverthorne, Realtor.com showed a December 2025 median listing indicator near about $999,000, while Zillow’s ZHVI city average read roughly $838,000 as of January 31, 2026. In Dillon, late-2025 snapshots from major portals showed medians in the mid-to-high $800,000s to $900,000 range. Expect inventory and pricing to change seasonally, especially spring and summer. If you want current numbers, use at least two sources and time-stamp your data.

HOAs and deed restrictions

Many condos and townhomes sit in HOAs with rules on rentals, pets, parking, and guest limits. Summit County also has deed-restricted housing for the local workforce, which can limit STR use or future resale. In Silverthorne, deed-restricted neighborhoods are not eligible for STR licenses. Read the HOA covenants and any deed restrictions early so you know exactly what is and is not allowed. Silverthorne STR program and zones

Short-term rentals: know the rules

Short-term rental regulations are a major decision point for many buyers. Rules vary by town and by whether a property is inside town limits or in unincorporated Summit County.

Silverthorne STR rules

Silverthorne issues STR licenses by zone. Key points include zone-based caps, such as a 10 percent cap in many residential neighborhoods (Area 1), higher allowances in the town core and riverfront (Area 2), and no STRs allowed in deed-restricted areas (Area 3). Licenses are non-transferable on sale, and local lodging taxes apply, including an 8.0 percent lodging tax listed by the town. If rental income is part of your plan, study the town’s STR map and caps before you write an offer. Silverthorne STR program overview

Dillon STR rules

Dillon also requires STR licenses and sets rules for occupancy, license display, and annual renewal. As of the town’s latest guidance, Dillon does not cap the number of STR licenses inside town limits in the same way some nearby jurisdictions do. Fees and lodging taxes apply, and rules can evolve, so confirm details and timing directly with the town before you buy. Dillon STR regulations

Unincorporated Summit County STRs

If a property is outside town limits, county rules apply. Summit County uses basin-based caps for neighborhood STR licenses and has waitlists in some basins. Resort overlay areas such as Keystone or Copper are treated differently than neighborhood basins. Verifying whether a property is inside a town boundary or in unincorporated county land is a critical first step. Overview of Summit County STR rules

Your STR action checklist

• Confirm the jurisdiction first: Silverthorne, Dillon, or unincorporated county.
• Read the town or county STR page and license requirements.
• Ask about license transferability, renewal timing, and waitlists.
• Review HOA covenants for rental rules, parking, and guest limits.

Outdoor access and getting around

Trails and recpath connectivity

Silverthorne connects to Dillon and Frisco via the paved RecPath, including the Blue River Trail. That network makes it easier to bike or stroll to lakeside parks, restaurants, and even nearby towns in summer. For many buyers, this car-light access is a quality-of-life driver. Blue River Trail overview

Lake Dillon access and rules

Dillon is the lakeside town with the marina and Marina Park, and Frisco also operates a marina across the reservoir. Summer is prime time for sailing, SUP, boat rentals, fishing, and regattas. Lake Dillon is also a municipal water source, and guidance limits certain body-contact activities. Swimming is restricted, and boating or paddleboarding are the primary uses. Always confirm current rules with Denver Water or marina operators if lake proximity is part of your lifestyle plan. Lake Dillon recreation notes

Ski resort proximity and transit

Both towns sit close to multiple ski areas. Silverthorne is roughly a short drive to Keystone, with other resorts like Breckenridge, Copper, and Arapahoe Basin also nearby. Drive times vary widely with weather and traffic. If you prefer not to drive, the Summit Stage provides free countywide bus service connecting Silverthorne, Dillon, Frisco, and the ski areas. Check routes and seasonal schedules before you rely on a specific commute. Summit Stage transit info

Amenities and community life

Shopping and everyday needs

If convenience ranks high, Silverthorne stands out. You have the Outlets at Silverthorne and nearby big-box retail, making errands simpler without leaving town. Dillon’s in-town options are more compact, though essentials are a short drive or an easy bus ride away.

Arts, culture, and events

Silverthorne is home to Theatre SilCo, a professional regional company with year-round programming at the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center. Dillon’s summer scene centers on the marina, Marina Park, and the Dillon Amphitheatre, plus a popular Friday farmers market. If you like a lively lakeside calendar, Dillon’s warm-season energy is a strong draw. Theatre SilCo

Healthcare and schools

Summit County’s primary hospital and emergency services are in nearby Frisco, and community clinics have a presence across the county. Both Silverthorne and Dillon are in Summit School District RE-1, with local elementary schools and shared middle and high schools serving the county. Always confirm current school assignments and enrollment details directly with the district. Summit School District enrollment

Who each town tends to fit

Every buyer is different, but these patterns can help you focus your search:

• Choose Silverthorne if you value year-round services, easy shopping, and a larger town feel with cultural programming nearby.
• Choose Dillon if you want a compact, lakeside environment with short walks to the marina, amphitheater, and waterfront parks.
• If STR income matters, Dillon’s current approach does not include a townwide license cap, while Silverthorne uses zone-based caps and non-transferable licenses. County caps also apply outside town limits. Verify rules for the exact address early in your process.

How to decide with confidence

Use this quick due-diligence path to zero in on the right fit:

1. Define your daily-life priorities. Rank lake proximity, trail access, ski commute, shopping, and community feel.
2. Confirm jurisdiction and STR rules. Check the appropriate town STR page, or county rules if outside town limits.
3. Review HOA and deed restrictions. Ask for covenants up front and look for guest, parking, and rental rules.
4. Time-stamp your price research. Use at least two sources and note the month and year because small-sample medians move.
5. Walk the areas. Ride the RecPath, visit the marina, and test a ski-day drive or bus route to feel the rhythm of each town.

Ready to compare properties, model STR potential, or plan a purchase timeline? Reach out to Rianna Royer for neighborhood-level guidance and a clear plan that matches your goals.

FAQs

How do STR rules differ between Silverthorne and Dillon?

• Silverthorne uses zone-based license caps and licenses are non-transferable; Dillon requires licensing and renewals but, as of the latest town info, does not cap the total number of licenses in town. Always verify current rules with each town.

Is swimming allowed in Lake Dillon if I buy near the water?

• Lake Dillon is a municipal water source and swimmer-style body contact is restricted. Boating, SUP, and fishing are primary uses. Confirm current rules with Denver Water or the marinas.

Which town is better for walkability to the lake and marina?

• Dillon’s compact core is oriented around the marina and lakeside parks, making short walks common. Silverthorne connects via the RecPath network, but it is not directly on the marina.

What are current home prices in Silverthorne and Dillon?

• Prices change with small-sample medians and seasonality. As snapshots, Silverthorne’s late-2025 median listing indicator was reported near about $999,000 by Realtor.com, while Zillow’s ZHVI was roughly $838,000 as of January 31, 2026. Dillon’s late-2025 medians often showed mid-to-high $800,000s to $900,000s. Always note source and date.

How does public transit work for ski days and errands?

• The free Summit Stage bus connects Silverthorne, Dillon, Frisco, and the ski areas. Check routes and seasonal schedules to plan no-drive days.

What should I check before buying a condo or townhome?

• Review the HOA’s rental and guest rules, parking policies, dues, reserves, and any special assessments. If you plan to rent, match HOA rules with town or county STR requirements before making an offer.