Colorado Homebuyers Struggle to Find Spacious Backyards

Rising land prices put the dream of a large yard out of reach for many Coloradans

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:48pm

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A new nationwide analysis shows that Colorado homeowners now pay an average of $38.77 per square foot for their backyards, making the state the ninth highest in the country for yard prices. This is more than 52% above the national average, putting pressure on the Colorado lifestyle as backyards get smaller and prices rise, making the dream of owning a home with a yard harder to reach.

Why it matters

The spacious backyard has long been seen as a symbol of Colorado's love for the outdoors, but this new reality is changing the state's landscape and lifestyle. As private yards become more expensive and smaller, it raises questions about the future of residential development and how communities can provide green spaces for families to gather and play.

The details

The analysis by the New Jersey Real Estate Network found that the top 10 states for highest yard prices are: California ($80.33), Hawaii ($77.13), New York ($53.74), Washington ($52.42), Massachusetts ($48.53), Maryland ($48.33), Oregon ($42.34), New Jersey ($42.01), Colorado ($38.77), and Florida ($38.70). This matches recent findings from Cinch Home Services showing Colorado ranks 7th nationally for land prices, with an average acre costing $942,200. Homebuilders are responding by rethinking neighborhood design, offering a variety of yard, garage, and bedroom options to match buyer needs and budgets, while also including shared parks, trails, and clubhouses.

  • The New Jersey Real Estate Network analysis was conducted in 2026.
  • The Cinch Home Services findings on Colorado land prices were recent.

The players

New Jersey Real Estate Network

A real estate analysis firm that conducted a nationwide study on backyard prices.

Cinch Home Services

A home services company that recently found Colorado ranks 7th nationally for land prices.

Ryan Delp

The Denver market president for Oakwood Homes, a homebuilder focused on efficient and attainable homes.

Brookfield Residential

A developer of the 236-acre Uplands Colorado community in Westminster that includes a network of parks, trails, and open spaces.

Dream Finders Homes

A developer of the Uplands Colorado community in Westminster.

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What’s next

Homebuilders and developers will likely continue to focus on efficient, attainable home designs and shared community spaces as a way to provide residents with access to green areas amid rising land prices.

The takeaway

The shrinking backyard in Colorado highlights the challenges of balancing the state's love for the outdoors with the realities of a rapidly growing population and skyrocketing real estate costs. As private yards become more expensive, communities will need to find creative ways to incorporate shared green spaces that can serve as an extension of the home for residents.