In the heart of Eagle County, the Haymeadow development is transforming lives and landscapes, giving first-time homebuyers like Kenny and Jordyn the opportunity to achieve their dream of homeownership. For this local couple, Haymeadow represents more than just a new address. It’s a fresh start in a vibrant community surrounded by mountains, streams, trails, and open space. Their story is a testament to the impact of a county government that prioritizes supporting the workforce and creating affordable housing through strong public-private partnerships, sustainable development, and innovative housing solutions, particularly the for-sale deed-restricted real estate initiatives led by Housing Eagle County.

A Personal and Professional Connection

Kenny, a Superintendent at RA Nelson, has a unique connection to Haymeadow. He’s part of the team building the development’s first phase, a 76-unit multifamily neighborhood called 7 Hermits at Haymeadow. Since the groundbreaking, Kenny has had a front-row seat to the project’s progress, working around the clock to ensure its success for both the developer and future residents. Meanwhile, Jordyn, who leads the Sustainability Team at Vail Mountain, has been navigating the challenges of finding affordable housing in Eagle County, often questioning whether homeownership was within reach. Together, they moved from Gypsum to Eagle in search of a place to call their own.

The Path to Homeownership

For Kenny and Jordyn, the idea of purchasing a home at Haymeadow initially felt like a dream. While Kenny’s role with RA Nelson gave him confidence in the project’s build quality, Housing Eagle County’s deed-restricted real estate program seemed almost too good to be true. As construction progressed and new units were delivered, Kenny’s regular interactions with the housing team helped him build strong relationships and gain a deeper understanding of their homebuyer initiatives, including the specifics of the deed-restricted units at Haymeadow. Gradually, their dream of homeownership began to feel attainable, and a condo at 7 Hermits became a realistic and exciting option.

Melinda Dow at The Valley Home Store was a fantastic resource throughout the process, and the couple noted how surprisingly smooth it was. “I didn’t expect it to be so fast,” Jordyn shared, reflecting on how the program’s support made their dream a reality.

“It’s always so exciting to help locals like Kenny and Jordyn find a home,” said Melinda. “I know the process can feel overwhelming, so making it as easy and stress-free as possible for our buyers is what really matters. Helping people achieve their dream of owning a home is the most rewarding part of what we do.”

Affordable Housing That Changes Lives

Like many in Eagle County, Jordyn never imagined owning a home would be possible. Housing Eagle County’s price-capped deed-restricted program at 7 Hermits changed that. “This opportunity made it all possible,” she said, emphasizing the significance of owning a brand-new, spacious two-bedroom, two-bath home in the beautiful Town of Eagle. For Kenny and Jordyn, it wasn’t just about affordability, it was about stability, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

Building a Stronger Community

Kenny and Jordyn’s story is not just a personal success, it's a shared success and part of a larger effort to address Eagle County’s housing challenges. With the average home price in Eagle County hovering at $1.6 million, ensuring that longtime locals and hardworking residents have access to attainable housing is more important than ever. Without them, the community would lose the character and vibrancy that make Eagle County a world-class destination.

This is why Housing Eagle County remains laser-focused on its mission to elevate the community through mentorship and housing solutions that address the diverse needs of residents. Haymeadow is a cornerstone of these efforts, with over $26 million invested into 43 of the 76 condos, including nearly $7 million to subsidize or “buy down” the two-bedroom, two-bath homes, ensuring they remain affordable through price-capped deed restrictions. The project also received $2 million in Transformative Affordable Housing Grant funds from Colorado’s Department of Local Affairs, further supporting the county’s mission to provide attainable housing for Eligible Households.

Housing Eagle County’s investment in Haymeadow is a testament to its dedication to supporting the workforce, engaging with the community, forming strategic partnerships, and implementing innovative programs for homebuyers, renters, and homeowners. By partnering with developers and leveraging local and state resources, Housing Eagle County is ensuring that projects like 7 Hermits at Haymeadow not only meet today’s needs but also provide lasting affordability for future generations.

“Haymeadow is an excellent example of what can be achieved through regional collaboration and a shared commitment to addressing Eagle County’s housing challenges,” noted Kim Bell Williams, Housing Director. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our 43 homebuyers made possible by the foresight of the Commissioners in partnering with this developer on new for sale units.”

“It’s hard to explain what it feels like to finally have a place to call our own,” Kenny added. “This isn’t just another condo, it’s our home, the beginning of our new future. What makes it even cooler is that, like a lot of our neighbors, this is our first time buying a place. We’re all figuring it out together, and helping them through the process has helped me learn a lot. And knowing I helped build it with my own hands? That’s something I’m really proud of.”

Beyond their home, the Haymeadow community offers countless opportunities for adventure, including mountain biking and hiking trails, miles of pristine streams, and stunning views of Gold Dust Peak, Hardscrabble Mountain, and the community’s namesake, the Seven Hermits.

A Brighter Future for Eagle County

Kenny and Jordyn’s story demonstrates the life-changing impact of Housing Eagle County and its wide range of programs and services. By partnering with landowners and developers like those at Haymeadow, the county is creating more housing units and ensuring long-term affordability. These efforts are not just about building homes, they are about fostering a thriving, welcoming community where locals can live, work, and grow.

As Eagle County continues to prioritize affordable housing, stories like Kenny and Jordyn’s serve as a reminder of what is possible when public-private partnerships, sustainable development, and innovative solutions come together. Housing Eagle County remains dedicated to creating more success stories and building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community for generations to come!

Learn more about Housing Eagle County and Homebuyer Programs today!