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Are you a property manager in search of profitable year-round vacation rentals? If so, you've probably heard the word "micropolis." According to the Wall Street Journal, a micropolis is a town with a population between 10,000 and 49,999. In contrast to suburbs, which are often described as bedroom communities for larger cities, micorpolitans are economic hubs that attract workers and shoppers from other areas. However, they maintain their rural charm, while avoiding the characteristic crime and congestion of the big cities. The Town of Silverthorne, Colorado was used as an example.

Located in Summit County, Silverthorne combines big city conveniences with mountain town ambience. The town itself boasts a Target, Office Max and a variety of excellent restaurants and coffee shops. The Outlets of Silverthorne provide endless opportunities for discount shopping for name brand items, thereby eliminating the need to endure the chaos of big city department stores. Silverthorne shares its borders with the neighboring Town of Dillon, which is home to the City Market Supermarket, the fantastic Lake Dillon Theatre, and the Lake Dillon Marina, a popular summertime sailing venue.

The Dillon Marina also holds a series of superb summer concerts. Movie fans will be pleased to know that Dillon has a first-run movie theater. Dillon is also the future home of a new Walgreen's drugstore. The towns of Dillon and Silverthorne are so close together that people are often confused about which place they are actually visiting. That said, these two locations supply every sort of service you can possibly need. Given their close proximity to each other, you need not worry about driving time between errands and entertainment. If you'd prefer not to drive, the free Summit Stage bus goes to all of Summit County's popular destinations. If you are traveling towards Copper or Breckenridge, on the way home, you can pick up your groceries or other items at either Safeway or Wal-Mart in Frisco. From there, it's either a ten minute bus ride or a five-minute drive back to Silverthorne.

While these conveniences are certainly appreciated, Silverthorne's appeal is based on its designation as a four-season playground for the outdoor enthusiast. For snow lovers, Silverthorne is a fast drive to Keystone, Copper Breckenridge and Arapahoe Basin. Loveland is a quick drive in the opposite direction, and ambitious drivers can take a day trip to Steamboat. There's an ice rink at the corner of Highway 9 and Hamilton

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