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SOCIAL <br /> The social considerations that affect property values in this region are <br /> largely quality of life considerations. La Plata County and the City of Durango offer <br /> clean air and the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains, abundant outdoor <br /> recreational opportunities, a good educational system afforded by the public <br /> schools and Fort Lewis College, good medical and other necessary services and <br /> cultural opportunities afforded by the presence of the college in the community. <br /> ECONOMIC <br /> The major economic considerations affecting the City of Durango and La <br /> Plata County are the same as those discussed for the overall region above. The <br /> importance of the tourist sector can be inferred from hotel/motel sales and <br /> prepared food and beverage sales, which made up 7% and 14%, respectively, of <br /> the City's retail sales in 2015. <br /> The Durango to Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a major tourist <br /> attraction in the City of Durango. It has an average of approximately 150,000 <br /> riders per year. It reached a peak ridership of 213,000 people in 1992. In addition <br /> to the regular season, the ridership is increased by approximately 25,000 <br /> passengers for special events such as the Pumpkin Patch, Thomas the Tank <br /> Engine, the Polar Express and Dinosaur Train. <br /> The Durango Mountain Resort, formerly known as Purgatory Ski Resort, is <br /> another major tourist draw. Visitation is approximately 250,000 to 300,000 skiers <br /> per season. <br /> 44 <br />