Trying to decide between Frisco and Dillon for your Summit County base? You are not alone. Both towns sit on Lake Dillon and offer mountain living, but they feel different day to day. In this guide, you will compare walkability, lake access and marinas, ski access, and housing so you can choose the town that fits your lifestyle. Let’s dive in.
Quick snapshot: Frisco vs. Dillon
- Frisco: Larger, very walkable Main Street vibe with restaurants, shops, and easy access to the Frisco Bay Marina and town-run recreation like the Adventure Park. It tends to carry higher median home prices in recent snapshots.
- Dillon: Smaller footprint with a strong lakeside focus around Marina Park and the Dillon Marina. It offers quick I-70 and Keystone access and very straightforward boating logistics.
Walkability and daily vibe
Frisco’s Main Street energy
If you want to park the car and stroll, Frisco delivers. Main Street is compact and lined with dining, retail, galleries, and services, and many condos and townhomes sit within a short walk. The Frisco Bay Marina anchors the east end of Main Street, so you can go from coffee to the shoreline in minutes. Town-run amenities like the Frisco Adventure Park add year-round activities close to town.
Dillon’s lakefront and events
Dillon’s core is concentrated along Lake Dillon Drive by Marina Park and the amphitheatre, so much of the action happens right on the water. Farmers markets and concerts are a short walk from nearby condos and lodging. If you picture sunsets by the marina and community programming by the lake, Dillon fits that image. Explore services and programs via the Town of Dillon marina page.
Lake access and marinas in 2026
Frisco Bay Marina status for 2026
Frisco has invested in its marina over the years, including dredging and a long-term master plan, and it remains a central part of town life. For summer 2026, there is a key update: Frisco staff reported to Town Council on Feb 10, 2026 that docks and the boat ramp are expected not to be available for the 2026 boating season due to record-low snowpack and Denver Water guidance. The marina plans to scale up dry storage and continue moorings instead. Review the Town’s update for details and check for changes before you plan your season by visiting the council recap and the Frisco Bay Marina page.
Dillon Marina options
The Dillon Marina is promoted as a full-service, deep-water marina with slip rentals, rentals for sail and power boats, and lakeside dining. If your top priority is simple, on-the-water logistics, Dillon is the straightforward example for slip and launch access in most years. Because demand is high, always confirm current availability and waitlists with the Dillon Marina directly.
Proximity to ski areas and transit
Frisco is centrally placed to multiple resorts. In typical driving conditions, plan about 9 miles or roughly 15 minutes to Breckenridge and about 6 miles or roughly 10 minutes to Copper Mountain. Dillon sits right off I-70 and is closer to Keystone, usually under 10 to 15 minutes by car. These are illustrative times based on local travel guides and can vary with weather and traffic; see the regional overview from Peak 1 Express for context.
Both towns connect to the county’s free Summit Stage bus network, which links Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, and the resort bases. To reduce driving or pair with an airport shuttle, use the route info from Summit Stage listings.
Homes and prices at a glance
Prices shift month to month, so use these as dated snapshots and expect variation by property type and location.
- Frisco: As of Dec 2025, Realtor.com reported a median home price of about $1,260,000. The core neighborhoods include many condos and townhomes near Main Street, plus a limited number of single-family homes, which supports higher per-unit prices.
- Dillon: As of Jan 2026, Redfin reported a median sale price around $820,000. The mix leans toward condo and townhome communities near the marina and along the lake and I-70 corridor, with newer planned developments in the area.
In both towns, condos near the lake or village core can range from the mid six figures to over $1 million depending on size, condition, and views. Larger townhomes and single-family homes in Frisco commonly exceed $1 million. Waterfront, marina-adjacent, or resort-proximate properties in Dillon can command premiums similar to Frisco on a case-by-case basis.
If you plan to rent your home when you are not here, know that short-term rental rules and HOA policies vary by town, neighborhood, and building. Review town and HOA guidelines during due diligence to match your goals.
Which town fits you best?
- Choose Frisco if you want a walkable, small-town Main Street with restaurants and shops, easy access to the shoreline, and town-run recreation like the Adventure Park and Nordic trails. You value being central to multiple ski areas and you do not need guaranteed on-site slip access in 2026.
- Choose Dillon if you want a lake-first lifestyle, short walks to the marina and Marina Park, very quick access to I-70 and Keystone, and the most straightforward boating logistics. Confirm slip or launch details with the marina office because demand and operations can change.
- Choose either if you are investing for rental potential. Both towns draw strong seasonal demand. Your best fit will come down to building-level HOA rules, town licensing, and how your target guest prioritizes lake access, walkability, and resort proximity.
How we help you decide
Buying in the mountains is about fit, not just price per square foot. You deserve clear guidance on lifestyle, access, and the practical details that shape daily living, from marina operations to HOA policies. Our team brings local, neighborhood-level knowledge across Summit County, plus hands-on help with the technical pieces that can impact value and enjoyment.
Ready to compare on-the-ground options, walk a few blocks of Main Street, or tour lakefront condos? Start a conversation with Breckenridge Mountain Brokers. We will listen to your goals, map the tradeoffs, and help you land the home that truly fits.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Frisco and Dillon?
- Frisco offers a larger, more walkable Main Street experience with town-run amenities and central access to multiple resorts. Dillon has a smaller, lakeside core with very direct marina access and quick I-70 and Keystone access.
Can I get a boat slip in Frisco for summer 2026?
- The Town of Frisco reported on Feb 10, 2026 that marina docks and the boat ramp are expected not to be available for the 2026 season due to low water. Dry storage will scale up and moorings will continue. Check the latest status on the Town Council recap.
How close are Frisco and Dillon to ski resorts?
- In typical conditions, Frisco is about 15 minutes to Breckenridge and 10 minutes to Copper, while Dillon is under 10 to 15 minutes to Keystone. Times vary with weather and traffic; see the regional travel guide for context.
What are current home prices in Frisco and Dillon?
- As of Dec 2025, Frisco’s median home price was about $1,260,000 per Realtor.com. As of Jan 2026, Dillon’s median sale price was around $820,000 per Redfin. Prices update monthly and vary by property type and location.
Do I need a car to get around in Frisco or Dillon?
- Not necessarily. The free Summit Stage bus connects towns and resorts, and private airport shuttles serve the corridor. Check routes and timing via the Summit Stage listings.
