What are the Best Places to Retire in Colorado?
We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for the best places to retire in Colorado. This picturesque state has a lot to offer retirees, including senior-friendly tax policies, health care costs lower than the national average, a vibrant cultural scene, and MOUNTAINS. So many mountains; this place is a United States paradise for hikers, skiers, and anyone who thinks that Florida is just too flat. We’ve checked with various sources, looking at nearby hospitals, housing costs, and amenities to find five of the best cities to retire in the Centennial State!
5. Holly Hills
Ranked the #1 place to live in the state by Niche, Holly Hills scores straight As in nearly every category, including retiree friendliness. Located in the state’s capital, Holly Hills is tucked between downtown Denver and the Denver Tech Center, placing it near top-rated restaurants, excellent shopping, and world-class medical centers.
Yet, despite being within the largest city in the state, Holly Hills maintains a quiet, suburban feel, with spacious yards and plenty of parks to wander through. The suburb is served by Denver’s light rail system, meaning access to the city center is easy even without a car. If you’re looking to retire to Colorado, it’s hard to go wrong with Holly Hills.
4. Estes Park
If you want your skyline to be more mountains than skyscrapers, Estes Park is the place for you. This popular resort town serves as the headquarters for Rocky Mountain National Park, and is surrounded by nature.
If you enjoy any sort of outdoor activity, from golfing to fishing to hiking, Estes Park has something for you. A large senior population also means you’ll find plenty of friends in this mountain town. Just be prepared to pay out, housing prices here are noticeably higher than average. Still, if you’ve dreamed of living in the heart of the Rockies, it can be well worth the money.
3. Pueblo
If you’re looking for somewhere affordable, Pueblo offers some of the lowest housing prices in the state of Colorado. Located on the Arkansas River, Pueblo has a median home value of just $141,000, far lower than the $700k+ value in Estes Park. However, don’t think that low cost means low value: Pueblo is one of the best cities to retire in the country.
Fans of the outdoors will find plenty of fishing, biking, and hiking opportunities. Looking for something more sedate? Take a boat along the historic riverwalk, or visit one of the city’s many museums. If you’re a foodie, Pueblo is heaven, filled with restaurants, breweries, and food trucks serving local produce.
If you’re looking for a culinary thrill, try Pueblo Chile. This local pepper ranges in heat from a paltry 5,000 Scoville units (roughly on par with the average jalapeno) to a surprisingly spicy 20,000 (on par with a hotter serrano). While nowhere near as spicy as the Carolina Reaper (which clocks in at a mouth-melting 2,200,000!!), this regional pepper’s pleasant heat will surely put a spring in your step!
2. Grand Junction
Located in Colorado wine country, Grand Junction is located near Colorado’s National Monument, which, despite the name, is far more than a mere landmark. Filled with scenic canyons and rock formations that border on the surreal, you can feel the age of the Earth around you as you drive through the scenic roads near this city.
After marveling at the sublime power of nature, you can enjoy locally sourced wines as you explore Grand Junction’s vibrant cultural scene. The only caveat is that, while housing is relatively affordable, healthcare is fairly pricey here. Keep that in mind when shopping for insurance!
1. Fruita
Ending our list of best places to live in Colorado for retirees, Fruita is also located near the National Monument, but offers a much quieter vibe than nearby Grand Junction.
Named for its former role as a fruit-producing region, Fruita is better known as the heart of Colorado’s dinosaur country (no, that’s not a tasteless retirement joke). Fruita is packed with paleontologists, and scientifically-minded guests can even join a dinosaur dig to find fossils of their own. Grandkids will surely get a thrill living out their Jurassic Park fantasies while you can explore the wonders of the Colorado wilderness.
1. Fruita
Ending our list of best places to live in Colorado for retirees, Fruita is also located near the National Monument, but offers a much quieter vibe than nearby Grand Junction.
Named for its former role as a fruit-producing region, Fruita is better known as the heart of Colorado’s dinosaur country (no, that’s not a tasteless retirement joke). Fruita is packed with paleontologists, and scientifically-minded guests can even join a dinosaur dig to find fossils of their own. Grandkids will surely get a thrill living out their Jurassic Park fantasies while you can explore the wonders of the Colorado wilderness.
No matter where you go in Colorado, we’re here to help. Our free comparison tool offers up to date reviews, ratings, and violation records for nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the Centennial State at beyond. Enter your zip code to begin your search today!
