Article Contents
Colorado will always stand out as a captivating choice. Why? The Centennial State is home to the majestic Rocky Mountains, magnificent landscapes, and vibrant cities, and these alone make for a great retirement experience.
But as a retiree, you want more than gorgeous sights to breathe in, right? Well, as it happens, Colorado continues to be one of the top preferred locations for retirement! Let us explore why!
What is the state of Colorado like?
Colorado is located in the heart of the great American West. Surrounded by states like Utah, New Mexico, and Nebraska, the Centennial State is a diverse geography with unparalleled natural beauty. This is a point that will keep coming up no matter where you read. Colorado is just pure beauty, having been blessed with mountains with snow-capped summits, lush green forests, and quaint lakes.
There is no shortage of enigmatic views in Colorado. Most of the cities are home to such appealing sights. And as we have mentioned, there is a reason why such attractive geography always gets highlighted.
Is Colorado a good state to retire in?
One of the reasons why Colorado is a preferred state for retirement because of its landscapes. It provides a humble, cleansing appreciation for the mental state, something that seniors can take and have been taking advantage of!
Aside from such gorgeous scenarios, Colorado offers numerous benefits that make it an exceptional state for retirement. For example, the low crime rate ensures a safe and secure environment. In addition, the state is home to some excellent healthcare facilities with renowned hospitals like UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies, and SCL Health Saint Joseph Hospital, to name a few.
Moreover, Colorado’s inclusive communities create a sense of belonging that can help foster intimate social connections and a robust support system for seniors in retirement. Colorado has some of the best in the country for whichever form of senior care you are looking for, like assisted living, nursing homes, or home care agencies.
Why you should consider retiring in Colorado
Colorado is well-known for being an enigmatic portrait filled with vibrancy, picturesque mountains, and landscapes. Colorado will make a great state to live in if you are a senior edging into retirement. Now let us tell you why:
1. Colorado is a natural beauty
That means two things; living in a beautiful location with scenic views and space for recreational and outdoor activities like hiking! The awe-inspiring backdrops (which will make for great Instagram and Facebook photos) include national parks, scenic trails, and world-class ski resorts. This gives older adults in retirement boundless prospects for adventure and exploration.
2. A fit and healthy lifestyle
Colorado is committed to promoting health and wellness. Knowing that its population has the chance to take up outdoor activities to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle. If you are already living or considering Colorado for retirement, then be sure that an active and engaging lifestyle is the best you can take out of the golden years.
3. A prosperous cultural atmosphere
If you love the arts, history, and a humble ambiance that reflects the nativity of the USA, then you will want to settle down in Colorado for retirement. With thriving arts and cultural communities, the state offers a diverse array of museums, theaters, music festivals, and art galleries for retirees to indulge in and enjoy!
4. A sense of community
Retirement in another city or community should feel like a home away from home. Colorado is known to harbor a friendly and welcoming community that can help foster a strong sense of belonging. Making friends in retirement will be accessible here. Plus, with such scenic routes, plenty of stimulating activities are planned out by communities that will anchor retirees down and love Colorado!
5. Rich history with a strong heritage
Colorado is the modern home of the Old West. In towns like Durango and Leadville, you will find the charm of the Old West that you have seen in classical movies! There are also Mesa ruins in Verde National Park, one of the few heritage sites to visit. Colorado’s history and heritage add depth and intrigue for retirees wanting harmony in retirement.
The 7 best places to Live in Colorado for Retirees
Retirees can call numerous great cities in Colorado their next home. Some are relatively more affordable than others in terms of services and facilities offered (by the city and senior community). Based on factors like top cities, healthcare facilities, and prospects of finding harmony (with a gorgeous view), we have compiled the best seven cities in Colorado for retirement.
1. Denver
One of the major cities in Colorado, retirement here can be ideal. Not only is the vibrant capital city, but the city is also close to the Rocky Mountains. As a result, the retirement communities in Denver are highly exceptional in terms of facilities being provided.
2. Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a fascinating location to retire in. It is the best city to retire in Colorado. Not only is it affordable to retire here, but you will find a strong sense of community and an abundance of recreational opportunities. In addition, retirees can take advantage of excellent healthcare facilities, discover the beautiful Garden of the Gods, and enjoy numerous attractions.
3. Boulder
This city is home to some exceptional healthcare services. Memory care, for example, is relatively expensive compared to other cities. But because the healthcare system is so robust and sought after, it is worth the money! Seniors can also explore the picturesque Flatirons and breathe in a thriving arts and music atmosphere.
4. Golden
Situated on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, Golden is an ideal city if you are looking for a small-town homely retirement ambiance. Retirees can take advantage of top-notch healthcare facilities, enjoy the scenic beauty of Clear Creek and the surrounding mountains, and immerse themselves in the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
5. Fort Collins
Fort Collins in Colorado offers a lovely scenic view. This place is excellent for seniors who love recreational and adventurous activities, enjoying being taken care of, and significantly being assisted with daily living activities.
6. Pueblo
This city is known for its affordability and pleasant climate. However, what makes Pueblo a popular choice for retirees seeking a comfortable and affordable retirement destination is the decent healthcare facilities, a rich cultural heritage, and numerous recreational activities. This includes a chance to go boating on the including boating on the Arkansas River (if they are up for it).
7. Fountain
Situated just outside Colorado Springs, Fountain is another great location if you are looking for a peaceful suburban retreat. Surrounded by gorgeous landscapes, the city has some good options when it comes to retirement. What makes it easy and comforting to retire here is the accessibility (from retirement homes) to attractions and healthcare facilities.
Cost of retirement in Colorado compared to nearby states
While the cost of living in Colorado may be slightly higher than in some neighboring states like New Mexico or Utah, it is essential to note that the state’s facilities, quality of life, natural beauty, and excellent healthcare facilities more than compensate for the expenses.
Other senior care types in Colorado include memory care and independent living from respective retirement communities. Memory care in Colorado, on average, is about $5,900, with Boulder being the most expensive city for memory. For those seeing independent living, it will set you back about $2,300 per month (on average, depending on the city).
You can read the following articles, which may be helpful!
Final thoughts
Now if you have reached this far, then consider Colorado for retirement! The Centennial State offers a harmonious retirement for those looking to live a golden life amidst a serene atmosphere.
And if you would still like to learn more about retirement in Colorado, and a nearby state, read below!
FAQs
What city in Colorado has the most retirees?
While there isn’t a specific city with the highest concentration of retirees in Colorado, cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder are popular among retirees. Estes Park, for example, has an excellent retiree population. In addition, it is often a desired location in Colorado due to its close proximity to the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.
What is Colorado ranked for retirement?
Colorado has been a constant when it comes to ranking among the top states for retirement living. The Centennial State has been praised for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, healthcare quality, and other cultural offerings. However, what makes Colorado an excellent rank for retirement is the ambiance of the surroundings, which is good for a senior’s health in retirement.
What are the pros and cons of retiring in Colorado?
Suppose you are looking to retire to Colorado. In that case, one of the ideal things you can look for is the incredible landscapes, a vibrant cultural arena, a strong sense of community, and thriving healthcare facilities. However, such benefits also come with costs. The cost of living and retirement is relatively high. Furthermore, the winters in specific areas can really get cold.
Is Colorado Springs a good place to retire to?
Colorado Springs is a great city when it comes to retirement, primarily because of the mild climate and spectacular scenery. As a result, Colorado Springs has a lower retirement living cost than other cities. The city also hosts numerous cost-effective retirement communities and superb healthcare facilities.
What are the drawbacks of living in Colorado?
Most people consider the high cost of living as a significant drawback of residing in Colorado. Famous cities like Denver and Boulder can be pretty expensive. In addition, the weather conditions are harsh, especially during winter. Older adults, in particular, will face extreme winter weather conditions like snowstorms. The high altitude of specific regions in Colorado is also problematic for those with certain health conditions.
