Colorado is one of the most beautiful states with loads of outdoor activities to enjoy. Lots of seniors retire here because they have visited the region before, and some are still looking for their ideal retirement destination. Read on to discover 10 exciting places to retire in Colorado.
1. Littletown
Littletown is a lovely suburban town that offers retirees plenty of outdoor experiences. The town is situated close to the beautiful South Platte River with its many water adventures to pursue and the majestic Rocky Mountains where the scenery is simply gorgeous.
This area also boasts a thriving downtown that draws many to its 200 plus shops and great dining venues.
This friendly community holds several popular festivals throughout the year including the Candlelight Walk and Tree Lighting winter holiday event and the Western Welcome Week that stretches out over ten fun days.
The downtown streets are intersected with lush green hiking and biking trails, and the region features exceptional healthcare facilities. This is an extraordinary place for seniors to spend their golden years if they have the slightly higher finances needed to live here comfortably.
Highlights
- Beautiful locale mountain and river views with plenty of outdoor recreational choices
- Friendly community with many events year-round
- Good healthcare facilities
- Upbeat downtown region with lots of dining and cultural venues
- Healthy minded residents with biking and hiking trails
2. Holly Hills – Denver Suburb
The friendly and low-crime Denver suburb of Holly Hills is a growing locale for families and retirees wanting that safe and close knit, community centered lifestyle. It is also just a short commute to all that Denver has to offer by way of cultural hot-spots and world-class shopping.
This town has consistently been named one of the best cities to live in this state for families and seniors and boasts lower housing options, great schools, access to the light rail and more.
Highlights
- One of the fastest growing suburbs in the state
- Ranked one of the best places to live, retire and raise families in Colorado
- Lots of restaurants and a short ride to downtown Denver
- Access to the light rail
- Low crime rate and friendly neighborhoods
- Highland Canal
- Lower cost housing for seniors and families
3. Evergreen
Evergreen is not far from Denver and features the best of mountain towns. The lovely area offers residents plenty of recreation centers, outdoor activities and fun spots, like the stunning Denver Mountain Park, and top golfing options such as the impressive Evergreen Golf Club.
Although this area can be a little expensive for some, many retirees choose to spend their later years right here.
Like Adelanto in California, the town is nestled at the base of the spectacular Rocky Mountains with outstanding nature views and scenic trails intertwined throughout the town along with opportunities for outdoor pursuits like biking, camping and water adventures.
The centrally located Evergreen Lake and Park is a popular hangout that is open year-round for fishing, ice-skating and hockey in winter and swimming, kayaking and paddle boating during the warmer summer months.
Highlights
- Lots of outdoor pursuits and scenic views
- Evergreen Lake and Park open year-round
- Impressive golfing choices
- Water activities on Evergreen Lake
- Near Denver with all its cultural draws and hot spots
- Sizable retirement population
4. Fort Collins
A vibrant city that retains a laid-back vibe that boasts its own area attractions and amenities. Located about 65 miles to the north of Denver, more retirees are finding how amazing living in Fort Collins can be as opposed to larger urban regions which traditionally have drawn seniors.
It is still the fourth largest city in Colorado. About 3/4 of the state's famed craft beers is produced here, and the state university draws many students seeking a higher education.
Outdoor adventures await just an hour's drive in the gorgeous Rocky Mountain National Park, and Horsetooth Reservoir offers residents of Fort Collins fun summertime activities on the water along with spectacular nature trails and places to ride a bike, camp or simply to watch the local wildlife.
Highlights
- Charming downtown streets with small restaurants and other attractions
- Near to Rocky Mountain National Park
- Phenomenal nature views and wildlife
- Not far from Denver and all of that city's outstanding cultural draws and features
- Named the Colorado “Napa Valley” according to residents
- Lower cost of living expenses and affordable housing
5. Salida
Salida is known for its famous Salida Hot Springs which is the largest in the state. Retirees who are interested in a variety of music, from summer concerts to harmonious performances by the Alpine Orchestra, will feel right at home here. The sizable senior crowd is steadily growing, and this area has a lot to offer.
Residents can go horseback riding on the many trails, swim or go whitewater rafting in warmer weather. Kayaking is also popular, and many well-regarded musicians and other entertainers live and perform in this magnificent Colorado town.
Highlights
- Home to the Monarch Scenic Tram
- Ski or hike in Monarch Mountain
- Riverside Park offers many events all year
- City known for its art, fine local wines and dining and outdoor adventures
- Music destination
- Location of the Salida Museum
- Amicas cook-from-scratch restaurant is a must-visit
6.Estes Park
The senior population in the rustic Colorado town of Estes Park is about 45% and growing each year. This town offers a quiet lifestyle away from the noise and hub of big city life and all of its negative downsides.
Situated near to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is the perfect retirement town if you love walking outdoors, as the area features over a hundred beautiful nature trails, opportunities for daytrips and plenty of outdoor excursions.
There are also lots of educational classes for seniors yearning to learn more, and the stunning walk along the Riverfront located downtown is a popular destination for residents wanting to get some fresh air and exercise without going far.
There are excellent healthcare facilities too which is often a drawing point for those in their twilight years.
Highlights
- Exceptionally senior-friendly retirement town
- Historic local landmarks and a quant downtown that boasts great food and Estes Park
- Outdoor pursuits and a tranquil lifestyle
- Geared for seniors who are active and prefer privacy
7. Montrose
This high desert town boasts gorgeous views, and this region has been a popular film location for those classic western movies many still love.
This city also boasts a stunning botanical garden, is the home of the Ute Indian Museum and has plenty of spots for going horseback riding or playing outdoor sports along with other fabulous adventures waiting here.
Explore the Montrose County Historical Museum and check out Montrose Water Sports Park with opportunities for kayaking, surfing and wakeboarding. This river maintains its powerful flow all year, and there are beach areas for those that desire a slower pace for their perfect water adventure.
The park also features picnic areas, disc golf and a playground along with spectacular scenic trails for hiking or biking.
Highlights
- Located in Colorado's gorgeous high desert area
- Home to several museums
- Gorgeous Montrose Botanical Gardens
- Lots of outdoor fun and recreational options
- Nearby nature trails for biking, walking or horseback riding
- Great town for western film buffs
- Montrose Water Sports Park with water activities all year
- Close to Chipeta Lake
- Traditional Mexican restaurants and ethnic foods
- Visit Montrose Farmer's Market
8. Monument
The small town of Monument has become a popular retirement place that is close to Colorado Springs and boasts topnotch senior retirement communities and superb healthcare facilities.
This is a fine retirement spot with all the attractions of big city life just a short drive away. This is the home to the historic Santa Fe Trail that winds through the center of town.
In warmer weather, go hike the nature trails, bike or ride horses, and in colder winter months, enjoy the best of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing among other outdoor pursuits. The scenic Palmer Lake Recreation Area is just to the north of city limits and offers swimming and outstanding fishing opportunities.
Highlights
- Small town vibe with access to big city sites and attractions
- Great healthcare centers
- Outstanding retirement communities
- Home of Santa Fe Trail
- Lots of trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking
- Palmer Lake Recreation Area nearby with swimming, fishing and more
- Winter activities like snowshoeing and skiing
- Lots of summer and fall community festivals
9. Golden
Golden was originally a gold rush town, but this town is a popular retirement city today with affordable housing and a close proximity to Boulder and Denver with all the draws of city living.
There are lots of medical offices and healthcare facilities, and Golden is home to Coors Brewery.
Area attractions include vintage trains and an old-world style railroad depot. Drive the Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway or walk the easy-to-manage historic Triceratops Trail and learn about dinosaurs, fossils, mammals and insects from prehistoric times.
Highlights
- Home to the 40-mile Lariat Loop National Scenic Byway
- Walk the informative historic Triceratops Trail
- Thriving retirement population with affordable housing and access to top medical facilities nearby
- Learn about the town's gold rush history
- Vintage railway depot and trains
10. Englewood
Located just a short 20-minute drive from Denver, Englewood is an idyllic place to retire. There are tons of outdoor pursuits to keep you fit and entertained all year.
These activities include adventurous whitewater rafting, outstanding golf courses, skiing in winter months and ziplining for the very brave.
Hike along the scenic Bear Creek or Platt River nature trails and visit the Gothic Theatre, the Museum of Outdoor Arts or the Fidler's Green Amphitheatre. Take your younger grandkids to Bellview Park with live animals and a vintage Miniature Train that operates seasonally.
Highlights
- Small town life with access to big city attractions nearby
- Good healthcare choices and affordable retirement housing
- Outdoor pursuits at Bear Creek and Platt River trails
- Seasonal Miniature Train and Englewood Children's Farm for young kids
- Gothic Theatre for musical performances
- Devil's Head Distillary and Exploration of Flight attractions
- Hacienda Colorado offers tempting authentic Mexican mountain food
- Blazing Star Ranch
FAQs about spending your retirement in Colorado
1. What cities in Colorado offer Retirees the most?
A: There are many cities located in Colorado that have much to offer retired individuals.
If wanting a small town feeling with nearby access to big city life, consider moving to Littletown, which has a suburban vibe, or try Estes Park for a quieter home life with lots of rugged nature scenes.
2. Are there any Colorado towns that have cultural attractions like museums, arts festivals and musical concerts that are not located in a major urban area?
A: Yes, Salida boasts many local artists and has a delightful mix of musicians and other entertainers. This city is home to Alpine Orchestra and holds several warm weather concerts as well.
3. Which Colorado towns are the most senior-friendly?
A: Consider Holly Hills just outside Denver. This city boasts a lower cost of living overall and has some of the most affordable retirement communities and topnotch healthcare in the state. Monument and Estes Park are two other places that cater to retirees.
If Colorado isn't for you, read on our top 15 US States for retirees.