7 Most Affordable Towns To Retire In Colorado Plateau
When planning for retirement, many people look for locations that offer a peaceful and vibrant lifestyle, surrounded by natural beauty and a strong sense of community. For retirees considering the Colorado Plateau region as their retirement destination, several charming towns provide affordability without compromising quality of life. The following seven communities offer an excellent cost of living, great access to medical care, and many activities to keep senior adults enjoying their golden years.
Cortez, Colorado
Cortez is an excellent place for retirees who value affordability and adventure. The town provides easy access to the stunning Mesa Verde National Park, where visitors can explore ancient cliff dwellings and scenic trails. Hovenweep National Monument is about fifty miles west in Utah and offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Native American tribes who called the Plateau region their home. The Sand Canyon Trail is a 6.5-mile (one-way) hike featuring many historic archaeological sites and scenic views. With over 600 miles of parks, trails, and open spaces, there are plenty of areas for active seniors to explore, whether hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding.
Cortez offers a low cost of living compared to other parts of Colorado, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious retirees. Additionally, the town boasts excellent healthcare facilities, including Southwest Memorial Hospital, a small 23-bed facility that can handle most situations. The median price for a home is $377,000, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1300.
The Farm Bistro is a popular local eatery that has been serving "comfort food with style" since 2009. The restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients and award-winning burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Several wineries are located near the town, including Sutcliffe Vineyards and Yellow Car Country Wines, which offer pleasant tastings of locally grown wines.
Page, Arizona
Page is a charming town located on the southern shores of Lake Powell, close to popular attractions such as Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. The town is known for its affordability and abundance of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. There are stunning desert landscapes for seniors to explore, and the town's proximity to Lake Powell has made it a lovely tourist resort town with pleasant amenities,
The median price for a home in Page is $422,000. Despite its small size, the town has adequate healthcare facilities, including Page Hospital, a 25-bed critical care facility. Additionally, the community hosts events such as art fairs, concerts, and gatherings, including the Arts Festival in the spring and a popular balloon regatta in the fall.
After exploring the many scenic canyons and trails in the area, spend some time in the downtown district in Page. There are several excellent restaurants in town, but three of the best are Bonkers, Ranch House Grill, and State 48 Tavern and Taproom. The new Grand Canyon Brewery offers a wonderful selection of hand-crafted beers, spirits, and ready-to-drink cocktails. If you visit, skip the chain motels and opt for less pretentious bed and breakfast inns like the Bear's Den B&B, with nice accommodations and a made-to-order breakfast.
Cedar City, Utah
In the heart of southwestern Utah sits Cedar City, beckoning retirees with its stunning red rock landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and welcoming community atmosphere. The community acts as the entryway to some of the state's most famous national parks, including Zion and Bryce Canyon, which provide retirees with boundless opportunities for outdoor activities. Hiking enthusiasts can discover the nearby Cedar Breaks National Monument, famous for its stunning scenery and numerous trails. Cedar City is also home to the celebrated Utah Shakespeare Festival. This event attracts theater fans from all over the world with its world-class performances of Shakespearean plays and other classic works.
The median price for a home in Cedar City is $425,000. Retirees can enjoy adequate access to medical care through Cedar City Hospital, a 48-bed facility equipped to handle all medical situations. With affordable grocery, fuel, and utility expenses, this small town of 37,206 residents is becoming an attractive option for older adults.
Centro Woodfired Pizzeria is a must-visit eatery that serves traditional Italian recipes made with locally grown ingredients. Try The Big Yellow Inn, an upscale bed and breakfast in a historic Georgian Revival home, for a memorable stay.
Grand Junction, Colorado
Grand Junction sits on the Western slope of the Rockies in Grand Mesa National Forest. The town is the gateway to the stunning Colorado National Monument, where retirees can explore scenic drives, hiking trails, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the canyons below. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for adventure, from mountain biking along the famed Kokopelli Trail to fishing and boating on the serene waters of the Grand Mesa. The town's mild climate, with over 300 days of sunshine annually, allows retirees to enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
The town also has several historic venues, including the Museum of the West and Eureka! McConnell Math and Science Museum. The downtown district has developed an energetic and vibrant spirit, where seniors will find plenty of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. When you visit, ensure you visit Bin 707, a modern farm-to-table award-winning restaurant run by James Beard-nominated chef John Niemberg.
The median home price is $467,000. St. Mary's Medical Center and Community Hospital provide excellent medical services for residents. St. Mary's is the largest hospital between Salt Lake and Denver, with 310 beds, and Community Hospital is a 60-bed level three trauma center. With over 20% of the residents aged 65 and over, it is easy to see why this community attracts seniors.
Winslow, Arizona
If you are traveling on historic Route 66, chances are you passed through Winslow, Arizona. This small, simple community offers retirees a blend of affordability, history, and small-town charm. The town is known for being the location mentioned in the Eagles hit song, "Take It Easy." Retirees can explore nearby attractions like the Petrified Forest National Park or enjoy fishing and boating on Clear Creek Reservoir. Residents can participate in local events such as the annual Standin' on the Corner Festival, which celebrates Winslow's musical heritage with live performances and classic car shows.
The La Posada Hotel is a magnificent masterpiece with beautiful gardens, luxurious rooms, and many amenities. The Turquoise Room in the La Posada Hotel is considered the best restaurant in town. It is a high-end, award-winning restaurant that can be expensive but worth the visit. If you prefer a more casual experience, the RelicRoad Brewing Company is an excellent choice. They offer delicious burgers and Reubens and a wide selection of craft beers.
The median home price is $219,000, making it one of the most affordable places to live in the Colorado Plateau region. The Little Colorado Medical Center is a 25-bed hospital with effective patient care. With a cost of living 14% less than the national average and very reasonable utility and housing costs, many baby boomers consider it a place to live out their golden years.
Kanab, Utah
Kanab, known as "Little Hollywood" for its history of being a filming location for Western movies, is a welcoming community for retirees. With its stunning red rock landscapes and proximity to attractions like the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Kanab offers retirees ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. Buckskin Gulch is a gorgeous canyon with stone walls that shimmer with hundreds of shades of pink and red hues. The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is a national animal welfare agency where visitors can stay on the property and help care for horses, cats, dogs, and other abandoned pets.
The median home price is $590,000. Kanab has one of the highest percentages of retirees in the state (21.8%), and there is strong community support for seniors. Medical care is provided by Kane County Hospital, a 25-bed facility that is equipped to handle any need. In addition, the town's low crime rate provides peace of mind for retirees seeking to live there.
There are plenty of dining choices in Kanab, but two of the best are the Sego Restaurant and The Wild Thyme Cafe. The best time to visit is during the Western Legends Heritage and Music Festival, a must-attend event for anyone who loves anything Cowboy. The festival is a two-day celebration of music and history, celebrating life in the Old West.
Blanding, Utah
Blanding is another small town in the Colorado Plateau surrounded by stunning red rock landscapes and ancient archaeological sites. It is near Goosenecks State Park, which offers tremendous views of the San Juan River, which snakes its way through canyons some thousand feet below. Primitive camping facilities and miles of uncrowded trails offer the perfect adventure for senior outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, the Natural Bridges National Monument offers a nine-mile loop with several stopping points and small trails that lead to excellent scenic views.
The median home price is $425,000. Blue Mountain is a tiny hospital (11 beds), so most residents travel 18 miles to Monticello or the hour-long drive to Moab. With a significantly lower crime rate than the national average, Blanding offers senior adults a tranquil, quiet existence.
The community hosts events like stargazing adventures, and this location is one of the best places in the country to enjoy the constellations. Yaks Cafe is a favorite local restaurant for breakfast and lunch in town, with good-sized portions and excellent value. The Stone Lizard Lodge is Blanding's first hotel, built in the sixties, but today, it has been transformed into an excellent place to stay, with many modern amenities.
The Colorado Plateau is home to a wealth of charming towns that offer retirees an affordable and fulfilling lifestyle amidst breathtaking natural beauty. These towns offer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, access to quality healthcare, low living costs, and various activities tailored for seniors. Whether exploring ancient ruins, hiking through red rock canyons, or simply enjoying the tranquility of small-town life, retirees will find the perfect retirement destination in the heart of the Colorado Plateau.
