6 Wallet-Friendly Small Towns To Retire In Colorado

Retiring in Colorado means living in the natural surroundings of one of the Mountain States, with about half of Colorado’s area in the Rocky Mountains. Colorado offers a cheaper cost of living than many coastal metro areas, offering an appealing lifestyle. It is made up of busy urban areas, secluded open spaces, alpine roads, dry desert cliffs, and small rural towns with deep history.

Colorado is appealing to retirees due to its tax-friendly qualities. The state allows a significant deduction for retirement income for people 65 and older. It has a modest statewide sales tax and property tax rates that are low by national standards. With a median home value of $540,000, it can be challenging for retirees to find an affordable home in Colorado. However, these 6 small towns boast house prices below the state median.

Canon City

Canon City is tucked between the Royal Gorge and the Arkansas River. Despite only being about 45 minutes west of the larger city of Pueblo, Canon City boasts cheaper home costs than the state median at $339,000, according to Zillow. One of the world’s highest suspension bridges, the Royal Gorge Bridge, hangs about 956 feet above the Arkansas River. For retirees who favor less adrenaline-inducing outdoor time, the Arkansas River provides ample opportunities for fishing.

The Golden Age Center runs a variety of activities to encourage engagement among seniors, including sewing, quilting, educational programs, and dances. St. Thomas More Hospital is a cornerstone of healthcare services in the community with 24-hour emergency and acute care services. Canon Lodge Care Center is suitable for individuals in need of short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, or post-operative recovery, with the added bonus of nearby shops and restaurants being easily accessible.

Alamosa

Not many retirees can say they retired affordably in a town near a National Park. But residents of Alamosa can enjoy median house costs of $313K, and, on a clear day, enjoy views of the sand dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park from town. The park is great for hiking, camping, and stargazing. The San Luis Valley Museum details the history of the region and its settlers. The Alamosa Senior Citizens Inc. runs social activities, educational workshops, and health resources for hundreds of seniors within the community.

San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center is capable of providing a diverse range of care, such as general medical and surgical care and intensive care. Evergreen Nursing Home is conveniently located only six blocks away from the hospital and offers weekly excursions and activities with 24-hour nursing care. It is an ideal setting for individuals in need of short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, or post-operative recovery.

Monte Vista

Monte Vista is known for its expansive mountain vistas with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east and the San Juan Mountains to the west. Many day trips are accessible from Monte Vista. This great location is combined with real estate lower than the state median, with house prices at $269K. The Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge provides crucial feeding, resting, and breeding habitat for over 200 bird species and other wildlife. There are many trails and wildlife viewing events throughout the year. The Sunflour Café is known for house-made pies, warm pastries, and a welcoming atmosphere.

While there is no senior center in town, the Alamosa Senior Center in the nearby town of Alamosa welcomes residents of Monte Vista aged 50 and older. They provide hot lunches every weekday and host many events such as line dancing, bingo, and sewing and knitting groups. The Rio Grande Hospital Monte Vista Clinic is open Monday through Friday. There is also a drive-thru pharmacy located in town, which is open Monday through Friday just like the clinic.

Trinidad

Trinidad is one of the southernmost Colorado towns, only thirteen miles north of the New Mexico border. Trinidad boasts affordable housing at $237K paired with activities to keep retirees busy. Trinidad Lake lies in the foothills west of town, allowing active seniors to enjoy year-round recreation such as camping, fishing, hiking, and seasonal boating. The Mt. Carmel Wellness Center hosts a variety of community events and provides a number of low to no-cost wellness and community programs for all ages, including seniors. Retirees can enjoy discounted senior prices at the Trinidad History Museum, which preserves the history of Trinidad.

Mt. San Rafael Hospital is a critical access facility serving the medical and surgical needs of the residents of Trinidad and surrounding areas, providing general medical and surgical care for inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room patients. Retirees requiring additional support will feel at home in The Legacy at Trinidad Assisted Living & Memory Care, which features private apartments for each senior and 24-hour staff supervision.

La Junta

Retirees of La Junta will enjoy exploring its historic downtown district with many distinctive buildings and local businesses, and affordable real estate prices at $161K. Bent’s Old Fort is a historic fur trading post that has been brought back to life through guided tours and educational reenactments. Retirees can catch a movie downtown at the Fox Theatre, which offers senior discounts.

The Senior Center provides social activities, meals, and educational opportunities for over 500 members in the community. Some of the events and activities they host include bingo, pottery, and exercise classes. The Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center provides general medical and surgical care for inpatient, outpatient, and emergency room patients, with emergency room services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Lamar

Lamar is a quiet, rural town in southeast Colorado with affordable real estate below the state median, sitting at $172K for a home. John Martin Reservoir State Park has ample opportunities to fish, either from a boat or from the shore. Big Timbers Museum is situated on the historic Santa Fe Trail and preserves the history and heritage of southeast Colorado. The Lamar Senior Center hosts multiple daily activities between Monday and Friday for residents aged 50 and older.

Prowers Medical Center is a critical access hospital in Lamar that provides an array of services and is staffed by highly skilled doctors, providers, and nurses. Legacy Assisted Living of Lamar provides its residents with three meals a day and social activities and is within close proximity to the hospital.

Wallet-Friendly Retirement

If you are getting close to retirement age and thinking about the next chapter of your life, consider Colorado a place to settle. The towns in this guide offer regular access to the outdoors with mountain backdrops, senior programs, and nearby clinics, along with home prices below the statewide median. If the landscape is not the main draw for you, the lower housing costs and tax-friendly policies might tempt you. Each of these communities supports a steady routine: errands close by, parks and trails for free time, and ways to stay connected, so you can plan a retirement that fits your budget and your pace.