7 Best Small Towns to Retire in The Rockies in 2024
Whether it’s the sun-kissed mountain views of Sun Valley, Idaho, the small-town charm of Golden, British Columbia, or the riverside ambiance of Salida, Colorado, these small towns are where retirement dreams meet reality. Learn how to play the ukulele in Canmore, Alberta, take a road trip through the rugged Bighorn Mountains in Sheridan, Wyoming, snowshoe in Fernie, British Columbia, or relax and rejuvenate in the mineral waters of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, these Rocky Mountain towns offer endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and new experiences in the second chapter of life.
Sun Valley, Idaho
In the scenic Wood River Valley sits Sun Valley—a picturesque mountain town with a population of around 1,500. With a rumored 250 days of sunshine a year, Sun Valley, Idaho, is the perfect small town to put on a sunhat and retire in the majestic Rocky Mountains. But if “retiring” isn’t part of the retirement plan, Sun Valley has more things to do than imaginable. There’s hiking, day-tripping, mountain biking, fishing, and more than 81 holes of golf to play in the area. Oh, and there is lots of skiing at Sun Valley Resort’s two mountains, which cover 2000 acres of terrain.
The town features upscale shops, restaurants, and cultural events, making it an attractive destination for retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle with a funky mountain vibe. The Chocolate Foundry is a one-stop sweet shop for soft-serve ice cream, fudge, jelly beans, and milkshakes, while Konditorei serves Austrian-inspired cuisine with an all-day brunch menu that also features signature cocktails like “The Mimosa Flight,” “Mexican Mocha,” and a vodka-infused “Wake Me Up.”
Sun Valley, Idaho, has a relatively low cost of living and a crime rate below the national average, making it a good retirement option. Residents have access to quality healthcare facilities and services at St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center, which provides comprehensive medical care and specialized treatment options.
Golden, British Columbia
Golden, British Columbia, is situated amidst stunning mountain scenery. The Canadian town is an ideal place for people who enjoy small-town living to retire. It offers active seniors ample summer hiking opportunities and skiing at nearby resorts like Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, followed by lunch on the mountaintop at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant. Other recreational activities include walking the 151-foot Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Golden or exploring Glacier National Park, one of six Canadian National Parks.
It has a relatively low crime rate, more affordable housing options than some other Rocky Mountain towns, and a lower cost of living than in larger urban centers, particularly housing costs. Retirees on fixed incomes may find their retirement savings go further in a smaller community like Golden. The Golden and District General Hospital serves residents' healthcare needs and offers a range of health services for seniors through its partner network.
Golden has a friendly, laid-back atmosphere with small-town charm and a tight-knit community feel that makes retirees feel right at home. The Golden & Region Seniors Society helps seniors by offering various opportunities to socialize and meet friends, including dynamic group activities like painting and drawing, Sit & Stretch yoga, Silver Sneakers Fitness, bridge, Cribbage, Bingo, and more.
Salida, Colorado
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, Salida, Colorado, boasts stunning mountain views, nearby rivers for fishing and rafting, and numerous hiking and walking trails. The Salida River Trail is a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail, generally considered an easy route accessible via Riverside Park near downtown Salida. The trail follows the Arkansas River as it winds its way through Salida, and along the way, there are numerous spots to sit and enjoy the river. There are also local shops and restaurants next to the pathway for the perfect urban pit stop, like The Boathouse on the Arkansas River or Soggy Surfer, where dogs are always welcome on the patio.
Despite its small size, the town offers a variety of cultural amenities, some hosted at the SteamPlant Event Center. Originally the Salida Edison Electric Light Company, the city purchased the circa 1887 historic building a century later. Today, the SteamPlant is a thriving part of the arts and culture community and includes art galleries, theaters, an outdoor sculpture garden, a riverside plaza, and a ballroom.
The town's historic downtown area is home to charming shops, restaurants, and cafes, providing plenty of opportunities for retirees to socialize and meet their neighbors. Salida boasts a low crime rate, affordable housing options, and access to healthcare facilities like Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center.
Canmore, Alberta
Active seniors may need help finding a more perfect place to retire than Canmore, Alberta. Tucked away in the Canadian Rockies, Canmore has breathtaking mountain views, outdoor activities, and a relatively low crime rate. While housing prices can be higher due to its proximity to Banff National Park, they are more affordable than in Banff itself. Canmore General Hospital serves the healthcare needs of residents.
Canmore has a vibrant seniors community facilitated by the Canmore Seniors Association, which provides opportunities for socializing, learning, and keeping fit physically and mentally. With organized trips, shopping excursions, and classes in everything from ukulele to line dancing and juggling, it’s never too young to find a new passion. They sponsor a Lifelong Learning series with experts who share their experience and knowledge twice monthly.
Whether retirees prefer exploring Banff National Park, skiing at nearby resorts like Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, or simply taking leisurely walks along the Bow River, there are activities to suit every interest and fitness level. Canmore has a busy arts scene, numerous festivals, and a range of amenities, including restaurants and shops like Cafe Books, an independent bookstore, The Wood restaurant and lounge serving American-style cuisine and beer on tap, and The Tin Box lifestyle shop selling handmade artisanal crafts and homewares—all located on Main Street in downtown Canmore.
Sheridan, Wyoming
Sheridan is in the beautiful Bighorn Mountains region of Wyoming. The area is about 150 miles long and 30 miles wide and offers spectacular natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Bighorn Scenic Highway is a relaxing way to discover the Bighorns, which takes viewers by canyons, mountains, fishing streams, and the stunning 120-foot Shell Falls. Another route to explore by car is the Cloud Peak Byway, which takes drivers through Ten Sleep Canyon and over Powder River Pass, offering retirees a view of the highest point in the Bighorns—the 13,167-foot Cloud Peak. Along the way, watch for moose, elk, and bears.
Sheridan offers retirees a relatively low crime rate, affordable housing options, a lower cost of living compared to many other parts of the United States, particularly in terms of housing costs, and access to healthcare services at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. The town boasts a thriving cultural scene with art galleries, theaters, and museums. Spend an afternoon at the Museum at the Bighorns and explore the history of the American West from the early men and women who settled in Sheridan. Sheridan’s theaters offer musical performances, community events, and movie screenings,
Fernie, British Columbia
Fernie is a charming mountain town in the Elk Valley with a population of around 5,200. Known for its historic downtown, outdoor recreation opportunities, and vibrant arts scene, Fernie offers retirees a laidback, relaxed lifestyle and plenty of outdoor activities, like all Rocky Mountain towns. These activities include skiing, snowmobiling, curling in winter, mountain biking, fly fishing, and hiking when the weather gets warmer. The Fernie Alpine Resort has over 14 trails, ranging from easy to difficult, and also has chairlift-accessed sightseeing. Mount Fernie Provincial Park has easy trails through a lush forest, perfect for summer walks or winter snowshoeing.
While Fernie may be a small town, Elk Valley Hospital cares for the community’s health needs. Despite its size, Fernie offers a range of amenities such as shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. In town, the Fernie Arts Co-Op displays local and regional art, the Fernie Heritage Library offers books and programs in a beautiful heritage building, and the Waipiti Music Festival is Fernie’s premier music event held every summer. So retirees can rest assured that they can access essential services and leisure activities without traveling far from home.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Renowned for its world-class skiing and hot springs, Steamboat Springs offers year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and tubing. Located in the Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs has a population of around 13,000 and typically maintains a low crime rate, ensuring retirees feel safe in their new community. Housing prices tend to be lower compared to other resort towns.
Early settlers to the area named the town “Steamboat Springs” after discovering the natural mineral springs and associating the sound of the steam escaping from the springs with the sound of a steamboat. So, what better way to explore the town's history than by taking a self-guided tour of the mineral springs? The Old Town Hot Springs in the center of town is a family-friendly facility for recreation and rejuvenation and a great way to start off any day. Strawberry Park Hot Springs is another popular spot with a range of soaking pools and varying temperatures, and it is easily accessible from downtown Steamboat Springs or the Steamboat Ski Area by shuttle.
These seven small towns in the Rockies offer retirees a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and community. From picturesque mountain views to cultural charm and urban amenities, these destinations provide an idyllic backdrop for retirees seeking tranquility and fulfillment in their later years. With opportunities for hiking, skiing, river activities, vibrant arts scenes, and tight-knit senior communities, these towns promise an enriching retirement experience against the backdrop of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.
