Colorado's 8 Best Retirement Towns Ranked

Towering snow-capped mountains, pristine wilderness, quality healthcare, and affordable assisted living make Colorado an ideal retirement destination. Active retirees seeking adventure, vibrant communities, and natural beauty will find the Centennial State a perfect match. From Montrose’s dizzying canyons to the rich railroad history of Golden and the historic charm of Estes Park, these small towns each offer unique advantages. This article ranks and explores Colorado’s eight best retirement towns, covering activities, medical care, and living options to help future retirees find their perfect fit.

Montrose

Are your retirement dreams brimming with outdoor adventure? If the answer is yes, the top-ranked retirement town is Montrose. It’s a gateway to all the Rocky Mountains have to offer. Check out Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for a dizzying look at its precipitously steep canyons. It’s perfect for rock climbing and more (if you can handle the adrenaline). Montrose and Colorado’s entire Western Slope are rich with Native American heritage. Pay homage to the indigenous population by learning about their history at the Ute Indian Museum or the Montrose County Historical Museum.

Retirees can take advantage of several scenic retirement communities in the Montrose area, like Spring Creek Chalet or The Homestead at Montrose. You may also appreciate the town’s easy access to numerous highly rated healthcare facilities like Cedar Point Health. To top it off, Montrose has an affordable median home value of around $450,000, which is below the state average of $550,000.

Golden

Golden sits outside of Denver’s bustling metropolis. Its proximity to Denver (and all of its accompanying amenities, medical care options, etc.) is why those looking to stay connected to urban amenities adore it. Clear Creek runs through the center of town; its rhythmic hum is the heartbeat of this charming city. Locals float through downtown on innertubes in the summer or enjoy fishing from the banks. History buffs will have plenty to keep them busy. Visit the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave for an interesting and scenic afternoon. Similarly, the Colorado Railroad Museum offers fascinating insights into the region’s early history, complete with train cars, train rides, and guided tours.

CommonSpirit Emergency & Urgent Care is just one of the area’s medical facilities offering 24-hour care. There are several retirement communities in the small town of Golden, so don’t fret about making new friends. Clear Creek Commons is a 55+ adult community in the heart of downtown with easy access to walking and biking paths. Thanks to the amenities, the community boasts a healthy senior population that is over 2,000 strong.

Durango

Picture yourself chugging through the scenic wilderness of the San Juan National Forest on a historic train. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has carried passengers through this area’s high mountain landscapes for over 140 years. It would be a breathtaking introduction to your new surroundings in beautiful Durango.

The Villa, Luxury Senior Living, would make the perfect home base for planning your next mountain adventure. Its cheery accommodations are just minutes from historic downtown, where you can fine-tune your hobbies at Jimmy’s Music & Supply or grab a bite to eat at the Olde Tymer’s Cafe. Retirees also appreciate the area’s many healthcare options, like the five-star-rated Durango Primary Care. Moreover, over 16% of locals are above the age of 65, indicating a strong social environment for seniors.

Steamboat Springs

Several pristine mountain ranges surround Steamboat's Yampa Valley, including the Park Range, the Flat Tops, and the Uinta Mountains. They provide an awe-inspiring backdrop for Steamboat Springs’ residents. Its gorgeous locale and welcoming locals are why it earned the fourth spot on this list. Winter is a skier's paradise, so check out Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation for an annual pass. When you need to relax, Old Town Hot Springs offers soaks, massages, and many other senior-friendly recreational activities.

You can take in the scenery from Casey’s Pond, an active adult senior living community in the area. It won “Customer Experience” awards for nine consecutive years and offers a range of care options, services, and amenities to suit your retirement needs. Even outside the senior living community, retirees abound as over 18% of locals are above the age of 65.

Windsor

For those looking for a slower pace, Windsor offers a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of cultural activities to pass the time. The Windsor History Museum’s historic buildings chronicle the region’s ties to the railroad and the sugar beet boom. Admission is always free.

Eagle’s Peak is one of the best-reviewed senior accommodations in Windsor, featuring resort-style amenities and an active adult community. Retirees will also appreciate the town’s many medical care facilities, including the top-rated UCHealth Family Medicine clinic on Main Street. Active seniors will be drawn to the area’s 40+ miles of trails, perfect for cycling or long walks through the woods. The Windsor Lake Trail is especially popular with residents.

Berthoud

Berthoud brings to mind the picturesque American towns depicted in Norman Rockwell’s timeless paintings. Its cottonwood-lined parks and peaceful, historic streets will bring your retirement dreams to life. Fish, boat, or hike near Carter Lake or Flatiron Reservoir. Archers can take advantage of the range near Lon Hagler State Wildlife Area and finish their day with trail hiking and fishing. The Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum is another popular destination for history buffs.

You can pick from several retirement communities or assisted living facilities. Apple Leaf Assisted Living is particularly well reviewed. The same is true for healthcare options, with residents ranking CommonSpirity Primary Care especially high. The average home here is around $620,000, slightly higher than the state average.

Cortez

Cortez is a vibrant archaeological epicenter situated between Mesa Verde National Park and Ute Mountain Tribal Park. You can learn about the region’s historical legacy with a visit to the Cortez Cultural Center or hike through it at the nearby Hovenweep National Monument.

You can find several assisted living facilities in Cortez. BeeHive Homes is especially well reviewed, with one reviewer noting the staff are “the highest echelon of caregivers.” Healthcare is also abundant, and the AFC Urgent Care Center is a preferred option for locals. An added benefit of Cortez is its affordable median home value of around $330,000, which is $200,000 less than the state average.

Estes Park

Retirement is an opportunity to build new hobbies and expand your passions. Estes Park is the ideal setting to learn something new. Take a fly fishing lesson from Estes Angler or rent a mountain bike at Backbone Adventures. Or, perhaps you would like to change your perspective with a ride on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway.

Estes Park offers several medical care options for such a small population (fewer than 6,000 residents). UCHealth Primary Care is well-reviewed and conveniently located near the center of town. When the day is done and you need to kick up your feet, the Good Samaritan Society offers great amenities like a pool, a spa, a hair salon, and a gymnasium. It also has options for either assisted or independent living situations.

Final Thoughts

Colorado is an ideal retirement destination for active seniors. This state has no end of outdoor adventures to invigorate one's golden years. Medical care is also excellent in the Centennial State. Plus, each town listed has several retirement homes or senior communities from which to choose. Only you can decide which of Colorado’s eight best retirement towns matches your lifestyle, but this list should give you plenty to consider during your search. Happy hunting!