10 Best Places To Retire In Colorado
From snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks and untouched wilderness to a relatively affordable cost of living and modern comforts without the big-city price tag, Colorado’s smaller communities have much to offer. With about 16% of the total population aged 65 and older, a median home listing price of $563,333 according to Zillow.com, and senior-friendly tax exemptions, Colorado itself is a draw for retirees, and these close-knit communities are safe bets for those looking for quieter places to spend their golden years. From Craig’s uncrowded outdoor spaces to Trinidad’s thriving arts scene, these likable small towns make for some of the state's top spots for a comfortable Colorado retirement.
Craig
Moffat County’s administrative capital, Craig, is a welcoming spot in northwestern Colorado. History buffs and new residents alike will enjoy the well-curated Museum of Northwest Colorado, which houses Native American artifacts and an acclaimed collection of Old West firearms and cowboy equipment. At Loudy-Simpson Park, locals engage in boating, fishing, whitewater rafting, nature-viewing, and picnicking activities by the Yampa River. It is particularly popular among birders, with a half-mile loop and a two-mile trail that wind through riparian habitat. For community engagement, join the Senior Social Center of Craig for movie nights; gentle movement through chair yoga, swimming, and tai chi; art classes; and other regularly scheduled events.
Alamosa
Alamosa occupies the San Luis Valley along the Rio Grande and acts as a gateway to the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. The San Luis Valley Museum is a great spot to get acquainted with the region and learn about its past. The displays and exhibits tell tales of early ranch and farm life through Native American artifacts, antiques, photographs, and collectibles. Newcomers can get more local history and travel-related information from the Colorado Welcome Center in the former Denver & Rio Grande Railroad depot downtown, and seniors enjoy the daily nutritious lunches, educational talks, social games, and fitness classes at the Alamosa Senior Citizens Center.
Trinidad
Situated on the historic Santa Fe Trail in the Purgatoire River Valley, Trinidad is one of Colorado’s southernmost towns, around 200 miles south of the state capital and just north of the New Mexican border. Take advantage of the senior citizen ticket discount and learn about Trinidad’s storied past from the interactive exhibits, heritage gardens, and two late 19th-century residences at the Trinidad History Museum.
For a bit of fresh air and outdoor recreation, the Trinidad Lake invites exploration in every season at the Trinidad Lake State Park. There are easy hiking trails, lake access for fishing and boating, and even ruins from an old coal mine at Cokedale. Art lovers can browse the work of eminent American painter Arthur Roy Mitchell and his contemporaries at the A. R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art, and seniors from all walks of life enjoy the handful of low to no-cost wellness and community programs at Mt. Carmel Wellness & Community Center.
Cañon City
At the eastern extremity of the Royal Gorge of the Arkansas River, you'll find Cañon City. The year-round mild climate earned the town its nickname, the Climate Capital of Colorado, making it appealing for many, especially retirees. Those who fancy awe-inspiring mountain vistas can take a 3-mile trip up Skyline Drive. The sharp incline and famously narrow one-way road was built by inmates in 1905 and features pull-offs for hiking and even dinosaur tracks and other ancient fossils. The heritage Cañon City & Royal Gorge Railroad offers daily sightseeing tours aboard a 1950s-era domeliner train through the base of the Royal Gorge canyon. Furthermore, residents aged 50 or older can take part in multiple activities like card playing, educational opportunities, exercise classes, nutrition programs, and informational seminars at the Golden Age Center.
Fruita
Fruita is a hospitable community in western Colorado’s Mesa County, set at 4,514 feet in the Colorado Plateau’s high desert climate zone and bordered by the Colorado River. Those curious to know about the paleontological history of the region should not miss a tour of the Dinosaur Journey Museum, which features collections of real dinosaur fossils and other hands-on exhibits. For true outdoor immersion, book a campsite and enjoy an abundance of recreational activities at James M. Robb-Colorado River State Park. The Colorado National Monument rewards day-trippers with jaw-dropping outlooks, and the Fruita Community Center is home to the local public library, as well as a seniors center for daily activities and social engagements.
Delta
Initially founded as a trading post for the indigenous Ute people, Delta is the county's most populous community. Outdoor lovers must visit Confluence Park, a 265-acre oasis replete with walking trails around the Confluence Lake, which is also great for fishing and paddling. For those who prefer indoor pursuits, the Delta County Performing Arts Center hosts varied performances and events throughout the year, including an annual concert series featuring local and visiting musicians. Just a short distance from town, the Horizons Health Care & Retirement Community extends long-term care and assisted living options, such as short-term rehabilitation, respite, and skilled nursing.
Fort Morgan
Fort Morgan sits on a plateau commanding the South Platte River, approximately 80 miles northeast of Denver. Longtime residents and newcomers alike can check out the temporary and permanent local history exhibits, including artifacts, photographs, authentic memorabilia, and animated displays at the Fort Morgan Museum & Library. Golfing is also popular here. Spread over 165 acres, the 18-hole Quail Dunes Golf Course has four tee options fit for accommodating golfers of all levels, and they offer a seniors discount for yearly memberships. Meanwhile, no matter the season, individuals aged 55 and older can stay connected with other community members through a variety of social activities, luncheons, and outdoor recreational events at the Gene Doty Senior Center.
Montrose
Besides being the surrounding area’s commercial, outdoor products manufacturing, and transportation hub, Montrose attracts new residents with its budget-friendly cost of living and easy access to cultural and social activities. The Montrose Botanic Gardens, with benches under shade and sunny picnic tables, is ideal for casual strolls and taking in the fresh air. Senior golfers can join Bridges Golf & Country Club for exclusive access to the championship 18-hole golf course with impressive mountain views, as well as Remington's Restaurant and a full-service clubhouse.
Right outside the town limits, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park’s flat rim trails and vantage points are accessible by car, including the Painted Wall and East Portal Road, which leads all the way down to the river. When it comes to housing, the Homestead at Montrose offers affordable housing units and a range of options for assisted living services and in-home personal care delivered by specially trained, friendly staff.
Lamar
Lamar is a laidback community in southeastern Colorado’s Prowers County that appeals to retirees for all the reasons mentioned above. For people inclined towards the outdoors, the North Gateway Park is a lovely spot for hiking, fishing, birdwatching, kayaking, picnicking, and taking relaxing walks. Likewise, Lamar’s first planned park, Willow Creek, provides a perfect setting for gatherings and leisurely afternoons.
The town also hosts a range of community events throughout the year, such as the annual Lamar Days Rod Run, with three days of parades, car shows, and vendor booths. In winter, or anytime the mood strikes for some indoor activities, the LaMar Theater is a favorite spot for watching a variety of movies and live shows. Additionally, Prowers County residents aged 50 and up are invited to take advantage of daily events tailored for them from Monday to Friday at the Lamar Resource & Senior Center, including pool and snooker, card games, and bingo.
Frederick
A spirited Weld County town, Frederick presents a nice balance between small-town living and access to urban amenities in nearby Greeley. Downtown's pedestrian-friendly streets and sidewalks invite browsing in local boutiques like Josephine & Grace, for gifts and home decor, and hearty meals at Southern-style barbecue restaurants like Georgia Boys.
Inquisitive minds can gain insight into the region’s rich coal-mining heritage at the Miners Memorial Museum, while community members often gather at Crist Park to play games, picnic, and enjoy one of Frederick's most popular green spaces. Moreover, the Carbon Valley Recreation Center provides community-based recreational programs for all ages, hosting facilities like an indoor pool, full-court gymnasium, and fitness studio.
From the historical town of Fort Morgan in the Eastern Plains to the riverside community of Fruita in the west, these towns boast affordable living without sacrificing quality of life. If you are searching for communities with the right balance of pristine natural surroundings, property prices well below the state median, and easy access to services and amenities for seniors, these Colorado communities are worth a closer look.
