12 Best Places To Retire in Colorado in 2025

If you’re looking to retire to a place with stunning natural beauty, easy access to world-class healthcare, and an affordable cost of living, then Colorado could be the place for you. When you’re looking for a place to spend your golden years, you want to make sure you choose a safe area that has all the amenities that are important to those 65+, and retiring in Colorado seems to be the choice many seniors make — especially if they plan to stay active! But when you narrow it down to the state, then comes the feat of discovering the best places to retire in Colorado.

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With all kinds of small towns, cities, and senior communities to choose from, it may seem overwhelming at first. But rest assured, you’re not alone in making the choice to retire in Colorado, as its 65+ population is the state’s fastest-growing segment. In fact, by 2035, the number of people over 65 is projected to reach a whopping 1.3 million, or roughly 20 percent of the state’s population. 

Before we jump into our picks for the best places to retire in Colorado, let’s answer some questions about the pros and cons of retiring in Colorado. 

Pros and Cons of Retiring in Colorado

Choosing an area to retire is a big decision, which is why it’s essential to know both the pros and cons of retiring in a place like Colorado. Although the state, as a whole, would make a great home for seniors, you should be aware that, depending on where you live, you’ll likely experience some not-so-fabulous aspects. 

For example, you can expect extreme weather (snow, ice, and sometimes hail) in the mountains and heavy traffic in the large cities of Denver and Colorado Springs. Colorado is also a major tourist destination — especially those mountain towns! — so you’ll need to factor that into your decision.

However, we think the pros outweigh the cons. A few examples include:

• An average of 300 days of sunny weather each year (no joke!)
• Low retirement taxes
• Fantastic healthcare options
• Lots of senior communities across the state
• Beautiful scenery
• High quality of life

The Best Places To Retire in Colorado — FAQs

Q: Where is the best place to retire in Colorado?
A: Columbine Valley tops Niche’s list of the best places to retire in Colorado.

Q: Is Colorado a good state for retirees?
A: Yes! In fact, WalletHub ranks Colorado the second best state for retirees.

Q: Is Colorado a good state to retire in financially?
A: Colorado is the 14th most affordable state to retire, according to WalletHub, and the second best state to retire when all livability factors are considered. We’ll highlight some of the best places to retire in Colorado on a budget below, including Pueblo, where the average home value sits around $285,100.

Q: Where is the best place to retire in Colorado on a budget?
A: If you’re considering retiring in Colorado and looking for the cheapest place to do so, take a look at Pueblo and Grand Junction, which are some of the best places to retire in Colorado on a budget.

Q: How much do you need to retire comfortably in Colorado?
A: That depends on your specific lifestyle, of course, but according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, an individual should have more than $51,600 before taxes each year to live comfortably.

Best Cities and Towns To Retire in Colorado

Without further ado, let’s get to our list of the best places to retire in Colorado, in no particular order. Here are 12 of our favorite places for those retiring in Colorado.

Estes Park is one of the best places to retire in Colorado if you’re looking for a quiet place where you can enjoy being outdoors daily.
(Source: Estes Park, CO via Facebook)

1. Estes Park, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,350
• Average home value: $681,000
• Great for: Health and fitness, outdoor activities, natural beauty

When it comes to the best small towns in Colorado to retire, you can’t go wrong moving to the mountains of Estes Park! This is a great part of Colorado if you’re looking to find a quiet place where you can enjoy being outdoors daily. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy the sights of Rocky Mountain National Park every day? 

Head over to Lake Estes and get out on the water and fish or canoe to your heart’s content. Or stay on land and walk the Lake Estes Trail and see all kinds of natural wildlife. The Estes Park 18-hole golf course is a favorite of retirees looking to improve their golf game, and Moraine Park offers lots of trails ideal for all levels of abilities.

You’ll love stopping into Snowy Peaks Winery at happy hour to try out new varieties, or making Notchtop Bakery and Cafe your morning go-to stop. And we’re sure visiting friends and family will love how close you are to the historic Stanley Hotel!

2. Columbine Valley, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,000
• Average home value: $1.6M
• Great for: Health and fitness, outdoor activities, safety

Ranked as the No. 1 best place to retire in Colorado by Niche is the town of Columbine Valley, located right outside of Denver. It’s a quiet area, full of friendly residents and surrounded by natural beauty. And if you’re looking for a slower pace of life that still has easy access to big-city amenities, then Columbine Valley could definitely be the place to spend your retirement.

Cooley Lake, South Platte, Chatfield Reservoir, and the Lee Gulch Overlook are right in your backyard and offer beautiful green spaces to enjoy walking or biking. The Littleton Golf and Tennis Center is also a stone’s throw away and a great way to stay active in your retirement years. And you can always pop over to Denver and enjoy fun with the grandkids at places like:

• Denver Zoo
• Denver Museum of Nature and Science
• Coors Field

3. Palmer Lake, CO 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,775
• Average home value: $519,500
• Great for: Health and fitness, safety, affordable housing

The affordable Palmer Lake area has been deemed the best suburb to buy a house in Colorado, according to Niche. In addition to the surrounding natural beauty that Colorado is famous for, you can enjoy staying active in the Palmer Lake Recreational Area or hiking one of the many local trails there, including the Palmer Lake, Creekside, and Limbaugh Canyon. You can also learn more about the local history at the Palmer Lake Historical Society or the Western Museum of Mining and Industry. And keep an eye out for planes, as the U.S. Air Force Academy is in the area, as well.

Would you like to spend your retirement enjoying summer concerts and picnics with the grandkids, hiking in nature, or visiting the mountains? Then Salida may be one of the best places to retire in Colorado for you. 
(Source: Salida Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)

4. Salida, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $687,600
• Great for: Tight-knit community, easy mountain access, active lifestyle options

One of the best towns to retire in Colorado, Salida is located right in the Arkansas River Valley. The downtown area is very accessible and full of local shops, like the BrodeurArt Studio Gallery, restaurants, and the Riverside Park. Here, you can easily enjoy concerts or picnics with the grandkids in the summer. Retirees also love how close both the Backbone and Tenderfoot Trails are, which make it easy to stay active. Looking for another way to keep fit? Check out the swimming options at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center. And be sure to visit Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop when you’re craving a bite, or head over to the Wood’s High Mountain Distillery to sample local spirits.

5. Evergreen, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,000
• Average home value: $886,600
• Great for: Outdoor activities, active lifestyles

Named the best place to live in Jefferson County by Niche, the picturesque town of Evergreen is just 40 minutes outside of Denver. There’s a vibrant senior community in this town, and it’s easy to see why. With lots of trails, like the Meadow Loop Trail and Three Sisters Park, you’ll be able to stay fit and get in daily walks or bikes. 

The Evergreen Golf Course is very popular, as well. Evergreen Lake is also a great place to go boating or fishing, or you can choose to hang on the shore and enjoy the scenery. When you need a bite, be sure to stop into the Wildflower Cafe or Murphy's Mountain Grill.

6. Montrose, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $439,600
• Great for: Exploring the outdoors, safe neighborhoods, great weather

Another great Colorado town in the western part of the state for retirees is Montrose. This is also the 12th best spot in the entire state to retire in, according to Niche, so if you’re looking to stay active and be a part of a tight-knit community (including lots of retirees), this might be your perfect place. 

Its location on the Colorado Western Slope protects it from a lot of the severe winter weather you might see in other mountain locations. This gives you ample opportunities to explore the Buzzard Gulch Trails, Riverbottom Park (the Water Sports Park), or the Electric Hills Trailhead at your leisure.

If golf is your thing, you can’t go wrong practicing your swing at the Bridges Golf & Country Club or Black Canyon Golf Course. And you can learn more about local history at the Museum of the Mountain West or admire the native flora at the Montrose Botanic Gardens.

If you see yourself lounging in a ski lodge, snowshoeing on a scenic trail, or cruising down a mountain in your golden years, Vail is one of the best places to retire in Colorado to do so.

7. Vail, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,500
• Average home value: $1.7M
• Great for: Outdoor activities, nightlife, health and fitness

While this town is known as a ski town, it also happens to be the best place to live in Eagle County, according to Niche. If you’ve always wanted to spend time outside, regardless of the season, this is your spot. 

Of course, Vail has some of the best ski resorts in the Rockies, but it also offers lots of chances to hike, ride horses, golf, and bike in the warmer months. Gore Creek runs right through the town and is the ideal spot for fishing. And Booth Falls and Big Horn trailheads are very close, giving you access to wonderful outdoor experiences, such as the Grand Traverse Peak.

After a day outside, wind down at 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company, or take in a show at the popular Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. 

8. Fountain, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
• Average home value: $395,100
• Great for: Weather, attractions, active lifestyle, safety

Situated just south of Colorado Springs (which is the No. 3 best place to live in the U.S., per U.S. News & World Report), the community of Fountain is considered one of the best places to retire near Colorado Springs. That’s because of its safe neighborhoods, where residents look out for each other and participate in making all folks feel welcomed. And like much of Colorado, if you enjoy spending time outdoors and in nature, Fountain has all you need and more. 

Whether you want to stay local and walk around Metcalfe Park (or the adjacent dog park!) or would rather get out and explore the trails of nearby Cheyenne Mountain State Park, there’s always something to keep you moving. Have family in town? Be sure to take them to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and to enjoy water activities at the Big Johnson Reservoir!

9. Centennial, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,050
• Average home value: $647,500
• Great for: Outdoor lifestyle, events, activities

One of the best suburbs to live in Colorado also happens to be a great area to retire in. Centennial is a nice community that is safe and well maintained, with plenty of local events to get involved with. As a resident, you’ll love shopping at local businesses, attending outdoor shows at Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, or checking out the Centennial Chalk Art Festival. There are also plenty of places that are sure to be your new favorite restaurants, including:

• Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
• Los Dos Potrillos
• The Varsity Inn

Denver is around 30 minutes away, and you’ll find lots of opportunities to explore nature at the Carson Nature Center and South Platte Park, or grab a round of golf at the local courses.

With a cost of living 25 percent below the national average, Pueblo is one of the best places to retire in Colorado on a budget. 
(Source: Visit Pueblo via Facebook)

10. Pueblo, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $875
• Average home value: $285,100
• Great for: Affordable cost of living, outdoor activities

The town of Pueblo is located about 45 minutes south of Colorado Springs. It’s one of the best places to retire in Colorado on a budget, thanks to its lower housing costs and an overall cost of living nearly 10 percent below the U.S. average and a wallet-relieving 25 percent below the Colorado average. 

Here, you’ll never be far from opportunities to get outdoors for exercise and to enjoy the natural scenery. The Arkansas River feeds into the Pueblo Reservoir and is an ideal spot for boating, fishing, and camping. You can even take advantage of Lake Pueblo’s Swim Beach, whether you want to get some laps in or simply play in the water with the grandkids.

In Pueblo, you’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy exploring the Rosemount Museum, the El Pueblo History Museum, or finding your new favorite meals at the B Street Cafe or the Southwest Grill.

11. Holly Hills, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,750
• Average home value: $588,000
• Great for: Outdoor activities, small-town community

We’d be remiss not to include Holly Hills in our guide to the best places to retire in Colorado — this Denver suburb tops the charts of all sorts of Niche rankings, from the #1 best place to live in Colorado to the best place to raise a family to the best place for young professionals, and, of course, the second best place for retirement in Colorado. 

And that mix of residents is part of what makes the unincorporated community of approximately 2,800 residents such a great place to retire. You can commune among people of all ages, and enjoy living in a safe community. 

As the enclave is less than 10 miles south of Downtown Denver, it’s a great spot to live if you want to commute to the city or have incredibly easy access to all of its amenities — but want the place you call home to have a more rural vibe. Nearly 90 percent of residents here own their homes and there’s a plethora of highly rated senior living communities in the area. If you’re looking for a nice walk, make your way to the High Line Canal Trail, or if you’re feeling festive head to Cheers Tiki Bar for a bite and a drink. 

12. Grand Junction, CO

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,000
• Average home value: $401,200
• Great for: Outdoor activities, affordability, health and fitness

What makes Grand Junction one of the best cities to retire in Colorado? Well, if you’d like to retire in a bigger city but still want an affordable cost of living, you can’t go wrong with Grand Junction. The real estate is cheaper than other major Colorado cities, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket to enjoy your surroundings. 

The Colorado River winds right through the town and offers lots of great trails to walk and parks to enjoy, like the Colorado River State Park. Canyon View Park is a popular place to work on your tennis game, and seniors love getting out on the Chipeta Golf Course or visiting the Bookcliff Country Club.

The downtown shopping mall is also a popular place to gather and sample new food at the Blue Moon Bar & Grille or to try the latest offerings from Colorado wine country at Two Rivers Winery.

Ready to move to one of the best places to retire in Colorado? Make your move a flexible one with a PODS portable moving container.

Let PODS Help You Move to One of the Best Places To Retire in Colorado

Once you’ve found the perfect city or town in Colorado to spend your retirement, PODS can help you make the move. Have a portable moving container delivered right to your driveway where you can load it on your own schedule. And if you need help with the heavy lifting, PODS can refer you to local packing and loading help. Once you’re ready to move, your container will be picked up and delivered to your new home in Colorado. The best part? One month of storage is always included with every move.

Editor’s note: Average rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zumper; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home sale prices were obtained from Redfin. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.