What Are the Best Cities to Retire in Colorado​?

Colorado delivers Rocky Mountain beauty alongside practical retirement advantages. WalletHub ranks the Centennial State third among the best states to retire in 2025, recognizing its combination of healthcare quality, outdoor recreation, and tax benefits.

What makes Colorado attractive for retirement:

• Tax Benefits: No estate or inheritance taxes, with large deductions for retirement income for residents 65+
• Active Lifestyle: 300 days of sunshine annually, plus year-round access to hiking, skiing, and outdoor activities
• Healthcare Quality: 10th-best geriatrics hospitals in the country and low rates of social isolation among seniors
• Healthy Aging: Fourth-highest percentage of seniors in good health and third-highest percentage who are physically active
• Low Senior Poverty: Seventh-lowest poverty rate for residents 65+ nationwide

Colorado’s 65+ population has grown 50.8 percent over the past decade — faster than nearly every other state. The number of adults aged 65 and over increased from 30,000 to more than 180,000 between 2000 and 2022, creating robust senior services and communities across the state.

From Front Range cities with comprehensive amenities to Western Slope towns with lower costs, the best retirement cities in Colorado provide options for every budget and lifestyle. This guide explores top destinations across the state, organized by region.

Civitas Senior Living is a resource for your retirement living search. We help older adults and family members simplify the journey to independent living, assisted living, and memory care in Colorado.

Front Range

Denver

As Colorado’s capital and largest city with a population exceeding 732,000 (including approximately 88,000 residents 65+), Denver combines urban sophistication with easy mountain access.

The city sits exactly one mile above sea level, earning its “Mile High City” nickname.

Denver offers year-round cultural attractions, including the Denver Art Museum, Botanic Gardens, and numerous theaters and music venues. The revitalized Union Station area provides walkable neighborhoods with restaurants, breweries, and shops. Red Rocks Amphitheatre sits just outside the city, hosting concerts against stunning natural rock formations.

Denver Health, UC Health, and Presbyterian/St. Luke’s provide comprehensive medical services throughout the metro area. The city’s proximity to major ski resorts puts world-class winter sports within an hour’s drive.

Living costs in Denver run about 8 percent above the national average, reflecting the city’s desirability and growth. The light rail system connects the city to the suburbs and Denver International Airport. For those seeking Colorado’s premier urban retirement destination with full amenities, Denver delivers.

Lakewood

Lakewood, with approximately 156,000 residents (including about 27,500 residents 65+), sits immediately west of Denver, providing suburban living with urban access. The city’s location offers mountain views while maintaining proximity to Denver’s medical facilities and cultural attractions.

Bear Creek Lake Park and Green Mountain provide outdoor recreation, while Belmar creates a walkable downtown district with shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. The city’s position along major highways provides easy access throughout the metro area.

Lakewood’s senior population (17.64 percent) exceeds both state and national averages, indicating established services and amenities for older adults. Living costs remain more manageable than in Denver while maintaining comprehensive access to Front Range opportunities.

Littleton

Littleton, with a population of approximately 44,700 (including about 8,600 residents 65+), sits south of Denver along the South Platte River. This historic downtown area maintains small-town character while providing access to metro amenities.

Main Street features locally owned shops, restaurants, and the Town Hall Arts Center in preserved buildings. The South Platte River Trail runs through town, connecting to the extensive metro trail system. Chatfield Reservoir nearby offers boating, fishing, and camping.

With 19.3 percent of residents aged 65+, Littleton has developed strong senior services. The median household income of $96,611 reflects the area’s appeal to established professionals.

StoneCreek of Littleton provides assisted living and memory care for those seeking quality senior living near Denver with access to:

• On-site therapy with Select Rehabilitation
• Pet-friendly assisted living floor plans
• Restaurant dining
• Nationally certified dementia care practitioners
• Passion programming, including My Miracle Moment and My Wellness

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, Colorado’s second-largest city with nearly 496,000 residents (including approximately 72,700 residents 65+), sits at the base of Pikes Peak. Known for its military presence and natural beauty, the city combines outdoor access with comprehensive urban services.

Garden of the Gods features striking red rock formations with hiking, climbing, and admiring. The Pikes Peak Highway brings visitors to the 14,115-foot summit. Downtown Colorado Springs has experienced revitalization, with restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues creating walkable districts.

UCHealth Memorial Hospital and multiple military medical facilities anchor healthcare services. The city’s numerous military bases create a community familiar with transitions and supporting newcomers.

Living costs run about 7 percent below the national average, making Colorado Springs among the more cost-effective Front Range options. StoneCreek of Flying Horse offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care with mountain views and comprehensive services, including:

• On-site therapy with Select Rehabilitation
• Floor plans, including cottages and apartments
• Restaurant dining
• Nationally certified dementia care practitioners
• Passion programming, including My Miracle Moment and My Wellness

Greeley

Greeley, with approximately 116,000 residents (including about 15,600 residents 65+), sits in northern Colorado along the Cache la Poudre River. The University of Northern Colorado brings cultural vitality through sports, performing arts, and educational opportunities.

The city’s agricultural heritage shows in the annual Greeley Stampede rodeo and western celebration. WeldWerks Brewery has gained national recognition, while downtown features restaurants and shops in historic buildings.

Living costs run about 12 percent below the national average, with healthcare and housing particularly cost-effective. The city’s location provides access to Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, and Rocky Mountain National Park. For those seeking college-town energy with lower costs, Greeley offers value.

Western Slope

Grand Junction

Grand Junction, with approximately 72,000 residents (including about 14,700 residents 65+), serves as Western Colorado’s largest city. Sitting at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers, Grand Junction provides access to Colorado National Monument, wine country, and mountain recreation.

The city’s location provides both desert and mountain landscapes. Colorado National Monument features red rock canyons and hiking trails just outside town. Palisade’s wine country sits nearby, with vineyards and tasting rooms throughout the valley.

With 20.47 percent of residents aged 65+ (among the highest rates in Colorado) Grand Junction has developed strong senior services. Living costs run approximately 13 percent below the national average, making it among the state’s most cost-effective retirement destinations. For those drawn to Western Colorado’s unique landscape with lower costs, Grand Junction delivers.

Southern Colorado

Pueblo

Pueblo, with approximately 111,000 residents (including about 20,700 residents 65+), sits along the Arkansas River in southern Colorado. Known as the “Steel City” for its industrial heritage, Pueblo combines working-class values with emerging arts and outdoor recreation.

The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk recreates the city’s original river channel through downtown, featuring restaurants, shops, and event spaces. Lake Pueblo State Park provides 60 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, and camping.

With 18.55 percent of residents aged 65+, Pueblo is experiencing growth in its older adult population — the city projects most future growth will occur in the 65+ age group. Living costs run well below the national average, with particularly affordable housing. For budget-conscious retirees seeking southern Colorado’s milder climate, Pueblo offers value.

Eastern Plains

Burlington

Burlington, with approximately 3,100 residents, serves as the county seat of Kit Carson County on Colorado’s Eastern Plains. Located at Interstate 70’s easternmost interchange in Colorado, 12 miles from the Kansas border, Burlington provides small-town living for those seeking rural retirement.

The town maintains essential services while offering a slower pace. Old Town Museum preserves regional history, while the Colorado Welcome Center serves travelers along I-70. The surrounding plains provide agricultural landscapes and wide-open spaces.

Burlington offers rural Colorado retirement at the most cost-effective level for those drawn to small-town communities and prairie landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring in Colorado