6 Top-Ranked Towns in Colorado for Retirees
Those who want to spend their retirement years in beautiful nature should look no further than Colorado. The state is full of small towns with an abundance of pristine scenery perfect for the outdoor lover. Many of the small towns in Colorado are not only beautiful but safe. They have good healthcare facilities and affordable amenities. These things combined with the beautiful mountain backdrop make Colorado's small towns an ideal place to retire.
In many of the towns in Colorado, hiking opportunities are abundant. Hiking is a great activity to enjoy the state's beautiful mountains. For example, in Littleton, retirees can regularly walk the Coyote Song Trail and take part in one of the community festivals. There are also opportunities to relax and unwind. In Salida, retirees can relax in the state's largest indoor hot springs pool. Explore more of what these top-ranked towns in Colorado offer retirees.
Evergreen
Evergreen is a fantastic small town for outdoor lovers to retire to. The town is a tight-knit community in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Being so close to the mountains, there is plenty of outdoor recreation to enjoy here, from canoeing to hiking. Elk Meadow Trail and Evergreen Mountain Trail are popular trails for hikers and mountain bikers. The town also has lots of recreational centers, as well as the Evergreen Golf Club, and neaby Denver Mountain Park.
Around 21% of the town's 9,307 population is seniors (65+), making it a retirement-friendly community. The residents of Evergreen are supportive, and the community hosts several events throughout the year. Popular events include The Evergreen Lake Music Festival, Chili Cook-Off, Polar Plunge, and Downtown Holiday Walk. The tight-knit community also makes the community safe since crime rates are low.
Berthoud
Another great small town to retire to is Berthoud. The town has a population of around 10,000 people with 14% of the population being 65+. The median age of people in the town is 46.2, which is higher than the national average. With such a large population of seniors, retirees will feel at home. One main appeal of Berthoud is the lower cost of living. While some areas of the town are more expensive, the overall average cost of utilities, grocery items, and health care is less expensive than the national average. Berthoud also has a low poverty rate (2.7%), and low crime, making it a safe affordable place to retire to.
For those looking to stay active and healthy, Berthoud also has a range of activities, from zip-lining to canyon passage exploration. There are lots of opportunities for outdoor recreation in town, including camping, fishing, and hiking. Berthoud Reservoir is a popular spot to go fishing in the summer and ice fishing in the winter. Carter Lake Sundance Trail is a scenic trail in town that is just under 6 miles. It is the perfect trail to enjoy on a morning walk or afternoon hike with family and friends. Throughout the year Berthoud hosts festivals and activities for the community. From June to September the town has a farmers market every Saturday at Fickel Park. This is a great spot to meet locals and grab local produce.
Golden
Just west of Denver is the town of Golden, ranked one of the top 20 places to retire in the United States index. The town sits between North Table Mountain and Clear Creek Canyon and has a welcoming, Old West flair. Two major attractions in the town are the Mines Museum of Earth Science and the Colorado Railroad Museum. Here people can indulge in the history of the town's Gold Rush days. Downtown Golden is full of vintage buildings, touristy shops, and emporiums with side streets full of ranch-style homes.
For those looking to live an active lifestyle, Golden is a great town. There are plenty of opportunities to hike in Golden. The Peak to Plains Trail is a short, paved 1.75-mile trail connecting downtown Golden to Tunnel 1 along US Hwy 6 through Clear Creek Canyon Park.
Salida
Salida has a lot to offer retirees. Seniors, 65+, make up 23% of the population and the town is full of small-town charm. The downtown is a national historic district, with well-preserved 19th-century buildings. Strolling down the streets will transport you to the Victorian era with historic buildings like the Salida Steam Plant Theater. Salida also has lots of scenic outdoor activities for retirees to enjoy, from kayaking, skiing, and hiking to horseback riding. Riverside Park is a charming park on the banks of the Arkansas River in the downtown area. This is a great spot to have a picnic with your family and friends. In the evening, the Salida Hot Springs is a great place to go and relax. This is the largest indoor hot spring in Colorado.
With such a thriving culture, it is no wonder that violent crime in Salida is lower than the national average, making it a very safe place to live. There is also healthcare available right in town, at the Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center.
Lone Tree
One of the most welcoming communities in Colorado is Lone Tree. The town celebrates community and many members participate in community events. Around 17% of the population is in the 65+ age group. For those looking to retire to a charming town with lots to do, Lone Tree is the perfect choice. The town itself is in a great location, close to great dining options, stores, and trails, such as Bluffs Regional Park Trail. The town even has its own Symphony Orchestra.
Even though the population is under 20,000, the town is home to a big shopping center, Park Meadows Mall. This means you will never have to go far if you need to buy something. The town also has a rich history and historical attractions such as the Schweiger Ranch. Lone Tree also has plenty of medical amenities and is home to the Sky Ridge Medical Center.
Littleton
Littleton is another great Denver suburb town, with a vibrant culture and plenty to do. There are festivals and performances to enjoy throughout the year. During the holiday season, the town hosts an annual Candlelight Walk and Tree lighting. Littleton has a historic downtown lined with trees, with more than 200 shops and businesses. Walking downtown, you will find everything from family restaurants to boutique shops and a local craft store. Littleton is also near the Rocky Mountains and the South Platte River, making the town great for outdoor enthusiasts. There is a range of hiking and biking to enjoy on the town's many trails. The trails in Littleton connect the downtown area to the scenic parks and lakes. The Coyote Song Trail is a popular afternoon hike, taking around an hour on average to complete.
Beyond the abundance of things to do in Littleton, the town is well known for its ease of healthcare access, with AdventHealth Littleton and UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital.
Colorado has much to offer retirees. Outdoor lovers will love the mountain scenery and the abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities in these towns. In towns such as Littleton or Evergreen, retirees can enjoy a tight-knit community feel with community festivals throughout the year and great hiking options. Lone Tree and Golden are great for those looking for a historic, vibrant downtown with lots of recreation opportunities geared toward seniors. Whatever you are looking for, these top-ranked Colorado towns are great places to call home for those looking to retire.
