6 Charming Colorado Communities To Retire Around Denver

When you picture Colorado, what comes to mind? Between the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, the ancient marvels of Mesa Verde, and the one-of-a-kind landscapes of Great Sand Dunes, “The Centennial State” is incredibly breathtaking. On top of its natural wonders, Colorado has exciting cultural attractions in serene small towns close to the state capital. Combined with a high retirement population, excellent healthcare facilities, and great tax incentives for pensioners, this is a wonderful place to spend your golden years. However, many retirees may want a quieter community away from the urban hustle and bustle. Thankfully, plenty of destinations in the region are perfect for settling down. From Estes Park to Lafayette, discover these six charming Colorado communities to retire around Denver.

Estes Park

Recognized as “The Gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park,” to call this town beautiful would be an understatement. Located about 65 miles northwest of Denver, it offers a serene escape while still being within a two-hour drive of the city. The Estes Park Aerial Tramway will take you on a jaw-dropping journey above the treetops to the peak of Prospect Mountain, revealing the gorgeous Colorado scenery right before your eyes. Active retirees can spend their weekends exploring the stunning mountain trails via National Park Gateway Stables, where horseback riding is accessible for all ages and abilities. The grandkids will be extra excited to visit when they find out the Mustang Mountain Coaster is in town.

With as many as 40.7% of residents aged 65 and older, Estes Park has a very high retirement population. You will be able to make friends with neighbors, cafe regulars, and those participating in the town's activities. Many engaging classes are offered by the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center, including Yoga, Tri-Fit, Mahjong, Fluid Movement & Balance, Live Music, Special Presentations, and more.

Windsor

Ranked second on the 10 Safest Cities in Colorado list by SafeWise in 2024, you can feel extra secure calling Windsor home. About 60 miles north of Denver, Windsor offers a quieter lifestyle without being too far from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Plus, with its proximity to some of Colorado’s biggest cities, including Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley, major amenities and top-notch healthcare facilities are easily accessible by car. UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies, one of the best hospitals in Colorado, as per the U.S. News & World Report, is only a short drive away.

Windsor itself is gorgeous, with mountainous backdrops of the Rockies and stunning lakes, making this town a true outdoor haven. Windsor Lake, for instance, is a wonderful spot for a scenic stroll and offers recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Seniors can spend some time in River Bluffs Open Space, seeing what wildlife they can spot while soaking up the beauty of the Poudre River. You might love sipping and painting as you unleash your creativity at Picasso and Wine, a lovely art studio to take your friends, spend time with your spouse, or get to know the locals.

Evergreen

If you are a fan of magnificent mountain vistas, historic downtown streets, and picturesque wildlife-filled parks, this intriguing town has plenty to offer. Under 30 miles from the state capital, Evergreen is one of the most charming Colorado communities to retire around Denver. Enjoy the benefits of living by Evergreen Lake, a great place for boating, ice skating, and yoga, with access to the major amenities of the big city. Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital, the second-best hospital in Colorado according to the U.S. News & World Report, can be reached by car. Meanwhile, for minor medical concerns, seniors can rest assured thanks to the Evergreen Family Medical Center, offering preventive medicine, dermatology, and minor injury care.

Seniors can avoid the hospital by staying fit with regular hikes, picnics, and golf sessions in Dedisse Park, home to an exquisite 18-hole course set at 7,220 feet along Bear Creek. For a more relaxing day, Buchanan Park Recreation Center is a quaint spot for fishing, golf, and aquatics. Moreover, the Evergreen Park & Recreation District offers martial arts, coed sports, and a wide range of other activities for adults 50 and older to boost their wellness and connect with others in the community.

Palmer Lake

You might picture how beautiful Palmer Lake is by its name, and its location 50 miles south of Denver makes it an ideal spot for retirees who want a peaceful setting without being too far from the capital. However, considering its proximity to Pike National Forest (one of the oldest National Forests in the U.S.) and the Palmer Lake Reservoir, add picturesque trails with remarkable mountain vistas to what you imagined. For indoor events, Tri-Lakes Center For The Arts hosts lively concerts, fine art exhibitions, and lovely arts classes. Learn about the area's past at The Lucretia Vaile Museum, where artifacts, articles, and photos are preserved, with special displays on rotation every four to six months.

Palmer Lake was listed first on Niche’s "Best Suburbs to Buy a House in Colorado" list in 2024. The median housing value of $516,000 (February 2025) is nearly $30,000 cheaper than the state average, making it perfect to buy your dream home. Plus, with Palmer Lake's close location to Denver and Colorado Springs, you will have access to endless amenities and notable healthcare facilities. Several hospitals are nearby, including CommonSpirit St. Francis Medical Center (recognized by Healthgrades for America's 250 Best Hospitals Award™) and UCHealth Memorial Hospital.

Littleton

For those who would like to live within 15 miles of Denver, enjoying a quieter, laidback lifestyle in the suburbs within 20 to 25 minutes of the state capital, Littleton is an excellent choice. Places like Chatfield State Park, a breathtaking site for boating, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping, can be found here. Most seniors here spend time at the Hudson Gardens & Event Center, a renowned 30-acre space with scenic walking trails, gorgeous garden exhibits, and public art sculptures as you sip on a warm latte in hand from Nixon’s Coffee House.

Douglas H. Buck Community Recreation Center has many activities for all age groups, with discounted rates for adults 65 and older. Considering 19.3% of residents here are 65 and older, this is a lovely destination to make new friends. Between the relaxing steam room, therapy pool, outdoor hot tub, fitness and dance studio, pickleball court, and South Suburban Therapeutic Adaptive Recreation program, Douglas H. Buck is an inclusive, well-rounded center offering all sorts of activities. While the town is on the pricier side, there are plenty of affordable alternatives like Balfour Littleton. This senior living community provides assisted living and memory care options with diet guidance, regular social events, and a community garden.

Lafayette

No car, no problem. Lafayette, a fascinating city founded in 1888, has a very walkable Old Town. Seniors can learn about the city’s dynamic past in the Lafayette History Museum, ranging from its mining and farming past to the Lincoln Highway initiative and recent growth. See over 70 artworks inspired by the local Coal Creek Trail at The Collective Community Arts Center, and enjoy festivals, concerts, and summer story times in Festival Plaza. For a more relaxing day, retirees will love Little Free Library for a more relaxing day, where you can take or leave a book to share with the community.

Lafayette also has an excellent location. Situated 11 miles from Boulder, 22 miles from Denver, and 28 miles from Aurora, you can easily access amazing healthcare facilities in Colorado’s biggest cities. Even in town, Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital, recognized by Healthgrades for the Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ and America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement Award™, offers award-winning care. Thanks to the benefits, the town is home to over 4,500 seniors, creating a robust social environment.

Colorado Communities to Retire Around Denver

Whether you prefer the mountainous backdrops of Windsor or the gorgeous garden exhibits of Littleton, Colorado is an excellent state in which to retire. These peaceful small towns offer many benefits for pensioners, and they are in proximity to the state capital. From the mild climate to the top-notch healthcare facilities and significant tax incentives, there are plenty of reasons to choose The Centennial State as your future retirement destination. You will be blown away by the beauty surrounding you every day as you choose from one of these charming Colorado communities to retire around Denver.