6 Senior-Friendly Towns in the Colorado Plateau

The Colorado Plateau is a vast, arid region touching four states in the United States, and is home to some of the country's most iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon.

It has expansive deserts and massive red rock formations that reach up to the clouds, famous ancient structures, and imposing mountain ranges.

It is also a great place for seniors to put down roots or even take a nice extended vacation. The good news is that living here will not empty your bank account, with an array of towns offering reasonable housing prices.

And you know what? It is not just about house prices. It is brimming with everything seniors need for an easy-going lifestyle, including trusted health centers and close communities where you can partake in daily activities.

Ready to hear about six towns right on the Colorado Plateau that are perfect for seniors? Dive in.

Cortez, Colorado

Sitting right by Mesa Verde National Park, here in Cortez you have history at your doorstep. Think of those ancient cliff houses and time-worn archaeological sites as your intriguing old neighbors.

If you are a senior and still want to keep active, no sweat. Keeping busy is the secret to good health. And in Cortez, outdoor thrills are never in short supply.

You can check out the San Juan National Forest, marvel at the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, and enjoy the beauty of the Dolores River.

The Cortez Park Community & Senior Center gives seniors a chance to stay fit with exercise classes, swimming, and much more.

Housing here is very accessible, too, averaging around $318,000, about $150,000 cheaper than the state average. Healthcare is also well taken care of, and the Southwest Memorial Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services.

Aztec, New Mexico

In this town, you can step out your door and find yourself surrounded by centuries of history.

Aztec has direct access to the Aztec Ruins National Monument, ancient ruins from almost a millennium ago, and despite the name, was actually built by Ancestral Puebloans.

The old sections of Aztec are filled with lovely old brick buildings, fun shops, places to eat, and interesting cultural spots to see.

The Animas River adds to its charm, giving people beautiful scenes and fun things to do outside, such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting. All of this brings life and energy to the town.

According to Zillow, the housing here is an affordable catch, coming in at just over $237,000. As well, rent is almost half as cheap as the national average.

The town is approximately 14 miles from San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, which has good healthcare services and plenty of medical experts.

Panguitch, Utah

If historic brick buildings are an ideal setting for your golden years, Panguitch should be high on your list.

Downtown Panguitch drips with history with its aged brick buildings. At the heart of it all stands the Social Hall, dating back to the 19th century. The structure has been carefully preserved to reflect both the town's past and present, and anchors the downtown area.

Nineteen percent of the population is 65 years or older, so the town has lots of chances to meet friends to socialize with. Something else that should intrigue you is the town’s affordable housing, with an average home selling for $313,570.

Active seniors will have their fill of fun. About 23 miles away is Bryce Canyon National Park, famous for its distinct hoodoo rock formations. There are several programs led by park rangers you can try out. Also close to town is Panguitch Lake, surrounded by pine trees, where you can go fishing, have a picnic, or chill out and have a quiet day outside.

Blanding, Utah

Ignore the name; this town is anything but bland.

Blanding acts as a doorway to the Four Corners area and gives people a calm, country way of life while still letting them have modern comforts.

The town is home to some stellar landmarks to take in. Not far, the Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum lets you look into the past through its collection of Ancestral Puebloan treasures.

Just a hop and skip away, around 38 miles, awaits the Natural Bridges National Monument. Here is your ticket to eye-popping sandstone bridges that will have nature enthusiasts and photographers happy as can be.

Do you know what else is nice about Blanding? The house prices. Right now, the average house is going for $314,667, which is lower than both state and national averages.

There are also dependable health services in town. The most notable is the nearby San Juan Health Services hospital and healthcare provider, which has all the medical services you need to keep your mind at ease.

Springerville, Arizona

Springerville is a quiet, peaceful town with almost 2,000 people, and is located way up at nearly 7,000 feet. It comes with amazing views of the mountains and lots of outdoor activities that seniors will love.

You have the White Mountains, which are not only gorgeous but also hold tons of trails if you are into hiking and exploring.

Not too far from there is this massive region called Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. We are talking almost 3 million acres of outdoors to dive into. There is lots to do, like picnics and wildlife watching. There is also the Casa Malpais, an important site where you can see what's left of the Mogollon people's way of life from around 1240 AD.

If the town sounds like a nice place to call home, the good news is housing here is affordable. Houses in Springerville average just over $246,000, while the median rent price is $850.

The town also has quality healthcare, like the White Mountain Regional Medical Center. There, people can get healthcare for seniors, like help with emergency services and various special treatments.

Grants, New Mexico

This town lies on the famous Route 66 and is surrounded by unforgettable natural scenery. It has a deep history connected to uranium mining and the development of railroads. This history can be seen in its local museums and all through its cultural identity.

Is cheap housing high on your list? Seniors will find great housing prices for seniors, with an average cost of around $144,400. Compare that to the national average of $360,681, and you will understand the allure.

The town also comes with dependable healthcare, with the Cibola General Hospital offering various medical treatments.

There are also cool places nearby, like the El Malpais National Monument and Mount Taylor, for those who love hiking or just being outside in nature.

Learn all about the town and area at the New Mexico Mining Museum. The location lends an exciting view of uranium mining, with exhibits on the mining process, miners' lives, and more.

A Perfect Retirement Destination on the Colorado Plateau

The Colorado Plateau is a fantastic option for seniors who are looking for the right place to set down roots.

The region has everything you might expect from the home of the Grand Canyon, like sublime views and countless outdoor opportunities.

Not only that, though, it comes with affordable housing and quality healthcare options, both so important for seniors looking for a community to call home.

So if you are looking for a warm, close community in an affordable town, do not pass on any of these senior-friendly towns in the Colorado Plateau.