7 Best Small Towns in the Colorado Plateau For Retirees
Picking the right place to live out your golden years is one of the most important decisions you'll make. You have to decide what's truly important to you, what you want to be around, and where you want to start your next set of memories. For some, escaping the city life for the quiet, calmness of a small town is what they're looking for. The Four Corners Region in the southwestern US encompasses the states of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, and, in its heart, is home to the area known as the Colorado Plateau. Topographically, consisting of high deserts, forests, and the mighty Rio Grande, tucked within this region are the best seven towns to retire to in the Colorado Plateau.
Fairplay, Colorado
Fairplay, Colorado, has become known for its relation to the television show, South Park, but it's far more than that. Those who have just retired should consider moving to Fairplay, thanks to the many activities it offers. You can stay active by hiking Pike National Forest or Kenosha Pass. South Park Brewing Company and Snitching Lady Distillery are also great places to go out to and have drinks on the patio during the summer and fall. You also won't be alone, as around 20% of the population is above the age of 60. The average home price is approximately $715,000, but the property values keep climbing, so it's a great investment.
Moab, Utah
If you're looking for a place with views you'll never get over, look no further than Moab. Home to Arches National Park, Moab is the perfect place to settle down if you're looking to continue a fun lifestyle. Aside from all the activities at Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, there's also the Moab Backyard Theater, where you can catch performances of shows and music. Similar to Fairplay, over 20% of the population is over 60, but the average home price is only about $560,000. There's an airport in Moab and easy access to Grand Junction, if you need to fly anywhere.
Cortez, Colorado
Cortez offers a unique experience to those who are now retired. The Guy Drew Winery and Sutcliffe Vineyards allow for romantic experiences whenever you want. Mesa Verde National Park is right around the corner, so you can stay fit and in shape. It is very affordable to purchase a home here, with an average price of around $375,000. You will also be close to Durango, a city that offers an airport and tons more, without having to be in such a busy area.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona offers colorful views no matter what direction you're looking in. Hiking at Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek Canyon are the perfect way to stay in shape. If you love wine, you're going to love the tours provided by Bliss Wine Tour. If you're looking for a place that rarely snows, Sedona should be at the top of the list. It still gets cold in the winter, giving you the holiday vibe, but you won't be stuck indoors or shoveling all day. Nearly half of the 9,000 people are above 60, so many individuals are at the same stage in life. Sedona is also a quick drive from Phoenix if you ever want a bigger city for a night or want to fly elsewhere.
Gunnison, Colorado
Home to Crested Butte Mountain, Gunnison, Colorado, is one of the best places to retire if you're looking for something new. The town also sits next to the Blue Mesa Reservoir, where you can spend the days leisurely fishing. You can also bring your family to the Gunnison City Park and Gunnison Pioneer Museum. The city is small but still has a good amount of retirees, with around 14% of individuals over 60. Gunnison also has an airport for you to fly in and out of, helping you avoid the long drive to Denver.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride, Colorado, is a magical town, reminiscent of that European vibe you see in magazines. One of the parts that sets Telluride apart is the Telluride Mountain Village Gondola. You'll never get tired of going up and seeing the beautiful San Juan Mountains around you. You can also go to the Sheridan Opera House and take in a live show. The cost of a home in Telluride is just under $2,000,000. That said, it's also one of the safest cities in America, meaning you can feel secure walking the downtown streets.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico, comes together as one of the epicenters of art, food, and beautiful scenery. Getting to dine on local New Mexican cuisine nightly at places like Doc Martin's and Lambert's of Taos is a dream come true. You can also ski at Taos Ski Valley, which is right around the corner from the city. If you want to have family come to visit, there are cool sights like Taos Pueblo and the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge to take them to. The average median home price is $457,000, and more than 30% of the population is over the age of 60.
Retiring means relaxing and cherishing the little things in life. Where you move to will help you enjoy this chapter of your life. The Colorado Plateau is the perfect next step for a home. No matter where you decide to move to, remember that you've worked hard and earned it. Make sure you enjoy it as much as you can.
