7 Most Affordable Towns To Retire In The Rockies

The Rockies, an iconic mountain range from central New Mexico all the way to Canada that spans 3,000 miles and six states, is among the most sought-after retirement venues in the United States. This is especially true of empty nesters who relish gorgeous mountain vistas. While towns in this area boast expensive home prices, all is not lost. There are still a good number of affordable western mountain towns left. A retiree can get Switzerland on a budget. From Leadville, Colorado, to Libby, Montana, discover below the most affordable towns to retire in the Rockies.

Leadville, Colorado

Colorado’s median home listing price is $599,999. Getting a sub $600,000 property, therefore, is no stroll in the park. That is why Leadville, smack in the middle of one of the nation's most celebrated mining districts, earns a spot on this list. In March 2024, the median listing home price in Leadville, Colorado, was $544,900. A retiree here will be close to Denver, which is less than two hours away. Leadville particularly scores big on accessibility since it hosts the Leadville-Lake County Regional Airport. Molly Brown Campground (and its aptly named Turquoise Lake) — is a prized fishing, camping, and hiking destination. Then there is the Leadville Dog Park, a nice, shaded spot that a furry friend will not get enough of. Avid golfers are not left behind, either. Leadville hosts the Colorado Mountain College Disc Golf Course, one of the state's most beautiful—and highest—. While Leadville’s median age is 38, residents aged 60 and above comprise 17% of the population. And with Hispanics comprising about 30% of the town’s demographics, this Colorado charmer scores big on diversity.

Butte, Montana

Butte, known for its Irish festivals (it could be the most Irish town in the US), is in Southwestern Montana on the western slope of the Continental Divide. It earns a spot among the most affordable towns in the Rockies because it boasts a median home listing price of just $280,000. Butte’s median age is 40, just where life begins. In a similar vein, residents aged 60 and above comprise 27% of the population. This means a retiree will easily find folks in the same age bracket and a sizeable support network. Regarding healthcare access, St. James Healthcare, a recipient of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award for three consecutive years, is right in town. As a resident here, you will enjoy learning about life in an 1800s mining town at the World Museum of Mining. On the flip side, Walking Trail Parking, with its beautifully paved paths, is a scenic stretch for an early-morning brisk walk. Finally, a retiree here will enjoy mountain biking at the Big Butte Open Space Recreation Area once or twice weekly.

Mount Pleasant, Utah

Mount Pleasant, Utah's median home listing price was $415K in March 2024. A town with “pleasant” and “mountain” as parts of its name is bound to capture the interest of retirees. Mount Pleasant is home to Wasatch Academy, Utah’s oldest continuously operating prep school. Outdoor venues, all of which are less than an hour from town, include Lake Hill Campground, which has a lovely little lake, Bald Mountain, Power Plant Park (a calm spot to escape the bustle of town for a walk along a singing creek), North Tent Mountain, and Skyline - Snowkite Launch — with its shimmering lakes and clear streams. On healthcare access, Mount Pleasant’s Intermountain Sanpete Valley Hospital boasts a recommendation rate of 82% — 10% higher than the national average. Finally, while Mount Pleasant’s median age is a low of 31, residents aged 60 and above comprise 19% of the population.

Trinidad, Colorado

It is unbelievable that one can own property in the Rockies for just $295,000 — yet that is the median home listing price in Lander, a dainty town of about 7,500 best known as the place “where the rails end and the trails begin.” Indeed, the trails, such as the surreal Wormhole Loop Trailhead, begin here. Wormhole provides hikers with rewarding views of Fishers Peak (known for its rugged topography), Simpson's Rest, and the surrounding area. Trinidad Lake, a popular haunt for avid anglers, is among the town’s defining attractions. The Purgatoire River, which some love to mispronounce as “Purgatory River," is filled with rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. If you need urgent medical attention, the highly-rated Mount San Rafael Hospital will be handy. Finally, the town’s median age is a calm but lively 43. In a similar vein, residents aged 60 and above comprise 30% of the population.

Lander, Wyoming

Often ranked as one of the best outdoor towns in the nation, Lander also scores big on affordability. It boasts a median home listing price of $377,500, which is much lower than the median in the country. Sinks Canyon State Park, named for its disappearing river, provides access to miles of mountain bike trails — besides being a world-class rock climbing venue. At the Museum of the American West, authentic local buildings have been assembled, preserved, and presented in a wonderful garden landscape. Other outdoor venues include Mcmanus Park (known for top-tier riverside camping) and Lander City Park, which features excellent fishing spots. There is Hunt Field Regional Airport as well, the busiest general aviation airport in the state. Concerning healthcare access, SageWest Health Care is right next door in Riverton. Finally, while the town’s median age is 37, residents aged 60 and above comprise 25% of the population.

Libby, Montana

With just about $347,500, the median home listing price in Libby, a retiree here can have a place to call home. The Kootenai River, one of the wildest in the nation, provides a world of fun and adventure opportunities. A retiree will enjoy teeing away an afternoon at the Cabinet View Golf Club, a stunning 18-hole course that provides tasty views of the Cabinet Mountains. Alternatively, the Millpond Motocross Park, with Libby Creek close by, is a top-notch biking venue. Then there is the gorgeous J. Neils Memorial Park, a nice spot to let your dog run around and get some sun. Concerning healthcare access, Cabinet Peaks Medical Center is in town and provides Emergency Room services. The best part, however, is the social scene. Libby’s median age is 50. To spice it up, residents aged 60 and above comprise a whopping 37% of the population.

Craig, Colorado

In March 2024, the median listing home price in Craig was $349,900. Craig is secreted in the state's northwest corner and known for nice, respectful residents and safe neighborhoods. An outdoor lover’s dream, Craig is home to Yampa Valley Golf Course, an 18-hole semi-private golf course that spans more than 240 acres along the picturesque Yampa River. The river is an excellent trout fishing venue. Elkhead Reservoir State Park., just 10 miles from downtown, Craig is a nice spot to kayak, swim, view wildlife, or camp. Plus, a retiree here should not worry about healthcare access. The Memorial Hospital at Craig has been providing excellent medical services since 1949. On the social front, Graig boasts a bubbly median age of 37, so expect to meet young people who are all sunny-faced and full of life.

The Takeaway

There is much that a retiree will love about the Rockies, the largest mountain system in North America. An empty nester here will be a heartbeat away from craggy peaks, rushing rivers, sparkling cascades, and dense forests. Of course, there is clean, fresh, playful air as well. All these — including the beautiful views one wakes up to — can make a retiree look half her age. While known to be notoriously expensive, one can still find affordable spots. The most affordable towns in the Rockies include Butte, Montana; Mount Pleasant, Utah; and Trinidad, Colorado.