7 Senior-Friendly Towns in Colorado

Colorado is one of the best American states for retirees who prioritize an active lifestyle, low crime rates, and affordability. Colorado's generous property tax exemption further enhances its appeal as an ideal place to retire. This makes the Centennial State an economically attractive option for seniors seeking to maximize their savings during their golden years.

The state's smaller towns offer a perfect balance of options for seniors, combining the tranquility of secluded destinations with the convenience of suburban living near major cities. Despite their community size and location, all towns in Colorado share a common trait: they boast a naturally abundant, tranquil ambiance and offer endless recreational opportunities. From Lafayette's suburban appeal to Salida's countryside setting, read along to plan your golden years in the Centennial state.

Buena Vista

Buena Vista is one of the best places to call home in Colorado for seniors longing for a calm, nature-centric small town. The town is renowned as a outdoor lover’s paradise and is often frequented for its endless recreational potential, including whitewater rafting. Most seniors in town adore its numerous hot springs and wellness facilities, including Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa and Merrifield Homestead Cabins and Hot Springs. These areas are perfect to relax and de-stress after a long day out. Moreover, with its picturesque backdrop encompassing vistas of the Buffalo Peaks, Collegiate Peaks, and Sangre De Cristo Range, Buena Vista is a popular destination for both vacations and cabin getaways. Although home prices here are significantly higher, with the average home valued at $804,500, the exceptional quality of life and access to nature compensate for extra costs. Moreover, the town hosts senior living facilities like Collegiate Peaks Senior Living, which offer great accommodation at affordable prices.

Ouray

Known as the "Switzerland of America," Ouray is one of the best small towns in Colorado for enjoying a slower pace of life. Thanks to its small population of 900 and its remote location in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Ouray is the perfect retirement spot for seniors who prioritize an active, healthy lifestyle and look forward to living in a town where everyone knows one another. Highlights of relocating to Ouray include proximity to natural attractions like Cascade Falls Park, Fellin Park, and Box Cañon Falls Park.

With home prices of $885,752, Ouray is one of the more expensive towns to relocate to. Yet it also offers spacious living, with most homes featuring a sizable backyard or private property. Located within 25 miles of Ridgway and Silverton, Ouray allows residents to live close to other tight-knit communities worth exploring.

Silverton

Silverton is yet another jewel in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and an ideal small town to call home for seniors looking to spend their retirement years among picturesque landscapes. With its elevation of 9,318 feet, Silverton enjoys an array of scenic vistas, including steep peaks such as Kendall Mountain and Little Giant Peak. Each presents a new opportunity for active seniors to challenge themselves outdoors. Back in town, Silverton boasts a vibrantly rustic main street building upon its appeal as a countryside mountain town. Retirees here love outlets like the Kendall Mountain Cafe and Avalanche Brewing Company for their food, drink, and conversations. Moreover, with a small population of roughly 600 residents, Silverton is a peaceful haven for those looking to escape the urban hustle and bustle.

Thanks to the town's remote location near the Utah border in the mountains, Silverton offers a more affordable lifestyle, with average home prices valued at $639,000 in 2024. Moreover, while secluded, Silverton provides all basic amenities to residents, such as healthcare at the Silverton Clinic, groceries at Silverton Groceries, and even hardware at Silverton Hardware.

Windsor

Windsor, located north of Denver, is one of Colorado's more popular retirement spots, with over 17% of its population considered seniors. As one of Colorado’s northern towns, Windsor is a fast-growing agricultural community with a population of 32,000 that balances an urban and small-city ambiance. Seniors relocating to Windsor can enjoy the state’s variety of shopping and dining options and easy access to essential healthcare with multiple in-town medical facilities like Banner Health Clinic, Village Medical and Urgent Care, and UCHealth Family Medicine.

The lively community, endless shopping destinations, and annual events add to Windsor's well-rounded senior-friendly lifestyle. Seniors can stroll down Weld County Road and enjoy daily walks with endless park options like Boardwalk Community Park and Main Community Park, along with more indoor activities and events at the Windsor Community Recreation Center. While these sites are available year-round, a calendar full of events like the Magical Forest Park event and summer concert series helps retirees stay engaged in their new hometown. According to the 2024 Realtor report, the average home price in Windsor is $625,000, making it one of the most affordable options on this list.

Durango

Durango is known for its vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty, making it a top choice for active retirees. Located in the Animas River Valley, surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, Durango has a population of 19,000. Thus, it feels like a bustling community hidden within Colorado’s scenic landscapes. The retirement experience in Durango is built around community engagement, the historic ambiance, and therapeutic natural attractions like the Durango Hot Springs. Events like the Durango Film Festival, The Durango Autumn Arts Festival, and the Fiesta Days Rodeo, which has been taking place since 1935, showcase the town's vibrant community.

Due to the town’s many appeals, Durango is also one of the most in-demand towns to retire, leading to a significant increase in home prices, with the average home costing $832,000. If this seems too steep, seniors can opt for assisted living facilities like The Villa Luxury Senior Living and Sunshine Gardens Senior Community, which offer comfortable accommodation and care at a monthly rate.

Salida

Salida is one of the best small towns for seniors for its big city amenities, booming artistic scene, and unique geographical location in Colorado’s Sangre De Cristo Mountains. The small Colorado town of Salida highlights its strong artistic community and frequent cultural events, including the Salida Art Walk and the Salida Fiber Festival. Its advantages include its many healthcare facilities, like the Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center. Complementing the town’s wellness aspect is the abundance of hot springs in the area, with some of the most notable being the nearby Mount Princeton Hot Springs and Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, allowing the opportunity to connect with nature on a therapeutic level. The ideal retirement town is one of the more expensive places to retire in Colorado, with an average home price of $734,500. However, the spacious homes and suburban lifestyle in the countryside help justify the higher living costs.

Lafayette

Finally, Lafayette is more of a suburb of Denver than a small town, making it the perfect retirement spot for city locals looking to escape the bustle while remaining within driving distance. Situated less than 25 miles from both Boulder and downtown Denver, Lafayette is within range of all urban amenities and services one may need. This ranges from healthcare at advanced medical centers like the UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Intermountain Health Saint Joseph Hospital to traveling via the Denver International Airport.

Adding to the town’s advantage as one of the best places to retire is its endless community events like the Peach Festival and its booming art scene, with one of the best destinations to embrace local talents being the Collective Art Center. Enjoying a population of 30,000 and an upscale atmosphere, the average home price in town is valued at $704,900, a relatively affordable housing market considering the location advantages and property tax exemptions for senior residents. Additionally, the town has several parks and golf courses, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Wrapping Up

Ultimately, Colorado is the perfect place for retirees who want to spend their golden years enjoying pristine nature and an active lifestyle. The state's senior-friendly towns offer a unique mix of natural beauty, community spirit, and a wide range of recreational activities. From relaxing in serene hot springs and exploring historic streets to immersing in vibrant cultural scenes and marveling at breathtaking landscapes, Colorado offers the ideal backdrop for a fulfilling and joyful retirement.