7 Welcoming Towns to Retire in The Rockies
The world is a massive place, and retirees looking for a place to settle down have seemingly endless options. But for those wanting to stay in North America, the Rocky Mountains might just be one of the most beautiful places to call your new home. From snow-capped peaks and lush pine forests in British Columbia and Montana to rolling hills surrounded by vast plains in New Mexico, the Rockies have varying ecosystems, giving seniors far more choices. Whether you are hoping to find somewhere warmer and dry or live the alpine dream, you will surely find the mountain town for you. Seniors can choose from six states and two Canadian provinces, with each area offering surreal, welcoming communities.
Craig, Colorado
Found at the crossroads of Highway 40 and Highway 13 is the Wild West town of Craig, once a rancher's paradise, now a mix of new and old amongst dry mountains and plains. Full of Western charm, Craig is the perfect spot for seniors looking to settle somewhere that brings together history and nature. With an easy-to-swallow median home listing price of $329,000, it is well under the Colorado average (which currently sits at over $500,000).
Health comes first with the Memorial Hospital, operating 24/7. Retirees can also take advantage of health clinics and exercise classes at the Senior Social Center, which also offers movie nights, art classes, and games like cribbage amongst friends.
Laid-back activities include wandering the Museum of Northwest Colorado, where seniors can learn about the town's vast history, as well as the surrounding area. On hot days, the Yampa Valley Golf Course provides a spot for a leisurely game under the sun. Groomed trails at both the base of Cedar Mountain and Elkhead Reservoir State Park are perfect for those with limited mobility.
In town, local restaurants such as O P Bar & Grill serve hungry diners on their beautiful patio. Early risers will love sitting down to a shot of espresso or a hot latte at Maple Blues Coffee. Groceries are only a short drive or walk away with major retailers like Walmart and City Market. For those who don't drive but are hoping to journey to Denver, Steamboat Springs, and or Hayden, there is a coach bus service with half-priced senior fares, bathrooms, and handicap accessibility so you can access big city amenities.
Rock Springs, Wyoming
Rock Springs is steeped in Western history, most notably due to Butch Cassidy, who earned his name working at a butcher shop in town. He also served time in the town's jail, which can now be viewed as a historical site. Nowadays, Rock Springs is a laid-back town just off Interstate 80 with a median home listing price of $285,000.
The Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County is open day and night for all your health concerns, or you can take part in health clinics run by the Young at Heart Senior Center. They also provide meals, both on-site and delivered, plus quilting, memoir writing, senior fitness, and group games like poker.
For retirees who are fans of the arts, Broadway Theatre is a live performance venue, with a schedule that offers plays, music, and more. History buffs can spend their time embracing the past at Rock Springs Historical Museum. Those with a car can take the lovely drive along the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, where these majestic animals graze along the plains and hillsides. Calm days provide perfect fishing weather, and the Green River is ample with spots to cast a line.
Shopping is easy with Albertsons, Walmart, and Walgreens, and seniors can take a blast to the past with Remedies Grill, a 1950's diner. For retirees who wish to sit down with a good book or chat amongst friends, Sweet Dayz Bakery and Cafe stocks their displays with only the sweetest treats. Plus, getting to these local favorites is a breeze with STAR Transit, which is free for seniors, and provides door-to-door service.
Butte, Montana
Known as the first major city in Montana, Butte was once a flourishing copper town, leading to a boom. When it died down, Butte then became a prime spot for those looking to combine easy nature access with top-notch amenities. Montana's average home price hovers around $464,000, but the median home listing price in Butte is only $325,000.
Seniors can feel at ease with the St. James Hospital, as well as the health initiatives provided by the Belmont Senior Center. The Center also offers bingo, craft circles, transit, meals on wheels, and daily lunches.
The World Museum of Mining is an accessible spot for retirees wanting to fill their minds with the deep-rooted history of the town. More indoor fun can be had with Star Lanes Family Sports Center, where seniors can bowl, and even join a league. On nice days, the great outdoors calls with the nearby Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Tweedy Mountain. Groomed trails and access points make walking around less of a fret, so you can take advantage of magnificent views and photography opportunities. Golfers can play a game at two courses; Butte Country Club and Highland View Golf Course.
For retirees hoping to try out local cuisine, Casagranda's Steakhouse is a fantastic sit-down experience that is sure to delight every tastebud. Dinner and fun can be had at Oasis Casino and Restaurant. Essentials can be picked up at Safeway, Walmart, or the highly rated Three Bears Butte, with transit services from Butte-Silver Bow Transit providing free door-to-door service.
Salmon, Idaho
Not far from the Montana border is the Rocky Mountain town of Salmon, steeped in mining, lumbering, and ranching history, as well as its involvement in the Lewis and Clark expedition alongside Sacajawea. With a median home listing price of $499,500, retirees can purchase a stunning home.
Seniors can rest easy knowing that Steele Memorial Medical Center operates at all hours despite the town's low population. Socializing, although daunting when moving somewhere new, comes naturally with the Salmon Valley Center, a seniors center that meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for cards, bingo, and lunch. Retirees who have spent their lives perfecting their craft can purchase a booth at the Lemhi County Farmer's Market, which welcomes vendors who specialize in arts, artisan goods, produce, self-care products, and grocery items, plus so much more.
Sore joints and tired muscles are no match for the Salmon City Pool or for the more adventurous, nearby natural hot springs. Other outdoor activities include fishing on the Salmon River, which runs through town and features a fabulous trail system that can be strolled at any pace.
Free transit is provided for seniors by Lemhi Ride, with on-demand service that will bring you to delicious restaurants like Last Chance Pizza and Pasta, or Shady Nook, located right along the river. It will also assist in rides to grocery stores like Saveway Market and Mountain Harvest Community Market.
Beaver, Utah
First settled in 1856, this charming Utah town has 100 places registered on the National Register of Historic Places! There is absolutely no shortage of places to explore the past. Plus, the median home listing price of $441,400 is lower than the state average (which sits at over $500,00).
When it comes to healthcare, seniors can turn to Beaver Valley Hospital, open day and night. Recreational opportunities are abundant, with indoor activities like the Beaver Court House Museum and the Historic Opera, Farnsworth Cabin, and the public library. Retirees who love the fresh air will discover they are located right between Fishlake National Forest and the incredible Zion National Park. Golfers can play a round at the Canyon Breeze Golf Course, and those who look forward to a scenic drive can experience the beauty of the Tushar Mountain Range while driving down State Route 153. This winding road will take you past the Beaver Creek Reservoir, Eagle Point, and the Beaver River before ending at the tiny town of Junction.
As for amenities, seniors can enjoy the great American tradition of burgers and shakes at Mel's Drive-In, or sit down to breakfast or brunch at Crazy Cow Cafe. Groceries are a snap with Mike's Food Town, Family Dollar, and The Creamery, a staple in Beaver that produces scrumptious cheeses. Beaver sits right on Interstate 15 as well, with Cedar City and its big-name retailers under an hour's drive away.
Raton, New Mexico
For retirees who thrive off Mexican cuisine, culture, and groceries, Raton is the place to be. The town refers to itself as the Gateway to New Mexico and is in close proximity to the Colorado border. With a median home listing price of $195,000, seniors can own a property here for the same price as a tiny apartment somewhere else.
Surrounded by mountains and plains, Raton brings together a strong community, and everyday amenities at your fingertips. This includes the Miners' Colfax Medical Center and the senior center, which is run by Colfax County Senior Citzens Inc. Services offered by the facility include meals, both on-site and delivered, transportation, and home services.
Seniors can shop at local grocers like Super Save, High Country Meat, and Dollar General. Delicious Mexican food can be found at several restaurants, such as Los Chanquis and La Cosina Cafe. In town, retirees can also walk, bike, or drive to establishments like the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library and the Aquatic Center. There is also the Raton Arts and Cultural District, home to the iconic Shuler Theater.
Outdoor adventures are only a short trip away, with Sugarite Canyon State Park just outside town and the Climax Canyon Nature Trail on the town's west end. Capulin Volcano National Monument is only a half hour away, and for longer trips, the local Amtrak station journies towards both Albuquerque and Kansas City.
Kimberley, British Columbia, Canada
Seniors from all walks of life will adore Kimberley, but those with German routes will love it even more. With many Bavarian-inspired buildings, restaurants, and shops, Kimberley brings together German charm with quirky attributes, including their massive cuckoo clock. The average home price here is $510,400 CAD, though when converted to USD, it is only $365,900.
The Kimberley Health Center takes care of retirees' needs during the day, and the BC Ambulance depot is ready for any emergency that may arise. The neighboring city of Cranbrook is home to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital as well.
Retirees can stay active with the Kimberley Aquatic Center, as well as the many beautiful, accessible, and easy trails surrounding the town. Cherry Creek Falls is a sight to behold, as is the Kimberley Nature Park. Cominco Gardens is decorated with stunning flowers and plants, and avid fishers can set up along the St. Mary River. For a more adventurous afternoon, whether alone or with visiting grandkids, the Underground Mining Railway takes you on a ride through an old mining area, educating you along the way.
Along with German restaurants, Kimberley offers local dining options like The Porch and Deer Park Diner, which serve breakfast worth getting up early for. Groceries can be purchased at Save-On-Foods, and Mark Creek Market, or by making the short drive to Cranbrook. Kimberley is also not super far from the border, where seniors can access American goods if desired. If driving is an issue, the town has an on-demand transit service that travels locally, as well as to Cranbrook.
Whether retirees are hoping to be surrounded by incredible works of nature, live their Wild West fantasy, or have access to all the best outdoor amenities, the Rocky Mountains will not disappoint. Despite the daunting price tags of many mountain towns, there are still plenty of wonderful choices available for any budget, so seniors don't have to break the bank to make the most out of their hard-earned retirement.
