The Rockies' 6 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
The Rocky Mountains are perhaps the most enduring symbol of America. Stretching for 3,000 miles through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and all the way down to northern New Mexico, the American Rockies are also increasingly popular as a backdrop for those seeking a place to retire. For retirees, this spectacular (and vast!) region presents an opportunity not just to enjoy a peaceful environment in which to spend their golden years but also to benefit from easy access to the many services older Americans might need.
Far from being remote backwater communities, the best small towns here combine modern amenities with the kind of slower pace and friendly atmosphere that makes them ideal places to retire to. Read on to discover what makes each destination notable and why they’re worth considering for your retirement years.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Set at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers, Glenwood Springs enjoys national fame for its geothermal attractions, most notably Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Iron Mountain Hot Springs. The town’s picturesque Victorian-era commercial center features the Historic Glenwood Springs Station, welcoming train travelers since the early 1900s.
Other historic sites include Linwood Cemetery, famous as the final resting place of gunslinger Doc Holliday, while the town’s oldest civic celebration, June’s Strawberry Days Festival, dates back to 1898 and features colorful parades, music… and plenty of strawberries. Still, enjoy the occasional thrill? Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park features exciting cave tours and a mountain coaster.
If you do make the move to Glenwood Springs you’ll benefit from comprehensive medical care at Valley View Hospital, a facility that’s known for its heart and cancer care. Garfield County operates a seniors’ program, too, which provides meals, social events, and fitness initiatives for those who enjoy hanging out with their peers. Long-term retirement solutions are also available thanks to facilities like Creekside Assisted Living, while those with an independent streak can buy a detached home for an average price of around $900,000. Less expensive options, including condos and townhomes, are also available, and crime rates in Glenwood Springs remain below the national average.
Jackson, Wyoming
Located in northwestern Wyoming near Grand Teton National Park and only an hour from Yellowstone’s southern entrance, Jackson’s Rocky Mountain scenery is considered among the most iconic of American landscapes. It also provides its over 11,000 residents and countless visitors with a near-limitless list of activities to participate in. Adventurous types have easy access to no less than three great ski destinations including Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee Resort, and Snow King Mountain Resort, with year-round mountain access via an aerial tram.
As for senior living, Jackson delivers a solid framework of medical and community support. St. John’s Health is the major hospital and provides emergency care and specialized services, while the Senior Center of Jackson Hole provides weekly luncheons and social programs.
Retirement housing options include assisted living facilities, while those wishing to retain their independence in a home of their own can expect to spend over $1.5 million for a luxury property near all the action. More affordable options including smaller condo units become increasingly affordable the further you’re prepared to be from the slopes and town center, with prices of one-bedroom units selling for around $600,000. While perhaps only doable for folks selling big city homes and downsizing, Jackson’s year-round activities, great healthcare, and low crime rates make it a good choice if you can afford it.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs, affectionately called “Ski Town USA,” is located in Colorado’s scenic Yampa Valley and makes for a delightful yet potentially expensive retirement spot. With just shy of 14,000 residents, it’s home to Steamboat Ski Resort, making it perfect for older adults looking to stay active year-round. When warmer weather arrives, you could be hiking to Fish Creek Falls or soaking in the nearby Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Downtown Steamboat is fun to visit, whatever the weather, and has an Old West aesthetic that serves as a perfect backdrop to events like the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, established in 1914 and a joyful celebration of ski culture each February.
So, while you now know Steam Springs has plenty of fun things to do, what about the serious stuff? Well, healthcare in Steamboat Springs is anchored by UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center, a hospital featuring a broad range of specialist care, while socializing is made easy through facilities like the Steamboat Springs Community Center, where classes and social gatherings keep older adults engaged.
As for housing, retirement communities such as Casey’s Pond Senior Living offer various levels of care, from independent apartments to assisted living services. Given its popularity as a leisure destination, home prices are considerably higher than most other similar-sized communities with an average selling price of $950,000. But in terms of lifestyle and safe neighborhoods (crime rates are low here), you certainly get what you pay for.
Whitefish, Montana
Home to nearly 8,500 residents, the town of Whitefish in northwest Montana is a popular spot not just for tourists but also for retirees on the hunt for that perfect Rocky Mountain retirement. Located near the shores of Whitefish Lake and within easy reach of Glacier National Park, its small downtown along Central Avenue features a little something for everyone. Older adults here enjoy favorites like Whitefish Theatre Company’s performances at the O’Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center, an easy stroll away from unique eateries like Loula’s Café (order their delish lemon stuffed French toast).
Enjoy the outdoors? Head to Whitefish Mountain Resort, popular for its skiing in winter and hiking, biking, and hiking in warmer months. The Whitefish Winter Carnival in February dates back to the 1960s and continues to celebrate local folklore with parades and snow-sculpting competitions. The carnival is also a great opportunity for volunteers and can always use an extra pair of hands.
Concerned about healthcare services in Whitefish? Logan Health Whitefish Hospital provides everything from acute care to rehab services, while wellness programs and fitness classes are available at the Whitefish Community Center. As for where to live, retirement housing options range from private condos near the lake to senior living facilities like The Springs at Whitefish. Prefer a place of your own? Median home prices here hover around $650,000, making it one of the more affordable small towns in the American Rockies. Crime rates are moderate, too, but Whitefish remains generally safer than comparable resort towns, with local law enforcement emphasizing community policing.
Estes Park, Colorado
Known as the eastern gateway to the spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park provides retirees with a front-row seat to some of the most incredible mountain vistas in the American Rockies. The town itself is also ideal for older adults who enjoy a good urban stroll, especially along the scenic Riverwalk to attractions like the Historic Park Theatre, built in 1913 and still going strong.
Other iconic places to visit in Estes Park include The Taffy Shop, a local favorite since 1935, and the Wool Market, an annual showcase of fiber arts with demonstrations and vendors. If you’re thinking of “trying before buying,” visit during the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival in June and join in the town’s celebration of Nordic traditions including folk dancing and authentic food and drink offerings. Events like this feature volunteer programs, as does Rocky Mountain National Park in the areas of trail maintenance and visitor assistance.
Healthcare is readily accessible thanks to Estes Park Health, a top-notch hospital providing emergency and specialty services when needed. Estes Park Senior Citizens Center organizes everything from group excursions to educational workshops, fostering a tight-knit community of older adults. Retirement living can be found in communities like Good Samaritan Society - Estes Park Village, offering independent and assisted living options. Average house prices tend to trend around the $640,000 mark, something that’s influenced by the town’s popularity as both a tourist hub and a retirement spot with low crime rates.
Taos, New Mexico
At the bottom end of the Rockies lies the New Mexico town of Taos. A lovely blend of Sangre de Cristo Mountains (part of the Southern Rocky Mountains) and high desert landscapes, not to mention a near-perfect climate, all add up to make Taos a great retirement destination. Highlights include Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back over a thousand years, with guided tours often led by experienced elders. The art scene here is pretty dynamic, too, especially along historic Ledoux Street, home to the Harwood Museum of Art with its works by the Taos Society of Artists. Outdoor enthusiasts are also well-catered to with Taos Ski Valley in the winter and warmer months bringing rafting opportunities on the Rio Grande.
As for the serious stuff, such as healthcare and housing, this town of just over 6,400 people has your back. Holy Cross Medical Center serves as the community’s main hospital, covering everything from routine check-ups to emergency services. You’ll also find first-rate senior support through nonprofit organizations like Ancianos Inc., which offers meal programs, social activities, and even transportation.
As for housing, Taos Retirement Village provides independent living, assisted living, as well as memory care options in a warm and inviting communal setting. Prefer a place of your own? Taos is one of the most affordable housing markets in the American Rockies. Expect to pay around $430,000 for a decent home in Taos.
The Bottom Line
There’s no doubt that the American Rockies deliver so much more than just postcard-perfect panoramas. The best of these smaller communities along this 3,000-mile stretch of mountain scenery offer up lifestyles that are perfectly suited for retirees seeking not just a sense of tranquility but also a little cultural depth and the opportunity to socialize. Each of these six towns in the Rockies ticks all these boxes (and more) and is an ideal place to retire to.
