10 Reasons to Retire in Colorado

Nov 14, Alissa Sauer

What draws people to retire in Colorado? Colorado pulls people from all over the world with its majestic mountains, an abundance of recreational opportunities, and gorgeous weather. It’s consistently named one of the best places to retire when it comes to taxes, financial opportunity, and health. Whether it’s the clean mountain air, countless ski resorts, or stunning views, our Colorado communities will be a place you will love to call home.

Learn more about the unique benefits of retiring in Colorado and how to make your retirement dream a reality.

Benefits of Retiring in Colorado

1. Tax Breaks for Retirees

When you choose to retire in Colorado, you enjoy immense tax benefits, which include a large deduction on all retirement income and the state boasts some of the lowest property taxes in the country. The average effective rate in the state is 0.57%. Additionally, food and medicine are exempt from sales tax. Colorado is considered to be tax-friendly for retirees, allowing a deduction of $24,000 per year on all retirement income for taxpayers 65 years old and older. 

2. Outdoor Recreational Opportunities

When it comes to outdoor adventure, if you can think it, Colorado has it. Colorado is world-famous for its hiking, skiing, and exceptional scenery. Boasting some of the best state parks in the country, Colorado is a haven for retirees looking to spend more time in the great outdoors. The state has four national parks including Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Ski towns like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge thrive in the winter and also provide great opportunities for seniors in the summer to hike, picnic, and more. 

3. Healthy Living

Colorado has the second lowest obesity rate in the country and draws retirees from all over the country with an active lifestyle encouraged by outdoor recreation and the state’s mild climate. The state is ranked 8th in the nation for good health by the United Health Foundation. Choosing to retire in Colorado means choosing health and wellness. Retirees in Colorado are surrounded by opportunities for fitness, for being active outside, and for engaging with others who have chosen the same healthy lifestyle. Realizing that Colorado’s population is growing and aging, there is even an organization dedicated to keeping Coloradans healthy, creating equal access to healthy food and physical activity.  

4. Access to City Life & Luxurious Amenities

Colorado features some of the country’s best universities and most bustling cities, offering residents access to all the amenities that come with being near a big city. When you choose to retire in Colorado, you can choose what kind of retirement you want to create. If you prefer a smaller town with one of the state’s best ranking in healthcare and entertainment near major ski resorts and an abundance of arts, Durango is the city for you. If you’re more into higher education, lively discussions, political activism, oh, and tons of craft breweries, try Boulder. From quiet country towns to thriving metropolitan areas, retirees in Colorado have it all. 

5. Small Town America

While Colorado is home to big cities like Denver and Colorado Springs, it also has an abundance of quaint shops, fresh and seasonal farmers markets, and small-town fairs. The state has several fairs throughout the year including a Winter Carnival in Steamboat, the Santa Fe Trail Festival in Trinidad, and a hot air balloon festival in Colorado Springs. The state strikes a perfect balance between big city amenities and small town living so that retirees in Colorado can have the best of both worlds. 

6. Four Seasons

Many popular retirement destinations feature one or two seasons per year but to retire in Colorado means experiencing all four seasons every year. The mild climate still brings nearly 300 days of sunshine per year while still managing to fill ski resorts with a blanket of snow. With an average annual temperature of 43.7 degrees Fahrenheit, Colorado perfectly combines their high elevation and interior geography for a cool, dry, and ultimately, invigorating climate. Take a stroll through falling autumn leaves, hit the slopes with fresh powder, pick wildflowers in the spring, and hike a mountain under the dry summer sun. Do it all when you retire in Colorado. 

7. Unparalleled Culinary Experience

Colorado is home to 235 craft breweries and has some of the highest elevation vineyards in the entire world with more than 100 commercial wineries. In fact, Colorado is home to four of the top 50 brewing companies in the country, including Coors, the largest single brewery in the world, producing approximately 22 million barrels of beer annually. Aside from beer and wine, Colorado is also known for its incredible restaurants, eighteen of which have earned four or five diamonds from AAA restaurant ratings.

8. Cultural Experiences

Colorado is home to several museums including the Denver Art Museum and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, a bug museum and several science museums. Colorado Springs is home to the Garden of the Gods, rated the #1 city park in the United States. Featuring dramatic views, towering peaks, interactive experiences, and Jeep and Segway tours, people of ages can spend time in the outdoors, soaking up the natural beauty of Colorado. From prehistoric dinosaurs to the future of flight, Colorado has a museum that will interest retirees and younger generations alike. 

9. Aim High

The state is home to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), drawing retirees to Sunday football games and frequent air shows from the U.S. Thunderbirds. Whether it’s the long military tradition or the perfect blue skies, retirees in Colorado can enjoy stunning and daring air shows throughout the year. From the USAFA graduation to the Grand Junction Air Show and static displays, Colorado will inspire a love of flight. 

10. Premiere Health Care

Colorado has over 100 hospitals, several of which are nationally ranked and nine meet standards for strong performance. The #1 rated hospital in Colorado is UCHealth University of Colorado in Aurora. The hospital is nationally ranked in seven specialities and is a major partner of the University of Colorado Cancer Center. 

Experience Leisure Care Assisted Living in Colorado

Fort Collins Assisted Living

Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care in Fort Collins

Colorado Springs Assisted Living

Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care in Colorado Springs

How to Retire in Colorado

When thinking about how much it costs to retire in Colorado, first consider your current expenses and budget. Because most senior living is all-inclusive you won’t have many of your current expenses once you move. Carefully think through how much you spend each month on all your budget items. Once you fully understand how much it costs to live on your own, you will have a more comprehensive understanding of senior living costs.

You will also want to think through what amenities are included at potential communities. Many of our communities include a wide range of amenities including,

• Regular housekeeping and linen services
• True restaurant dining, with made to order meals
• Engaging activities and social events
• Home maintenance and yard work
• Gym memberships and fitness classes through PrimeFit
• Language lessons
• Travel opportunities
• Assisted living and memory care services, if needed

Exactly how much your monthly rate is will depend on the care being received, amenities being used, and apartment chosen. Our Colorado communities offer a wide range of lifestyle options and amenities and are willing to work with all budgets.

The cost of senior living in Colorado is $3,750 per month for assisted living care, higher than the national average of $2,877 per month.

Retirement Communities in Colorado

From five star dining to customized fitness plans, Leisure Care living is fun and easy. We offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care services at senior living communities throughout Colorado. We will work closely with you and your family to create a lifestyle that meets care and budget needs while taking advantage of everything Colorado has to offer. Five-star fun. Five-star service. That’s our promise.

It’s your time to build your future. Contact us today to get started.