2019 Best Places to Retire in ColoradoAbout this List

Holly Hills

• Suburb of Denver, CO
• 6 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in this neighborhood for 30 years and I love the proximity of it to all areas of Metro Denver. Where I live is close to the light rail, Highline Canal, and several shopping areas, it's like a mini city in and of itself. The only major dislike I have for the area and the state, in general, is that housing has become so expensive, it is difficult to live in the vicinity of Denver without having to work two jobs or have a six-figure income. Many people are getting priced out of their homes and apartments due to the influx of people moving in and a housing shortage. Also, traffic has become a nightmare!
Read 6 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A+

• 2,797 Population

Lincoln Park

• Town in Colorado

• B-

• C+

• A

• 3,035 Population

Genesee

• Town in Colorado
• 4 reviews

Current Resident: Genesee is the best mountain community close to Denver. HOA dues are super low, especially for what you get: 2 clubhouses, 2 pools, 4 tennis courts, pickleball courts, playgrounds, fitness center, hiking trails, snow removal, slash pickup, on-site management, private patrol, community events and activities. All utilities are underground and we have our own water treatment plant and sewer treatment plant. There are fire hydrants everywhere and a fully-equipped fire station in the middle of the district. The roads are always plowed by the county because they are a school bus route. It is quiet, peaceful, and beautiful and clear nights are filled with stars due to dark-sky efforts.
Read 4 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 3,670 Population

Estes Park

• Town in Colorado
• 9 reviews

Current Resident: Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. As such, natural beauty, mountain views, and wildlife abound. If you love the outdoors, this is the place to be. Some things I would like to see change or improve: housing needs to become more affordable; local restaurants could step up their game a bit, and local commerce lacks the necessities for the everyday local workforce.
Read 9 Reviews

• B+

• B+

• A

• 6,248 Population

Redlands

• Town in Colorado
• 10 reviews

Niche User: I plan on leaving this area when I go to college, but I know I will be back here to raise my kids, because this is an area that I want my kids to grow up in. It's the perfect mix between small community and big city. We have all the resources of a big city but have the living of a small town. Everyone seems to know one another, and has family here. The schools are improving for the most part, and the town continues to grow.
Read 10 Reviews

• B

• B-

• A

• 9,367 Population

Evergreen

• Town in Colorado
• 44 reviews

Current Resident: My experience in Evergreen has been an overall good experience, despite the issue of being in a bubble. The location of my town is perfect. Not only is Evergreen in the beautiful, peaceful Rocky Mountains, rather than in the middle of a busy city, but it isn't so far out that you feel disconnected and isolated. The sense of community in Evergreen is a great factor as well. The biggest issue is that being in an overall wealthy town, there isn't much economic diversity, or many non-whites. But being close to Denver, which is more diverse, is something that somewhat makes up for this lack of diversity.
Read 44 Reviews

• A

• A-

• A

• 8,516 Population

Salida

• Town in Colorado
• 11 reviews

Current Resident: The town is an outdoor recreation mecca with world class mountain biking, skiing and white-water rafting. It tends to attract creative types as well with a ration of 1 art gallery for every 250 people within city limits. However, it is not very culturally or ethnically diverse and there are generational prejudices still evident in town politics and law enforcement.
Read 11 Reviews

• B+

• B+

• A

• 5,565 Population

Cherry Creek

• Suburb of Denver, CO
• 13 reviews

Niche User: My neighborhood has great schools, restaurants, businesses and other activities within a close proximity. It is also extremely safe and recognized as a great neighborhood!
Read 13 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A

• 12,310 Population

Pine Brook Hill

• Town in Colorado
• 1 review

• A+

• A+

• A

• 1,070 Population

Inverness

• Suburb of Denver, CO
• 6 reviews

Niche User: There is a neighborhood security guard and everyone seems to pay attention to those around them.
Read 6 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A

• 1,808 Population

Walsenburg

• Town in Colorado
• 15 reviews

Current Resident: It is a small town with very helpful people levIng in it. It is very quite but the community is good and you will feel safe.
Read 15 Reviews

• C+

• C-

• A

• 2,904 Population

Castle Pines Village

• Suburb of Denver, CO
• 6 reviews

Current Resident: Castle Pines Village is easily accessible to I-25, has multiple pools, and social events. The country club and golf club are within the community. It is a gated community that is manned and emergency services are at the residents' disposal. The setting is beautiful, and local shops (restaurants, spa) are nearby. The area surrounding the neighborhood is very natural, and deer often roam around. The neighborhood is close to Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Lonetree. There are many public schools around, as well as excellent private schools. Castle Pines Village is about thirty minutes away from the Denver International Airport. The area is within driving distance of the mountains, to go tubing and skiing in the winter, and mountain biking and hiking in the summer. Boulder is roughly an hour away.
Read 6 Reviews

• A

• A+

• A-

• 4,325 Population

Greenwood Village

• Suburb of Denver, CO
• 52 reviews

Nearby Resident: This is a great town and many services! There are many local holiday events which are geared toward young families. The schools are really challenging and help students suceed.

I would like to see more events for seniors and empty nesters. Also, there could be more restaurants that are not chains. The safety of our neighborhoods is hard to navigate because whenits cold people pull in their garages. You have a hard time telling who belongs in the neighborhood or possibly a potential threat. You get a lot of real estate for your money compared to other big markets and the schools as I said prior just great! The town has a lot of nightlife to offer such as comedy club, movie theaters and lots of breweries. Again, wish more were not chains and not so expensive. Most places offer happy hour prices and hours but if just lower prices so families could have a nice night out. $15 pp is a lot on a weekly or twice a month basis. I cook more at home now that I ever have...
Read 52 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A-

• 15,397 Population

Gunbarrel

• Suburb of Denver, CO
• 5 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in this neighborhood for almost a decade. It's a safe and sleepy community with an array of varied local businesses, parks, breweries, outdoor walking and biking paths, good schools, etc. Neighborhood folks are down to earth and friendly.
Read 5 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A-

• 9,321 Population

Manitou Springs

• Town in Colorado
• 10 reviews

Nearby Resident: Manitou Springs is a small but popular town. The town gives access to free clean drinking water, there are seven mineral springs that bring up water for people to drink. I have seen people even bring empty jugs of water to fill up in these springs. The town also has a river along side of it where people can walk right next to the river. Many festivals happen in manitou like the annual coffin race. manitou is also very family friendly, the town has a “penny arcade” with tons of old school arcade games that are mostly just a quarter each to play. There are a lot of ice cream shops and a really good pizza shop called, Hell’s Kitchen, ironically across the street from a shop called, Heaven’s Juice Bar. When the sun goes down, the town is still alive, there are quite a few bars in this town that are oddly enough not really noticeable during the day. At the edge of the town is a hiking path called, The Incline, that has 2,744 steps to climb with 2,000 foot increase in elevation.
Read 10 Reviews

• A-

• B

• A-

• 5,263 Population

Buena Vista

• Town in Colorado
• 14 reviews

Current Resident: Overall a cute mountain town with a booming tourist season. Small and charming but much smaller in the winter. Many people have summer homes here but few stay for the winter. Good public schools that maybe focus too much on sports, but it creates a strong drive in the people who live here. Ok nightlife, but most places close before 10pm. Can be hard to find jobs especially with little experience, however our largest employer the D.O.C., is always hiring. Very health oriented residents and many gyms available. Overall a good and safe family oriented town. One of few downsides is that most malls and various other important buildings, are located about a 3 hour drive away.
Read 14 Reviews

• B

• B-

• A-

• 2,720 Population

Cedaredge

• Town in Colorado
• 7 reviews

Current Resident: HIDDEN GEM IN PLAIN SIGHT: After living here for 14 years I find this community exceptional with the surrounding majestic beauty of the Grand Mesa, West Elk Mountains. Cedaredge is on the National Scenic Byway. Lots of homes outside city limits in rural area, maybe 4,000 more folks than town. So many places with fabulous views. Weather here at 6200 ft. is 5-10 degrees cooler in summer and warmer in winter than valley towns. Low humidity. The Mesa protects us from NW fronts. We feel very safe living here and have only met people who are authentically friendly. The local grocery store, pharmacy, library, post office, coffee shops, hardware, gift and furniture stores, 2 thrift shops and 10 restaurants (WOW) and our new Grand Mesa Arts Center (WOW) makes this little mountain town a true gem. You can work from home with fiber optic. Medical, dental, chiropractic, veterinarian clinics.
Read 7 Reviews

• B-

• B

• A-

• 2,175 Population

Columbine Valley

• Suburb of Denver, CO
• 4 reviews

Current Resident: It is a quiet little neighborhood. Quick access to anything you need (shopping, entertainment) yet has it's own privacy away from the city life. The people are great!
Read 4 Reviews

• A

• A

• A-

• 1,165 Population

Centennial

• Suburb of Denver, CO
• 285 reviews

Current Resident: Centennial is a safe and vibrant suburb. It is close to the city and on the way to scenic views! Great shipping, plenty of places to eat, and a plethora of community activities including concerts, markets, classes, swimming, and team sporting events.
Read 285 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A-

• 108,448 Population

Englewood

• Suburb of Denver, CO
• 131 reviews

Current Resident: My family has been in Englewood for three generations and I can't say enough about the good ole "Englehood." As a kid you grow up knowing everyone, you know each other from kindergarten to your senior year and I really think that makes Englewood special. I can walk my neighborhood and I have friends, family, and memories on every single block. Englewood has beautiful parks, you don't have to travel far to get to really anything you need, and we are growing! In the past few years, Colorado has become a popular place to live. It both excites me and also makes me sad. I love seeing the new local stores and people. I love seeing improvements to our city as well. I do however have trouble with the rising cost of living and the unavoidable traffic. Englewood is where I will raise my son and where I choose to spend the future.
Read 131 Reviews

• A

• B+

• A-

• 33,155 Population

Highlands Ranch

• Suburb of Denver, CO
• 363 reviews

Current Resident: Highlands Ranch is a great place to start a family. With restaurants nearby, its a very safe and quiet place with an excellent school system. There are trails all throughout the open space for the avid biker or runner, but sometimes it's hard to find things to do at night. There is a main event and a movie theater, but beyond that, expect to take a trip to Denver for excitement. There is a mall which is conveniently located adjacent to Highlands Ranch which is great for shopping!
Read 363 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A-

• 105,264 Population

Cañon City

• Town in Colorado
• 57 reviews

Current Resident: Canon City is pretty nice, MORE IMPORTANT: What its becoming! Best weather in the state of Colorado! Fish, Hike, Bike, and instant access to the mountains (5 min).
Its been a retirement/fixed income town for many decades, and all the prices were very LOW a few years ago, but a lot of the visitors from out of state realize it is a great location... and lots of things are changing... and prices are doubled from 5 years ago. This will hurt the fixed income folks that didn't buy homes, as rents are going up quickly as well.
Don't be surprised if some of the generational locals are gruff with you many don't know "..whats the big deal?" or ".. this town will never be.." and if you come in from out of state and buy a house, they will definitely tell you that you overpaid.
Change is hard. But the train is coming through.. and you can get on board, or you can stand on the tracks.
Read 57 Reviews

• B-

• C+

• A-

• 16,298 Population

Louisville

• Suburb of Denver, CO
• 47 reviews

Current Resident: The only reason I even know about Louisville, is because this is where my boyfriend grew up. I am from Houston, TX and have never been outside of Texas until the day I joined the military. I met my boyfriend over 4 years ago and met his parents not long after that. Every year we had visited and every year I have LOVED it. The people around here are SO nice. The weather is amazing! Plus, it snows! Being from south Texas, we don't get snow. I love it!
Read 47 Reviews

• A+

• A

• A-

• 20,319 Population

Montrose

• Town in Colorado
• 31 reviews

Current Resident: Montrose is an excellent town on the western slope located just a short drive from some of the most amazing natural wonders the Southwest has to offer. Montrose is also a great place to raise a family, with our recreation district offering a multitude of sports for any age, including year round soccer in our brand-new indoor soccer complex! Montrose also offers the largest and newest recreation center on the western slope, including an 11 lane lap pool, basketball courts, a lazy river and racquetball courts. Montrose public schools offer amazing sports programs and have recently become deeply invested in STEM activities. Overall, Montrose is an amazing town with so much to offer and it will make an excellent home for anyone wanting to move here.
Read 31 Reviews

• B

• C+

• A-

• 18,918 Population

Orchard City

• Town in Colorado

• C

• B

• A-

• 3,053 Population