Best Cities for Retirees in Colorado
Colorado for Retirees: The Full Picture
Colorado sits at #21 out of 50 for retirees β solidly in the middle tier. The state offers above-average healthcare infrastructure alongside living costs that track near or above the national average (cost-of-living index: 101). It's a state where retirement can work well with proper planning, though it lacks the standout advantages of top-tier retirement destinations.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Colorado's health score of 67/100 reflects strong medical infrastructure β life expectancy here is 79.3 years, above the national average. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 8.73% of income. The 4.4% income tax rate is relatively modest. Property taxes run 0.49% (effective rate), which is among the lowest in the nation.
At $582,000, median home prices are above the national average β retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. Safety is worth researching at the local level β the statewide safety score of 52/100 suggests some areas perform better than others. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # | City | Grade | Retirees Score | Overall | Health | Fiscal Health | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Parker | A+ | 71.1 | 66.1 | 79 | 91 | 55 | 60,115 |
| 2 | Castle Rock | A+ | 69.9 | 69.8 | 77 | 93 | 47 | 81,401 |
| 3 | Broomfield | A+ | 67.1 | 64.2 | 83 | 80 | 50 | 76,860 |
| 4 | Centennial | A+ | 66.8 | 64.8 | 84 | 87 | 51 | 106,873 |
| 5 | Highlands Ranch | A+ | 66.2 | 64.2 | 83 | 100 | 42 | 103,195 |
| 6 | Arvada | B+ | 64.4 | 60.1 | 79 | 79 | 54 | 123,517 |
| 7 | Loveland | B+ | 59.0 | 56.6 | 74 | 60 | 54 | 79,353 |
| 8 | Thornton | B | 59.0 | 56.3 | 63 | 71 | 57 | 144,889 |
| 9 | Longmont | B | 58.6 | 56.1 | 83 | 61 | 51 | 99,306 |
| 10 | Westminster | B | 58.5 | 54.5 | 71 | 67 | 57 | 114,882 |
| 11 | Fort Collins | B | 57.5 | 55.9 | 75 | 46 | 58 | 170,368 |
| 12 | Commerce City | B | 56.9 | 55.1 | 55 | 77 | 54 | 68,248 |
| 13 | Grand Junction | C+ | 55.2 | 52.1 | 64 | 46 | 69 | 69,406 |
| 14 | Colorado Springs | C | 54.3 | 48.9 | 65 | 59 | 63 | 488,670 |
| 15 | Lakewood | C+ | 54.2 | 50.1 | 76 | 60 | 56 | 155,973 |
| 16 | Boulder | B | 54.0 | 55.3 | 83 | 33 | 45 | 105,893 |
| 17 | Denver | C+ | 53.9 | 51.8 | 83 | 61 | 54 | 716,577 |
| 18 | Aurora | C | 51.6 | 48.5 | 64 | 58 | 59 | 394,701 |
| 19 | Greeley | C | 47.9 | 49.6 | 51 | 41 | 66 | 112,614 |
| 20 | Pueblo | D | 41.3 | 39.8 | 49 | 30 | 74 | 111,081 |