10 Best Kept Secret Places to Retire In Colorado

Retirees flock to Colorado because they want to enjoy the nature and serenity it offers. The state has numerous lakes, mountain ranges, hiking trails, golf courses, and outdoor activities. It truly is the perfect place to live out your golden years. The best areas in Colorado for retirees often include amenities like easy access to healthcare facilities, affordability, outdoor opportunities, and year-round festivals. While there are many popular spots to retire in this state, there are also some hidden gems. Here’s a preview!

1. Orchard City

This unique city attracts many retirees, blue-collar workers, and working professionals looking for a simpler way of life. Orchard City offers something for everyone as it stays current with technological advancements while keeping its rural charm.

When driving up the rolling hillside towards the Grand Mesa, you pass right through Orchard City. It is a laid-back agricultural, recreational, and residential area between Cedaredge to the north, Delta to the southwest, and Hotchkiss to the east. While this city has the largest municipality in Delta County in terms of square miles, it is well-known for the three smaller areas within its boundaries: Ecker, Austin, and Cory. They each started as individual towns, but they came together through the years.

2. Broomfield

Broomfield has the perfect location, as it’s situated between Boulder and Denver. This provides residents with serenity in a peaceful suburban town, with access to city life. Broomfield is home to around 75,000 people, and many love the city because of its ideal location. Furthermore, it features expansive community open spaces, three golf courses, and trails, so there is plenty of room to enjoy nature. This city is also home to the FlatIron Crossing, which has a wide range of specialty, department, and big-box stores. Additionally, Broomfield has several restaurants and a theater, so there is plenty to do on date night. Lastly, the city has several places where residents and visitors can sample innovative craft brews, including Big Choice Brewing, 4 Noses Brewing Company, Westminster Brewing Company, and Rails End Beer Company.

3. Aurora

Aurora is famous for its close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, as it provides residents and visitors with access to various outdoor opportunities, like camping, hiking, and skiing. Furthermore, it offers a unique lifestyle that many retirees find appealing. As a result, Aurora is one of the best-kept secret places to retire in Colorado. Besides enjoying the outdoors, the city also offers various dining and shopping options. Additionally, Aurora has several museums and art galleries, making it perfect for retirees who like learning about art and history. Lastly, people flock to this city because it receives over 300 days of sunshine each year.

4. Vail

Retirees in Vail are surrounded by nature, and there is plenty to do throughout the year. For example, during the winter, residents and visitors can experience cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and ice skating. However, once the weather heats up, popular activities include fishing, hiking, camping, and rafting. This city is also home to Vail and Beaver Creek resorts, consisting of breathtaking scenery, multiple activities, special events, and the best ski resorts. Vail is made up of several communities, like Edwards, Gypsum, Avon, Eagle, EagleVail, Minturn, and Red Cliff and Vail. Each of these communities offers cultural opportunities, restaurants, and access.

5. Palisade

Palisade is situated along the Colorado River in western Colorado. It has a temperate climate and a lengthy growing season. This peaceful agricultural community is surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and truck farms. It is notorious for its breathtaking Colorado National Monument, consisting of a series of canyons and red rocks. The Grand Mesa National Forest sits to the east, while the Tilman Bishop State Wildlife Area is located just south of Palisade. Therefore, this town is a popular outdoor adventure hub where people can enjoy cycling, fishing, rafting, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

The downtown area is filled with eateries, locally owned shops, art galleries, a distillery, and a brewery. Retirees can also enjoy the local farmers’ market on weekends, six parks, a  community garden, and a city swimming pool. Additionally, there is a wide range of classes and events at the community center, including gourmet lunches, core strengthening, yoga, and snowshoe outings. Lastly, Palisade holds annual wine festivals, music festivals, bike festivals, peach festival, lavender festival, and honeybee festival.

6. Greenwood Village

Greenwood Village is a good option for those looking to retire in a bustling city. This suburban city in the Denver Metropolitan area is notorious for its upscale neighborhoods, thriving business community, and various attractions. For example, Greenwood Village is home to Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre, which is a fantastic outdoor concert venue. Additionally, residents can visit the Curtis Arts and Humanities Center, which is the community’s cultural hub. Some of the most vibrant streets in the city include Orchard Road, Belleview Avenue, and Arapahoe Road, all lined with restaurants and shops.

7. Castle Pines Village

Castle Pines Village is an exceptional residential gated community with magnificent views of Mount Evans, Pikes Peak, and the Rocky Mountains. When retiring in this south Denver metropolitan neighborhood located in Douglas County, residents can enjoy nature and state-of-the-art amenities while feeling comfortable and safe. This neighborhood is close to the Castle Pines Country Club, Village Shops, and the notorious Jack Nicklaus Golf Course.

Castle Pines Village is cradled among the rock outcroppings, with 360-degree views. This relaxed neighborhood is a forested haven with easy access to Colorado Springs and Denver. The homes in Castle Pines Village are carefully crafted to not interfere with the wildlife and natural environment.

8. Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek sits just outside downtown Denver, boasting multiple art galleries, local restaurants, spas, shopping centers, and Denver Botanic Gardens. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this neighborhood has many retirees. In fact, more than ¼ of the residents of Cherry Creek are over 70 years old.

9. Evergreen

Evergreen is nestled in the mountains just west of Denver. This town provides retirees with a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city and is known for the Evergreen Lake. The lake offers outdoor activities throughout the year. For example, in the winter, residents can enjoy ice fishing and ice skating. But summer allows locals to enjoy the lake with activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing.

10. Palmer Lake

Located between Denver and Colorado Springs, Palmer Lake is a small, picturesque town along the Front Range of the Rockies. This town is brimming with outdoor activities and nature. For example, it is home to a 36-acre recreation site at the foothills of Ben Lomand Mountain. Other activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, picnicking, and several events.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Phanom Nuangchomphoo/Shutterstock.com