8 Small Towns in Colorado Realtors Swear Are About To Be Retirement Hot Spots

If you’re planning for retirement, you shouldn’t overlook Colorado as you get started. With its stunning mountain views, abundant outdoor recreation, walkable communities, and strong sense of community, the Centennial State offers an exceptional quality of life for retirees.

While well-known destinations like Boulder and Aspen may be financially out of reach for those on a fixed income, Colorado’s small towns offer affordability, charm, and a lifestyle perfect for active retirees.

Getting in early could be the key to securing your dream home before prices soar, which is why we consulted several Colorado real estate experts to uncover the small towns that are poised to become retirement destinations. 

Keep reading to discover where you might want to settle down.

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Colorado is Durango, a small but growing community perfect for active retirees.

“Durango is great because it caters to everyone’s needs,” says Brett Rosenbaugh, owner of Rocky Mountain Home & Ranch and Durango native. “The best mountain biking, skiing, festivals, fishing… we have it all.”

In addition to the outdoors and entertainment opportunities, Durango is home to a large hospital and healthcare system — a big priority for retirees. With a median listing price of $868,000 as of January 2025, it’s a good time to move to Durango before prices go up.

If a serene, stress-free lifestyle is your goal, Evergreen is the small town for you.

“Evergreen is a primary home market, not a second-home market,” says Sean Endsley, REALTOR® with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty. “Most people come here from busy places out of state for our peaceful lifestyle.”

Known as the Gateway to the Rockies, Evergreen is centrally located about 35 minutes from Denver and its big city amenities.

Closer to town, Evergreen boasts plentiful activities for seniors. Pickleball is popular, and the Evergreen Parks and Recreation calendar is always full of activities. With a median age of 46, retirees are sure to find a like-minded community.

Dog lovers might consider Golden for its annual Goldens in Golden festival, which attracts dog owners across the country.

Beyond its canine-friendly reputation, Golden offers a vibrant community with a strong housing market. While the cost of living remains relatively high, the median home sale price has dropped 12% year over year, creating potential opportunities for retirees looking to settle in the area.

“Similarly to Evergreen, Golden is a primary home market,” says Endsley. “It’s super accessible and always has a lot going on, including some free activities.” Golden is an appealing choice for those seeking both convenience and an active lifestyle.

Pagosa Springs offers a more rural mountain town experience at a lower altitude. There’s no shortage of activities, from fly fishing on the San Juan River to playing a round at the 27-hole golf course or relaxing in the world’s deepest hot springs.

“Pagosa Springs historically gives retirees the most real estate mountain bang for their buck, whether it be an existing home or land to build their dream home,” says Wen Saunders, REALTOR® with Keller Williams Southwest Associates.

With a median home sale price of $408,600 as of December 2024, Pagosa Springs presents a more affordable option for those looking for mountain living without the crowds.

For retirees seeking peace and quiet of the simpler lifestyle, South Fork offers a grand option. Outdoor activities abound year-round, including horseback riding, fishing, golf, and hunting. The nearby national forest also offers two million acres of natural beauty to explore. The popular Wolf Creek Ski Area is just 20 minutes down the road.

With increased inventory and homes selling for 3.95% below asking price on average, potential buyers have more negotiating power in South Fork.

“With the future development of Wolf Creek Ski Area, South Fork is positioned as a prime retiree opportunity,” says Saunders.

Windsor is one of the fastest-growing small towns in Colorado. It’s home to two massive developments packed with retiree-friendly amenities, a resort-style Good Samaritan Senior Living complex, multiple golf courses, and more.

“Windsor is known as a place where people experience the joy of their dreams,” says Chris Hardy, Broker and Owner at Elevations Real Estate.

This growth brings a strong real estate market. As of January, the median sale price of single-family homes is around $590,000. Townhomes are showing a move toward luxury builds, with a median sale price of $520,000, an almost 30% increase year over year.

Blessed with the charming towns of Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne, Breckenridge, and Keystone, Summit County offers an ideal mix of community, adventure, and longevity. With 16% of residents age 65 and older, it’s an ideal place to build long-lasting friendships with fellow retirees.

“Retiring in Summit County isn’t just about slowing down,” says Dana Cottrell, President of the Colorado Association of REALTORS®. “It’s about embracing an active and fulfilling new chapter.”

Summit County residents can enjoy year-round outdoor adventures, from snowshoeing and ice fishing in the winter to world-class biking, climbing, and white-water rafting in the summer. The abundance of recreational activities keeps residents engaged, social, and in great health.

It may be Ski Town USA, but Steamboat Springs has a lot more than slopes. Residents can enjoy hunting, rodeo, fly fishing, kayaking, water skiing, paddleboarding, ATV riding, and camping year-round. Since it’s further north and not directly on an interstate, single-day tourist traffic is low.

Steamboat’s real estate market has appreciated significantly in recent years. The median sale price for a single-family home in 2024 was $1.8 million. The nearby communities of Clark, Hayden, and Oak Creek offer more affordable options.

“If one is looking to move to a mountain town, they should investigate Steamboat and what it has to offer, as it will look like a value to some towns and more expensive than others,” says Marci Valicenti, Partner at  The Group Real Estate.

With outdoor recreation, arts and entertainment, top-notch healthcare, and a wide variety of housing options, Colorado is a great option for retirees.

Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, Colorado does offer some tax perks. Sales taxes and property taxes are lower, and there’s a large deduction available for retirement income for those 65 and older. 

Before you make any retirement moves, check your retirement readiness so you’ll be ready when the time comes.