7 Practical (And Pleasing) Reasons to Consider Retiring in Colorado

If you’re looking for an active and fulfilling retirement, you may be thinking about moving to a state that’s popular with retirees and offers lots of lifestyle choices in a beautiful climate.

Luckily for you, Colorado is that state — and a popular choice for retirees, thanks to its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and quality of life. In addition to the natural beauty and quality healthcare, Colorado is a destination where you may be able to maximize your retirement savings.

Here’s a look at some top reasons you might want to consider retiring in Colorado.

With majestic mountains, national parks, and breathtaking landscapes, Colorado offers a picturesque backdrop for daily life and outdoor adventures. You may have heard some retirees call Colorado the most beautiful state in the country.

It might be a great place to escape the hustle of packed cities and crowded states as you look to enjoy a more relaxing environment for retirement. You could also save money by not needing to travel often, since Colorado is full of natural beauty with plenty of things to do.

Colorado is a haven for retirees who want to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors year-round, from hiking and skiing to cycling and golfing. You may even be surprised by the number of trails near the spot where you plan to live.

Colorado also has many areas for active living well beyond the mountains. You can take advantage of rolling plains and beautiful lakes. Beyond the active living opportunities, you can enjoy the beauty while sitting and enjoying the views.

Colorado’s climate offers a pleasant mix of sunny days with four distinct seasons, allowing retirees to enjoy various weather without extreme heat or humidity.

Winter offers snow and skiing, but summer brings outdoor concerts and other activities in beautiful state and national parks. You can also take advantage of the mild climate by hosting friends and family who may want to escape from harsher weather across the country.

There are several reasons why Colorado routinely ranks among the most tax-friendly states for retirees in the country. For starters, the income tax system is generous in terms of retirement income.

Further, property taxes in Colorado are among the lowest of any state. You’ll also get a break on estate tax. While sales tax may be a bit high in the state, groceries and medications are tax-exempt.

With renowned medical facilities and a focus on wellness, Colorado offers excellent healthcare options for retirees in cities like Denver and Boulder. In fact, the state consistently ranks among the top 10 for overall healthcare in the country.

The ranking is partly thanks to some of the highest-quality medical care available and some of the best hospitals in America. You’ll also probably find much of this at a reasonable price — healthcare costs in the Centennial State tend to be lower than in many other states.

Unlike some reasons to retire in Colorado, this one may take more effort. You may have read that Colorado can be pricey for retirees due to higher housing costs, but you can lower your living costs in a few different ways.

For example, you might avoid the bigger cities and find smaller areas where property is less expensive. Additionally, some expenses, like utilities, are cheaper in Colorado, which may offer savings over where you currently live.

You may want to retire to a place with plenty of company, and you’ll find that in Colorado. The state is home to many retirement communities and retirees throughout.

You may also be able to connect with other retirees headed to Colorado to enjoy the climate, scenery, and cultural activities. Your new location in Colorado may be home to special locations and activities geared toward retirees.

Colorado may be a good choice for retirement if you enjoy a nice climate, beautiful scenery, good company, lower taxes, and quality healthcare. In addition, with some breathtaking state and national parks, Colorado may easily fit into your retirement plan.

However, some expenses in the state — like housing — drive up the cost of living, so it’s worth examining your expenses and needs to decide if having the Rocky Mountains right in your backyard is worth it.