DENVER (STACKER) — When asked what are the three most essential considerations about a property, buyers and sellers of real estate alike will nearly always reply “location, location, location.”
While this answer is sometimes tongue-in-cheek, it is often quite accurate, and this reply perhaps applies to retirees more than any other demographic. Settling down after a lifetime of working and perhaps raising a family calls for the perfect location: a spot where you can enjoy life with as few concerns as possible.
When seniors 65 or older decide on where they want to live out their golden years, they consider very specific factors, such as the cost of living, government services, health care facilities, weather and overall climate, crime rate, outdoor recreational activities, eating establishments, cultural and entertainment opportunities and more.
Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to retire in Colorado using data from Niche. Niche ranks counties based on a variety of factors, including cost of living, health care, recreation and weather.
Location is critical as retirees determine where to spend their senior years enjoying favorite activities; However, it’s a very unique decision based on a multitude of preferences and needs. Whether it be bustling downtowns or access to parks, affordable home prices or cultural amenities like museums, retirees seeking to settle in a permanent spot are sure to find a private paradise in any of these counties recommended by Niche because, in the end, there is no place like home—no matter the location.
Read on to discover the best counties to retire in Colorado.
#5: Chaffee County
- Population: 19,557
- Median home value: $357,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $931 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $55,771
- Top places to live: Salida (B+), Buena Vista (B), Poncha Springs (B-)
#4: Fremont County
- Population: 47,321
- Median home value: $174,000 (75% own)
- Median rent: $838 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $49,409
- Top places to live: Lincoln Park (B), Cañon City (B-), Florence (B-)
#3: Las Animas County
- Population: 14,266
- Median home value: $151,100 (67% own)
- Median rent: $712 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $41,817
- Top places to live: Trinidad (C+), El Moro (B-), Aguilar (C+)
#2: Otero County
- Population: 18,282
- Median home value: $94,900 (64% own)
- Median rent: $675 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $38,169
- Top places to live: La Junta (B-), Rocky Ford (C+), Cheraw (B)
#1: Huerfano County
- Population: 6,679
- Median home value: $161,600 (72% own)
- Median rent: $626 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $38,137