What attracts retirees to Colorado Springs?
Where to retire in Colorado? With its majestic mountains, plethora of recreational opportunities, and beautiful weather, Colorado attracts visitors from all over the world. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to retire in terms of taxes, financial opportunities, and health care. Whether it’s the fresh mountain air, the numerous ski resorts, or the breathtaking views, our Colorado communities will be a place you’ll want to call home.
From its beginnings as a resort city offering curative waters to its continued growth thanks to military bases and high-tech and service industries, Colorado Springs is and seems likely to remain Colorado’s second largest city. Its beautiful setting at the foot of the Front Range and its many amenities make it an attractive place for an active retirement.
Landscape
Colorado Springs’ site is spectacular. From the eastern part of town you get a superb view of snow-capped Pikes Peak, whereas from most points west of downtown the forested foothills eclipse the larger mountain. The cityscape is well wooded and green.
Climate
Colorado Springs’ four-season climate features light precipitation, plenty of sunshine and dramatic day-to-day and seasonal changes in weather. The city is sunny about 70% of the time and frost free 150 days.
Quality of Life
Good. Neighborhoods near downtown are remarkably attractive; great pride of home ownership is evident. Colorado Springs’ striking physical setting and its excellent parks also contribute to its high quality of life.
Housing
Hundreds of charming Victorian and early 20th century homes are found just north of downtown; suburban areas offer a great diversity of newer houses. Housing prices can be expected to remain affordable.
Goods and Services
Groceries and health care costs are 8% and 13% above their national averages whereas utilities are priced 20% below average. Transportation and other goods and services costs are near national norms.
Taxes
When you retire in Colorado, you will enjoy significant tax benefits, including a large deduction on all retirement income, as well as some of the lowest property taxes in the country. The state’s average effective rate is 0.57 percent. Food and medicine are also exempt from sales tax. Colorado is considered tax-friendly for retirees, allowing a $24,000 annual deduction on all retirement income for taxpayers 65 and older.
State and local taxes in Colorado Springs are 8.8% of income compared to the U.S. average of 9.7%. State income taxes are a little above the national average but property, sales and excise taxes are below average.
Transportation
Most residents drive. Local and intercity bus service is available. Colorado Springs Airport Shuttle serves Colorado Springs Airport and Denver International Airport. Amtrak and Greyhound provide service from Denver.
Retail Services
Major malls include the Citadel, Chapel Hills Mall and the Shops at Briargate. A Wal-Mart Supercenter is nearby.
Health Care
Colorado is home to over 100 hospitals, many of which are nationally ranked, and nine of which meet high performance standards. UCHealth University of Colorado in Aurora is Colorado’s top-rated hospital. The hospital is a major partner of the University of Colorado Cancer Center and is nationally ranked in seven specialties.
Of Colorado Springs’ five hospitals, two of them are large general hospitals. Additional medical services are only an hour away in Denver.
Community Services
The city, El Paso County, Pikes Peak Community College and local religious and community organizations offer a great variety of services.
Cultural and Educational Activities
Pikes Peak Center, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, the Iron Springs Chateau and Playhouse, the Broadmoor International Center and Colorado College are important centers for the arts. Colorado College, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and Pikes Peak Community College offer courses.
Recreational Activities
Colorado is well-known for its hiking, skiing, and breathtaking scenery. Colorado is a haven for retirees who want to spend more time in the great outdoors, with some of the best state parks in the country. The state is home to four national parks: Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Ski towns such as Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge thrive in the winter but also provide excellent opportunities for seniors to hike, picnic, and do other outdoor activities in the summer.
Outdoor recreation is plentiful in and around Colorado Springs. Palmer Park and the famous Garden of the Gods Park at the foot of Pikes Peak are special gems of the park system.
Work and Volunteer Activities
The Colorado Springs economy has boomed in recent years and many jobs and volunteer positions are available.
Crime Rates and Public Safety
Local police officers report that much of Colorado Springs’ crime occurs near the Fort Carson military base but that central and northern neighborhoods of the city are comparatively safe.
Conclusion
Colorado Springs’ physical site at the foot of Pikes Peak is scenic and its sunny climate appeals to many. The city rates highly in retail, health care and community services, work/volunteer opportunities and cultural and recreational offerings for an active retirement.