Reporting by Nate Trela, Fort Collins Coloradoan
Colorado has some great choices of places to retire for people willing to come down from the front range, according to a list of the best towns for retirees in Colorado.
World Atlas picked eight towns for its list, largely staying away from the I-25 corridor. It stands in stark difference to other lists of places to retire in Colorado that are often topped by Front Range communities.
The new list notes affordability is a strength in some of the recommended communities, as retirement in Colorado is not cheap. World Atlas also looked for communities that had a good selection of services and amenities for seniors who might be concerned by living away from many of Colorado’s best hospitals.
All have lower living costs and home prices (based on Zillow data) than the rest of the state, with most having good hospitals easily reachable and senior housing that can provide assisted care.
Here are the picks for Colorado’s best towns for retirees
La Junta
La Junta stands out for its collection of historical and cultural attractions, including the reconstruction of Bent’s Old Fort, the dinosaur-track filled Picket Wire Canyonlands and the collection of Native American artwork and culture on display at the Koshare Indian Museum and Trading Post. Housing is 71% below the state average home value.
Lamar
Lamar offers several opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, including John Martin Reservoir State Park for fishing, boating, and swimming. Affordability is also a strength, as the cost of living is 20% below Colorado’s average and 67% under the state average home value.
Trinidad
Trinidad also offers a wealth of outdoor recreation, with fishing, camping, boating and hiking at Trinidad Lake State Park, and great views from Simpson’s Rest. Home values average 58% less than the state, and cost of living runs about 22% below the state average.
Cañon City
Cañon City is a top pick in part because its climate and geography, with claims of 325 days of sunshine annually and access to Royal Gorge, its railroad and Skyline Drive. Cost of living runs 14% below the national average, while home values average 38% below Colorado’s average.
Alamosa
Alamosa claims about 350 days of sunshine a year, with opportunities to go outside at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, or to stay inside at more than 35 downtown restaurants or the Alamosa Depot, which displays a vintage locomotive. The cost of living is 17% below the state average, with home values 42% below the state average.
Pueblo West
Pueblo West offers easy access to many of the amenities in and around the city and its larger neighbor, Pueblo, including the Pueblo Zoo, Lake Pueblo State Park, and several places to dine and enjoy entertainment. Home values sit 27% below the state average, while the cost of living is almost 20% below the state’s average.
Sterling
Sterling offers a mix of cultural and outdoors amenities, including the Bradford Rhea Tree Sculptures around town, North Sterling State Park and the Overland Trail Museum. Cost of living is 15% less than the national average, with home values 55% below the state average.
Cortez
Cortez’ most notable amenities tie into the Four Corners region’s history and geography, including Mesa Verde National Park and the Cortez Cultural Center, which features courses on Navajo sand painting, weaving and Ute Mountain Tribe dances. Cost of living comes in 18% less than the Colorado average, and home values run 37% less than the state.
Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA Today Network, with an emphasis on consumer finance, legal issues and state laws.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan.
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