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Key Takeaways
- The Rockies have a reputation for being high-priced, thanks to popular tourist destinations like Telluride, Aspen, and Jackson.
- Still, many off-the-beaten-path options exist in the region for those looking to retire in the mountains on a budget.
- Salida and Glenwood Springs in Colorado, Laramie in Wyoming, and Sandpoint in Idaho offer a combination of access to Rocky Mountain beauty and activities, as well as considerations like cost of living and health care, all at more affordable prices.
The Rockies, comprising parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, have a rugged appeal for many who appreciate crisp mountain air, stunning views, and an active lifestyle.
While trendy locales like Aspen and Telluride in Colorado may give the impression that the Rockies are just for the wealthy, retirees looking to make this area home can still find affordable gems that exist outside of these resort towns.
How the List of Rockies Locations Was Chosen
Below, we explore several top Rockies destinations for retirees seeking to combine an outdoorsy lifestyle with affordability. Our selection criteria include the following:
- Presence of affordable housing and a low overall cost of living
- Access to quality health care options
- Mild (or manageable) climate
- Scenic setting with proximity to outdoor recreation
- Safety, access to a community, and general livability
Top Affordable and Scenic Retirement Spots
1. Salida, Colorado
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Although not the most affordable retirement destination, the 6,000-person town of Salida, Colorado, offers a more affordable alternative to nearby Breckenridge. The median home in Salida is valued at just under $700,000, and the cost of living is about 7% lower here than across Colorado.
Though small, Salida offers plenty of recreational activities and an artsy community. It is home to a number of hot springs and is close to the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, and it has almost 150 miles of rivers for rafting, kayaking, and paddleboarding enthusiasts.
With opportunities to enjoy the arts, fishing, and mountain biking, Salida appeals to many who love the outdoors. Given its size, it may surprise retirees to learn that Salida is also close to good health care options nearby.
2. Laramie, Wyoming
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Homes in Laramie, Wyoming, have a median value of under $370,000, despite a 4% increase in the last year. While the cost of living there is slightly above average for the state of Wyoming, it is 12% below the national average, making this 33,000-person city just two hours from Denver an affordable option for retirement.
Home to the University of Wyoming, Laramie combines the vibrancy of a historic college town with scenic drives and proximity to outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and scenic drives. Wyoming’s tax-friendly policies, including no estate, income, or inheritance taxes, will also appeal to cost-conscious retirees.
3. Sandpoint, Idaho
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The median home value in Sandpoint, Idaho, is somewhat lower than Salida’s, at around $621,000. Although its overall cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, the cost of essentials, such as housing and health care, is below the national average.
Next to gorgeous Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho, Sandpoint offers both a relaxed vibe and proximity to both water recreation areas and the mountains. Arts and culture enthusiasts will also appreciate Sandpoint’s museums and vibrant art scene, and it’s just under an hour and a half to the eastern Washington hub of Spokane for your big-city needs.
4. Glenwood Springs, Colorado
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Just over 40 miles away from pricey Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is a 10,000-person haven for hikers, hot spring soakers, river activity enthusiasts, and skiers. Glenwood Springs has the highest median home value on our list at roughly $850,000, but homes in this affordable alternative to Aspen cost just a fraction of what they do an hour down the highway.
High housing costs may skew the cost of living for Glenwood Springs upward, but mountain beauty and the Rockies in your backyard may make this town a perfect destination for retirees seeking the rarefied Aspen lifestyle at a lower cost.
How To Retire in the Rockies With Your Budget Intact
These destinations demonstrate that it’s possible to retire in the Rockies even without a substantial amount of cash, but it may require some creative thinking to find the best locale. The right town can provide a compelling combination of mountain beauty, activities, arts, and community, as well as the means to keep a balanced budget.
You can find the best destination for you by keeping in mind considerations like housing, food, and recreation costs, the impact of state and local taxes, and important local resources like healthcare.
