Colorado Senior Living

The great state of Colorado boasts both the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide. It’s often called the “Top of the Nation” because its average elevation is the highest in the country. Agriculture is Colorado’s main industry today, although tourism is also very important.

The mountains of Colorado are calling more and more retirees up onto the slopes. The Front Range region offers numerous outdoor charms as well as a booming business environment that attracts top cultural performances. Whether you just want to get away from it all in a quiet mountain retreat or move into the heart of the action, Colorado senior living have a lot to offer.

The U.S. Census Bureau's 2011 estimates put Colorado's senior citizen population at 11.3%, below the national average of 13.3%. Finding affordable senior living in Colorado is a great way to enjoy all that this beautiful state has to offer.

Colorado Assisted Living Costs

The Department of Public Health oversees licensing for assisted living in Colorado with the exception of stand-alone sites for mentally ill seniors, which are supervised by the Department of Human Services. *www.healthfacilities.info

The cost of independent living services in Colorado averages $2,313. The actual costs may vary depending on location and service needs, but generally, the monthly minimum of independent living in Colorado is $1,399 and the maximum is $3,500. *From the SeniorHomes.com 2012 Independent Living Cost Survey. (http://www.seniorhomes.com/p/independent-living-costs/)

Retirement in Colorado

As the 8^th biggest state in the Union, Colorado is a great place for any retiree wanting to live large as well as those who enjoy getting away from it all. The western edge of the Great Plains contrasts with the Rockies to give breathtaking scenery and an outdoors that beckons in every season.

Natural beauty aside, Colorado is also attractive for financial regions. The state enjoys a higher average salary and lower average cost of living compared to the national average. According to City Rating, Colorado's CPI (Consumer Price Index) of 219 is 2.23% lower than the US national average.

Did you know that …?

• Colorado is #16 in the nation for individual tax burdens. *www.taxfoundation.org
• Colorado has a single low income tax rate of 4.63% of federal taxable income.
• Retirement income in Colorado is exempt from state taxes, as are prescription drugs *www.kiplinger.com

Best Cities in Colorado for Retirement

Colorado is full of great choices for retirement living – and not all of them are name-brand cities like Aspen or Boulder. Fort Collins, a modest town of just over 140,000, is close to five ski resorts and home to three golf courses, as well as #12 on CNN's 2010 list of the 25 Best Places to Retire.

Retirees looking for big city culture will want to head for Denver, which leads the state in size and span of its cultural offerings. Denver also boasts 300 days of sunshine, despite it's reputation as the Mile High City and snow!

For smaller, more scenic getaways, seniors should look to places like Estes Park, Greeley, or even Grand Junction. These towns offer the beauty of Colorado in less densely settled packages coupled with incredible views.

Health Care in Colorado

Colorado has more than 100 hospitals, including three nationally ranked hospitals. The top hospitals in the state include the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Craig Hospital in Englewood, and National Jewish Health in Denver, according to US News & World Report Rankings. 

Additionally, the Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins specializes in orthopedics, cancer treatments, and weight loss. The hospital was named as one of the 50 Best Hospitals in the country by Becker's Hospital Review. 

Quick Medical Guide for Colorado:

• A Complete List of Local Hospitals and Their Rankings
• Consumer Reports: Consumer Rated Hospitals in Colorado

Activities for Seniors in Colorado

Colorado's Front Range is a veritable Mecca for tourism, shopping, and outdoor adventures. However, the rest of the state is an attractive place to explore, with wilderness areas pitched at all ages and activity levels. Golf is a popular summer activity, while skiing dominates the winter months.

Senior living in Colorado means a variety of activities, especially for shoppers. The Cherry Creek Mall in Denver is considered a top luxury destination, especially with its ring of speciality stand-alone stores, including the legendary independent bookstore, The Tattered Cover, one of the nation's largest bookstores. Outlet lovers can visit Castle Rock, Loveland, Silverthorne, or Colorado Mills (near Golden).

Local Weather

Colorado’s climate varies, but enjoys low humidity and lots of sunshine. Temperatures range, at different locations, from -50 degrees F, to well over 100 degrees F. Colorado has four distinct seasons. March and April are marked by snow and rain, holding the honor of being the months of the Colorado calendar year with the most challenging weather patterns. The rest of the year, most of the state is marked by sunshine, with temperatures in the summer rising as high as the mid-90s in many parts of the state and winter ranges of -18 to the upper 40s. Elevation does play a part, with lower and more southerly regions experiencing more temperate weather overall. Check out current Colorado temperatures!

Sharp Seniors has 32 Senior Living Facilities in Colorado

• 31 of them offer Senior Living
• 18 of them offer Assisted Living
• 13 of them offer Alzheimer's Care
• 9 of them offer Respite
• 4 of them offer Hospice Care
• 1 of them offer Short Term/ Rehabilitative Service
• 1 of them offer Skilled Nursing Facility
• 1 of them offer Continuing Care (CCRC)