Cotton Hollow, Fort Collins. (Photo: Shutterstock).
Bill Myers
Retirement presents the perfect opportunity to redefine lifestyle choices. The rural towns of Colorado’s Front Range offer an enticing proposition for retirees looking to downsize and enjoy a quieter pace. Are you a retiree looking for a change of pace and a more peaceful lifestyle? Consider the rural towns of Berthoud, Loveland, Longmont, Lyons, and Estes Park in Northern Colorado’s Front Range. With their natural beauty, open spaces, rich cultural scene, and proximity to larger cities, these towns offer an excellent alternative to urban living. Downsizing to a smaller home in one of these towns can also provide financial benefits, including affordable housing options and lower property taxes. Plus, there’s never a shortage of outdoor activities, making these towns an ideal choice for active retirees. Explore all Northern Colorado’s Front Range offers and discover your new home.
Why rural living and downsizing?
The shift towards rural living among older adults is gaining momentum and for good reason. The peace and tranquility of small-town life and the financial considerations of downsizing to a smaller home offer an effective lifestyle change for many retirees.
The allure of Northern Colorado’s Front Range
Northern Colorado’s Front Range is an excellent place for retirees, boasting an appealing blend of natural beauty, open space, a rich cultural scene, and proximity to larger cities like Fort Collins and Denver. Its rural areas offer the charm of a small town with easy access to the amenities of urban living.
The Northern Colorado Front Range is a popular place to retire for several reasons:
One of the guiding principles of rural living in these towns is the emphasis on outdoor activities. (Photo: Shutterstock).
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities: The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, including Rocky Mountain National Park and other state parks. You can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and skiing. The scenic beauty and vast outdoor activities promote a healthy and active lifestyle, which can contribute to longevity and wellness in retirement.
Climate: Colorado has a high number of sunny days each year, and the dry climate can be beneficial for those with certain health conditions such as arthritis. While winters can be cold and snowy, many people appreciate the four distinct seasons and find the winter conditions excellent for winter sports.
Health-Conscious Community: Colorado consistently ranks as one of the healthiest states in the U.S. There’s a strong emphasis on physical fitness and wellness, with many gyms, health clubs, and wellness-focused facilities. Healthy, organic, and locally-sourced food is also readily available.
Cultural and Educational Opportunities: The Front Range is home to several universities and colleges, such as Colorado State University, which provide an abundance of lectures, classes, concerts, and other cultural events. Cities like Fort Collins and Boulder have vibrant art scenes, music festivals, and a variety of restaurants and shops.
Quality Healthcare: Northern Colorado is known for having excellent healthcare facilities, which are crucial for aging populations. The UCHealth system, for example, provides high-quality care with numerous specialists.
Cost of Living: While the cost of living can be higher than the national average, particularly in terms of housing, many people find it’s worth it for the high quality of life. Taxes are also relatively moderate compared to other states.
Accessibility: The region is also well-positioned with a good transportation infrastructure, including Denver International Airport for those who plan to travel during retirement.
Remember, everyone’s preferences and needs in retirement are different. It’s important to visit and experience the place for yourself before deciding to move.
Berthoud is fondly known as the “Garden Spot of Colorado,” Loveland is known for its vibrant art food and microbrewing scene. (Photo: Shutterstock).
Spotlight on Berthoud, Loveland, Longmont, Lyons and Estes Park
These four towns epitomize why Northern Colorado’s Front Range is one of the most desirable places for retirees. Berthoud, fondly known as the “Garden Spot of Colorado,” Loveland, with its vibrant art food and microbrewing scene, Longmont’s historic downtown, Lyons is known as the “Double Gateway to the Rockies” due to its location, offering ample outdoor activities and Estes Park’s gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park, each offer a unique appeal to active adults looking for outdoor recreation and a close-knit community.
Affordable housing and reasonable cost of living
The real estate market in these towns is robust, offering a range of affordable housing options from cozy ranch-style homes to single-family homes. The median housing prices are below the national average, making these towns attractive to home buyers. The property taxes are also relatively lower than in many other regions, which is a significant plus for retirees living on a fixed income.
Access to amenities and healthcare
Though considered rural, these towns provide easy access to essential amenities. They are a short drive from major airports and large cities, ensuring you’re never too far from urban conveniences. These towns also have well-equipped healthcare facilities, so medical help is always available.
An active lifestyle amidst nature
One of the guiding principles of rural living in these towns is the emphasis on outdoor activities. With numerous golf courses, national parks, and the beautiful landscapes of Larimer County, there’s never a shortage of things to do. The abundance of outdoor sports and activities makes these towns the best choice for retirees who wish to stay active in their later years.
If you’re considering downsizing and long for the peace and simplicity of rural living, look no further than Berthoud, Loveland, Longmont, Lyons, and Estes Park in Northern Colorado’s Front Range. With affordable places to live, a reasonable living cost, and many activities to keep you engaged, these towns could be the beautiful place you call your new home.
By Bill Myers. Bill is a Colorado native and Berthoud resident who has a wealth of Northern Colorado Real Estate knowledge as an agent of 45 years. Visit billmyersrealtor.com or call 970.599.0011
