In 2022, Colorado ranked No. 3 of the 10 best states to spend retirement, and Colorado Springs has been an AARP-certified Age Friendly Community since 2015. In reviews of our partner network of independent living facilities, residents often remark on how much better their lives are since moving to Colorado Springs independent living communities. What is it about Colorado Springs that consistently makes it such a desirable, nationally recognized place for seniors to spend their retirement years?
In this guide, we explore Colorado Springs’ beautiful vistas, welcoming independent living communities, delightful social scenes, and practical draws that make it such a wonderful place to live during retirement. From community regulations, costs, and payment tips to local senior benefits, health care, and culture, we cover all the bases.
The staff are always welcoming and willing to support the residents and families. They have a private dining room for families to enjoy a delicious meal with the residents. There are many events and outings....
It is like a big family. Management is on the ball. A very nice place to live and based on the experience I have had so far, I would recommend The Belcaro to others.
Revel is ok. It is comfortable. The residents are friendly and inviting. The food is acceptable, you learn what you want to eat and not. The rent is too much because they keep taking things away from us.
I have been very happy with this community, since the both reside at the same one. They are (almost always) caring and courteous to everyone. No one is perfect.
Brookdale Monument Valley has provided a warm home-like environment for our mother. They do this with genuine kindness and proficiency. They take an interest and truly listen to her as the unique person she...
It's in a convenient location. Everyone is always friendly and helpful. My dad has even made a few friends. It's also always clean. They have plenty of things for my dad to do, if he decides to. It has been...
This is such a welcoming and supportive community. I cannot say enough positive things about all of the staff, activities offered, supports to family members, food, etc. 100% would recommend Holiday...
Me and my dad where looking for my mother and found Melody Living, it was perfect we love everything about it we end up placing my mom into Memory Care, and my dad afterwards came to AL. I only have...
They are extremely nice and helpful. They just need to cook food appropriate for elderly. It so much grease and frying and vegetables cooked to mush. Maybe having a boiled potato once in a while would be...
My mother is thriving at Palisades. They really seem to care about the residents and work hard to keep them engaged. My mother, who has Alzheimer's, was adamantly opposed to moving out of her house and into...
Overall, it's a great place! The place always seems bright and clean. The staff is typically very friendly and helpful, just turnover of caregivers seems high (but I believe that would be for any...
Since my son had moved to Colorado and I have other family here I decided to move to Brookdale Skyline and so far I love it. It has so much more to offer and it is beautiful. I have only been here about 2...
We moved in shortly after Aspen Trail opened and plan to live here as long as possible. Lots of good friends, activities every day, more food than we can eat. The staff goes out of their way for us. We feel...
My mom has always disliked hospitals and has been afraid all her life of being put in a home. after a unexpected fall at home medicare covers up to 20 days for rehabilitation. I chose sunny vista at random...
My mother was previously a resident at Winslow Court and the experience was great. As for the value for cost, it is very difficult for our elderly's families to afford what all facilities are charging....
Staff is very friendly and helpful. Move in process was great - they also help where they can. Meals are not as good as I would like. I feel they need someone with more nutritional experience. Also, the...
I think what made this place so special for my mom's last few months were the staff and the truly LOVING care and flexibility that they showed in meeting her needs. [Name removed], the lead manager care...
When we first visited, we were greeted by a very light and airy facility that had happy residents and happy staff. Broadmoor Court feels more like a hotel nice hotel then an assisted living place. My...
Overall, this is a very nice facility. I have two family members there: one in Memory Care and the other in an Assisted Living apartment. The staff in MC is lovely--friendly, helpful, reassuring, etc. They...
I'm rating on my experience while there, however my brother is the client. Yes we would recommend the community to other families. They've been very accommodating to me. Received feedback well. Try to be...
I picked The Bridge because I liked it better. Most people do that. I didn't have lots of options with the nursing care Mom required. And the Bear Creek location was not desirable for most visitors for...
My mom is thoroughly enjoying life at New Day Cottages. We as a family are delighted that she has a beautiful and spacious room, a private half bath, enriching and engaging daily activities, many sweet...
If the resident needs assistance with mobility, this is not the best option but for those who need very little help with mobility or daily life activities, it is a great and welcoming environment. We picked...
The staff at New Day at that time were phenomenal. They truly cared for my mom. When she was in hospice there, they held her, and cried with us and truly felt her loss themselves. Some of them still text to...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Colorado Springs community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
On average, independent living communities in our Colorado Springs partner network cost around $4,140 each month.[01] Note that this number includes associated fees and service add-ons that real residents paid in 2022. Additional fees associated with independent living communities may include one-time admission fees or monthly fees for extra services like the following:
The costs below represent average baseline costs that residents paid, and give you a sense of the costs in other local areas. Note that these numbers may or may not reflect add-on fees or upgrades that seniors commonly pay in an independent living community.
In Colorado Springs, seniors use personal resources to pay independent living fees — the same way they pay for a mortgage or monthly rent. Below, you’ll find information on private payment methods and resources that may help Colorado Springs residents with the following:
You’ll also find private pay tips to help you figure out how to pay for an independent senior living community using your own income and assets.
Colorado is one of the more tax-friendly states for seniors, offering notably low property taxes and deductions on retirement incomes. Specifically, these deductions are meant for taxpayers 55+ or beneficiaries of a pension after the death of a working loved one.
Generally, when seniors begin to think about paying for retirement, they start with their personal income sources — savings, pensions, investment returns, and Social Security benefits. Depending on your personal resources, you can also turn to the following methods to fund your independent living community:
In recent years, Colorado Springs has been named among the best places for veterans to live. Between the Air Force Academy and Fort Carson, the area has a strong local Army and Air Force presence. Support for veterans abounds here, making Colorado Springs a fabulous place to spend your retirement years.
Colorado Springs has several veterans membership programs in local communities that offer fantastic events and valuable resources. You’ll also find plentiful resource centers and Veterans Service Officers (or VSOs) available to help you secure your federal veterans benefits in Colorado Springs. If you’re a senior veteran, read on to learn about the VA benefits and local resources that can help pay for life in an independent living facility.
Veterans or their surviving spouses can use benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or the VA) to cover the costs of independent living in Colorado Springs. Additionally, if a veteran is disabled and enrolled in VA health care, they may apply for additional benefits through the Aid and Attendance benefit. This can be used for anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life, such as rent in an independent living community or in-home health care.
Enrollment for these benefits can be tough to sort through. It’s worth speaking to a knowledgeable veterans advisor, called veterans services officers (or VSOs), to get your rightful benefits as a veteran or surviving spouse.
The Pikes Peak Library system in El Paso County has a fabulous veterans resource section, offering a wealth of veterans information. These resources cover everything, from how to get your benefits to information about local veterans gatherings to additional veterans support for basic needs. For additional help getting your benefits, local veteran service centers, such as the local American Legion Posts or Colorado Veterans Project, can help you get enrolled in a VA benefits program. Services available to you as a Colorado Springs veteran may include the following:
You can also access veteran benefit advocacy through local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapters, through the two nearby American Legion Posts, or through one of the Colorado Springs Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapters. Explore the resources section below for more information.
Number of veterans who live in Colorado Springs, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Number of veterans living in the state of Colorado, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Colorado Springs veterans
Colorado Springs Vet Center
3920 N. Union Blvd., Suite 310
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone: 719-471-9992
Hours: Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center
Phone: 719-772-7000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Colorado Veterans Project
P.O. Box 1422
Eastlake, CO 80614
Email: info@coloradoveteransproject.org
VFW Post 4051 – The Pikes Peak Post
430 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-632-9874
VFW Post 101 – Marion L Willis Post
702 S. Tejon St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-632-2776
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
VFW Post 3917 – Cheyenne Mountain Post
4715 Clearview Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
Phone: 719-392-8677
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Colorado’s Medicaid program is Health First Colorado (also known as HFC). They provide plans to cover health care for local low-income residents of Colorado Springs. These plans do not cover independent living costs. That said, should unexpected health concerns come up, HFC can help with medical and dental costs if you meet the qualifications.
If you require help with activities of daily living, you may be able to use one of Colorado’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers to help cover costs. HCBS waivers are designed to cover numerous types of in-home health care services, so that a person can remain in the residence of their choice. To see if you’re eligible for the waiver, review the waiver comparison chart or speak with an HFC advisor.
While Medicare doesn’t cover rent in independent living, it can help cover medical costs. Medicare-covered expenses may include hospital stays, medical equipment, or prescription medications. You may be eligible for one of the Medicare savings programs, including the following:
As a Colorado resident, you might be eligible for location-specific Medicare assistance programs, such as the Colorado State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP helps seniors in Colorado enroll in Medicare and choose the right program and benefits to fit their needs. Additionally, you may receive help with pharmaceutical drug costs if you are living with HIV or AIDS. This could qualify you for one of Colorado Medicare’s pharmaceutical assistance programs.
Before applying to a specific Medicare program online, be sure to review the criteria and resource limits for that program. Remember, you may still qualify for some programs even if your resources or income is higher than Medicare’s given limit. That said, knowing current limitations will help you go through the application process with more defined expectations and a clearer understanding.
If you need help navigating the different Medicare options, the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging Office or the regional ombudsman program offer assistance to Colorado seniors. Locate contact information for these offices in the helpful Medicare resources below.
Colorado Springs resident Medicaid and Medicare resources
Health First Colorado
1570 Grant St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 800-221-3943
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Colorado regional SHIP location
Phone: 888-696-7213
Ombudsman program website
Agency on Aging Ombudsman: 719-471-2096
Colorado seniors may also turn to Social Security benefits and housing assistance programs to meet their needs. These public assistance programs can help seniors pay for their living expenses under certain circumstances. Learn more about what they might cover for you and how to qualify below.
Through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), retired Colorado residents with qualifying incomes can apply for vouchers to help them cover their rent.[04] Formerly known as Section 8, it’s now referred to as the Housing Choice Voucher program. The apartment must first agree to accept these HUD vouchers in order for them to be used to cover a portion of their monthly rent. For eligibility questions, explore the HCV chart of income limitation data. For more information, contact the local Colorado Springs Housing Authority.
The Colorado Springs Housing Authority partners with nine different senior apartment buildings as part of their rental assistance programs, though A Place for Mom does not partner with these communities. Rent may vary, but typically, it involves either a flat rate rent amount or 30% of the renter’s adjusted gross income. Visit our guide to Colorado Springs senior apartments for more information on these kinds of communities.
Colorado seniors can use Social Security benefits to pay for any costs of living, including rent in an independent living community. There are many types of Social Security benefits, and the ones available to you will depend on your work history and current situation. Here’s an overview of each benefit.
Colorado Springs resident public assistance resources
Colorado Springs Social Security office
2306 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Phone: 888-880-0688
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Disability Advocacy Resource Center
The Arc Pikes Peak Region
Phone: 719-471-4800
Senior information and assistance helpline
Phone: 719-471-2096
Eastern Colorado office
Phone: 800-825-0208
El Paso County office
Phone: 719-471-7080
In Colorado Springs, there are two different kinds of independent living facilities: stand-alone independent living facilities and communities with assisted living and memory care capacities. Stand-alone independent living facilities are regulated like apartment buildings through the Planning and Community Development Neighborhood Services office. Like apartments, independent living communities must adhere to the following regulations:
For more information, review the Colorado Springs Fair Housing informational guide or visit their website. To submit a concern or complaint about a property within El Paso county limits, you can call the Planning and Community Development office. They’ll flag conditions in the community and give the landlord 30 days to solve the issue.
Under Colorado law, tenants’ rights aim to protect them against potentially unsafe or unfair conditions. In Colorado, this means the following:
It may be helpful to review your rights as a renter through the Colorado Springs Fair Housing website before you move in. You can also review your rights through the city’s Renter’s Rights 2022 packet, so you know how to spot and report potential abuses. If you have contacted your landlord in writing several times about an issue and it has yet to be resolved, you can dial 3-1-1 to contact the Department of Health and Environment.
If the independent living community offers on-site assisted living and memory care services, that community is additionally regulated by the Colorado Department of Health as they are considered care facilities. Such facilities are required to comply with the following state and federal regulations:
To review inspection information on a facility offering both independent living and assisted living, get in touch with the Colorado State Department of Health. You can explore public records and facility licensing or register complaints by visiting their website or by sending a request via email. To review specific contact details or learn more about specific Colorado senior living regulations, explore the state resources listed below. Alternatively, if you think you may need care services, consider looking into one of Colorado Springs’ assisted living facilities.
If you’re living with a disability, there are several federal nondiscrimination laws in place to protect you from housing discrimination due to the disability. Moreover, these laws require landlords and community managers to give you reasonable accommodations and modifications in activities, programs, and housing. The laws include the following:
If you have a disability, you have the right to request accommodations and reasonable modifications from the landlord or community manager. Reasonable accommodations are defined as changes to community policies. The following are some examples of accommodations that a landlord could make for a tenant:
Modifications indicate structural changes to individual units and common areas. The following are some examples of modifications:
Nondiscrimination laws apply to all senior living communities in Colorado Springs. Property owners are required to pay for these modifications unless doing so poses an undue financial or administrative burden. For more information, explore this detailed infographic on reasonable accommodations and modifications.
30 S. Nevada Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO, 80903
Phone: 719-444-7891
Citizens Advocate
4300 Cherry Creek Drive
South Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-692-2000
TDD line for hearing impaired: 7-1-1
Colorado Springs does not currently have COVID-19 regulations in effect for independent living communities. If you are concerned about COVID-19 in your independent living community, you can find general updates, testing, and vaccine information on the Colorado COVID-19 website. You can also keep an eye on COVID-19 updates in El Paso County on the CDC COVID-19 by county website.
At all times, the CDC recommends the following:
Colorado Springs has an active and lively retirement community, with no shortage of independent living homes and rave reviews from residents. Additionally, it’s an incredibly pet-friendly culture — all of our partnering independent living communities welcome pets, and 36% also offer pet care while you’re out and about.
Our partner network offers two types of independent living communities. Some function as independent living facilities only, whereas others offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care all on one campus.
As the years roll by, some individuals experience different health needs or require higher levels of care. Some seniors prefer not to move if their health changes or they need more assistance with daily life. For those who prefer to age in place, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) may be right for you.
The main differences between CCRCs and other independent living communities are the pricing structure and the level of care provided. In a CCRC, residents pay a substantial buy-in fee to secure long-term, higher levels of care. This also secures a resident’s monthly fees in the event that their care needs change. Some seniors opt to cover this fee with funds from the sale of a home. In essence, it’s paying in advance for a peaceful future without the worry of paying for care.
If you’re looking for a community in Colorado Springs to stay in for most or all of retirement years, you might consider one of our five partnering independent living communities with continuing care options. In Colorado Springs, continuing care retirement communities offer the following to their residents:
In reviews of our partner facilities, residents have hugely positive things to say about continuing care lifestyles and how they make life easier. Even family and loved ones notice the difference that extra care can make. One loved one writes that their mother in a continuing care community has “regained a sense of youth” during her time there, not having to worry about meeting future care needs.
Maybe you don’t need extra medical care or therapies — maybe you’re just looking to relax and enjoy retirement. For seniors looking to fill their social calendar a bit more and spend less time managing a house, independent living is the way to go.
In Colorado Springs, independent living community members often come for the mountains and climate but stay for the friendships they make. From outdoor and indoor gaming to hiking groups, there’s always something happening in Colorado Springs’ exciting retiree community. Given the community orientation around Colorado’s thrilling outdoor scene, 82% of independent living facilities in our partner network have an outdoor common area for community members to enjoy together.[01] Four communities even have on-site golf courses, and seven have swimming pools for the warmer months.
In the few colder months of the year in Colorado, independent living communities also offer these indoor common spaces for gathering:
No matter where your interests lie, you always have a place in the social connections of local independent living communities.
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Difference in feet of elevation between the lowest and highest points of Colorado Springs
Percentage of seniors 65 and older in Colorado Springs, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Average number of sunny, comfortable days per year in Colorado Springs
Some seniors living further up in the mountains experience breathing issues, which brings them down to Colorado Springs as their health requires a lower elevation. The elevation is still high in the Springs, averaging around 6,000 feet above sea level. If you’re moving from out of state, you may find it beneficial to get heart and lung testing before settling at Colorado Springs’ altitude.[01]
Colorado Springs’ fantastic hospitals are one of the major draws in the city. Two hospital systems in particular stand out above the rest for excellent care and specializations in senior health.
UCHealth Memorial is ranked No. 1 in Colorado Springs and is high performing in 11 adult conditions and procedures. According to U.S. News and World Report, UCHealth provides excellent care in cardiac and lung issues among patients.
Penrose-St. Francis is another distinguished hospital in the Colorado Springs metro area. Highly ranked in six adult procedures and conditions, U.S. News and World Report indicates that Penrose-St. Francis specializes in orthopedics, cardiac conditions, neurology, and nephrology.
While 91% of partner communities in Colorado Springs offer complimentary transportation options, you also have several other ways of getting around the city.[01] Downtown Colorado Springs has a wealth of conveniences. Most people use cars to get their errands done throughout the city. Taxis, Ubers, and Lyft rides are also plentiful in the Colorado Springs metro area.
The metro area has the following public transportation options:
Colorado Springs is considered moderately walkable, according to Walkscore.[06] The following scores consider transportation accessibility in the area and are out of 100:
With such close proximity to the Rocky Mountains and a welcoming climate, there’s never a dull moment in Colorado Springs. From incredible natural beauty to vibrant senior communities, explore activities for Colorado Springs seniors below.
For physically fit seniors who love to connect over shared experiences, the activities scene in Colorado Springs can’t be beat. Enjoy exploring with groups like the Pikes Peak Over the Hill Gang or playing in a tournament with the Pikes Peak Pickleball Association. Seasoned hikers will surely enjoy the nearby state parks and winter skiing destinations, which are just a few hours’ drive away from Colorado Springs. Closer to home, stunning Pikes Peak makes for an exhilarating drive with a view like none other. Seniors can also enjoy a leisurely stroll among natural wonders with an afternoon in the Garden of the Gods.
For seniors who’d rather enjoy a day of indoor gaming and fine dining, an outing to neighboring Cripple Creek has endless fun. Enjoy a day out in one of the four Cripple Creek Casinos. In the town’s charming historic setting, it makes for a lovely getaway.
Independent living facilities in Colorado Springs have lively event calendars. But for those who enjoy socializing outside of home, there are numerous options as well. In the suburbs and neighboring communities, the Woodland Park Senior Center and the Fountain Valley Senior Center both offer a range of activities, including game nights, quilting gatherings, painting meet-ups, day trips, and more.
Closer to downtown, the Colorado Springs Senior Center holds community health classes, movie nights, counseling services, and other activities. Additionally, the Colorado Springs Over 50 activities website features dozens of events, discounts, and education for seniors.
Colorado Springs residents also love a good party, and the city holds multiple festivals and parades throughout the year. Perennial favorites include events like the following:
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum is unquestionably one of the world’s best, most inclusive and accessible museums — and one of the crowning achievements of Colorado Springs. Olympic enthusiasts will love learning more about Olympians over the years and their moments of glory. Additionally, the museum has thrilling innovations to ensure that everyone who visits the museum can enjoy it equitably. You can find more on the museum’s accessibility measures on their website.
For an afternoon of mid-century nostalgia and stunning scenery, consider strolling through the Old Colorado City Historic District or booking a journey on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. On this route, passengers enjoy a full bar and luxurious dining in a vintage, mid-century coach as it coasts through a 24-mile round-trip ride through the Royal Gorge Region. The railroad is nationally recognized for its incredible panoramic views of the scenic Royal Gorge.
Melody Living of Colorado Springs Independent Living, The Belcaro and Revel Province are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Colorado Springs, CO. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Colorado Springs is $3,954 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Population estimates: Colorado Springs city, Colorado (V2022). [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Code of Ordinances City of Denver, Colorado. (2023). The housing code of the city of Colorado, Chapter 27: Housing. Municode Library.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Colorado.
WalkScore. (2023). Colorado Springs.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Population estimates: Colorado Springs city, Colorado (V2022). [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Code of Ordinances City of Denver, Colorado. (2023). The housing code of the city of Colorado, Chapter 27: Housing. Municode Library.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Colorado.
WalkScore. (2023). Colorado Springs.