10 Best Independent Living Communities in Denver, CO
Colorado’s capital lives by its nickname: “Mile High City” — with Rocky Mountain views in a large city sitting one mile above sea level. So, whether you are looking for city skylines or natural beauty, independent living in Denver, Colorado, combines the benefits of both into one by offering all-inclusive, resort-like amenities and stimulating activities within eyesight of natural wonders. Seniors have a variety of independent living facilities to choose from in both the city and surrounding suburbs. A Place for Mom has 30 independent living partner communities within 10 miles of the Denver city center. This radius includes the surrounding suburbs of Lakewood, Littleton, and Centennial.
Independent living is for seniors who can live without personal or nursing care. In this guide, you’ll learn more about independent living in Denver, including ways to pay, local regulations, typical services and amenities, and an overview of the city of Denver.
Denver Independent Living Facilities | 1613 Reviews
I give all of these categories a 5. Have been here a month, and find most everything better than I expected. Friendly staff. I have the smallest 1bedroom, but have found it roomy and comfortable. Sewing...
They staff is SO accommodating and kind. The facility is extremely clean. Very happy with our choice to put our Father at Brookdale Lowry They have been fantastic!
The apartments are well appointed and quiet. The weekly housekeeping has been a real plus. There are ample activities. The meals and happy hours are nice social opportunities, but they also have numerous...
The building is beautiful and convenient and conducive to relaxation but the people in charge often smile without feeling and compassion. They often don't deal with issues honestly. It feels like stories are...
The minute my brother walked into the facility, he said, "This is home." They were very helpful and always greeted me when I entered the facility.
Comfortable; happy with activities; daily encouragement; wonder and friendly staff : friendly atmosphere. I love living in this beautiful place with a comfortable atmosphere, freedom of movement, and...
Five-Star Review for Sunrise Senior Living Sunrise Senior Living has truly exceeded our expectations. My dad can be hard to please, but the staff here has done an incredible job making him feel comfortable,...
Courtyard of Mountain View is excellent. Can't say enough about the kind caregivers. All should be a five, I believe. The facility is beautiful. It looks almost new. It's not inexpensive, but you get what...
Woodland is a "family" community. Residents care about each other which is a direct reflection of the caring staff. Activities are endless from museum trips to creative writing classes. The dining room is...
I picked Residences at University Hills for it's location, non-smoking and pet friendly policy .Also, for it's affordability, at the time. When a new owner bought the building , everything changed. They...
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Even though the facility is about 18 years old, it still appears in almost new condition. Maintenance and housekeeping are excellent inside and outside the buildings. They have an ambassador program where...
The staff have somehow found success getting our very reclusive family member to participate in facility activities on campus and with community outing. The helped her transition to memory care in a...
This is a great start to find a place for a family member who needs cares for a positive quality of life. My sister loves Sprinbrock. They helped her adjust to the transfer from her condo to assisted living...
it is a fabulous facility, but it is really best for seniors that do not need higher levels of care. My mom was only there three months and then she passed away, so I can only give you my impressions being...
What we like the most about the community is that it is very clean, my mom gets great care with nice people, university health physicians are right in the building as a clinic, it's just an overall good...
I like where I live I liked it since I moved in 3 years ago and you know it's like with any place you live or if you're working it's like any place you work it has it has its trying times but you know the...
The staff is very friendly and helpful to the residents. They know the residents by name and get to know their routine. It makes me happy that they will knock on her door if she doesn't show up for a meal or...
My mom loves the food! My mom loves being so involved! The cost is very expensive. But it is nice knowing my mom is safe and cared for.
As time goes by we are more and more happy with Garden Plaza. The majority of the staff is very experienced with the needs of the residents. The complex is laid out with a simple floor plan, wide halls,...
There are room for improvements, but we have had no issues with the cleanliness of the staff. The staff are very friendly and personable. The activities seem to be very good
Woodlake Legacy has met our expectations. They have done our requests promptly. What a relief to have Mom in a place of security and safety. My mother is happy and seen doing chair exercises, bingo,...
The Staff is very caring and helpful when we have questions about the community or schedules. Wooded behind building, Near a creek and walking path.full Good food. Rooms w/ full kitchens
A full range of care is provided by Brookdale at Greenwood Village in a way that lowers the stress and daily responsibilities of residents. The food and activity offerings are really good.
Bella Vita was responsive and helpful. The facility is clean and well run. The staff answered questions and went out of their way to make my mom feel welcome. I recommend the facility for those looking for...
The staff was great about following up to respond to any questions we had from the tour. We also had one instance when my aunt got confused about a visitor to her place. We called to get clarification and I...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Denver community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Denver community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of independent living in the Denver area
- What families are saying about independent living in Denver
- How people pay for independent living in Denver
- Understand Denver laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Denver
- Denver independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Denver? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Denver area
Within 10 miles of the Denver city center, the cost of living in a partner independent living community is $3,883, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure includes rent and any add-on fees. This cost is also what seniors actually pay per month. Independent living costs can vary depending on the facility’s unit sizes, amenities, services, and location. Depending on the community, there may also be entrance fees or an all-inclusive rate.
A breakdown of independent living costs
Independent living costs include rent and multiple conveniences that allow seniors to live independently without homeowner responsibilities like maintenance, repairs, lawn care, etc. Depending on the community, baseline monthly costs for independent living may include access to the following types of on-site amenities, ranked from most common to most luxe:
- Fitness centers
- Business centers
- Common areas like lounges
- Courtyards and BBQ areas
- Indoor or outdoor pools
- Outdoor walking paths
- Movie rooms
- Putting greens
- Bars
- Community transportation
Additionally, the cost for an independent living community may vary depending on the types of add-on services a senior chooses, such as:
- Dining services
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Transportation services
- On-site parking
- Cable or Wi-Fi
- Health care concierge services
- Salon and spa services
The following figures are average baseline costs for independent living in Denver. This cost does not include add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Denver, CO vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Denver, CO vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Denver vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Denver, CO by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Denver over time
What families are saying about independent living in Denver
Recent reviews for independent living in Denver
Bethesda Gardens Thornton
Westhaven Apartment Homes in Lakewood, CO
Golden Orchard III in Wheat Ridge, CO
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
How people pay for independent living in Denver
Medicare, long-term insurance policies, and Colorado’s Medicaid program — Health First Colorado — do not cover independent living costs because independent living communities are not care facilities. These programs, however, can help cover in-home health care services. If future care is ever needed, seniors may be able to use these resources to help pay for health care at their community of choice.
Most seniors pay for independent living using their private resources. Here, you can find information on private pay options and local public assistance resources for seniors, including housing assistance, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Since long-term care insurance does not cover independent living costs, seniors must find other ways to pay rent. Many seniors use savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns to pay for independent living costs. Below are other commonly used ways to privately pay for independent living costs:
- Selling a house: Many seniors sell their family home to pay for independent living.
- Reverse mortgage: When selling the family home isn’t an option, a reverse mortgage allows the homeowner to borrow money from the home’s equity and use it to pay for senior living.
- Health savings accounts: While a health savings account can’t be used for independent living rent, it can be used for certain medical services like home health care.
- Life insurance: Life insurance cannot be used toward home care services or for senior living costs. However, some seniors sell or borrow from a policy to fund their senior living. Each policy is different, so it is important to consult with your policy provider to see what your options are.
Thanks to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans and their surviving spouses may be eligible to use pensions or benefits for their independent living or care costs.
Veterans pension
Veterans pension provides monthly payments that can be used for independent living rent costs. To qualify, wartime veterans 65+ must have served at least one day during wartime and meet the net worth and income standards implemented by Congress.
VA Aid and Attendance
On top of their veterans pension, a senior may qualify for VA Aid and Attendance benefits if they are disabled. This benefit offers monthly payments in addition to the veterans pension. While these payments may not cover the complete cost of independent living, they can be used to help contribute to your independent living monthly fees.
To receive VA Aid and Attendance benefits, a veteran must already receive a pension, have an acknowledgment of a disability from VA health care, and meet one of the following requirements:
- Require assistance with some activities of daily living
- Have an untreated illness that results in spending the majority of the day in bed
- Have very limited eyesight
- Live in a nursing home with a disability
Housebound Allowance
Senior veterans that are housebound due to a permanent disability may qualify for the Housebound allowance, which is for in-home care costs. Like the Aid and Attendance benefit, this is another disability benefit added to the veterans pension. However, the Housebound allowance and the Aid and Attendance benefit cannot be received at the same time.
Unlike Aid and Attendance benefits, the Housebound allowance cannot be used towards independent living costs like monthly rental fees. However, this can be used for in-home health services like skilled nursing care. To qualify for Housebound allowance, a veteran must have a disability from the natural aging process and not from wartime. This disability must follow one of the following:
- Be 100% disabling, causing an adult to be housebound
- Be 100% disabling on top of at least one other disability that is 60% disabling
Understanding local eligibility
These benefits can be confusing and hard to navigate, as the requirements are nuanced. This is why the Denver Veterans Services office has Veterans Services Officers (VSOs) who can help you apply for these benefits. Additionally, the nonprofit Disabled American Veterans (DAV) helps disabled veterans of all ages understand their benefits and file claims. Contacting the DAV’s local Denver office is free for veterans who have an illness or disability due to their time served. Additional information on veterans benefits can be found through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Number of veterans who live in Denver, per the U.S. Census Bureau
About 47% of Denver veterans are 65+, per the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Denver veterans
Denver Regional Office
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
155 Van Gordon St.
Lakewood, CO 80228
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Denver Human Services
Denver Veteran Services Officers (VSOs)
1247 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, CO 80204
Phone: 720-944-3500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Regional Office
Get VA benefits help now.
Phone: 303-914-5570
Health First Colorado (or HFC), Colorado’s Medicaid program, does not cover independent living costs. However, HFC recipients age 65 and over may qualify for HFC’s Elderly, Blind, and Disabled waiver program. This Home and Community Based Services Waiver allows people who have impairments or disabilities that require support services to continue living independently. When receiving this waiver, seniors receive HFC benefits and access to services like homemaker services, in-home support services, and home-delivered meals. Therefore, this waiver may be helpful for some independent living communities that offer in-home care services. More than 65% of our Denver independent living partners offer access to an on-site home care agency.[01]
Besides HFC, seniors may qualify for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services supported program, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). This allows seniors to remain at home in their independent living community while receiving home care services. These Medicaid and Medicaid-supported programs can be hard to understand, which is why the Denver Human Services Offices can help assist you during the Medicaid application process.
To qualify, adults from ages 19-65 must meet the following income restrictions:
- A family of 1 cannot make more than $1,507 monthly.
- A family of 2 cannot make more than $2,030 monthly.
- A family of 3 cannot make more than $2,553 monthly.
- A family of 4 cannot make more than $3,076 monthly.
Denver resident Medicaid resources
Visit the Health First Colorado website.
1570 Grant St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 800-221-3943
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Visit the Denver Human Services website.
- Phone: 720-944-4347
- 2929 W. 10th Ave.
Denver, CO 80204
- 3815 Steele St.
Denver, CO 80205
- 4685 Peoria St.
Denver, CO 80239
Medicare is a governmental program that provides federal health insurance to seniors age 65 and older. While Medicare does not cover independent living costs, these health care plans cover multiple medical services seniors may need while living in an independent living community.
After a hospital stay, seniors may need additional care at their independent living home. If a home health agency is Medicare-certified, Medicare may help cover some short-term home health services like the following:
- Short-term skilled nursing care
- Physical, occupational, or speech-language pathology services
- Medical equipment
- Medical supplies
- Part-time home health aide care
- Medical social services[03]
Colorado has four Medicare Saving Programs (or MSPs) that can help low-income seniors pay their deductibles and coinsurance fees. Navigating the Medicare system and understanding enrollment and benefits can be overwhelming and confusing. Thankfully, Colorado has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that can help seniors understand the Medicare system. Colorado residents can also receive help understanding Denver Medicare benefits by dialing 2-1-1 for assistance. The federal Medicare website may also be beneficial to help understand what Medicare typically covers.
Medicare resources
Online Medicare applicationMedicare application
Get answers to your questions about Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Programs FAQs
2-1-1 Colorado
Find local services for seniors.
Colorado State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Help with Medicare in Colorado
Phone: 888-696-7213
The state of Colorado helps make information, applications, and resources easy to access through the online portal, Colorado PEAK. Low-income Colorado residents can access this online portal and apply for health benefits, financial assistance, or cash assistance.
Additionally, Denver Aging and Adult Services offer a variety of helpful public resources for seniors. DenverConnect is a mobile resource provided by the local office of aging. This resource helps seniors have easy access to information on local services. Denver Aging and Adult Services also compiled a directory for older adults filled with information in one place.
Colorado’s Old Age Pension program
For additional assistance, seniors aged 60+ that do not qualify for Health First Colorado may still qualify to receive cash benefits through Colorado’s Old Age Pension program. Cash benefits can help cover your independent living or in-home medical costs. To look into this program and other assistance programs you may qualify for, contact your county’s human services department.
Social Security benefits
Besides rental assistance programs, seniors can at least partially pay for their independent senior living costs through their Social Security benefits:
- Social Security in retirement: After retirement or reducing work hours, older adults may be eligible to receive Social Security Retirement benefits. This is a monthly payment that replaces a part of a person’s income. However, this does not replace the entirety of a person’s income.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (or SSDI): Adults may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (or SSDI) if they have a disability and have recently worked long enough. This means seniors must have acquired a certain amount of work credits that are determined by yearly wages and income. To qualify, a person must have had or expect to have the disability for a year or expect the disability to be fatal.
- Supplemental Security Income (or SSI): There are two ways to qualify for monthly Supplemental Security Income payments:
- Be an adult with a disability and limited financial income.
- Seniors age 65+ who are not disabled may be eligible for monthly payments as long as they have limited income as defined by Social Security.
- Social Security survivors pension: Widows and widowers may receive Social Security survivors benefits based on the deceased spouse’s work credits. This pension is typically a one-time payment, but spouses age 60 and older are eligible to receive monthly payments.
Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly Section 8
Low-income adults can find housing assistance through public voucher programs like the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), previously known as Section 8. HCV offers assistance for rent and utility costs in subsidized apartments through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. While the voucher program is not available for independent living, it is available in certain senior apartments that accept Section 8.
Additional public assistance resources
Social Security Office
Find your local SSA office
Denver Regional Communications Office
Regional Communications Director
1961 Stout St., 7th Floor, FOB
Denver CO 80294
Phone: 303-844-1888
Colorado Field Office
Department of Housing and Urban Development
1670 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80202
Department of Housing and Urban Development: Denver Regional Office
Contact the Regional Administrator’s Office.
1670 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80202-4801
Denver Housing Authority Find and apply for affordable housing.
Santa Fe Dr. Station
Denver, CO 80204-0305
Denver Aging & Adult Services
Find support for older adults now.
1575 Sherman St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-866-2800
Colorado PEAK
Apply for benefits by creating a Colorado PEAK account.
DenverConnect
Learn more about DenverConnect.
Phone: 720-913-8494
Email: denverconnect@denvergov.org
DenverConnect program coordinator: Olga Garcia
Email: olga.garcia@denvergov.org
Older Adult Resource Directory in Denver
Find senior resources near you.
Understand Denver laws and regulations for independent living communities
Since independent living communities do not offer personal care or health care services, they are not regulated like traditional assisted living or skilled nursing communities. However, 21 out of 30 of our Denver independent living partners also offer assisted living care on the same campus.[01] So, these communities are regulated like any individual assisted living facility. If you would like to check out the Denver regulations for assisted living communities, see our guide to Denver Assisted Living.
Stand-alone independent living communities
Stand-alone independent living communities do not follow assisted living facility guidelines. They typically follow rental regulations and inspections common to the landlord-tenant laws of the state. Besides local rental guidelines, independent living communities typically have their own restrictions, such as an age requirement. Most independent living facilities require residents to be at least 55 or 62 years old. These requirements can typically be found on the independent living community’s website.
Rental regulations and inspections
As of Jan. 1, 2023, Denver launched its residential rental licensing program, which requires apartment rentals to be licensed. This license must be renewed every four years. Additionally, apartment buildings must undergo and pass an inspection to receive a license.[04] The residential rental property licensing program looks at 10% of the apartments on the property. In these inspections, the third-party inspector may check the following conditions:
- Hot water temperature
- Bathtub and shower status
- Lack of leaks or holes in walls, roofing, or foundation
- Free of pest infestation
- Regular trash removal services
- Sufficient lighting in halls and stairways[05]
Independent living communities also need to follow traditional apartment guidelines. These guidelines have specific regulations for apartment owners and occupants. Under Colorado law, owners of rental properties have to abide by the following guidelines:
- Maintain cleanliness of public areas in the apartment complex
- Meet minimum standards for necessities like lighting, ventilation, and heating
- Perform pest control
- Have the minimum requirements for home appliances and facilities, such as bathrooms, kitchens, water heating, etc.
- Cannot disconnect utilities[06]
While landlords have their own regulations to follow, so do tenants. Occupants in every apartment complex must adhere to the following:
- Sustain a clean apartment
- Dispose of garbage in a sanitary manner
- Maintain hygiene of plumbing
- Keep the unit pest-free[06]
Besides these laws and regulations, Colorado law aims to provide tenants with safe living accommodations thanks to an extensive list of tenant rights. Tenants are protected through the following rights:
- Landlords cannot raise the rent more than once a year.
- Landlords must meet building, housing, and health codes.
- Landlords are not allowed to charge late fees until the payment is over seven days late. These late fees are also capped.[07]
In addition to these rights, the Colorado Antidiscrimination Act prohibits discriminating against occupants based on age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability status, sources of income, etc. Additionally, the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act prevents landlords from discriminating against or threatening tenants based on their immigration status.[07]
If you believe your tenant rights are not being met, you can dial 3-1-1 to contact the local Department of Public Health and Environment.
Colorado Department of Health contact information
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
4300 Cherry Creek South Drive
Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-692-2000
Denver Tenant Rights & Resources
COVID-19 regulations for Denver independent living communities
Denver independent living communities do not have any specific COVID-19 regulations or guidelines to follow and typically function like any rental community.
However, if the community offers additional care types like assisted living, the facility must follow additional COVID-19 guidelines. Because 21 of 30 of our independent living partners in Denver have assisted living on the same campus, we provided those additional assisted living guidelines here.[01]
Learn more about CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines for assisted living communities.
The following COVID-19 regulations are for Colorado senior living communities that also offer assisted living services.[08]
Vaccinations. Vaccinations are recommended for staff and residents. The facility must have vaccinations accessible to residents and staff.
Masking. Masks are encouraged, and supplies must be available throughout the community.
Facility cleanliness. At least one staff member must be in charge of cleaning and disinfecting the community with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved, hospital-grade disinfectant.
Staff safety. The facility should have personal protective equipment (PPE) accessible to staff members.
Social distancing. Social distancing is encouraged.
Quarantining. If a resident or staff member tests positive or suspects COVID-19 infection, facilities are encouraged to follow the CDC’s isolation guidelines. This includes isolating for at least five days from testing positive. Self-isolation can stop after five days if the infected person has been fever-free for 24 hours.
Types of independent living in Denver
Seniors in Denver can experience nearly year-round sunshine in the bustle of city living or laid-back suburbs with resort-like amenities and activities at our independent living partners’ facilities. Below you’ll learn more about the different types of independent living Denver has to offer.
City vs. suburban living
While there are many independent living communities within the city itself, senior living is booming in nearby suburban areas like Lakewood, Arvada, and Littleton. Seniors aged 65 and older are approximately 12% of Denver’s population. However, many suburbs within the 10-mile radius of downtown Denver see an increase in senior population. Some suburbs, like Arvada, see up to 18% of its population consisting of seniors age 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.[09] Seniors may gravitate to the surrounding suburbs because of the location, cost, and lack of traffic.
Heading farther out from the Denver city center increases the number of A Place for Mom independent living partners in the area to 54 independent living facilities. These facilities are located in surrounding suburbs like Highlands Ranch, Louisville, Broomfield, Parker, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Brighton, Boulder, and Thornton. While some of these areas do not see a dramatic increase in senior population, there is a slight increase in cost. The average cost raises to $4,084 when including these suburban areas. Over half of these independent living communities include additional care types like assisted living or memory care.[01]
Active independent living in Denver
Independent living communities in Denver emphasize the importance of active living. Over 85% of our Denver independent living partners offer at least one of the following resort-like features:
- Fitness centers
- Game rooms
- Billiards lounges
- Outdoor walking paths
- Pools
- Movie theaters
- Arts and crafts center[01]
In addition to all-inclusive amenities, many independent senior living communities also host activities and events for their residents. Some facilities have an on-site activity and event coordinator, while others have resident-run groups. The following are some activities and events common to independent senior living communities:
- Art, fitness, and educational classes
- Interest groups and clubs
- Live music
- Holiday parties
- Devotional services
- Planned outings
Denver independent living facilities also encourage socialization among residents with community-based clubs, such as the following:
- Book club
- Bridge club
- Men’s club
- Walking club
- Sewing club
- Cooking club
- Gardening club
Additional on-site care services
While stand-alone independent living communities do not specifically offer personal care, many include health care services. Approximately 66% of our independent living partners in Denver offer access to an on-site home care agency, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This allows seniors to experience exceptional care while enjoying the freedom of independent living. If an in-home care agency is not available on-site, many independent living communities offer additional health care services. In fact, 90% of our independent living partners in Denver offer in-home appointments from visiting medical professionals like dentists, nurses, physical therapists, and podiatrists.[01]
Continuum of care
Only nine out of 30 of our independent living partners in Denver are stand-alone independent living communities.[01] Our other partners in Denver add on another care type, such as adult day care, memory care, or assisted living. Exactly half of our partners are continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) with care services for independent living, assisted living, and memory care on the same campus.[01] Since care needs are ever-changing, a continuum of care on the same campus helps seniors age in place. If you do not like moving around and expect your needs to change, a CCRC may be a better option for a longer period of time.
Denver independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Denver independent living
Availability of select dining options in Denver independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Denver independent living
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Unfamiliar with Denver? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Denver, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Denver population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65 and older with retirement account income, per U.S. Census Bureau
Health care for seniors in Denver
Denver offers a variety of health care providers. However, two hospitals receive higher rankings with national recognition and outstanding ratings for geriatric care.
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
Among all the health care systems in Denver, UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital ranks No. 1. This hospital has national recognition for five adult specialties and is within the top 10% for geriatric care, according to U.S. News and World Report.
SCL Health St. Joseph Hospital
SCL Health St. Joseph Hospital is highly recommended, ranking second in Denver and third in the state of Colorado. The hospital is also high performing in geriatric care.
Transportation for seniors in Denver
Approximately 98% of A Place for Mom’s independent living partners in Denver include complimentary transportation services for residents.[01] In addition to these services, Denver features multiple transportation options, making the city accessible.
Besides Denver’s buses and taxis, Denver has RTD, a light rail system that covers 113 miles across the city and suburbs. RTD provides a discount and accessibility options for seniors 65 and over. However, if money is an issue, Denver has a free hybrid shuttle bus known as the 16th Street Mall Ride that travels through 16th street in downtown Denver. The free Mall Ride travels from Denver Civic Center Station to Denver Union Station with a stop along each road in between. This provides easy access to the 16th Street Mall, the Colorado Convention Center, restaurants, local tourist attractions, and theatres.
The following ratings, each out of 100, were compiled according to transportation accessibility in Denver, per Walk Score.[11]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Denver
Denver is a large city surrounded by mountain views and offering a seamless balance between beautiful natural settings and interesting indoor activities. Whether you’re looking for local restaurants, hiking paths, accessible museums, or active living programs specifically for seniors, Denver has something for everyone.
Outdoor areas
From outdoor walking trails to fishing sites, Denver Mountain Parks offer over a dozen outdoor areas where Colorado residents can enjoy the state’s beauty up close. One of the most well-known outdoor areas is the renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater, where Colorado residents and their visiting families can explore hiking trails or experience an outdoor concert. Other parks are also known for various activities:
- Hiking
- Historic buildings
- Grills
- Bison herd views
- Skiing
- Golf
- Picnic tables
- Fishing
- Scenic views
Museums
The urban area of Denver houses a wide range of museums, from fine art to miniature toys. Seniors can experience the following museums:
- Denver Art Museum
- Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art
- Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
- Black American West Museum & Heritage Center
- Molly Brown House Museum
While seniors may enjoy these historical and art museums, they may not be enticing for their visiting grandchildren. Seniors can take their families to these local specialty or interactive museums:
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science
- Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
- Denver Museum of Miniature Dolls and Toys
Sports
Denver is the home of two professional sports stadiums. In the heart of downtown Denver rests Coors Field, where you can enjoy watching Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies. When the home field is unoccupied, Denver sports fans can take a look behind the scenes through stadium tours. Approximately 5 miles away is Empire Field at Mile High, where Denver Broncos fans can be heard cheering for their home National Football League team. When football is in the off-season, this stadium also hosts a variety of events, from dirt bike competitions like Supercross to live concerts.
Food
Denver is home to numerous food and drink options, including various restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Many restaurants in Denver are award-winning or staff an award-winning chef. Denver residents can explore their palette with local foods like homemade ice cream, French pastries, Indian Tandoori dishes, and American diner food.
The downtown Denver area offers an array of food scenes, such as a British pub, a café-style French restaurant, and a historic venue with upscale food and live music. Besides year-round access to local food and drinks, Denver celebrates this foodie culture with annual festivals like the Great American Beer Festival and A Taste of Colorado.
Senior activity programs
Besides the various activities around Denver, the city encourages active living for seniors through Denver’s Active Older Adults (AOA) programs. These programs provide a variety of indoor and outdoor hobbies for seniors in Denver. Denver seniors age 60 and older can sign up for a My Denver PRIME membership. This membership offers free access to Denver’s recreation centers, pools, parks, and recreation facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Woodlake Legacy Senior Living, Brookdale Meridian Arvada and Brookdale Tamarac Square are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Denver, 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 Denver is $4,440 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Medicare. Home health services.
Denver The Mile High City. (2022, March 10). Denver Launches Residential Rental Licensing Program.
Denver The Mile High City. (2022, Oct. 20). Residential rental inspection checklist.
Revised Municipal Code of the City and County of Denver, Colorado: Housing, Denver Code of Ordinances § 27 (1973 & rev. 2022).
Denver The Mile High City. (2022, October). Denver tenant rights and resources.
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. (2023, Jan. 12). Assisted living and group homes for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023, January 13). Best hospitals in Denver, CO.
Walk Score. Living in Denver.
Elliott, R. (2022, October 11). Personal communication [Zoom interview].
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