A lot of people are attracted to places like Florida. retirementThose looking for a warmer climate and a more laid back lifestyle, Colorado is a great choice for those who love the outdoors and don’t mind cold winters.
Filled with natural beauty, outdoor adventures and vibrant culture, Colorado is a wonderful place to live. But unfortunately, that charm can also come with a high price tag. Cities like Boulder and Denver are out of reach, especially for retirees on fixed incomes. There are other, more affordable options out there that offer much of what Colorado has to offer. GoBankingRates spoke to experts about which options are best for you.
Genoa Matthes is a travel expert and travellera site offering hand-picked itineraries and expert trip planning advice, she suggested two great alternative destinations.
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Flagstaff, Arizona
“Flagstaff is located high in the mountains and has a climate remarkably similar to parts of Colorado, with cool summers and mild, snowy winters, but housing prices are much more affordable. Like Colorado, there is a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking and skiing, and of course, beautiful sunsets overlooking the surrounding mountains. Our historic downtown has a fun, country town vibe, and the community really values the arts,” Mattes said.
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Asheville, North Carolina
“Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville experiences the same four distinct seasons as Colorado, but at a more affordable price. The high altitude reduces the heat in the summer and produces beautiful foliage in the fall. Outdoor activities are plentiful, including hiking, biking and kayaking, and locals embrace their mountain town roots. I personally loved strolling the artsy alleys downtown, bustling with live music, craft beer and more, not to mention a dash of Southern hospitality,” Matthes said.
Wayne Cusk, travel writer and CEO Explore West Central Floridasaid there are plenty of retirement options across the US that offer a similar lifestyle at a much lower cost, and outlined his top five picks.
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Mesquite, Nevada
“This desert oasis near the Arizona border combines mild weather, stunning scenery and Southwestern living,” Kask said. “With red rock views and dozens of golf courses, it’s like a budget version of Colorado. Housing is also cheap, with the average home price being around $300,000 — far less than you’d pay in Denver or Boulder.”
Springfield, Missouri
“Springfield doesn’t have any mountains, but we have lots of lakes, trails and parks where you can get active outdoors. The Ozarks are great for fishing and boating.” Cost of living “The cost of living is low, there’s lots of culture with live music and museums, and homes are very affordable at around $150,000. It’s hard to beat living in the Midwest on a retirement budget,” Cusk says.
Austin, Texas
“Yes, it’s developed a lot, but it still has that laid-back, outdoorsy vibe that’s reminiscent of Colorado, with plenty of hiking trails, great food, music and activities. Home prices average about $450,000, so it’s not exactly cheap, but it’s more affordable than many parts of Colorado these days,” Kask said.
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St. George, Utah
“St. George, Utah, is a great place for affordable retirement living. It’s right near Snow Canyon, perfect for hiking and biking, and a great location for nature lovers. Zion National Park is less than an hour away. Colorado’s alternatives are less expensive and offer the benefits of natural resources. Typical property prices are around $355,000,” Kask said.
Port Angeles, Washington
“Port Angeles, Washington is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Olympic Peninsula. It is surrounded by mountains, lakes, rainforests and a rugged coastline. It’s a great place for nature lovers. [a] “It’s a haven with a quaint country town feel, and the average home price is $400,000, which is very reasonable considering the amenities and beauty,” Cusk said.
Andy Medearis is a travel expert and bargain hunter. Benefitsis a website about travel, points, loyalty programs, and credit cards. He shared two of his favorites with us.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
“Hot Springs perfectly combines the beautiful forest scenery of the Ouachita Mountains with the unique features of dozens of natural hot spring pools scattered throughout town. After a day of hiking or fishing in the mountains, you can easily soothe your sore muscles in the hot springs, which is a great perk. Plus, the cost of living is about 16.5% lower on average than the rest of the U.S., and home prices are 32% lower than average, making it a great option for retirement,” Medearis said.
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Lamar, Colorado
This may be cheating since it’s actually in Colorado, but Lamar has most of the amenities of much more expensive cities like Boulder and Denver.
“Lamar offers many of the perks you get from living in more expensive areas of Colorado, like stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and easy access to activities like camping, fishing and hunting. But you can get those perks at an incredible cost of living that’s nearly 30% lower than other parts of the country, which is a great way to make sure you stretch your savings as far as possible. And believe it or not, home prices in Lamar are 57% lower than the national average!” Medearis said.
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This article was originally published on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Places to Retire Like Colorado, But Much Cheaper