Colorado Springs-Pueblo CO Metro 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

The Colorado Springs-Pueblo CO Metro area is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions and has become a popular destination for retirees. There are numerous parks and hiking trails in the area, as well as scenic drives that offer beautiful views of the mountains and surrounding landscapes. The Colorado Springs-Pueblo area has many museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing local history and talent. Foodies will enjoy the wide range of eating and drinking options, from farm-to-table restaurants to breweries and wineries. A temperate climate and gorgeous surroundings make the Colorado Springs-Pueblo area an ideal place to retire.

Local resources for visiting or moving to the Colorado Springs-Pueblo area include:

• Visit Colorado Springs: The official tourism website for Colorado Springs, with information on attractions, accommodations, events, and more.
• Pueblo Chieftain: The local newspaper for Pueblo, Colorado, with coverage of local news, sports, and events.
• Pikes Peak Region Attractions Association: A tourism association with information on attractions, events, and activities throughout the Pikes Peak region.
• Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC: A business association with resources and information on living and working in the Colorado Springs area.

Affordability and Cost of Living 

The Colorado Springs-Pueblo metro area is a fairly affordable place to live compared to Denver or other metro areas in the country. The cost of living in Colorado Springs is about 8.3 percent higher than the national average while the cost of living in Pueblo is 11 percent lower than the U.S. average.

The median home price in Colorado Springs is around $440,500 and about $285,300 in Pueblo. Average costs for groceries and utilities in the metro area are right around the U.S. average price. However, healthcare and transportation costs are less expensive than the national average in both Colorado Springs and Pueblo. 

Kiplinger ranks Colorado as a tax friendly state for retirees. The state income tax is a flat 4.4 percent but as of 2023 Colorado no longer taxes Social Security benefits. Other types of retirement income may be taxed but taxpayers over the age of 65 are eligible for deductions which may eliminate or reduce the cost. Colorado does not have estate or inheritance taxes. Property taxes in Colorado are relatively low compared to other states, the median property tax rate is $485 per $100,000 of assessed home value. Localities can add additional tax to the state sales tax so the exact amount will depend on your location but can be as high as 11 percent. 

Climate and Geography

The Colorado Springs-Pueblo area is in southern Colorado and has a semi-arid climate with over 300 days of sunshine a year. Spring temperatures are mild, summers are hot and dry with temperatures in the 80s, autumns are cool and crisp, and winters are cold with temperatures around 35 with occasional snowfalls. 

The Colorado Springs-Pueblo area has a diverse and stunning landscape. Several natural landmarks can be found in the area, including the towering sandstone rock formation at Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak which offers scenic drives and hiking trails. The Arkansas River runs through the area, providing excellent whitewater rafting and kayaking opportunities. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

The Colorado Springs-Pueblo area is a great destination for those looking for a variety of entertainment options. Located in the southern part of the state, the area is known for its stunning views and historic sites.

Golf

For golfers, the area boasts several top-rated courses, including the Broadmoor Golf Club, which has hosted numerous U.S. Senior Open championships. Tennis and pickleball players will also find plenty of options, with several public parks and private clubs offering courts for all levels of play.

Outdoor Activities

The nearby Rocky Mountains and Pikes Peak offer miles of hiking trails, campgrounds, and places to explore. Nature lovers and photographers will love visiting the beautiful Garden of the Gods, which features amazing red rock formations. 

Museums and Historical Sites

The Colorado-Pueblo area has several unique museums and historical sites. The Pueblo Heritage Museum offers a glimpse into the area’s rich Hispanic heritage and is a visitor favorite. The Manitou Cliff Dwellings, which are believed to have been constructed over 700 years ago, provide a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the history and culture of the Ancestral Puebloan people. 

Art and Music

For art and music lovers the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center features a wide range of rotating exhibits and performances. Additional music and stage performances can also be found at venues such as the Pikes Peak Center and the Ent Center for the Arts.

Annual Events

The Colorado Springs-Pueblo area  hosts a variety of fairs, farmers markets, and festivals throughout the year. The most popular are the Colorado State Fair and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a thrilling race up the mountain that draws thousands of spectators. 

Shopping

There are a wide range of shopping options, from quaint boutiques and antique stores to large shopping centers like the Promenade Shops at Briargate and the Chapel Hills Mall.

Sports

Sports fans will find plenty to cheer about, with college teams like the Colorado College Tigers and the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs Mountain Lions, as well as minor league baseball and hockey teams.

Health and Wellness 

The Colorado Springs-Pueblo area offers many health and wellness activities for 55+ adults who want to take a proactive approach to their health. Fitness centers in the area offer classes, personal training, and swimming facilities. Parks and outdoor recreational options, including hiking trails and bike paths, provide opportunities for physical activity and stress relief. For mental wellness, the area has several meditation centers, yoga studios, and wellness retreats that offer classes and programs to promote relaxation and mindfulness.

There are multiple medical centers in the area, including UCHealth Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs and Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Day One – Morning: 

• Start the day with a coffee and breakfast at the Wild Goose Meeting House in Colorado Springs, a cozy café with a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. Visit Manitou Springs to visit the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, ancient ruins of Native American homes built into the cliffs. Learn about the history and culture of the Pueblo people through guided tours and exhibits.

Day One – Afternoon: 

• Head to Garden of the Gods, a stunning natural wonder with towering rock formations and scenic trails for hiking or driving. Make sure to stop at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center to learn more about the history and geology of the park.

Day One – Evening: 

• Enjoy dinner at the Odyssey Gastropub, a modern gastropub with an eclectic menu of comfort food and craft beers.

Day Two – Morning: 

• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss retirement communities in the area and tour any potential communities of interest.

Day Two – Afternoon: 

• After meeting with your agent, spend the afternoon exploring Pueblo’s Riverwalk, a scenic pathway along the Arkansas River with charming shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Day Two – Evening: 

• Enjoy dinner at Bistoro, a popular restaurant in Pueblo offering a menu of Italian-inspired cuisine with a modern twist. Bistro also has an extensive wine list that focuses on a variety of Italian wines.

Recommended places to stay

• The Antlers, a Wyndham Hotel in Colorado Springs
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Colorado Springs South
• Courtyard by Marriott Pueblo Downtown

Getting to the Colorado Springs-Pueblo Area

The Colorado Springs-Pueblo area is easily accessible by several modes of transportation. If driving, major highways into the area include Interstate 25, which runs north-south through the region, and US Route 50, which runs east-west through Pueblo.

For those arriving by air, the closest major airport is Colorado Springs Airport (COS), which is located about 10 miles southeast of downtown Colorado Springs. The airport is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, with direct flights to hubs such as Denver, Dallas, Chicago, and Phoenix.

Additionally, Amtrak’s Southwest Chief train route runs through the region, stopping in both Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Greyhound bus service is also available, with several stops in the area.

Retiring to the Colorado Springs-Pueblo area offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation. With mild weather, low taxes, and a relatively low cost of living, the region has become a popular retirement destination for those seeking an active and fulfilling lifestyle.