Northern Colorado is The Place to Retire!

Choose from Boulder, Fort Collins, Greeley, Louisville and Loveland, Colorado

Most people think of the Rocky Mountains when you mention Colorado. The clear cerulean blue skies, occasionally dotted with whimsical white clouds. On the Northern Front Range of Colorado lies the sweeping domain of the Great Plains with its “Old West” savor and Native American heritage. The towering peaks may be an acquired taste for those who prefer the charm of the plains, but the seven scenic mountain ranges accompanied by 300 days of sunshine holds its own beauty. Author Willa Cather best describes the Colorado Front Range as it spreads to the eastern border of the state.

“Elsewhere the sky is the roof of the world; but here the earth was the floor of the sky. The landscape one longed for when one was far away, the thing all about one, the world one actually lived in, was the sky, the sky!”

If Colorado is on your list for a retirement destination then the Northern Front Range of Colorado has much to offer for the independent active lifestyles of our retiring “Boomer” generation. The accessibility to the Mountains, lakes, reservoirs, local and national parks offer an abundance of year-round outdoor activities. The opportunities accompanied by the attractive subtle beauties of the state itself makes retiring to Colorado an enticing choice for many still desiring activity.

The Northern Colorado Area encompasses four counties Larimer, Weld, Boulder and Morgan. Major cities along the Northern Colorado Front Range are Ft Collins, Longmont, Greely, Loveland, Broomfield, and Boulder. Smaller Cites are Johnstown, Estes Park, Lyons, Brighton, Ft. Morgan, Ft. Lupton, Lafayette and Louisville.

Boulder
Home of the Colorado University (CU) famous College Football team, the CU Buffs, eclectic Boulder is rooted into the Colorado Front Range foothills with the Boulder Flatirons rock formation as its backdrop. Boulder is a stage of cultural artsy attractions like the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory, The Leanin' Tree Museum of Western art and the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra. The town is favored for its College town atmosphere, urbanized shopping /dining experiences such as nearby local hot spot Augustina's Winery. It is pedestrian and cyclist friendly, noted for its healthy outdoor active lifestyle. Many residents and out of town guests come together for the annual Bolder Boulder running race. Current population of Boulder is 293,161, Census 2008.
City of Boulder official Website
Ft. Collins
Ft. Collins is one of the largest cities in Northern Colorado, but with a small town feel. The city is the home of Colorado State University and offers full services with a contemporary inclusive development plan supporting the population of 140,000 and growing. According to the AARP magazine in March 2010, Ft. Collins and Loveland was rated “number one in the top rated cities to retire for the Boomer generation.” In addition, CNN rated it as “One the Top 25 Best Places to Retire”: CNNMoney.com - September 2010

A few facts: Fort Collins resides alongside the banks of the Cache La Poudre River meandering from the nearby foothills of the Rocky Mountain’s. In its early history, the site of Ft. Collins was a military fort in 1864 later in 1873 it was incorporated as a town. Ft. Collins is 37 miles from Cheyenne Wyoming and 65 miles North West of Denver.
City of Ft. Collins official Website
Greeley
The City of Greely began as agriculture community established by Nathan C. Meeker in 1868 at the junction of the South Platte and Poudre Rivers in Northern Colorado in Weld County. The City is home to the University of Northern Colorado and hosts a diverse population of 115,000 (census 2010). Although a small city, Greely boasts of accomplishments with strength in areas of education, business, and agriculture. For Retirees looking for the right place to call home
- Greeley is named “one of the 8 top places to retire in the United States” (Where to Retire magazine)
- #1 in the country for five-year income growth (Forbes Magazine)
- Best Places for Business and Careers, March, 2008
- 37th in the U.S. for its ”Best Places for Business Careers List” number one in the nation for income growth, (Forbes Magazine)
- Greeley identified as #20 on list of U.S. 200 largest metros Best Performing Cities, including #10 for 1-year job growth (Milken Institute 2008 Best Performing Cities)
- Greeley offers something for everyone and is a half hour from Denver on U.S. 85.
Greeley Chamber of Commerce
Louisville
Louisville is a delightful small town located in Boulder County. Historically Louisville is part of the area referred to as the Northern Coalfield stretching between Boulder and Weld counties. Established in 1882 by landowner Louis Nawatny, subsequently after the first Coal Mine opened in 1877 with many others to follow, Louisville became home for many miners and their families. Today the city is a bedroom community for Boulder business commuters. Louisville is conveniently located 8 to 10 miles from Boulder to its west and a little over 21 miles from Denver to its south and east. Shopping is minutes away in the nearby Superior at Foothills Mall or 29th street mall off Arapahoe street in Boulder.
- Louisville climbed the top the list of “Best Places to Raise Your Family,”
- In the top 100 Affordable Communities in the U.S.
- Ranked ”the fifth best place to live in the country” by Money Magazine July 2006 issue.(source: Denver.com)
- For more information on the City of Louisville, click on the link to their official website below.
Louisville official Website
Loveland
Loveland, known as the Sweetheart City of America, carries the nickname Arts and Hearts as well. Located along the Northern Colorado Front Range in the Big Thompson Valley forty-six miles from Denver, Colorado’s Capital City, Loveland was a flourishing agricultural city in its early history. Today a commercial and high tech city mingled with diversity and culture that continues to expand with opportunity. Established in 1881 it began as a small community with a flourmill at its center; later David Barnes bought property and began the early platting of what is now Loveland. Barnes was a close friend of William A. H. Loveland president of the Colorado Central Railroad. He donated part of his land for the new railroad stretching from Denver to Cheyenne, Wyoming. A first rate entrepreneur Barnes seized this great opportunity and successfully established the town of Loveland and was true neighbor to the people of this little town with a big city heart.

Loveland facts reveal their populations at 67,000 plus; amenities abound from musical concerts to professional hockey games, indoor and outdoor activities, convention center, nearby shopping centers, and convenient access to the Interstate I-25 corridor. U.S. Highway 34 is the direct route to Rocky Mountain National Park. Along with Ft. Collins AARP magazine rated Loveland as one of the “top places to retire.” AARP March 2010
Loveland official Website

Climate

Northern Colorado Front Range semi arid climate provides residents with all four seasons along with 300 days of sunshine per year. The Common saying in Colorado is “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes”. A jet stream pushes over the Rocky Mountains affecting the weather and making for changeable weather at different times of the year.

Spring months tend to have windy days, wet snows, and the occasional rainstorm. However, large temperature changes are common during the spring, with a high of 70 one day and 30 with a blizzard the next. For springtime in the Rockies, be prepared with an assortment of appropriate attire.

Summer months are often hot and dry. Afternoon thunderstorms often cool off temperatures for a comfortable evening. Temperatures can reach the 90-degree mark and evening lows can be in the 40s and 50s.

Fall brings stormy and changeable weather in September; similar weather changes occur in the springtime, but October is usually dry and pleasant with warm sunny days.
Winter months are often dry with wind blown snow, peppered with the occasional warm day. Snow is generally light with less than a few inches and by January Arctic and Canadian Cold Fronts deliver temperatures below freezing for a few days.

Colorado weather waits for no man. Forecasters are often slightly off with their predictions and it is possible to experience all four seasons of weather in one week. Nevertheless, natives understand their weather and offer activity for any season that is why Colorado is so unique making it a favorite retirement destination for active and independent Boomers.

Retirement Communities in Northern Colorado

Here is the reason Northern Colorado has become a re-occurring destination for retirees. The region boasts of stable home values, top rated private and public golf courses, the best shopping this side of the Rockies, and unlimited access to the local and national park systems throughout the cities and mountains.
The Northern Colorado region has rapidly received popularity as a desirable retirement destination with something for everyone. There are hundreds of options available in one of the most scenic states in the nation; all that is left is choosing the right community in the right city for you.

Here is a list of some of the Retirement Communities in the region:

Balfour Senior Living - Independent Living, Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing
1336 E Hecla Drive, Louisville
303-867-6400
Learn More - Click Here

Carillon at Boulder Creek - Assisted Living
2525 Taft Drive, Boulder
720-565-6844
Learn More - Click Here

Flatirons Terrace - Independent Living
930 28th Street, Boulder
303-939-0898
Learn More - Click Here

Legacy at Lafayette - Assisted Living
225 Waneka Parkway, Lafayette
303-666-0691
Learn More - Click Here

Meridian Boulder - Independent Living
801 Gillaspie Drive, Boulder
303-494-3900
Learn More - Click Here

MorningStar of Boulder - Assisted Living & Memory Care
575 Tantra Drive, Boulder
720-545-1575
Learn More - Click Here

Rigden Farm Senior Living - Independent Retirement Community
2350 Limon Dr., Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
970-237-3566
Learn More - Click Here

Sunrise at Boulder - Assisted Living & Memory Care
3955 28th Street, Boulder
720-406-1000
Learn More - Click Here

Villas at the Atrium - Independent Living
Now Known as Brookdale North Boulder
3350 30th Street, Boulder
303-444-0200
Learn More - Click Here

Northern Colorado is The Place to Retire!

Choose from Boulder, Fort Collins, Greeley, Louisville and Loveland, Colorado

Climate

Retirement Communities in Northern Colorado

More Local Northern Colorado Links: