Colorado's Top-Rated Retirement Destination Is A Charming Suburb With A Tight-Knit Community And Rural Beauty

For soon-to-be retirees, finding a nice place to settle down can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, Colorado has several lovely neighborhoods with dynamic charm worth considering, such as the dazzling Denver suburb of Centennial that mixes urban amenities and outdoor adventure, though many underrated small towns slip under the radar. One of these towns is the peaceful Columbine Valley, nestled in Arapahoe County. Named the best place in Colorado to retire by Niche, Columbine Valley is a charming suburb about 13 miles south of Denver and less than three miles from Littleton, where its easy to connect to Denver via rail. Traveling to Columbine Valley is easy, as its only a 45 to 50-minute drive from Denver International Airport. With a population of approximately 2,000 residents, this town provides visitors with a rural feel while enjoying the privileges of being in close proximity to bigger cities. 

The town, which gets its name from the state flower, began with 17 families in the 1950s who founded a Homeowner's Association and built properties surrounding the Columbine Country Club. It became an official town in 1959, and the country club remains a core part of life for the local citizens, with around half of the residents being members of the club. The town's history explains the tight-knit nature of those who call it home. The family-oriented, close community along with the area's low crime rates are just two qualities that make Columbine Valley an attractive choice for retirees who value peace, connection, and tranquility over the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of the standout attractions of Columbine Valley you should check out when in town is the prominent Columbine Country Club that has shaped the community's spirit. This family-friendly club has activities for all ages. Those wanting some physical activity can play on one of seven outdoor tennis courts and two pickleball courts. For visitors looking for a more personalized experience, the 5,000-square-foot wellness center is calling your name. From personal training to group exercise classes, there is something for everyone here. However, this is truly the place for golfers, with 27 holes of golf on the Championship Course. The club even has a dual-ended practice facility as well as professional staff available to lend coaching assistance.

Colorado is well known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, as exemplified by areas like the Mount Zirkel Wilderness, a great place to backpack and fish without crowds in the Rocky Mountains. Columbine Valley is no different, with the nearby South Platte Park and adjoining Carson Nature Center providing ample space to take in all of nature's wonders. South Platte Park gives visitors access to fishing and kayaking in five lakes as well as beautiful views of nature and wildlife. The Carson Nature Center allows guests to see live wildlife in its museum and learn about the environment through interactive displays. The center provides many nature programs for people of all ages, such as youth camps or nature walks, making it a great place for families and retirees alike. Nearby is also the Mary Carter Greenway Trail, an 8-mile trail accessible from the Carson Nature Center. Noted for being picturesque, this trail travels alongside lakes and through lush greenery, with plenty of conveniently placed amenities making it a fun, easy trail for any outdoor lover. 

While Columbine Valley itself is a peaceful residential haven, nearby Littleton, a city with a charming downtown area and ample green space, provides plenty of activity. For families and retirees, this means that you can maintain the calm and charm of the suburb while also maintaining convenient access to nearby restaurants, shops, and lodging. For example, the Residence Inn by Marriott Denver Southwest/Littleton is just 5 miles from Columbine Valley, making a cost-efficient option for a weekend getaway.

Still, this does not mean that Columbine Valley itself doesn't have plenty of things to do. The community comes alive in the summer for various events, typically kicking off with their Independence Day celebration. For over 30 years, the community has gathered each 4th of July for a parade of families and friends as they ride their self-decorated wagons and bicycles through the streets to celebrate the nation. However, the celebration does not end there: from live entertainment to an evening fireworks show, this is a full day of community and camaraderie for Columbine Valley residents. The town also has a free outdoor concert series during the summer, which features local performers and food trucks. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs and blankets, and even pets are welcome (as long as they are on a leash)! This is another community-building opportunity, highlighting just how important quality relationships among the residents are to the town.