Planning for retirement often prompts individuals to explore suitable locations for their post-career years. A recent ranking, developed from a survey of 2,000 American retirees, assesses various counties across the United States to identify the most desirable retirement destinations in 2026. This assessment focuses on a blend of factors considered critical by retirees, weighted according to their significance as determined by the survey data.
The ranking methodology excluded counties with populations fewer than 40,000 and disregarded those with notably low scores in either quality of life or housing affordability categories. Overall scores for the top 50 counties ranged between 64 and 48, reflecting varying degrees of retiree-friendly attributes. Among the leading five were counties predominantly located in Florida and one each in Ohio and Arkansas.
Denver County in Colorado was positioned 20th on this list, accumulating a total score of 55. To understand this performance, seven key factors were individually scored, reflecting their weighted importance to retirees. These factors and Denver's respective scores on a scale where higher is more favorable were:
Beyond housing, Denver's climate is characterized by relatively mild winters and abundant sunshine, with many days reaching highs near or above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This climate profile contrasts with common assumptions of severe cold and snow for the region. Additionally, the area provides extensive recreational possibilities, including hiking, fishing, biking, skiing, and walking. Access to cultural events and a diverse range of dining establishments further enriches the lifestyle options available to retirees residing in Denver and its vicinity.
State tax policies may also appeal to retirees. Social Security benefits received by individuals aged 65 and older are exempt from taxation. Furthermore, those between 55 and 64 years with lower income levels may qualify for similar exemptions. Retirees 65 years or older additionally benefit from the ability to deduct up to $24,000 annually from certain retirement income sources, such as pensions and withdrawals from retirement accounts.
Despite these advantages, some challenges merit attention. Traffic congestion in Denver is commonly problematic, particularly during peak commuting hours. While the climate is generally favorable, the area experiences occasional winter storms and hot summer spells. The overall cost of living, although relatively manageable compared to some metropolitan areas, remains above average compared with numerous other U.S. locations.
Environmental risks including wildfires, flooding, and temporary declines in air quality also contribute to the complexity of assessing Denver as an ideal retirement location. Finally, while hurricanes do not pose a significant threat in this region, these other factors warrant consideration.
Given the combination of appealing lifestyle factors and some notable downsides, prospective retirees are encouraged to thoroughly evaluate Denver County and the broader Colorado region as potential destinations for their retirement years. Understanding the interplay between quality of life, cost, health care access, and environmental considerations will be essential for making an informed choice.
The ranking methodology excluded counties with populations fewer than 40,000 and disregarded those with notably low scores in either quality of life or housing affordability categories. Overall scores for the top 50 counties ranged between 64 and 48, reflecting varying degrees of retiree-friendly attributes. Among the leading five were counties predominantly located in Florida and one each in Ohio and Arkansas.
Denver County in Colorado was positioned 20th on this list, accumulating a total score of 55. To understand this performance, seven key factors were individually scored, reflecting their weighted importance to retirees. These factors and Denver's respective scores on a scale where higher is more favorable were:
- Quality of life: 61
- Healthcare access and quality: 31
- Housing affordability: 40
- Cost of living excluding housing: 66
- Crime and safety: 56
- State and local taxes: 62
- Weather and climate: 72
Beyond housing, Denver's climate is characterized by relatively mild winters and abundant sunshine, with many days reaching highs near or above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This climate profile contrasts with common assumptions of severe cold and snow for the region. Additionally, the area provides extensive recreational possibilities, including hiking, fishing, biking, skiing, and walking. Access to cultural events and a diverse range of dining establishments further enriches the lifestyle options available to retirees residing in Denver and its vicinity.
State tax policies may also appeal to retirees. Social Security benefits received by individuals aged 65 and older are exempt from taxation. Furthermore, those between 55 and 64 years with lower income levels may qualify for similar exemptions. Retirees 65 years or older additionally benefit from the ability to deduct up to $24,000 annually from certain retirement income sources, such as pensions and withdrawals from retirement accounts.
Despite these advantages, some challenges merit attention. Traffic congestion in Denver is commonly problematic, particularly during peak commuting hours. While the climate is generally favorable, the area experiences occasional winter storms and hot summer spells. The overall cost of living, although relatively manageable compared to some metropolitan areas, remains above average compared with numerous other U.S. locations.
Environmental risks including wildfires, flooding, and temporary declines in air quality also contribute to the complexity of assessing Denver as an ideal retirement location. Finally, while hurricanes do not pose a significant threat in this region, these other factors warrant consideration.
Given the combination of appealing lifestyle factors and some notable downsides, prospective retirees are encouraged to thoroughly evaluate Denver County and the broader Colorado region as potential destinations for their retirement years. Understanding the interplay between quality of life, cost, health care access, and environmental considerations will be essential for making an informed choice.