Want to Retire in the West? See Why This Colorado Town Was Top Ranked for Affordability
With a low cost of living, rich cultural history, health care access, and welcoming community, Pueblo, Colorado, may be an affordable and attractive retirement option for you.
Constituting roughly two-thirds of the Pueblo County population, the city of Pueblo has a population of 110,803, making it a large, diverse, and convenient place to retire. Plus, with abundant outdoor beauty and cultural activities and festivals, the area always has something exciting to do.
Key Takeaways
- Pueblo, Colorado, is a retirement destination worth considering because of its low cost of living, health care access, and recreational life.
- Pueblo County's median monthly housing cost is $1,083.
- Pueblo County offers over 300 health care establishments and is relatively close to Denver, which has many more specialized facilities.
- For history buffs and art lovers, Pueblo offers the El Pueblo History Museum and Helen Thatcher White Galleries.
Cost of Living in Pueblo, CO
Especially if you are planning to retire on a fixed income, considering your housing expenses, daily cost of living, and taxes can help you stretch your savings and prepare for a sustainable retirement lifestyle. Pueblo, Colorado, features a low cost of living compared to other American cities, making it an especially good place to settle down for retirement.
Pueblo County, where Pueblo City is located, has a median household income of $62,250, a median home value of $271,800, and a median monthly housing cost of $1,083. By comparison, the median sale price of a home across the U.S. was $419,200 as of the latest data.
Within Colorado, Pueblo also features a lower-cost lifestyle than Denver or Boulder while still offering the conveniences of a metropolitan area. On average, monthly transportation costs in the country are $1,179, and monthly food costs are $608.
Tip
For retirees looking to make their savings last, manageable housing costs and day-to-day expenses can allow for more wiggle room in your budget for trips or other discretionary spending.
Monthly taxes are $612 on average, and you should be aware that, unlike some other states, Colorado does tax retirement plan withdrawals from IRAs, 401(k)s, and pensions. Unfortunately, Colorado is also one of the 10 states that taxes Social Security Benefits. However, the state allows those 65 and older to deduct up to $24,000 in retirement income, including Social Security, and allows those ages 55 to 64 to deduct up to $20,000.
Health Care and Accessibility
With retirement comes aging and the heightened risk of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease, so convenient access to high-quality and specialized health care may determine where you decide to retire. Within Pueblo County, there are 368 health care establishments and four hospitals.
Note
In addition to the services available in Pueblo, it is about a 1 hour and 45-minute drive to Denver, where there are larger and more specialized medical facilities.
Lifestyle and Recreational Activities
Aside from logistical considerations of retirement budgeting and health care access, Pueblo is a prime retirement destination for its arts, culture, and natural beauty, with 51 arts establishments across the county. Plus, the warm and welcoming community provides ample social opportunities for retirees.
Pueblo features plenty of cultural and historical sites, and these are just a few highlights:
- Helen Thatcher White Galleries
- El Pueblo History Museum
- Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference
Plus, for young children, these attractions are great options for the whole family:
- Pueblo Zoo
- Buell Children’s Museum (at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference)
- Rides at City Park
Aside from the permanent attractions, Pueblo has a host of annual traditions to engage the local community, such as the Courthouse Lighting, where a laser and fireworks display illuminates the center of town, and the nationally renowned Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival, which features local vendors, live entertainment, and cooking competitions.
Tip
The El Pueblo History Museum, Pueblo County Library, and Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference all accept volunteers or hire docents. With increased free time during retirement, you may find this work a convenient way to engage with the local community.
Pueblo’s gorgeous wildlife and a wide array of outdoor activities make it a great option for retirees looking for a more active lifestyle:
- City Park Disc Golf Course
- Pueblo Mountain Park
- Lake Pueblo State Park
From walking, biking, or running the nearby Pueblo River Trail System to exploring the San Isabel National Forest just a 40-minute drive away, it’s easy to connect with nature when living in Pueblo without breaking the bank. Plus, with a low-risk FEMA climate rating, Pueblo is a safe and sustainable option for long-term residence.
The Bottom Line
From its affordability to its health care access and high quality of life, Pueblo, Colorado, stands out as a prime retirement destination. If you are looking for a financially sustainable retirement with an active lifestyle and cultural opportunities, Pueblo may be a great option for you.