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Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
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Is Colorado
the Early Retirement Move that Feels Too Good to Be True?
Kristie Bransen
When you think about your dream retirement, you probably picture white sandy
beaches, endless sunshine, and maybe a cocktail with a little umbrella. But what
if the ultimate retirement destination flips that script entirely? Colorado has
quietly become a magnet for those chasing not just a new chapter but a bold
reinvention of life. It’s not just the Rockies towering in the distance or the
endless trails calling you outside—it’s a way of living that’s as fresh as the
mountain air. Let’s break down why so many people are trading flip-flops for
hiking boots and making Colorado the retirement spot that doesn’t feel like
retirement at all.
Trading Stress for Altitude
Retirement isn’t just about financial freedom; it’s about emotional and mental
freedom, too. Colorado seems to have mastered the art of dialing down stress in
ways you might not even notice until you’re fully immersed. Something about
being surrounded by mountains gives you this subtle, unshakable sense of
calm—like the problems of the world just can’t climb that high.
The
state’s slower pace is intentional without being lazy. Small towns like Salida
and Ridgway offer an antidote to the high-speed grind, where people actually
pause to enjoy life instead of rushing to the next thing. And yet, it’s not a
place that feels sleepy. That’s the magic—Colorado’s charm is rooted in balance.
The space to breathe here is almost literal, and it’s one of the most overlooked
benefits of swapping sea level for altitude.
Retirement in Colorado Isn’t About Sitting Still
Retirement in Colorado conjures images of rocking chairs and quiet afternoons,
you’ve got it wrong. This is where retirees come to get moving, not slow down.
Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, kayaking, or just taking a stroll with views
that belong on postcards, it’s impossible to ignore the pull of the outdoors.
What makes it even better? The state has built an infrastructure that makes
staying active effortless. Trail systems connect neighborhoods to nature
seamlessly, and public parks feel less like "parks" and more like mini
adventures waiting to happen. Even the cities, like Denver and Boulder, seem
designed to nudge you outside. Instead of sprawling highways, there are bike
paths, pedestrian-friendly streets, and plenty of places to just... be.
And
for those who aren’t into the thrill-seeking side of things, there’s a laid-back
element to enjoying the outdoors here. A cup of coffee on a snowy morning or an
afternoon picnic in one of the high-desert landscapes can feel just as
exhilarating as a day on the slopes. Retirement here is about what you make of
it—and Colorado hands you the tools to design it your way.
A New Kind of Community
What really sets Colorado apart is the way it fosters connections. This isn’t a
place where you retire to disappear; it’s where you retire to belong.
Communities here have a knack for making even transplants feel like they’ve been
locals forever. Town gatherings, local markets, and outdoor festivals pull
people together in ways that feel authentic rather than forced.
Small businesses play a huge role in this dynamic. Many are run by people who
care as much about their neighbors as their profit margins.
Avalanche Sports ski
shop is a great example of this—more than just a place to grab gear, it’s a hub
for conversations, advice, and connections. This kind of local-first mentality
makes even the bigger cities feel intimate.
And
it’s not just about making friends. The community-minded ethos in Colorado seems
to extend to a sense of shared responsibility. Whether it’s recycling
initiatives, volunteer opportunities, or simply taking care of the trails,
there’s an unspoken understanding here: when everyone pitches in, the rewards
come back tenfold.
Weather That Keeps You Guessing (But in a Good Way)
One
of Colorado’s most surprising draws is its
four seasons, each with a personality
of its own. Winter might blanket the state in snow, but it’s the kind of snow
that whispers adventure instead of trapping you indoors. And when spring rolls
around, the explosion of wildflowers and warm sunshine feels like a well-earned
reward.
Summers are the perfect blend of warm days and cool nights, and fall? Forget
pumpkin spice lattes—there’s something about those golden aspens that feels
better than anything you can sip out of a cup. The unpredictability of
Colorado’s weather keeps life interesting without making it chaotic. It’s a
constant reminder that change is good, especially when it brings beauty with it.
For
retirees, this means there’s always something to look forward to. You’re not
locked into one endless summer or stuck bracing for long stretches of cold.
Instead, the seasons here feel like markers of time well spent, each offering
its own excuse to get outside and do something memorable.
The Freedom to Re-imagine Your Routine
Colorado doesn’t just change where you live; it changes how you live. Retirement
here feels less like stepping back and more like stepping forward into something
entirely new. Part of this comes from the state’s laid-back culture. Nobody here
cares if you show up in yoga pants or hiking boots—they’re probably wearing the
same thing.
Another big part of this freedom comes from the state’s focus on sustainability
and innovation. Farmers’ markets, co-ops, and renewable energy projects make it
easy to live consciously without overthinking it. You’re not just living in
Colorado; you’re living with Colorado.
Even the pace of life here feels more in sync with what retirement is supposed
to be. The days are yours to fill, whether that means diving into a new hobby,
exploring hidden trails, or simply sitting on a porch with a view that feels
like it belongs in a movie. It’s not about having endless options but about
having the right ones.
Why Colorado Feels Like Home
There’s something intangible about Colorado that doesn’t show up in statistics
or travel guides. Maybe it’s the way the mountains make you feel grounded, even
when you’re at 10,000 feet. Or maybe it’s the people—friendly without being
overbearing, adventurous without being reckless. Whatever it is, it’s clear that
Colorado isn’t just a place to retire; it’s a place to start something new.
For
those looking to redefine what retirement means, Colorado might just be the
perfect blank canvas. It’s where life gets rewritten—not with a heavy hand, but
with an effortless, natural ease that’s hard to find anywhere else. So, if
you’re ready to let go of the clichés and embrace something truly refreshing,
maybe it’s time to point your compass toward the Rockies.
About the Authors
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
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