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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.

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. 

 

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About the Authors

 
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

contact Billy and Akaisha at theguide@retireearlylifestyle.com

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