10 Best Independent Living Communities in Colorado Springs, CO
In 2022, Colorado ranked No. 3 of the 10 best states to spend retirement, and Colorado Springs has been an AARP-certified Age Friendly Community since 2015. In reviews of our partner network of independent living facilities, residents often remark on how much better their lives are since moving to Colorado Springs independent living communities. What is it about Colorado Springs that consistently makes it such a desirable, nationally recognized place for seniors to spend their retirement years?
In this guide, we explore Colorado Springs’ beautiful vistas, welcoming independent living communities, delightful social scenes, and practical draws that make it such a wonderful place to live during retirement. From community regulations, costs, and payment tips to local senior benefits, health care, and culture, we cover all the bases.
Colorado Springs Independent Living Facilities | 1119 Reviews
The staff are always welcoming and willing to support the residents and families. They have a private dining room for families to enjoy a delicious meal with the residents. There are many events and outings....
It is like a big family. Management is on the ball. A very nice place to live and based on the experience I have had so far, I would recommend The Belcaro to others.
Revel Province, in Colorado Springs, is an absolutely beautiful place to live! The facilities are kept immaculately clean, and all of the staff are amazing to work with! The people that live there are fun,...
My sister and brother-in-law just moved his mother there from the larger Brookdale in Colorado Springs as they felt Monument Valley was much better. It is a very nice place
It's a friendly place to live. Meals are delivered to your room when you are sick and staff take great care of you. We also have great social activities!
It's in a convenient location. Everyone is always friendly and helpful. My dad has even made a few friends. It's also always clean. They have plenty of things for my dad to do, if he decides to. It has been...
This is such a welcoming and supportive community. I cannot say enough positive things about all of the staff, activities offered, supports to family members, food, etc. 100% would recommend Holiday...
My mother is thriving at Palisades. They really seem to care about the residents and work hard to keep them engaged. My mother, who has Alzheimer's, was adamantly opposed to moving out of her house and into...
Overall, it's a great place! The place always seems bright and clean. The staff is typically very friendly and helpful, just turnover of caregivers seems high (but I believe that would be for any...
They are extremely nice and helpful. They just need to cook food appropriate for elderly. It so much grease and frying and vegetables cooked to mush. Maybe having a boiled potato once in a while would be...
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We moved in shortly after Aspen Trail opened and plan to live here as long as possible. Lots of good friends, activities every day, more food than we can eat. The staff goes out of their way for us. We feel...
I like about bout everything I've experienced in this community. The food is quite good and the company is some fun. Living in a building apart from the main building is to my liking. Over all grade A.
The food servers were wonderful and paid close attention to what Mom could chew and what she loved to eat. The activities were wonderful, I just wish Mom had been able to enjoy more of them. There were...
This is the best kept secret I am so happy here their emmities are what the doctors order. I have been here for one month. My husband has dementia the mountains soothes him and the weather is so Awesome it's...
Me and my dad where looking for my mother and found Melody Living, it was perfect we love everything about it we end up placing my mom into Memory Care, and my dad afterwards came to AL. I only have...
My mother was previously a resident at Winslow Court and the experience was great. As for the value for cost, it is very difficult for our elderly's families to afford what all facilities are charging....
Staff is very friendly and helpful. Move in process was great - they also help where they can. Meals are not as good as I would like. I feel they need someone with more nutritional experience. Also, the...
I'm rating on my experience while there, however my brother is the client. Yes we would recommend the community to other families. They've been very accommodating to me. Received feedback well. Try to be...
When we first visited, we were greeted by a very light and airy facility that had happy residents and happy staff. Broadmoor Court feels more like a hotel nice hotel then an assisted living place. My...
Overall, this is a very nice facility. I have two family members there: one in Memory Care and the other in an Assisted Living apartment. The staff in MC is lovely--friendly, helpful, reassuring, etc. They...
My mom has always disliked hospitals and has been afraid all her life of being put in a home. after a unexpected fall at home medicare covers up to 20 days for rehabilitation. I chose sunny vista at random...
I picked The Bridge because I liked it better. Most people do that. I didn't have lots of options with the nursing care Mom required. And the Bear Creek location was not desirable for most visitors for...
My mom is thoroughly enjoying life at New Day Cottages. We as a family are delighted that she has a beautiful and spacious room, a private half bath, enriching and engaging daily activities, many sweet...
If the resident needs assistance with mobility, this is not the best option but for those who need very little help with mobility or daily life activities, it is a great and welcoming environment. We picked...
The staff at New Day at that time were phenomenal. They truly cared for my mom. When she was in hospice there, they held her, and cried with us and truly felt her loss themselves. Some of them still text to...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Colorado Springs community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Colorado Springs community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of independent living in the Colorado Springs area
- What families are saying about independent living in Colorado Springs
- How people pay for independent living in Colorado Springs
- Understand Colorado Springs laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Colorado Springs
- Colorado Springs independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Colorado Springs? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Colorado Springs area
On average, independent living communities in our Colorado Springs partner network cost around $4,140 each month.[01] Note that this number includes associated fees and service add-ons that real residents paid in 2022. Additional fees associated with independent living communities may include one-time admission fees or monthly fees for extra services like the following:
- On-site parking
- Pet rent
- A second person moving in
- Lodging upgrades, such as extra bedrooms or detached cottages
The costs below represent average baseline costs that residents paid, and give you a sense of the costs in other local areas. Note that these numbers may or may not reflect add-on fees or upgrades that seniors commonly pay in an independent living community.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Colorado Springs, CO vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Colorado Springs, CO vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Colorado Springs vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Colorado Springs, CO by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Colorado Springs over time
What families are saying about independent living in Colorado Springs
Recent reviews for independent living in Colorado Springs
Jackson Creek Senior Living in Monument, CO
The Bridge at Colorado Springs
MacKenzie Place Colorado Springs
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
How people pay for independent living in Colorado Springs
In Colorado Springs, seniors use personal resources to pay independent living fees — the same way they pay for a mortgage or monthly rent. Below, you’ll find information on private payment methods and resources that may help Colorado Springs residents with the following:
- Accessing eligible veterans benefits
- Navigating Medicaid and Medicare for home health care
- Exploring housing assistance vouchers
You’ll also find private pay tips to help you figure out how to pay for an independent senior living community using your own income and assets.
Colorado is one of the more tax-friendly states for seniors, offering notably low property taxes and deductions on retirement incomes. Specifically, these deductions are meant for taxpayers 55+ or beneficiaries of a pension after the death of a working loved one.
Generally, when seniors begin to think about paying for retirement, they start with their personal income sources — savings, pensions, investment returns, and Social Security benefits. Depending on your personal resources, you can also turn to the following methods to fund your independent living community:
- Selling a house. This not only helps redirect funds to an independent living community, but it also helps you downsize and simplify.
- Reverse mortgage. This enables you to borrow from the home’s equity to pay for independent living without selling your home.
- Life insurance. Some policies can be borrowed from and used to fund senior living options, but do check with your provider, as all policies are different.
In recent years, Colorado Springs has been named among the best places for veterans to live. Between the Air Force Academy and Fort Carson, the area has a strong local Army and Air Force presence. Support for veterans abounds here, making Colorado Springs a fabulous place to spend your retirement years.
Colorado Springs has several veterans membership programs in local communities that offer fantastic events and valuable resources. You’ll also find plentiful resource centers and Veterans Service Officers (or VSOs) available to help you secure your federal veterans benefits in Colorado Springs. If you’re a senior veteran, read on to learn about the VA benefits and local resources that can help pay for life in an independent living facility.
Veterans benefits
Veterans or their surviving spouses can use benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or the VA) to cover the costs of independent living in Colorado Springs. Additionally, if a veteran is disabled and enrolled in VA health care, they may apply for additional benefits through the Aid and Attendance benefit. This can be used for anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life, such as rent in an independent living community or in-home health care.
Enrollment for these benefits can be tough to sort through. It’s worth speaking to a knowledgeable veterans advisor, called veterans services officers (or VSOs), to get your rightful benefits as a veteran or surviving spouse.
Resources for Colorado Springs veterans
The Pikes Peak Library system in El Paso County has a fabulous veterans resource section, offering a wealth of veterans information. These resources cover everything, from how to get your benefits to information about local veterans gatherings to additional veterans support for basic needs. For additional help getting your benefits, local veteran service centers, such as the local American Legion Posts or Colorado Veterans Project, can help you get enrolled in a VA benefits program. Services available to you as a Colorado Springs veteran may include the following:
- Connection to educational resources
- Connection to legal partners for help with claims
- Help with food security
- Financial assistance with utilities, rent, and other essentials
You can also access veteran benefit advocacy through local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapters, through the two nearby American Legion Posts, or through one of the Colorado Springs Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapters. Explore the resources section below for more information.
Number of veterans who live in Colorado Springs, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Number of veterans living in the state of Colorado, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Colorado Springs veterans
Colorado Springs Vet Center
3920 N. Union Blvd., Suite 310
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Phone: 719-471-9992
Hours: Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center
Phone: 719-772-7000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Colorado Veterans Project
P.O. Box 1422
Eastlake, CO 80614
Email: info@coloradoveteransproject.org
VFW Post 4051 – The Pikes Peak Post
430 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-632-9874
VFW Post 101 – Marion L Willis Post
702 S. Tejon St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-632-2776
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
VFW Post 3917 – Cheyenne Mountain Post
4715 Clearview Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
Phone: 719-392-8677
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Medicaid
Colorado’s Medicaid program is Health First Colorado (also known as HFC). They provide plans to cover health care for local low-income residents of Colorado Springs. These plans do not cover independent living costs. That said, should unexpected health concerns come up, HFC can help with medical and dental costs if you meet the qualifications.
If you require help with activities of daily living, you may be able to use one of Colorado’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers to help cover costs. HCBS waivers are designed to cover numerous types of in-home health care services, so that a person can remain in the residence of their choice. To see if you’re eligible for the waiver, review the waiver comparison chart or speak with an HFC advisor.
Medicare
While Medicare doesn’t cover rent in independent living, it can help cover medical costs. Medicare-covered expenses may include hospital stays, medical equipment, or prescription medications. You may be eligible for one of the Medicare savings programs, including the following:
- Qualifying Individual Program offers help with Part B premiums.
- Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program provides seniors help with Part B premiums.
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program offers financial help with copayments, deductibles, premiums, coinsurance, and prescription drugs.
As a Colorado resident, you might be eligible for location-specific Medicare assistance programs, such as the Colorado State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP helps seniors in Colorado enroll in Medicare and choose the right program and benefits to fit their needs. Additionally, you may receive help with pharmaceutical drug costs if you are living with HIV or AIDS. This could qualify you for one of Colorado Medicare’s pharmaceutical assistance programs.
Before applying to a specific Medicare program online, be sure to review the criteria and resource limits for that program. Remember, you may still qualify for some programs even if your resources or income is higher than Medicare’s given limit. That said, knowing current limitations will help you go through the application process with more defined expectations and a clearer understanding.
If you need help navigating the different Medicare options, the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging Office or the regional ombudsman program offer assistance to Colorado seniors. Locate contact information for these offices in the helpful Medicare resources below.
Colorado Springs resident Medicaid and Medicare resources
Health First Colorado
1570 Grant St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 800-221-3943
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Colorado regional SHIP location
Phone: 888-696-7213
Ombudsman program website
Agency on Aging Ombudsman: 719-471-2096
Colorado seniors may also turn to Social Security benefits and housing assistance programs to meet their needs. These public assistance programs can help seniors pay for their living expenses under certain circumstances. Learn more about what they might cover for you and how to qualify below.
Housing assistance
Through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), retired Colorado residents with qualifying incomes can apply for vouchers to help them cover their rent.[04] Formerly known as Section 8, it’s now referred to as the Housing Choice Voucher program. The apartment must first agree to accept these HUD vouchers in order for them to be used to cover a portion of their monthly rent. For eligibility questions, explore the HCV chart of income limitation data. For more information, contact the local Colorado Springs Housing Authority.
The Colorado Springs Housing Authority partners with nine different senior apartment buildings as part of their rental assistance programs, though A Place for Mom does not partner with these communities. Rent may vary, but typically, it involves either a flat rate rent amount or 30% of the renter’s adjusted gross income. Visit our guide to Colorado Springs senior apartments for more information on these kinds of communities.
Social Security benefits
Colorado seniors can use Social Security benefits to pay for any costs of living, including rent in an independent living community. There are many types of Social Security benefits, and the ones available to you will depend on your work history and current situation. Here’s an overview of each benefit.
- Supplemental Security Income (or SSI): This provides monthly payments to seniors 65+ or qualifying individuals with a disability, regardless of work history. SSI payments may be stacked with Social Security Retirement and SSDI payments. Eligibility requirements involve having limited income and resources.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (or SSDI): This provides monthly benefits to an individual with a qualifying disability. In addition to having worked both recently enough and long enough, the individual must have also paid Social Security taxes to qualify. Some family members may also be entitled to these benefits.
- Social Security Retirement benefit: This provides Colorado residents over 62 with retirement benefits after either retiring or reducing their working hours. Eligibility depends on your work history, and payments are received each month.
- Social Security survivors benefits: This pays a monthly benefit to provide financial support for seniors who have lost a working spouse, regardless of whether the surviving spouse is currently employed. It ensures a reliable income stream for survivors of a deceased social security member who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
Colorado Springs resident public assistance resources
Colorado Springs Social Security office
2306 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Phone: 888-880-0688
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Disability Advocacy Resource Center
The Arc Pikes Peak Region
Phone: 719-471-4800
Senior information and assistance helpline
Phone: 719-471-2096
Eastern Colorado office
Phone: 800-825-0208
El Paso County office
Phone: 719-471-7080
Understand Colorado Springs laws and regulations for independent living communities
In Colorado Springs, there are two different kinds of independent living facilities: stand-alone independent living facilities and communities with assisted living and memory care capacities. Stand-alone independent living facilities are regulated like apartment buildings through the Planning and Community Development Neighborhood Services office. Like apartments, independent living communities must adhere to the following regulations:
- Communities must follow safety and cleanliness protocols on all properties.
- Communities must keep utilities connected.
- Communities must perform regular pest control.
- Communities must install and maintain necessary equipment and appliances.
- Communities must maintain proper lighting, ventilation, and heating.[03]
For more information, review the Colorado Springs Fair Housing informational guide or visit their website. To submit a concern or complaint about a property within El Paso county limits, you can call the Planning and Community Development office. They’ll flag conditions in the community and give the landlord 30 days to solve the issue.
Tenants’ rights in Colorado Springs
Under Colorado law, tenants’ rights aim to protect them against potentially unsafe or unfair conditions. In Colorado, this means the following:
- Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, creed, disability status, or immigration status. Note that some independent living communities can require an age minimum, regardless of age discrimination stipulations.
- Landlords are prohibited from raising rent more than once a year.
- Landlords cannot unfairly withhold security deposits.
- Landlords must have a cap for late fees.
- Landlords must keep buildings up to code.
It may be helpful to review your rights as a renter through the Colorado Springs Fair Housing website before you move in. You can also review your rights through the city’s Renter’s Rights 2022 packet, so you know how to spot and report potential abuses. If you have contacted your landlord in writing several times about an issue and it has yet to be resolved, you can dial 3-1-1 to contact the Department of Health and Environment.
Laws and regulations for higher-care retirement communities
If the independent living community offers on-site assisted living and memory care services, that community is additionally regulated by the Colorado Department of Health as they are considered care facilities. Such facilities are required to comply with the following state and federal regulations:
- Facilities must provide support or a plan to help with residents’ activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Facilities must have a distinct facility area for nursing services.
- Facilities must develop a discharge plan to ensure residents have support in place when they leave.
To review inspection information on a facility offering both independent living and assisted living, get in touch with the Colorado State Department of Health. You can explore public records and facility licensing or register complaints by visiting their website or by sending a request via email. To review specific contact details or learn more about specific Colorado senior living regulations, explore the state resources listed below. Alternatively, if you think you may need care services, consider looking into one of Colorado Springs’ assisted living facilities.
Accommodations for seniors with disabilities
If you’re living with a disability, there are several federal nondiscrimination laws in place to protect you from housing discrimination due to the disability. Moreover, these laws require landlords and community managers to give you reasonable accommodations and modifications in activities, programs, and housing. The laws include the following:
If you have a disability, you have the right to request accommodations and reasonable modifications from the landlord or community manager. Reasonable accommodations are defined as changes to community policies. The following are some examples of accommodations that a landlord could make for a tenant:
- Changing the rent due date around disability income payment dates
- Assigning an easy-entry parking spot to the tenant’s apartment building
- Allowing a service animal to live in the tenant’s apartment even if there’s a no-pet policy in place
Modifications indicate structural changes to individual units and common areas. The following are some examples of modifications:
- Specialized smoke detectors for residents with hearing loss
- Widening doorways or installing grab bars in a tenant’s apartment
- A wheelchair ramp to allow people who use wheelchairs easy accessibility[03]
Nondiscrimination laws apply to all senior living communities in Colorado Springs. Property owners are required to pay for these modifications unless doing so poses an undue financial or administrative burden. For more information, explore this detailed infographic on reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Colorado Springs Planning and Community Development Neighborhood Services
30 S. Nevada Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO, 80903
Phone: 719-444-7891
Colorado Department of Health contact information
Citizens Advocate
4300 Cherry Creek Drive
South Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-692-2000
TDD line for hearing impaired: 7-1-1
COVID-19 regulations for Colorado Springs independent living communities
Colorado Springs does not currently have COVID-19 regulations in effect for independent living communities. If you are concerned about COVID-19 in your independent living community, you can find general updates, testing, and vaccine information on the Colorado COVID-19 website. You can also keep an eye on COVID-19 updates in El Paso County on the CDC COVID-19 by county website.
At all times, the CDC recommends the following:
- Vaccinations. Residents and community staff should stay up to date on vaccinations, including recommended booster doses.
- Ventilation. Maintain ventilation improvement measures.
- Social distancing. Create open spaces where possible, and community members should practice social distancing when transmission rates are high.
Types of independent living in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs has an active and lively retirement community, with no shortage of independent living homes and rave reviews from residents. Additionally, it’s an incredibly pet-friendly culture — all of our partnering independent living communities welcome pets, and 36% also offer pet care while you’re out and about.
Our partner network offers two types of independent living communities. Some function as independent living facilities only, whereas others offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care all on one campus.
Multi-care retirement communities (CCRCs) in Colorado Springs
As the years roll by, some individuals experience different health needs or require higher levels of care. Some seniors prefer not to move if their health changes or they need more assistance with daily life. For those who prefer to age in place, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) may be right for you.
The main differences between CCRCs and other independent living communities are the pricing structure and the level of care provided. In a CCRC, residents pay a substantial buy-in fee to secure long-term, higher levels of care. This also secures a resident’s monthly fees in the event that their care needs change. Some seniors opt to cover this fee with funds from the sale of a home. In essence, it’s paying in advance for a peaceful future without the worry of paying for care.
If you’re looking for a community in Colorado Springs to stay in for most or all of retirement years, you might consider one of our five partnering independent living communities with continuing care options. In Colorado Springs, continuing care retirement communities offer the following to their residents:
- You have more comprehensive monitoring and support. CCRC facilities typically have support staff on-site 24/7 in case of emergencies, as well as robust emergency response systems. Additionally, you can invest in services, such as medication management, to ensure you stay on track.
- You have access to visiting therapists and health care professionals. About 54% of partnering continuing care communities have a visiting occupational therapist, speech therapist, and podiatrist. Meanwhile, 63% of Colorado Springs communities in our network bring in a visiting physical therapist, as well.
- You have additional help with activities of daily living. Maybe you just need an extra hand with cleaning your space. Maybe your health requires regular assistance with dressing or bathing. Whatever the need, CCRCs have the compassionate, skillful staffing to meet you where you are.
In reviews of our partner facilities, residents have hugely positive things to say about continuing care lifestyles and how they make life easier. Even family and loved ones notice the difference that extra care can make. One loved one writes that their mother in a continuing care community has “regained a sense of youth” during her time there, not having to worry about meeting future care needs.
An active, social lifestyle in independent living
Maybe you don’t need extra medical care or therapies — maybe you’re just looking to relax and enjoy retirement. For seniors looking to fill their social calendar a bit more and spend less time managing a house, independent living is the way to go.
In Colorado Springs, independent living community members often come for the mountains and climate but stay for the friendships they make. From outdoor and indoor gaming to hiking groups, there’s always something happening in Colorado Springs’ exciting retiree community. Given the community orientation around Colorado’s thrilling outdoor scene, 82% of independent living facilities in our partner network have an outdoor common area for community members to enjoy together.[01] Four communities even have on-site golf courses, and seven have swimming pools for the warmer months.
In the few colder months of the year in Colorado, independent living communities also offer these indoor common spaces for gathering:
- Arts and crafts centers
- Movie or theater rooms
- Swimming pools
- Billiards lounges
- Computer rooms
No matter where your interests lie, you always have a place in the social connections of local independent living communities.
Colorado Springs independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Colorado Springs independent living
Availability of select dining options in Colorado Springs independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Colorado Springs independent living
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Colorado Springs? Highlights for seniors
Difference in feet of elevation between the lowest and highest points of Colorado Springs
Percentage of seniors 65 and older in Colorado Springs, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Average number of sunny, comfortable days per year in Colorado Springs
Health care for seniors in Colorado Springs
Some seniors living further up in the mountains experience breathing issues, which brings them down to Colorado Springs as their health requires a lower elevation. The elevation is still high in the Springs, averaging around 6,000 feet above sea level. If you’re moving from out of state, you may find it beneficial to get heart and lung testing before settling at Colorado Springs’ altitude.[01]
Colorado Springs’ fantastic hospitals are one of the major draws in the city. Two hospital systems in particular stand out above the rest for excellent care and specializations in senior health.
UCHealth Memorial Hospital
UCHealth Memorial is ranked No. 1 in Colorado Springs and is high performing in 11 adult conditions and procedures. According to U.S. News and World Report, UCHealth provides excellent care in cardiac and lung issues among patients.
Penrose-St. Francis Health Services from Centura Health
Penrose-St. Francis is another distinguished hospital in the Colorado Springs metro area. Highly ranked in six adult procedures and conditions, U.S. News and World Report indicates that Penrose-St. Francis specializes in orthopedics, cardiac conditions, neurology, and nephrology.
Transportation for seniors in Colorado Springs
While 91% of partner communities in Colorado Springs offer complimentary transportation options, you also have several other ways of getting around the city.[01] Downtown Colorado Springs has a wealth of conveniences. Most people use cars to get their errands done throughout the city. Taxis, Ubers, and Lyft rides are also plentiful in the Colorado Springs metro area.
The metro area has the following public transportation options:
- Electric bike travel through the nonprofit Pike Ride is a perennial hit in Colorado Springs. With paved urban trails and on-street bike paths that cover hundreds of miles, Colorado Springs offers active seniors a sustainable and rewarding travel option in biking the city.
- Mountain Metropolitan Transit operates 20+ local bus routes and runs from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays to transport residents. Riders with disabilities can use Mountain Metro’s ADA paratransit service to ensure safe transportation.
- Envida serves seniors and people with disabilities throughout the Colorado Springs metro area. View their service map on the linked Envida website or call 719-633-4677 for specific route and service information.
- FindHelp offers a wealth of resources for contacts in everything from food to transit to care. With 31 transportation providers serving seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, you’re sure to find options on their Colorado Springs transportation page.
Colorado Springs is considered moderately walkable, according to Walkscore.[06] The following scores consider transportation accessibility in the area and are out of 100:
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Colorado Springs
With such close proximity to the Rocky Mountains and a welcoming climate, there’s never a dull moment in Colorado Springs. From incredible natural beauty to vibrant senior communities, explore activities for Colorado Springs seniors below.
Activities for the adventurous retiree
For physically fit seniors who love to connect over shared experiences, the activities scene in Colorado Springs can’t be beat. Enjoy exploring with groups like the Pikes Peak Over the Hill Gang or playing in a tournament with the Pikes Peak Pickleball Association. Seasoned hikers will surely enjoy the nearby state parks and winter skiing destinations, which are just a few hours’ drive away from Colorado Springs. Closer to home, stunning Pikes Peak makes for an exhilarating drive with a view like none other. Seniors can also enjoy a leisurely stroll among natural wonders with an afternoon in the Garden of the Gods.
For seniors who’d rather enjoy a day of indoor gaming and fine dining, an outing to neighboring Cripple Creek has endless fun. Enjoy a day out in one of the four Cripple Creek Casinos. In the town’s charming historic setting, it makes for a lovely getaway.
Socializing close to home
Independent living facilities in Colorado Springs have lively event calendars. But for those who enjoy socializing outside of home, there are numerous options as well. In the suburbs and neighboring communities, the Woodland Park Senior Center and the Fountain Valley Senior Center both offer a range of activities, including game nights, quilting gatherings, painting meet-ups, day trips, and more.
Closer to downtown, the Colorado Springs Senior Center holds community health classes, movie nights, counseling services, and other activities. Additionally, the Colorado Springs Over 50 activities website features dozens of events, discounts, and education for seniors.
Colorado Springs residents also love a good party, and the city holds multiple festivals and parades throughout the year. Perennial favorites include events like the following:
- Festival of Lights Parade features around 100 illuminated and decorated entries every year.
- Pikes Peak Pride Fest celebrates Colorado Springs’s LGBTQ+ community members over two days of high-energy entertainment.
- Labor Day Liftoff is a thrilling hot air balloon festival set against the backdrop of the Colorado Rockies.
Historical attractions celebrating yesteryear
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum is unquestionably one of the world’s best, most inclusive and accessible museums — and one of the crowning achievements of Colorado Springs. Olympic enthusiasts will love learning more about Olympians over the years and their moments of glory. Additionally, the museum has thrilling innovations to ensure that everyone who visits the museum can enjoy it equitably. You can find more on the museum’s accessibility measures on their website.
For an afternoon of mid-century nostalgia and stunning scenery, consider strolling through the Old Colorado City Historic District or booking a journey on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. On this route, passengers enjoy a full bar and luxurious dining in a vintage, mid-century coach as it coasts through a 24-mile round-trip ride through the Royal Gorge Region. The railroad is nationally recognized for its incredible panoramic views of the scenic Royal Gorge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Melody Living of Colorado Springs Independent Living, The Belcaro and Revel Province are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Colorado Springs, CO. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Colorado Springs is $3,986 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Population estimates: Colorado Springs city, Colorado (V2022). [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Code of Ordinances City of Denver, Colorado. (2023). The housing code of the city of Colorado, Chapter 27: Housing. Municode Library.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Colorado.
WalkScore. (2023). Colorado Springs.
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