Retiring in South Denver — Best Neighborhoods, Cost of Living & Lifestyle Guide 2026

Why South Denver Is Perfect for Retirement

If you’re dreaming of a retirement filled with sunshine, stunning mountain views, and an active lifestyle, South Denver deserves a spot at the top of your list. Colorado’s Front Range offers a unique combination of urban convenience and outdoor adventure that’s hard to match anywhere else in the country.

With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, South Denver’s semi-arid climate means you won’t be cooped up indoors for months on end. Winters are mild compared to what most people expect — yes, it snows, but temperatures frequently climb back into the 50s and 60s between storms. Summer humidity stays blissfully low, making those 85-degree days feel comfortable rather than oppressive.

Beyond the weather, South Denver’s neighborhoods offer something increasingly rare in American suburbs: genuine walkability. Tree-lined streets, neighborhood shops, and well-maintained sidewalks make it easy to run errands on foot or enjoy an evening stroll. And when you want a bigger adventure, the Rocky Mountain foothills are just 30 to 45 minutes west — perfect for a day trip to hike, fish, or simply take in the scenery.

The region also features a thriving cultural scene, excellent healthcare infrastructure, and a growing population of active retirees who are redefining what retirement looks like in the 21st century.

Best Neighborhoods for Retirees in South Denver

Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in retirement. South Denver offers a range of options, from vibrant urban enclaves to peaceful suburban retreats. Here are four of the best neighborhoods for retirees to consider.

Washington Park — Walkable, Community-Oriented, and Full of Life

Washington Park — or “Wash Park” as locals call it — is one of Denver’s most beloved neighborhoods, and for good reason. Centered around the gorgeous 165-acre Washington Park, this area offers an unbeatable combination of walkability, community spirit, and access to nature.

Why retirees love it:

• The park itself features two lakes, flower gardens, a recreation center, tennis courts, and miles of paved paths perfect for walking or cycling.
• Walkable retail corridors along South Gaylord Street and South Pearl Street offer independent shops, coffee houses, restaurants, and farmers’ markets.
• Strong sense of community — neighbors actually know each other here. Block parties, holiday events, and community gatherings happen regularly.
• Central location makes it easy to access downtown Denver, Cherry Creek, and major medical facilities without long drives.

Housing in Washington Park tends to be a mix of charming bungalows, Tudors, and newer construction. Prices are on the higher end — expect to pay between $700,000 and $1.5 million for a single-family home — but the quality of life is exceptional. Condos and townhomes offer more affordable entry points, typically ranging from $350,000 to $700,000.

Cherry Creek — Upscale Living with World-Class Amenities

If your retirement vision includes fine dining, boutique shopping, and a sophisticated urban lifestyle, Cherry Creek delivers in spades. This upscale neighborhood sits just southeast of downtown Denver and is home to the renowned Cherry Creek Shopping District.

Why retirees love it:

• Cherry Creek Trail — a 40-mile paved path that runs right through the neighborhood, connecting to parks and open spaces throughout the metro area.
• Dining and entertainment — from acclaimed restaurants to art galleries and theaters, you’ll never run out of things to do.
• Luxury condos and low-maintenance living — many retirees appreciate the lock-and-leave lifestyle that Cherry Creek’s condo market offers.
• Proximity to healthcare — several major medical facilities are within a short drive.

Cherry Creek is one of Denver’s most expensive neighborhoods. Single-family homes often exceed $2 million, but luxury condos can be found in the $500,000 to $1.2 million range, many with concierge services, fitness centers, and rooftop terraces.

Greenwood Village — Quiet, Safe, and Beautifully Maintained

For retirees who prioritize peace, safety, and a manicured suburban environment, Greenwood Village is an outstanding choice. This affluent community in the heart of the Denver Tech Center corridor consistently ranks among the safest cities in Colorado.

Why retirees love it:

• Exceptionally low crime rates — Greenwood Village invests heavily in public safety and community policing.
• Beautiful open spaces — the city maintains numerous parks, trails, and greenbelts, including the popular Village Greens Park.
• Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre — world-class outdoor concerts right in the neighborhood during summer months.
• Excellent city services — well-maintained roads, responsive local government, and a strong sense of civic pride.
• Proximity to shopping and dining along the Belleview and Orchard Road corridors.

Homes in Greenwood Village range widely, from $600,000 townhomes to multi-million-dollar estates. The average home price hovers around $1.2 million, reflecting the area’s desirability and quality of life.

Centennial — Affordable, Suburban, and Family-Friendly

Centennial offers perhaps the best value proposition for retirees in the South Denver area. This well-planned suburban city provides a high quality of life at price points that are more accessible than its neighbors to the north.

Why retirees love it:

• More affordable housing — median home prices in Centennial typically run between $550,000 and $750,000, making it one of the more budget-friendly options in South Denver.
• Centennial Center Park — a stunning 11-acre park with an amphitheater, splash pad, and walking paths.
• Quiet, residential feel — wide streets, mature trees, and well-kept homes create a peaceful atmosphere.
• Convenient access — positioned along major corridors like Arapahoe Road and I-25, with easy access to light rail stations.
• Strong retail and dining options — including the Streets at SouthGlenn mixed-use development.

Centennial is particularly popular with retirees who want suburban comfort without the premium price tag of Greenwood Village or Cherry Creek.

Cost of Living in South Denver

Let’s talk numbers. Colorado’s cost of living runs approximately 5-10% above the national average, with housing being the primary driver of that difference. Here’s how South Denver stacks up:

Housing: This is where you’ll feel the biggest impact. The median home price in the greater South Denver area ranges from $550,000 to over $1 million depending on the neighborhood. Compared to the national median of roughly $400,000, that’s a significant premium — but it’s considerably less than comparable areas in California, the Pacific Northwest, or the Northeast corridor.

Groceries and everyday expenses: Grocery costs in the Denver metro run about 3-5% above the national average. You’ll find all major grocery chains represented, including King Soopers (Kroger), Safeway, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Costco.

Utilities: Utility costs are generally in line with or slightly below national averages, thanks in part to Colorado’s moderate climate. You won’t be running the air conditioning for five months straight like in Phoenix, and heating costs are offset by all those sunny winter days.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs in the Denver area run about 5-8% above national averages, though the quality of care available is excellent (more on that below).

Taxes: Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4% as of 2025, which is moderate compared to many states. Social Security benefits are exempt from state income tax for residents 65 and older, which is a meaningful benefit for retirees.

Overall, while South Denver isn’t the cheapest place to retire, many retirees find that the quality of life — sunshine, outdoor recreation, cultural amenities, and excellent healthcare — more than justifies the cost.

Property Taxes in Colorado

One of Colorado’s hidden advantages for retirees is its relatively low property tax rates. Thanks to the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) and the Gallagher Amendment’s legacy, Colorado’s effective property tax rates are among the lowest in the nation.

The statewide average effective property tax rate is approximately 0.49% to 0.55% of a home’s market value, compared to the national average of roughly 1.1%. On a $700,000 home, that translates to roughly $3,400 to $3,850 per year in property taxes — significantly less than you’d pay in states like Texas, New Jersey, or Illinois.

Additionally, Colorado offers a Senior Property Tax Exemption for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older who have lived in their home for at least 10 consecutive years. This exemption reduces the taxable value of the first $200,000 of your home’s actual value by 50%, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually.

Healthcare and Medical Facilities

Access to quality healthcare is non-negotiable for retirees, and South Denver delivers exceptionally well in this department. The region is home to several nationally recognized hospitals and medical systems:

• Sky Ridge Medical Center (Lone Tree) — a full-service hospital with a nationally recognized cardiac care program, cancer center, and emergency department. Located right in the heart of South Denver.
• Swedish Medical Center (Englewood) — a Level I Trauma Center offering comprehensive services including a renowned stroke center and orthopedic program.
• Craig Hospital (Englewood) — one of the nation’s top rehabilitation hospitals, specializing in spinal cord and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.
• UCHealth (multiple locations) — the University of Colorado Health system operates numerous clinics and urgent care facilities throughout South Denver, connected to the acclaimed Anschutz Medical Campus.
• Centura Health / CommonSpirit — multiple facilities in the south metro area providing a wide range of services.
• Kaiser Permanente — operates several facilities in South Denver for members, including the Rock Creek facility.

Most South Denver neighborhoods are within 15 minutes of a major hospital and have numerous urgent care clinics, specialist offices, and imaging centers nearby. The concentration of medical facilities in the south metro area is a major draw for health-conscious retirees.

Recreation, Parks, and Lifestyle

This is where South Denver truly shines for retirees. The outdoor recreation opportunities are virtually endless, and the cultural scene adds plenty of indoor options for days when you’d rather not be in the sun.

Parks and Trails

• Cherry Creek State Park — over 4,000 acres of parkland with a reservoir, beaches, hiking and biking trails, and wildlife viewing. It’s an oasis right in the middle of the suburbs.
• Highline Canal Trail — a 71-mile trail that winds through South Denver neighborhoods, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.
• South Platte River Trail — connects to an extensive regional trail network stretching from Chatfield Reservoir to downtown Denver and beyond.
• Chatfield State Park — reservoir, camping, horseback riding, and hot air balloon launches on the southwestern edge of the metro area.
• Dozens of neighborhood parks — South Denver communities invest heavily in local parks, many with tennis courts, pickleball courts (the fastest-growing sport among retirees), and community gardens.

Golf

Colorado is a golfer’s paradise, and South Denver is home to numerous courses:

• Wellshire Golf Course — a classic municipal course near Washington Park
• South Suburban Golf Course — affordable and well-maintained in Centennial
• Meridian Golf Club — an Englewood gem with mountain views
• Countless private clubs — including Cherry Hills Country Club, The Club at Ravenna, and Glenmoor Country Club

With Colorado’s long golf season (many courses are playable 10+ months per year thanks to those sunny winter days), retirees can stay on the links well into November and return by early March.

Cultural Activities

• Denver Center for the Performing Arts — one of the largest performing arts complexes in the nation, just a short drive or light rail ride north.
• Denver Art Museum and Denver Museum of Nature & Science — world-class museums with rotating exhibitions.
• Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre — major outdoor concert venue in Greenwood Village.
• Local libraries and community centers — Arapahoe Libraries and Denver Public Library systems offer extensive programming for seniors, including book clubs, technology classes, and social events.
• Lifelong learning — the University of Denver and Arapahoe Community College both offer continuing education programs popular with retirees.

55+ Communities and Active Adult Living

South Denver and its surrounding suburbs offer several communities designed specifically for active adults and retirees:

• The Village at Castle Pines — a master-planned community in Castle Pines with resort-style amenities, including a fitness center, pools, and an extensive trail system.
• Anthem Ranch (Broomfield) — while technically north of Denver, this Toll Brothers 55+ community is worth mentioning for its exceptional amenities and active lifestyle programming.
• Heritage Todd Creek (Thornton) — another popular 55+ option in the greater Denver metro.
• Various senior living communities — from independent living to continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), South Denver has options at every price point. Communities like Brookdale and Sunrise Senior Living operate multiple locations in the south metro area.

For retirees who prefer to age in place, South Denver’s single-story ranch homes — particularly abundant in Centennial and parts of Greenwood Village — offer accessible living without the need for a dedicated 55+ community.

Transportation and Getting Around Without a Car

While Denver is primarily a car-centric metro area, South Denver offers better-than-average options for retirees who want to reduce their driving:

RTD Light Rail: The Regional Transportation District operates several light rail lines through South Denver, including:

• The E Line and H Line connecting the southern suburbs to downtown Denver
• Stations at Belleview, Orchard, Arapahoe, Dry Creek, Lincoln, and County Line provide access from Greenwood Village and Centennial
• The Southeast Corridor runs along I-25, making it easy to reach downtown, the Denver Tech Center, and points in between

Bus Service: RTD operates numerous bus routes throughout South Denver, though frequency varies by route and time of day.

Ride-sharing and Senior Transportation:

• Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the metro area
• Via Mobility Services provides specialized transportation for seniors and people with disabilities
• Many senior communities offer shuttle services to shopping, medical appointments, and social events

Walkability: Neighborhoods like Washington Park and Cherry Creek offer genuine walk-to-errands convenience. Greenwood Village and Centennial are more car-dependent for daily needs, though both have pockets of walkability near commercial centers.

Cycling: Denver’s extensive trail network and flat-to-gentle terrain make e-bikes an increasingly popular option for active retirees. South Denver’s trails connect to grocery stores, restaurants, and parks, making cycling a viable transportation option for much of the year.

Making the Move: Final Thoughts

Retiring in South Denver offers a compelling combination of sunshine, outdoor recreation, cultural richness, excellent healthcare, and welcoming communities. Whether you’re drawn to the walkable charm of Washington Park, the upscale elegance of Cherry Creek, the peaceful safety of Greenwood Village, or the affordable comfort of Centennial, you’ll find a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Colorado’s favorable tax situation for retirees — including no state tax on Social Security and low property tax rates — sweetens the deal further. And with 300 days of sunshine beckoning you outdoors, you’ll have every reason to stay active, engaged, and enjoying life in your retirement years.

The South Denver lifestyle isn’t just about where you live — it’s about how you live. And for retirees who want to make the most of every day, it’s hard to imagine a better place to call home.

Frequently Asked Questions