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Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Retirees Seeking Outstanding Outdoor Recreation, Dramatic Scenery and Therapeutic Mineral Waters Come to Glenwood Springs in Beautiful Western Colorado
Cost of Living: Above the National Average
Once the brief home of such diverse characters as President Teddy Roosevelt and dentist/gunfighter Doc Holiday (who may or may not be buried in the town's cemetery), Glenwood Springs (population 10,500) is a cozy mountain oasis set amid spectacular, rugged scenery in western Colorado. Outdoor recreation is the hallmark of this area, attracting active retirees who want to spend their days skiing, bicycling, trout fishing, rafting, hiking, golfing, camping or just soaking in the healing waters of the town's famous mineral hot springs.
Glenwood, as it is locally known, is part touristy, part collegiate (Colorado Mountain College is here), part Old West, part family-oriented and part mountain funkiness. It is welcoming, without the clubbiness found in some other resort destinations. Local river rats, college students and older residents mingle with families on vacation, skiers and the occasional cowboy. Everyone seems to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, beautiful scenery and strong community spirit.
The cost of living is 85% above the national average. Thirty-four percent of locals are age 45 or better, and politics lean to the left. Thirty-five percent of residents have at least a four year college degree. The town has grown by 5% within the last decade, and the crime rate meets the national average.
There are plenty of multi-million dollar mountain homes here, but the median single family home price is $830,000, reflecting a 4% increase from the year before. The west side of town generally has less expensive housing. The more expensive properties are often newer, chalet styles on the way to Aspen. Apartments are few.
Colorado is tax-friendly when it comes to retirement. For residents age 55 to 64, up to $20,000 of retirement income, including Social Security, may be excluded from state income taxes (up to $24,000 of retirement income may be excluded for people age 65 or better). Income beyond the deduction is taxed at a flat income rate of 4.5%. When it comes to property taxes, people age 65 or better may exempt up to 50% of the first $200,000 in actual value of their home. The average effective property tax rate (the annual tax payment as a percentage of median home value) in Glenwood Springs is .46%. The annual taxes on a $830,000 home are approximatley $3,818 without a homestead exemption. The combined sales tax rate is 8.6%.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Of all the great reasons to retire in Glenwood, the world famous mineral hot springs might be the best one. These wonderful therapeutic waters are enjoyed at the historic Hot Springs Resort Pool, Lodge and Spa, built in the 1880s and home of the world's largest outdoor hot springs pool (two blocks long).
Open year round, pool waters are a delightful 92 degrees F. (104 degrees F. in the smaller therapy pool) and attract people from across the country. When Doc Holiday was suffering from tuberculosis, he came here for the healing waters.
While the hot springs are the town's main feature, outdoor recreation is a close second. Two rivers, the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River, converge in town, making fly fishing a favorite pastime.
And rafting on the Colorado River through 12-mile-long Glenwood Canyon is truly a treat. This stretch of river roars through one of the most scenic spots in all of Colorado and runs below but parallel to Interstate 70, which has been designed to blend into the surrounding canyon walls.
For skiers, Sunlight Ski Resort is a small, low-key resort 10 miles down the road and offers dozens of runs for all levels. Eight golf courses are within a 40-mile radius.
Dining is adequate but not outstanding. People seeking more sophisticated cuisine usually travel to Aspen where restaurants are chic, expensive and populated with celebrities at adjacent tables.
Glenwood cultural attractions and nightlife are also somewhat limited, but the Summer of Music Festival, the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest, the Symphony in the Valley and the Glenwood Springs Community Arts Center, to name a few, all bring the community together at various times throughout the year.
Major retailers include Staples, PetCo, Natural Grocers, Bed Bath and Beyond and more. Many of these are in one of the handful of shopping malls. Touristy boutiques, outdoor outfitters, ice cream shops, bookstores and more dot downtown.
Valley View Hospital has 78 beds and is award-winning for overall patient experience. It is accredited by the Joint Commission and is a Level III Adult Trauma Center. For military retirees, the nearest VA hospital is in Grand Junction, 75 miles to the west.
Ride Glenwood provides public bus service around town. Glenwood Airport is open to small private planes.
Just outside of town, the Glenwood campus of Colorado Mountain College (CMC) has about 6,000 students and is where the Lucy Huntley Senior Center is located. Started as the High Country Retired and Senior Volunteer Program in 1973, the center today provides social interaction, educational opportunities, volunteer opportunities, health information and support, congregate meals, transportation and more. These programs are administered by the Garfield County Department of Social Services. Non-credit CMC classes are also available for a reasonable fee.
Glenwood sits at an elevation 5,763 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures are in the 70s, 80s and 90s, and winter temperatures are in the teens, 20s and 30s. On average, the area receives 50 inches of snow and 20 inches of rain per year. On the comfort index, a combination of temperature and humidity, Glenwood comes in at nearly twice the national average. The sun shines 240 days of the year, and when it does, the skies are a breathtaking cobalt blue.
Retirement in this mountain hamlet is, of course, not for everyone. Glenwood can feel a little isolated, particularly in winter. Denver is three to four hours to the east, and I-70 gets congested and occasionally closes down thanks to snow slides or rock slides. The train to Denver is a six and a half hour ride. Summer tourist traffic often causes gridlock in Glenwood's downtown/mineral pools section, and with steep mountains all around, summer days are short (and winter days are even shorter).
Having said all that, though, few things are better than a January dip in the soothing hot springs pool after an adventurous day of skiing. Most retirees who live here would not live anywhere else. They point to the healing waters and welcoming residents, and perhaps best of all, to the quiet joy that comes with living in such a beautiful place.
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