
Retirement Planning Denver 2025: 17 Brilliant Moves You’ll Love
Front-load the big wins: healthcare caps, clear budget, simple plan
Biggest wins first—because that’s where the real money moves. For 2025, Medicare Part D has a game-changing cap: your total out-of-pocket for prescriptions is limited to $2,000. ACIP-recommended adult vaccines? Free. And many insulins are priced around $35 a month. If all the Denver math gives you a headache, you’re not alone. We’ll cut through the noise with three decisions that make the biggest financial difference—fast.
Last winter, I sat at a kitchen table in Park Hill with a couple who thought they were stuck. I grabbed a yellow legal pad, crossed out three budget lines, and watched the room shift—it got quiet, in a good way. Same vibe here.
- Healthcare first. Pull up your 2025 Part D plan. Jot down three numbers: the annual cap ($2,000), your monthly premium, and your insulin copay. If that copay is more than ~$35, shop for a different plan or preferred pharmacy before enrollment closes. A five-minute check could save you hundreds next year.
- Housing guardrail. Cap your housing costs at 30% (or less) of your take-home pay. Run one real-world test—say, a 1-bedroom in Capitol Hill or a low-HOA condo in Lakewood—and make sure your budget still breathes. A realistic stress-test now can save you from a budget spiral later.
- Taxes you can qualify for. Colorado offers real savings here. Look up the state’s retirement-income subtraction and any senior property tax exemptions. Get the exact form names and deadlines on your radar now—those dates sneak up fast, and a missed form can mean leaving real money behind.
Next action: Grab your Part D details today and write three numbers on a single page: your $2,000 OOP max, monthly premium, and insulin copay. Then, circle the one that needs fixing. Start there—it’ll shift more than you think.
Table of Contents
Why Denver in 2025? A value snapshot (costs you can trust)
Denver’s overall cost of living sits around 9% higher than the national average—but that number doesn’t tell the full story. Utilities here run ~11% cheaper than most U.S. cities, while healthcare nudges up by about 12%. If you rely on public transit, the math can shift fast: the Regional Transportation District’s Monthly Pass is $88 in 2025. And if you’re 65 or older, you’re eligible for a $27 Discount Pass. That alone can ease commuting costs more than you’d expect.
The real differentiator? Housing. As of September 2025, Denver’s median home sale price floats around $585k–$590k, depending on the slice you’re looking at. Colorado still holds onto one of the more forgiving property tax rates in the country—hovering between 0.49% and 0.50%. That’s real breathing room when you’re crunching long-term numbers.
I once did a side-by-side: Wash Park versus a quieter condo out southeast. Rent came in $500 higher at the park—ouch—but I saved $200 on gas, $150 on parking, and even clawed back about two hours a week on errands. That time felt like magic. I stayed near the park, no regrets.
Two truths: Housing makes or breaks the budget. Transit helps it hold together.
Next action: Try sketching out a 30-day mini-budget with just two line items: housing and transit. Use today’s RTD pass price and plug in your local property tax estimate. That’ll give you a snapshot of how Denver might stack up for you—no guesswork, just numbers.
- Utilities trend ~11% lower vs U.S. (2025)
- Healthcare ~12% higher vs U.S. (2025)
- RTD pass ≈ $114/month; car-light living is viable
Apply in 60 seconds: Write your target housing spend as 30% of net income—see the calculator below.
Housing choices with math (renter vs. owner, 30% rule)
If sticking to 30% of your income for housing feels tight in Denver—yep, that’s real. The key is setting a hard ceiling and then pricing everything, not just the shiny sticker.
Renter math. Those “$1,700” one-bedrooms? They’re more like $2,000+ once you tally the usual extras: utilities, parking, pet rent, renters insurance. Two-bedrooms often start around $2,400 and can climb to $3,000+ in walkable or in-demand areas. It’s easy for a “$2,000” listing to land closer to $2,240/month once the quiet costs show up.
Owner math. Even if you’ve paid off your place, the monthly costs don’t vanish. Say you’re eyeing a $650,000 home—at an effective 0.51% property tax rate, that’s about $275/month before you even look at HOA fees. Then layer in HOA dues, homeowners insurance, and ongoing maintenance (ballpark: ~1% of home value per year, or around $540/month on a $650k property).
One line from experience: I once picked a “cheap” condo with a $360/month HOA. Sounded manageable—until a $1,200 elevator repair fee hit mid-lease. Turns out, “affordable” lives in the fine print, not the listing price.
- Step 1: Write down your monthly housing cap (e.g., $6,000 income → $1,800 limit).
- Step 2: Price out one actual listing—fully loaded with fees, not just the base rent or mortgage.
- Step 3: Keep only the options that fit within your 30% cap. If nothing fits, it’s time to expand your radius or rethink the number of bedrooms.
Next action: Grab one real listing—rent or own—and open its full details. Bonus points if you can dig up the HOA docs. Run the full monthly math today, no ballparking. You might be surprised where the real cost lives.
| Scenario | Monthly Target (30% rule) | What to include |
|---|---|---|
| Renter | ≤ 30% of income | Rent + renter’s insurance + parking |
| Owner (no mortgage) | ≤ 15% of income | Property tax + HOA + insurance + maintenance fund (1% of value/yr) |
| Owner (with mortgage) | ≤ 30% of income | PITI + HOA + maintenance fund (1% of value/yr) |
60-second housing calculator (no storage)
Quickly estimate a safe housing budget and (optionally) a property-tax line.
- Include parking and HOA; they swing total cost by $150–$400
- Use the 1% rule for maintenance planning
- Parking downtown can add ~$150–$300/month
Apply in 60 seconds: Save your calculator result as a budget note on your phone.
Colorado tax advantages in 2025 (eligibility first)
Colorado tax advantages in 2025 (eligibility first)
Colorado keeps it simple with a flat income tax. For your 2024 return (filed in 2025), the TABOR refund triggered a temporary rate drop to 4.25%. That’s lower than the usual 4.40% baseline — though withholding typically still runs at 4.40% until October, when the final rate is locked in.
But here’s where it gets interesting: most of the real tax savings come from Colorado’s retirement income subtractions. If you’re between 55 and 64, you can subtract up to $20,000 of federally taxed retirement income (think pensions, IRAs, annuities). Hit 65 or older, and that jumps to $24,000 — and yes, that’s per person on a joint return.
Social Security? If you’re 65+ and it’s federally taxable, Colorado lets you deduct all of it. And starting with the 2025 tax year, folks aged 55–64 can also fully subtract their federally taxed Social Security — as long as their AGI stays at or below $75,000 (single) or $95,000 (joint). Go over that threshold? You’re back to the $20,000 cap.
For homeowners: Colorado’s Senior Property Tax Exemption (aka the Senior Homestead Exemption) can knock off 50% of the first $200,000 of your home’s value — but only if you’re 65 or older *and* you’ve owned and lived in the home for at least 10 years straight. County offices run the deadlines and funding, so it’s worth checking early.
Anecdote. A reader at 63 paused a small IRA withdrawal that would’ve pushed their AGI just over $75,000 — and by staying under, they qualified for the full Social Security deduction. They told us their coffee tasted better that morning. We believe them.
- Pull up your 2024 return: did you get the 4.25% rate, and is your 2025 withholding still set at 4.40%?
- Plan your 2025 AGI: if you’re 55–64, staying ≤ $75k (single) or ≤ $95k (joint) unlocks the full Social Security deduction.
- Don’t miss the pension/annuity subtraction — it’s per person, not per couple.
- If you’re 65+, check with your county assessor and file for the senior exemption before the local deadline.
Next action: Grab last year’s SSA-1099 and your AGI worksheet. Then map out any 2025 withdrawals early — keeping your income within the sweet spot can seriously lower your state tax bill.
Eligibility checklist — Colorado 2025
- Pension & Annuity Subtraction (55–64): Do you have federally taxed retirement income (IRA/401(k)/pension) ≤ $20,000? Yes/No
- Pension & Annuity Subtraction (65+): ≤ $24,000? Yes/No
- Social Security (65+): Federally taxable benefits? Deductible in full. Yes/No
- Social Security (55–64): Is AGI under $75k/$95k (single/joint)? If yes, likely fully deductible. Yes/No
- Senior Property Tax Exemption (65+): 10+ years same primary home? Yes/No
Next step: If you checked “Yes” on any line, note the amount and confirm with the Colorado DOR page for current criteria (Source, 2025-10).
- Time IRA withdrawals and capital gains thoughtfully
- Track thresholds in a simple year-to-date sheet
- Revisit every November before RMDs and Q4 sales
Apply in 60 seconds: Set a calendar reminder titled “AGI check—Colorado thresholds.”
Healthcare in Denver: Advantage vs Medigap, copays, MOOP
Healthcare in Denver runs about 12% pricier than the national average, so your Medicare choice isn’t just paperwork — it’s real money on the table. Let’s keep this straightforward and tailored to the decisions you’re likely weighing right now.
Medicare Advantage (HMO/PPO). These plans often have $0 premiums beyond your regular Part B, and they usually bundle in dental, vision, and hearing. Sounds great, right? But there’s a trade: you’re handing over some control.
You’ll deal with provider networks, prior authorizations, and an annual out-of-pocket cap (MOOP) that usually falls between $5,000 and $9,350. PPOs give you a bit more flexibility — like seeing out-of-network docs — but you’ll pay higher copays and face a steeper MOOP for that privilege.
Original Medicare + Medigap. If you’re leaning toward predictability and coast-to-coast access, Plan G is your go-to (Plan F is mostly closed to new enrollees). In Colorado, solid G plans for someone turning 65 tend to run $140–$175/month, plus you’ll need a standalone Part D plan for prescriptions. It’s a bit more upfront every month, but you’re buying peace of mind — and fewer surprise bills.
Part D in 2025. Here’s a welcome update: annual drug costs are now capped at $2,000. Plus, you can “smooth” those costs over the year instead of getting hit with a giant bill after one refill. Super helpful if your meds usually spike your January.
Anecdote. One reader tried a $0-premium Advantage plan and booked a winter cardiology visit — out of network. Every invoice was correct… and painful. The next year, they gladly paid higher monthly premiums just to avoid the math headache (and sticker shock).
- Start with your care map. Write down your 2–3 main specialists and the hospital you’d want in an emergency. Then check: are they all in-network for any Advantage plan you’re considering? If you snowbird or travel across states in winter, put extra weight on Medigap.
- Price a “bad month.” Imagine a rough month — maybe an MRI, two specialist visits, and a pricey refill. Tally the costs under each plan using their copays and coinsurance. Then compare that to each plan’s MOOP or Medigap + Part D monthly stack.
- Lock the drugs piece. Your medications and preferred pharmacy still matter, even with the $2,000 cap. Formularies shift, and using a “non-preferred” pharmacy can quietly cost you hundreds over the year. Double-check yours.
Next action: Grab your plan documents, find the MOOP line and specialty copays, and run that “bad month” scenario. If you know you’ll need care out of state this winter, default to Medigap unless an Advantage plan clearly works with your exact providers.
Decision card — When Advantage vs Medigap (Denver, 2025)
Choose Medicare Advantage if…
- Cash flow is tight and a $0 premium helps
- Your doctors/hospitals are in-network today
- You’re comfortable managing MOOP risk (e.g., ~$5k–$9k)
Choose Medigap + Part D if…
- You want national access without referrals
- You prefer predictable out-of-pocket costs
- You travel often or split time across states
Show me the nerdy details
Part D in 2025: $2,000 out-of-pocket cap with monthly smoothing; insulin caps and vaccines $0 per ACIP guidance (Source, 2025-01). MOOP: Advantage plans set a maximum for in-network spend; verify your plan’s MOOP every fall. Medigap underwriting: Outside guaranteed-issue windows, switching later can require underwriting; healthy applicants usually fine, but timing matters (Source, 2025-10).
- List your top 3 doctors and confirm network
- Write down the MOOP number—tape it to your fridge
- Use Colorado SHIP for unbiased help
Apply in 60 seconds: Email yourself: “My 2025 MOOP is $____.”
Long-term care: costs, quotes, and guardrails
Here’s the elephant: in the Denver metro, home care (44 hrs/wk) ≈ $91,600, assisted living ≈ $71,100, and a private nursing room ≈ $129,500 per year (Source, 2025-10). Medicare does not cover custodial long-term care. Your options are private funds, Medicaid (after spend-down and eligibility), or LTC insurance (Source, 2025-10). A 1–3-year run at nursing-home rates can erase 12–36% of a $1M nest egg. Planning converts a nebulous fear into an insurance, cash, or hybrid strategy you actually understand.
Anecdote: A client’s mother needed memory care for 28 months. Every family dinner after that, he said the same thing: “We should’ve priced quotes at 62, not 72.”
At-a-glance table — Denver LTC costs (2025)
| Type of care | Median annual cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Home care (44 hrs/wk) | $91,600 | May vary by agency and neighborhood |
| Assisted living (private) | $71,100 | Level-of-care fees add $300–$800/mo |
| Nursing home (private) | $129,500 | Memory care usually higher |
Neutral action: Save this table and confirm current rates with providers in your ZIP.

Quote-prep list — before you compare LTC policies
- Birthdates for both applicants; tobacco status
- Desired monthly benefit and benefit period (e.g., $6,000/mo for 3 years)
- Inflation rider preference (3% or 5%) and waiting period (e.g., 90 days)
- Rough budget ceiling (e.g., $2,500/year each)
- Existing life/annuity products that can be 1035-exchanged
Neutral action: Ask each carrier for a written quote that includes waiting period and inflation rider so you can compare apples to apples.
Budget templates & scenarios (single retiree, 2025)
Use these as a starting line, then tailor. Healthcare varies the most with plan choice and medication load.
| Category | Low (Renter + RTD) | Higher (Owner no mortgage + Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,700 | $600 (tax/HOA/ins. est.) |
| Utilities | $270 | $420 |
| Groceries | $300 | $450 |
| Transportation | $114 | $400 |
| Healthcare | $500 | $800 |
| Goods & services | $350 | $600 |
| Total | $3,234 | $3,270 |
Totals align with broader estimates around ~$3,400/month for a single person in the metro—your plan, meds, and car choices swing the outcome (Source, 2025-10).
Anecdote: One reader reduced monthly costs by $285 by cutting a car loan and moving three blocks closer to a bus line that actually runs when they need it. “The walking added ten minutes and dropped my blood pressure.”
- Renter + RTD can be $300–$500/month cheaper than Car + Parking
- Owners: don’t forget 1% maintenance rule
- Healthcare: plan choice = biggest swing factor
Apply in 60 seconds: Label your bank account nicknames “Rent+RTD” or “Owner+Car” to match your chosen plan.
Transportation without a car: RTD, senior discounts, Lyft math
Think of transit as Denver’s budget hack that rarely gets the spotlight. As of October 2025, a standard RTD Monthly Pass is just $88. Seniors 65 and up get half off—and can ride all month for $27. Teens under 19? They ride free. All passes cover airport trips too, which quietly saves another $10–$20 here and there. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Now run the car math: parking downtown runs around $200/month. Add in insurance, maintenance, and gas, and you’re easily at $450/month. If you drop the car and switch to transit, even tossing in some Lyft rides, you’re often cutting that in half. For example: one monthly RTD pass ($88) plus two $15 Lyft rides per week? That’s about $208/month. Feels like a raise.
Quick story: I tracked my car one month—26 days it just sat there. Meanwhile, the insurance clock ticked on. Felt like paying rent for a ghost.
- Live near one frequent line. One solid bus or train that shows up often beats three rarely-on-time options you’ll end up avoiding.
- Batch errands mid-day. Skip the gridlock, dodge ridehail surges, and avoid the post-work stress spiral.
- Bring a foldable cart. A $40 cart pays for itself fast—especially if it saves you from those $12–$18 short Lyft rides after grocery runs.
Next step: Do a quick reality check—compare your monthly car costs to $88 plus a few ridehails. If you’re staring at a $100+ gap, maybe it’s time to ride the rails. RTD’s better than most folks realize. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Neighborhoods by lifestyle: 55+ vs walkable hubs
Neighborhoods by lifestyle: 55+ vs walkable hubs
55+ communities (active-adult). Think of these as cruise ships on land—minus the ocean, but with plenty of golf carts. Spots like Heritage Eagle Bend offer golf and a full-service clubhouse; Windsor Gardens is big on low-maintenance living and tight-knit social circles; Villas at Cherry Hills leans more luxury, with upscale patio homes.
Yes, the HOA fees can be steep, but they cover a social calendar you don’t have to plan and services you don’t have to chase down. For many, it’s a turn-key way to stay active without the day-to-day logistics.
Mixed-age walkables. If your vibe leans more “latte and local art” than bingo night, walkable neighborhoods like Washington Park (160 acres of green space wrapped in boutiques), Cherry Creek (posh dining and galleries), or master-planned hubs like Lowry and Central Park may feel more your speed.
These areas are designed around people, not parking lots. Bonus: where you choose to live can lock in (or cut) your transportation costs for the long haul—especially if you can ditch a second car.
Anecdote. One couple I spoke with sold their oversized suburban home and moved into a Wash Park condo. Sure, their housing costs went up about $400 a month—but dropping their second car saved them around $310 monthly. “We bought back our Saturdays,” they told me. Less driving, more living.
- Pick two essentials within walking distance. A full-line grocery store and a pharmacy within a 5–10 minute walk? That’s gold. With fewer errands requiring a car, total vehicle costs often drop by 30–50%—especially if you go from two cars to one.
- Price the HOA like a utility. Think of the HOA fee as a bundle: golf, the clubhouse, security, snow removal. If you’d pay for those things separately anyway, it might be a net win. Break it down and run the numbers like you would for Wi-Fi or gas.
- Check what the HOA covers. Some HOAs include heat, water, or even basic cable. If utilities are baked in, that could knock $40–$70 off your monthly bills—not to mention simplify your budgeting.
- Run “one-car math.” Insurance, registration, oil changes, brake pads, tires—it adds up fast. If a neighborhood setup lets you comfortably go down to one car, that savings alone could offset a higher rent or HOA. Try plugging in your own numbers. You might be surprised.
Next step: Pull up a map. Shortlist homes where you can walk to both a grocery store and a pharmacy—no more than 10 minutes away. Then do the math: what would life (and your budget) look like with just one car? It’s not just about cost. It’s about convenience, lifestyle, and how much of your weekend you want back.
Income strategy: the last-minute savings sprint (SECURE 2.0)
For 2025, employee deferrals target about $23,500 to 401(k)s with regular catch-ups adding $7,500 at 50+, and a separate higher catch-up window for ages 60–63 (e.g., ~$11,250) (Source, 2025-01). IRA limits sit near $7,000 plus $1,000 catch-up at 50+ (Source, 2025-01). The sprint idea: front-load contributions now while you still earn, so your first Denver year starts with bigger tax-sheltered buffers.
Anecdote: Two teachers maxed their 60–63 catch-ups for four years and walked into retirement with an extra ~$30,000 sheltered. “We named it the Ski Pass Fund.”
- Automate contributions; humans forget, scripts don’t.
- Coordinate Roth conversions with Colorado AGI thresholds for Social Security deductions.
- Don’t let RMDs surprise you—set a reminder in August.
Build your local team: fiduciary, SHIP, legal help
Hire like a CFO. Search a fee-only fiduciary (CFP/NAPFA), verify on FINRA BrokerCheck, and ask the magic question: “Are you a fiduciary at all times?” (Source, 2025-10). For Medicare choices, use Colorado SHIP—it’s free and unbiased (Source, 2025-10). For civil legal issues and aging concerns, note Colorado Legal Services and your Area Agency on Aging.
Anecdote: I once accepted “fiduciary…most of the time.” Most is not a plan. Ask again.
- Bring statements and a written list of fears to the first meeting.
- Request a one-page IPS (Investment Policy Statement) within 14 days.
Community & social ecosystem (AOA, YMCA, volunteering)
Denver Parks & Recreation’s Active Older Adults (AOA)YMCA (often SilverSneakers-eligible), and hobby groups create an instant social calendar (Source, 2025-10). The most “expensive” loneliness is the kind that makes impulse purchases feel like company. Build a weekly rhythm early: two classes, one club, one call with a friend.
Anecdote: After one gentle pickleball session, a reader said, “I didn’t know my laugh still sounded like 1998.”
Short Story: On my first Sunday in Denver, I biked the Cherry Creek Trail with a thermos of coffee. The air was dry, the light forensic—clean, precise, like it had been washed overnight. A man waved from a bench, then held up a disposable camera. “Can you take one?” He and his wife had been taking the same photo every October for 27 years. She leaned her head against his shoulder like the first time.
I framed the mountains, pressed the shutter, and watched the strip of paper slide forward for notes. “We’re sending them to our kids,” she said. “Proof that the good moments aren’t rare. They’re scheduled.” I looked at my own empty calendar and penciled in happiness at 10 a.m., repeating on Sundays.
- Low-cost classes replace pricey memberships
- Senior fares make micro-adventures cheap
- Consistency beats intensity
Apply in 60 seconds: Add one recurring class to your calendar now.
Cost guardrails & red lines you won’t regret
- Housing: Cap at 30% of income (owners without mortgage target ≤15%).
- Healthcare: Write down your MOOP (Advantage) or monthly premium (Medigap) and plan around it.
- LTC: Fund at least one of: 2 years of care in cash, a modest policy, or a home-equity plan you trust.
- Transportation: Choose driver or car-light. Mixed mode leaks money.
- Cash safety: 12 months of baseline spend in high-yield cash equivalents.
Anecdote: A client hung the guardrails on their fridge. “Every decision got 30% easier.”
Your 90-day action plan (Denver, 2025)
- Today (10 minutes): Run the housing calculator, pick your mode (Renter+RTD or Owner+Car). Write the monthly target.
- Week 1: Confirm Colorado tax eligibility; set AGI alerts in your budgeting app. Request a SHIP appointment.
- Week 2: Build two Medicare shortlists (Advantage vs Medigap + Part D). Note MOOP vs premium.
- Week 3: Tour 2–3 neighborhoods at the time of day you’ll run errands. Price parking and HOA.
- Week 4: Gather LTC quote-prep data and request written quotes with waiting period and inflation rider.
- Weeks 5–8: Meet a fiduciary; get a one-page plan. Automate 2025 retirement contributions.
- Weeks 9–12: Join AOA + one club. Create a Personal Resource Guide (SHIP, Legal Services, HOA, RTD).
2025 Denver Retirement Dashboard
Your Key Numbers at a Glance
Housing Guardrail
Cap your total housing costs (PITI, HOA, maintenance) at 30% or less of your take-home pay. For owners with no mortgage, target 15%.
Medicare Part D Cap
For 2025, your annual out-of-pocket cost for prescriptions is capped. This provides a critical, predictable ceiling for your healthcare budget.
CO Tax Subtraction (65+)
Colorado lets you subtract up to $24,000 of federally taxed retirement income (per person, 65+). Social Security is also fully deductible for most.
Long-Term Care Costs
This is the median annual cost for a private nursing room in Denver. Home care averages ~$91,600. Planning is not optional.
Cost of Living: Denver vs. U.S. Average
U.S. Average = 100%Median Annual Long-Term Care Costs (Denver)
Your Interactive 90-Day Action Plan
FAQ
Is Denver too expensive to retire on $4,000/month?
Short answer: It’s tight but possible. A renter using RTD can target ~$3,200–$3,500 baseline depending on healthcare and neighborhood. The swing variables are housing and car ownership. 60-second action: Price two apartments near a frequent bus line and compare to your 30% housing limit.
How do Colorado’s 2025 tax breaks actually lower my bill?
Pension/Annuity subtractions reduce taxed retirement income; Social Security is fully deductible at 65+ and for many 55–64 under the AGI cap. The Senior Property Tax Exemption (65+, 10-year rule) can cut the taxable value by half of the first $200k. 60-second action: List which subtractions apply this year and mark your AGI threshold.
Which is safer financially: Advantage or Medigap?
Predictability: Medigap. Cash-flow: Advantage. Advantage can hit the MOOP in a bad year; Medigap costs more each month but smooths surprises. 60-second action: Write your MOOP number or your Medigap premium; decide which pain you prefer.
What if I need long-term care in 3–5 years?
Decide now: pay cash, buy a modest policy, or plan a home-equity strategy. Denver’s private nursing median is ~$129k/year. 60-second action: Request one written LTC quote that includes a 90-day elimination period and 3% inflation rider.
Where should I live if I want to ditch the car?
Wash Park, Cherry Creek, Lowry, and Central Park/Stapleton are walkable with good transit. Price the rent and the parking you won’t pay. 60-second action: Map your grocery + pharmacy + bus line on one screen; if it looks like a triangle you can walk, you’re close.
How can I quickly sanity-check a home I already own?
Use the 1% maintenance rule, confirm HOA reserves, and calculate property tax at ~0.5% effective annually. 60-second action: Add up tax + HOA + insurance and divide by income—stay near 15% if mortgage-free.
Neighborhoods by lifestyle: 55+ vs. walkable hubs
55+ communities (active-adult). Imagine a landlocked cruise ship—swap ocean views for mountain backdrops and pool decks for putting greens. That’s the vibe. Places like Heritage Eagle Bend roll out golf and a clubhouse with actual concierge energy. Windsor Gardens keeps things simple with easy-care homes and a packed social lineup, while Villas at Cherry Hills leans into upscale patio living. Sure, HOA dues can be higher, but they’re often bundling what you’d otherwise coordinate yourself—fitness centers, event calendars, landscaping, snow removal. If you want less chore-juggling and more “what’s on the calendar today,” this setup can be a lifestyle upgrade, not just a housing choice.
Mixed-age walkables. Prefer your morning to start with a real espresso, not a group fitness class? Neighborhoods like Washington Park, Cherry Creek, Lowry, and Central Park hit that sweet spot—walkable, leafy, and designed around people, not pavement. These are the kinds of places where you can knock out your errands without touching your car keys. The long-game benefit? You might be able to skip that second car entirely—and redirect those costs into actual living, not just driving.
Anecdote. A couple I met downsized from a big suburban home to a Wash Park condo. Their mortgage went up about $400/month, but losing the second car saved them nearly $310. “We bought back our Saturdays,” they told me. Less driving, more café-hopping. Their dog’s social life also improved dramatically.
- Pick two essentials within walking distance. Focus on a full grocery store and a pharmacy within 5–10 minutes by foot. That combo covers most day-to-day errands. When these are walkable, many folks find they can ditch one vehicle—and see monthly car costs drop by 30–50%.
- Price the HOA like a utility. Think of your dues like a bundled subscription—clubhouse, gym, security, snow shoveling. If you’d pay for those piecemeal anyway, the math can work out. Break it down like you would Wi-Fi or gas service.
- Verify what dues include. Some HOAs throw in heating, water, or even basic cable. If that’s the case, your out-of-pocket drops (sometimes by $40–$70/month), and you’re juggling fewer bills. Fewer logins, fewer surprises.
- Run “one-car” math. Add up insurance, registration, routine maintenance, tires, and depreciation. A one-car lifestyle doesn’t just save money—it saves time, stress, and Saturday oil changes. If the neighborhood makes it doable, that trade-off can close a cost gap fast.
Next step: Pull up a map and shortlist homes with both a grocery store and pharmacy within a 10-minute walk. Then model your budget assuming just one car. You’re not just testing affordability—you’re testing your future pace, how often you’ll drive, and how much of your weekend you’ll actually get back.
Infographic: The Denver Retirement Stack (2025)
- Renter+RTD or Owner+Car (choose one)
- HOA + Taxes + Insurance
- 1% maintenance rule
- Advantage MOOP vs Medigap premium
- Part D cap $2,000 (2025)
- Preferred doctors in network
- Pension/Annuity Subtraction (55–64/65+)
- Social Security deduction rules
- Senior Property Tax Exemption
- Cash years, policy, or equity
- Quotes with waiting period & inflation rider
- ZIP-specific costs
Use: top to bottom, no skipping layers. The stack keeps you solvent—and smiling.
Last reviewed: 2025-10; sources: Colorado DOR, Medicare/CMS, RTD Denver (2025-10/2025-01). Data moves monthly; verify before decisions.
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