2 Great Mountain Retirement Choices for Active Boomers
Category: Adventurous retirement
March 20, 2016 — Ah the mountains. Snow-capped peaks; endless trails for biking, skiing, and hiking; and streams filled with cutthroat trout. For a small (only about 8% of our members in a recent survey) but very active group of boomers this is the dream, a far different retirement than one on a sunny beach or tranquil small town. One thing is certain, the mountains attract a very active and generally quite fit group of retirees. In this article we will discuss our experiences with a mountain retirement in 2 areas of 2 states – Colorado (Eagle /Vail), and Utah (Park City/Salt Lake City). Both areas have their attractions for retirees, as well a few drawbacks. We are sure there are plenty of other good retirement areas in the mountains elsewhere, and hope that our Members will help fill in more details about those places.
Colorado – A Rocky Mountain High
Recently Topretirements visited friends in the Eagle/Vail area of Colorado, which is located a few hours drive west of Denver. We were very impressed with this
Comments on "2 Great Mountain Retirement Choices for Active Boomers"
Craig says:
Mountain living is wonderful. The air is clean and crisp, the scenery is downright spiritual and if you're away from cities, the sky is a thousand times more beautiful than you're used to seeing in a city.
But there are things to consider before you make the leap. If you long for that secluded log home with mountain views, you may find yourself breathing much thinner air than you're probably used to. We retired to central Colorado in the '90s and at an elevation of 9000'. If you have any type of lung disorder, you might have difficulty simply doing normal daily activities.
Another consideration is the availability of emergency services and response times for fire and ambulance vehicles. If you have a history of heart problems, there's a chance that golden hour will come and go before you get to an emergency room.
Weather is one of the things I love the most about mountain living. I find it more fascinating than the views we have of 14,000' foot mountains. But you want to be prepared. You'll want to trade in your Mini Cooper for something more substantial. All Wheel Drive is a minimum, four-wheel is better. And sometimes a necessity. One of our first purchases on moving here was a tractor, a real one. And one I'm going to be on this afternoon, if this late March snow storm ends this morning.
I'm not trying to scare anyone, just pointing out the importance of doing your homework before jumping into something that is not for everyone of retirement age.
Linda says:
Linda sent in this bulletin which can show what happens when a blizzard rolls in. As she says, "Mountain living is wonderful, but you need to be prepared for these kinds of conditions. Sometimes you just can't get there from here!"
(From Fox 31 Denver) http://kdvr.com/2016/03/23/traction-laws-implemented-for-metro-area-road-conditions-quickly-deteriorate/
Significant portions of Interstate 70 and Interstate 25 have been closed in the wake of Wednesday’s blizzard.
Accidents continue to cause traffic problems in areas all over Colorado. The Colorado Department of Transportation has lifted an unprecedented traction law that was issued for all major metro interstates and highways because of the blizzard.
For much of the day Wednesday, all passenger vehicles, trucks and SUVs were required to have chains, snow tires or four-wheel drive while traveling on Interstates 25, 225, 76 and 270; C-470; U.S. 36; and Highway 83.
Graybuck says:
Mountains are wonderful! I lived in Colorado for years until work and circumstances forced a move. When I retire next year I'm headed back! Planning on a small, simple cabin in an outstanding location. Would like to hear of other folks' favorite Colorado areas.