Denver Independent Living

The median cost of independent living in Denver for a single-occupancy apartment is $2,434/month (SeniorHomes.com - 2015). This monthly cost typically includes rent, utilities, dining, housekeeping and transportation.

Denver, Colorado, is the largest city in the state and also its capital. One thing that attracts seniors to the Mile-High City who are seeking Denver independent living is low costs. Rents are less than half what they are in New York City and food prices are lower, too. The population density over the total metropolitan area, including the airport, is around 3,700 per square mile, on a par with San Diego, California. Nestled in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Denver enjoys a semi-arid, continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures reach 90 Fahrenheit while winter temperature lows reach 0 Fahrenheit.

Denver Attractions

Denver has more than 200 parks and 29 recreation centers providing its residents with relaxation and recreation. The largest of these parks is Genesee Park covering 2,413 acres and rising to 8,284 feet above sea level. Acquired in 1912, it is also the city’s oldest park. The first buffalo and elk herds were re-established here in 1914, providing Denver independent living for endangered cattle, as well as the city’s senior citizens. Denver’s recreation centers offer arts and culture as well as sporting activities. Adaptive recreation is offered for citizens with disabilities. The NFL football team, the Denver Broncos, attract crowds of 70,000. They have appeared in six Super Bowls, of which they have won two. Other local professional sports teams include the Colorado Rockies (Major League baseball), Colorado Avalanche (NHL hockey), the Denver Nuggets (NBA basketball), Colorado Rapids (soccer) and Furniture Row racing (NASACAR).

Denver Senior Activities

There is an abundance of local resource aimed at the senior community. The Aurora Center for Active Adults is aimed specifically at those age 50 and over and offers dances, seminars, classes, sports leagues, tax assistance, visiting nurse clinic and more. The nearby City of Lakewood Older Adults Program and Services include the opportunity to learn and play bridge, line dancing, skiing, hiking and snowshoeing. Numerous branches of the YMCA give older adults engaged in Denver independent living a chance to remain active and grow in body, mind and spirit. Programs include fitness classes, potluck dinners, group trips and other social activities.

Denver Medical Facilities

Affiliated with the University of Colorado, Denver, Denver Health Medical Center is one of three primary teaching hospitals in the area. Formerly known as Denver General Hospital and located near Cherry Creek, its trauma center was rated by the American College of Surgeons as the best trauma center in the country. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is the nation’s newest health sciences city. Here, patient care is integrated with research and education. The Spirit of Women is an elite hospital network with a mission to encourage Denver independent living through inspiring and motivating members to make positive health changes. The SOW hospital in Denver is the Swedish Medical Center. Specialties of particular interest to seniors include heart care, neurology, bone and joint care and stroke care.

Denver Transportation

With more than one thousand buses, operated and managed by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), seniors who reside in Denver independent living communities can be assured of easily traveling throughout the city. More than 10,000 bus stops in eight counties in the Denver and Boulder metropolitan areas, as well as the surrounding areas mean that more than 38 municipal jurisdictions are served.

Summing Up

Denver independent living has a lot to offer the over 50 who wants to enjoy an active retirement. If the beautiful scenery and attractive cost of living weren’t enough, the attractions, wide-ranging senior activities, world class medical services and excellent transportation facilities make the area an outstanding choice.