Salida, Colorado
What It Is Like to Retire in Salida
Salida is a town of 5,300 located near the center of Colorado and west of Colorado Springs. Formerly a railroad, mining, and ranching town, Salida is popular with retirees looking for outdoor adventure and a laid back atmosphere. At least one magazine has named Salida a great place to retire. The nearby Monarch Ski Area is a big attraction, as are the areas mountain biking, hiking, and river rafting. Monarch Mountain looms over the town on one sie, and the Arkansas River on another. This friendly town combines a bit of a bohemian atmosphere with a working class center. The town is working to enhance pedestrian access to the town. Photo of the Arkansas River Walk in Downtown Salida courtesy of Wikipedia and Galt57; photo of The building that once served as the courthouse in Chaffee County courtesy of Wikipedia and Jeffrey Beall. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/ .
Where to Retire in Salida and Home Prices
The median home value was $405,748 in late 2020, according to Zillow. We are not aware of any active communities in the area.
What Is Special about Salida
Salida has a cute downtown with a very large historic district of red brick buildings. There are plenty of art galleries and restaurants to make life interesting.The Salida Aquatic Center offers recreation and relaxation in natural mineral water. Adults may opt for lap swimming or one of the many classes offered by pool staff. Monarch Mountain Ski Resort and other outdoor recreation opportunities are a big part of what make Salida an interesting place to live.
What Is Not Special about Salida
Salida is a very small town that is quite far from any large city or town. It can be a bit rough around the edges.
Who Will Like Retirement in Salida
The big appeal is to people who love outdoor adventure, particularly skiing, hiking, white water rafting. It is not for city people.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Outdoor tourism and retail is a big part of the local economy. Unemployment is a few points below the national average.
Climate and Physical Environment
Salida is in the center of Colorado on the Arkansas River. The average January temperature is in the high 20s and the average July temperature is in the mid 60's. There are 14,000' mountains nearby. Colorado Springs is 69 miles.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Salida has a surprising cultural presence for such a small town. There are the Salida Aspen Concerts, Stage Left Theater season, and the Alpine Summer Concert Series. A popular event is the Salida Art Walk which involves 40 galleries and restaurants. The Salida Regional Library offers wireless Internet in a Carnegie sponsored building. Lastly, there is the Salida Senior Center.
Crime
The crime rate is about half the national average.
Medical facilities
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center serves the town.
Transportation
One would use the Colorado Springs or Denver airports. Most other transportation is by car.
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