6. Boulder, Colorado: For the Highly Active Retiree

If your vision of retirement involves aggressive daily fitness, Boulder stands in a class of its own. While the cost of living is notably higher than other towns on this list, you pay for unparalleled access to both urban walkability and rugged nature.

The city’s crown jewel is the Pearl Street Mall, a four-block pedestrian precinct that serves as the cultural and commercial heart of the community.

Beyond the downtown core, Boulder maintains over 300 miles of dedicated bikeways and multi-use paths. You can safely navigate from residential neighborhoods to grocery stores entirely off the main roadways using the city’s network of underpasses.

Boulder Community Health offers excellent local medical care, though it is worth noting that adjusting to the city’s 5,430-foot elevation requires a brief transition period for your cardiovascular system.