You have worked hard all your life and are now looking for the perfect place to retire. Congratulations! If you are from Colorado or are looking at it as a possible place to spend your golden years, you are in luck. Here are the eight best places to retire in Colorado. They are the perfect places for settling down and include some of the best small towns in Colorado.

1. Boulder

Sure, it may be a college town, but there is much more to this gorgeous city than just the University of Colorado. Tucked away in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, there is no shortage of things to see and do around Boulder, including outdoor recreation, shopping, and a thriving arts scene. Thanks to its location, Boulder also offers easy access to the mountains, big cities, and rolling Plains. If you're wondering where to retire in Colorado, Boulder is a top choice.

2. Colorado Springs

If you love big city life, you will love living in the Springs! Located an hour south of Denver, Colorado Springs is one of the most affordable places on our list and boasts a stunning Pike's Peak backdrop, plus endless museums, festivals, and special events.

3. Fort Collins

Like Boulder, Fort Collins is a college town, but it is laid out so well that it doesn't feel like one! From beautiful parks to charming Old Town to bike paths and world-class restaurants, there is no place like Fort Collins. (Do you need another reason to retire in FoCo? The economy is strong, and crime is low!)

4. Grand Junction

If you want a relatively quiet and insanely gorgeous place to retire, we give you Grand Junction. Located along the Western Slope, Grand Junction, like Colorado Springs, has a lower cost of living, plus close proximity to some of the state's best drives and most memorable attractions. It's one of the best places to retire in Colorado on a budget.

5. Durango

The smallest city on our list is Durango: A quaint southwest community chock-full of beautiful landscapes and endless opportunities to hike, bike, and ski. When it is too cold to play outside, you will love spending time around charming downtown Durango and its many shops and cafes.

6. Steamboat Springs

Calling all ski bums: Steamboat Springs is calling! Will you answer? Featuring a solid sense of community and a business district, retiring in Steamboat Springs is an absolute dream. (You are seeing this picture, right?)

7. Loveland

Located just south of Fort Collins, Loveland offers a high quality of life, a low crime rate, a strong economy, and plenty of parks and recreation areas. If you need to get away for a day, it is a short drive from Denver, and if you need to get away for even longer, it is home to its own regional airport.

8. Golden

Our favorite Denver suburb also happens to be the best suburb for retirement! Tucked away just west of the Mile High City, Golden feels like a small town but boasts big city amenities, a la special events, shopping and dining, and festivals. Residents will tell you it's the best city to retire in Colorado.

Have you lived in any of these towns? Do you think these are the best places to retire in colorado? Please let us know your recommendations in the comments section! We're always happy to hear from you.

Would you rather retire someplace smaller than the eight best retirement cities in Colorado? If so, you will want to check out these ten peaceful towns in Colorado that offer nothing but peace and quiet. If you're looking to tour many different locations before you make up your mind about where to move, we would suggest a road trip! Be sure you're prepared for everything by checking out The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List by OnlyInYourState.