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Find Independent Living Communities Near Denver, CO

Last Updated: 6/29/24

Colorado’s capital lives by its nickname: “Mile High City” — with Rocky Mountain views in a large city sitting one mile above sea level. So, whether you are looking for city skylines or natural beauty, independent living in Denver, Colorado, combines the benefits of both into one by offering all-inclusive, resort-like amenities and stimulating activities within eyesight of natural wonders. Seniors have a variety of independent living facilities to choose from in both the city and surrounding suburbs. A Place for Mom has 30 independent living partner communities within 10 miles of the Denver city center. This radius includes the surrounding suburbs of Lakewood, Littleton, and Centennial.

Independent living is for seniors who can live without personal or nursing care. In this guide, you’ll learn more about independent living in Denver, including ways to pay, local regulations, typical services and amenities, and an overview of the city of Denver.

Denver Independent Living Facilities | 1,135 Reviews

Showing 131 communities
Last Updated: 6/29/24
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Average starting price of Independent Living in Denver, CO is $4,112/month. Learn more
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Types of care available in Denver, CO

Independent Living

Average starting price $4,112/month
Average starting price $5,049/month
Average starting price $5,242/month
Average starting price $5,234/month
Average starting price $3,681/month
Average starting price $1,785/month
Recent reviews of Independent Living in Denver, CO
Lakeview Senior Living in Lakewood, CO
4.8

What our family likes the most about the Lakeview Senior Living community is the working staff team as well as the overall value for cost. Based on the experience we have had so far, we have already recommended the Lakeview Senior Living community to other families and will continue to do so.

Golden Lodge Assisted Living
3.4

We picked this community, because of the price, straight forward agreement- no extra fees, newness, and it was close to home/convenience. I would tell friends/family that I like that it's new and updated so my loved one doesn't feel like she got stuck in an "old folks home". The agreement/fees are better than most others and the basic staff is fun and friendly. Ownership, and management can improve by being more responsive.

Westhaven Apartment Homes in Lakewood, CO
4.0

I have moved in to Westhaven Apartment Homes, and I really like it so far. I like that I can still maintain an independent lifestyle here, but that it is also a very active and social retirement facility. The staff is great, and they have a lot of activities like Bingo, movies, crafts, story time; there’s a gym, too. It’s an older building, but it’s clean, and they do a good job keeping it up. I also like that it is cost efficient, and I would recommend it to others looking to keep up an independent lifestyle.

Brookdale Tamarac Square

8030 East Girard Avenue, Denver, CO 80231

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
Photo of Brookdale Tamarac Square
14
14 Photos available
Provides: Independent Living
See all Brookdale communities

The Retirement of Your DreamsTucked in a neighborhood just minutes from bustling downtown Denver, Colorado, the beautiful grounds of our independent living community invite residents to exchange the burdens of home maintenance for the care-free lifestyle of a dream retirement. If you’re itching...

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Beauty Salon
Guest meals
4.6(75 reviews)

I like the fact that she can go and have good meals twice a day and that she is driven to her doctors appointments. They also have weekly outings to different store that makes it very convenient. Also, they...

Brookdale University Park

2020 South Monroe Street, Denver, CO 80210

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
10
10 Photos available
Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living
See all Brookdale communities

Tucked between Englewood and Glendale on Denver’s southern edge, the independent and assisted living seniors at our community have decided to trade in the responsibilities of home maintenance for the retirement of their dreams. If you’re ready to give up your chores and let someone else take care...

... Read more
Beauty Salon
Guest meals
4.4(64 reviews)

My wife and I have now lived here for three months and after two month of unpacking the boxes with the community's help, we are settled in. After retiring we went through a ten year period of the children...

Brookdale Lowry

150 Quebec Street, Denver, CO 80230

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
16
16 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Brookdale communities

Savor a Rich and Full LifeIf you’re looking for an assisted living and memory care community in Denver, Colorado, look no further. Nestled in the Lowry Air Force Base area, our community is convenient to the grocery stores, banks, the public library and VA hospital. But even though we’re in a...

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Beauty Salon
Enclosed Courtyard
4.2(110 reviews)

I've been at Brookdale only a few months. I like that I'm free to come and go with family or to the library as I please. I'm comfortable here, knowing that people are aware of where I go and what I do....

Montage Hills

2500 S Roslyn St, Denver, CO 80231

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
15
15 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Generations, LLC communities

The Life You’ve Always WantedWhat does it mean to pursue a life of purpose and meaning? When you are a resident here at our assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing and rehabilitation community in Denver, Colorado, you have ample opportunity to find out. Our seniors enjoy a host of...

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Beauty Salon
Enclosed Courtyard
4.0(59 reviews)

We chose Montage Hills over others we looked at mainly due to the location and affordable pricing. Overall the staff have all been very responsive. Limited dining experience.

Brookdale Parkplace

111 Emerson Street, Denver, CO 80218

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
17
17 Photos available
Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Brookdale communities

Excellent Quality of LifeWith all the perks and conveniences of a resort, the seniors who call our community home enjoy a vast array of services while savoring the peace of mind that comes from knowing we provide a continuum of care. Whether you’re looking for an independent or assisted living...

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Beauty Salon
Enclosed Courtyard
4.3(86 reviews)

I was not happy about moving to an assisted living facility, but also know I need the help. It took a while but now I can truly say I'm glad I'm here. The staff is great and care has been excellent. Would...

Five Star Residences of Dayton Place

1950 S Dayton St, Denver, CO 80247

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
16
16 Photos available
Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Five Star Senior Living communities

Whether you're looking for independent or assisted living, DAYTON PLACE is one of Denver's finest retirement communities. We offer a gracious lifestyle, with a wide range of services and programs designed to enhance the health, comfort, and security of our residents. Since 1987, DAYTON PLACE has...

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4.1(33 reviews)

Overall, Five Star Residences of Dayton Place is a great community with nice staff and friendly residents. The cottages are a perfect option for independent adults.

The Courtyards at Mountain View

8101 E Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80247

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
24
24 Photos available
12
12 Floor plans available
Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Pegasus Senior Living, LLC communities

Welcome to The Courtyards at Mountain View.55-plus Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care in Denver, COIf you think senior living at The Courtyards is like a nursing home … think again! With independent living, assisted living, and memory care options, our team provides unbeatable...

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Beauty Salon
Enclosed Courtyard
3.7(50 reviews)

Employees know how to smile at and with you. The food could be a little better sometimes. I would recommend The Courtyards at Mountain View.

Harvard Square by Cogir

10200 E Harvard Ave, Denver, CO 80231

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
9
9 Photos available
7
7 Floor plans available
Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Cogir Senior Living communities

Live at Harvard Square Retirement Community in Southeast Denver, and you will experience service beyond the expected. Way beyond in fact. Our friendly, experienced staff really goes the extra mile (or two, or twenty) whenever needed. You'll find examples of this in every area. So not only do we...

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Beauty Salon
Enclosed Courtyard
4.1(139 reviews)

My Dad, [name removed] , enjoys living here. He has made friends and they coordinate alot of activities for senior citizens to participate in. The staff are friendly, helpful and know everyone's names. They...

Springbrooke Senior Living

6800 Leetsdale Drive, Denver, CO 80224

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
9
9 Photos available
Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care

Springbrooke Retirement and Assisted Living has a bold, updated look without sacrificing old fashioned values. LOCAL OWNERSHIP allows us to deliver first-class services and amenities at an affordable monthly fee! Offering 90 Independent Living, 37 Assisted Living and 15 secure Memory Care...

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Beauty Salon
Enclosed Courtyard
4.1(51 reviews)

Springbrooke has a small community so that it’s very easy to get to know each other. The people are very friendly and helpful. There are lots of activities and mostly all people part partake of those...

Sunrise of Cherry Creek

251 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver, CO 80246

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
25
25 Photos available
4
4 Floor plans available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Sunrise Senior Living communities

Sunrise at Cherry Creek sits in the heart of the Cherry Creek neighborhood.  We pride ourselves in our Reminiscence neighborhood for the memory impaired and our assisted living programs. Step into a Sunrise Assisted Living community and you can't help but feel at home. We stop at nothing to...

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Beauty Salon
Special Dining Programs
4.3(56 reviews)

Full disclosure on pricing would be helpful when considering the choices Our prices increased by almost 30% almost immediately. I think they should lock in pricing for a set period of time - if they offer...

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Cherry Creek Retirement Village

14555 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO 80014

13
13 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available
Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living

"Committed to helping you live a vibrant, carefree lifestyle." At Cherry Creek, we are dedicated to providing our residents with five-star service, elegant amenities and the freedom to maintain an active lifestyle. Our caring professional staff is here to lavish you with attention while...

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Beauty Salon
Guest meals
4.3(57 reviews)

Cherry Creek retirement Village is a great place to live. The residents are very friendly and look out for one another. The staff from the Director on down are very friendly and very accommodating. Cherry...

Garden Plaza of Aurora

14221 E Evans Ave, Aurora, CO 80014

20
20 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available
Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living

We offer a resort style worry free lifestyle. Complete with all day dining, events, concerts, educational programs, 24 hour staff and security, transportation, weekly housekeeping, basic cable, wifi, and phone service with free long distance. Our apartments range from studios up to two...

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Beauty Salon
Guest meals
4.1(40 reviews)

As time goes by we are more and more happy with Garden Plaza. The majority of the staff is very experienced with the needs of the residents. The complex is laid out with a simple floor plan, wide halls,...

6
6 Photos available
Provides: Senior Apartments

Greetings! Thank you so much for your interest in our community! One person in the household has to be 62 years of age and some of our apartments are income restricted. Our property is brand new and just opened April 2, 2014, we are an Independent community with 101 new and modern apartments....

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3.8(6 reviews)

I picked Residences at University Hills for it's location, non-smoking and pet friendly policy .Also, for it's affordability, at the time. When a new owner bought the building , everything changed. They...

Holiday Quincy Place

7200 East Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80237

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
15
15 Photos available
Provides: Independent Living
See all Holiday by Atria communities

Quincy Place provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Situated on picturesque grounds in a quiet corner of Denver, you'll love our elegant facilities, friendly staff and convenient location. We're close to shopping, healthcare, dining and all the amenities of the...

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Beauty Salon
Guest meals
4.1(76 reviews)

I would say that everyone has been welcoming and supportive. I love the food!It felt right. The associates were great and I felt comfortable. I would recommend to others.

The Carillon at Belleview Station

4855 S Niagara St, Denver, CO 80237

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
18
18 Photos available
5
5 Floor plans available
Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Ascent Living Communities communities

The Carillon at Belleview Station has everything you would expect from a senior care community and more. Yes, we have assisted living, but it's a bit more personalized and flexible. And yes, we have memory care, but it's a bit more comprehensive and thoughtful. But to really see who we are, it's...

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Beauty Salon
Enclosed Courtyard
3.7(13 reviews)

I would recommend the facility. The food quality is good, just not particularly tasty. For the most part, the staff are great but they don't stick around. So there's the problem of trainees all the time. ...

Sunrise of Pinehurst

5195 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80236

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
14
14 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Sunrise Senior Living communities

Located just minutes from a lovely country club and golf course, Sunrise at Pinehurst is five minutes from a shopping center in a nice, residential setting.  We pride ourselves in our excellent ability to care for a wide array of care needs in an environment that is warm and homey. Step into...

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Beauty Salon
Enclosed Courtyard
4.0(44 reviews)

I will recommend Sunrise at Pinehurst to every one and anyone that needs their services!!The entire team was unbelievably great! They made us and especially my brother feel welcome and comforted! They're the...

HighPointe Assisted Living and Memory Care

6383 E. Girard Place, Denver, CO 80222

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
11
11 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Spectrum Retirement communities

Welcome to HighPointe Assisted Living & Memory Care, a warm, welcoming retirement community with 94 senior apartments located in southeast Denver, CO. Here you or your loved one will receive help with daily living and any needed support for dementia—along with chef-prepared meals, concierge...

... Read more
Beauty Salon
Enclosed Courtyard
4.0(64 reviews)

The surrounding and space is nice, everyone there is friendly but like most service industries staff levels of care personnel are less then what they should be. Costs can change easily and there is no...

St. Andrew's Village

13801 E Yale Ave, Aurora, CO 80014

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
13
13 Photos available
Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living
See all Watermark Retirement Communities communities

St. Andrew’s Village is a pet-friendly independent living and assisted living community for seniors age 62 and over in the Denver metropolitan area. We offer private one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments along with the security of knowing that our staff is available 24 hours a...

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Beauty Salon
Guest meals
4.4(12 reviews)

My loved one is currently a resident at St. Andrew's Village and everything has been very good for for her so far. I would recommend this facility to others.

Overture 9th + Co 55+ Apartment Homes

4205 E. 10th Avenue, Denver, CO 80220

17
17 Photos available
10
10 Floor plans available
Provides: Independent Living
See all Greystar communities

NOW OPEN! MOVE IN TODAY! Your life is on track. Now’s the time to experience a carefree lifestyle that lets you do what you really want, when you want. That’s the true spirit of independence at Overture. Here, you can focus on your passions, discover new interests, bond with new friends and so...

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Art Classes
3.8(4 reviews)

From the first moments I spoke with [name removed], the sales specialist at Overture 9th & CO, I knew my father would have a special new place to call home. I was uncertain of the move-in process amidst the...

Kavod Senior Life

22 S Adams St, Denver, CO 80209

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
12
12 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living

Kavod Senior Life (Kavod) is a place to call home. We have 26 spacious Assisted Living apartments, where our residents and care partners become like a second family. Kavod has been in operation since 1971. Our residents come from all faiths, traditions and backgrounds. We are an inclusive and...

... Read more
Beauty Salon
Art Classes
4.2(17 reviews)

The food is great my mom really loves it, she is engaged because of all the activities, and there are numerous services that promote health rather than decline. The staff is friendly, and she has a sense...

Overture Central Park

8133 E 29th Pl, Denver, CO 80238

15
15 Photos available
Provides: Independent Living
See all Greystar communities

With so much going on in the heart of Stapleton, you’re smart enough to know where to look first. To seek out a worry-free apartment that serves as a starting point for your life, rather than filling your days with the tasks of ownership and maintenance. To focus on everything that matters most,...

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5.0(3 reviews)

I chose Overture Central Park because it is closer to the hospital that my doctors are on staff at. The apartment sizes here are really good. They have a wonderful dog park if you have pets right in the...

MorningStar of Observatory Park (Spring 2023)

2100 S Josephine St, Denver, CO 80210

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
17
17 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all MorningStar Senior Living communities

MorningStar at Observatory Park is located in Denver's historic DU neighborhood. Our five-story community is blocks away from the University of Denver's 125-acre campus with its Newman Center for the Performing Arts. MorningStar's central location allows easy access to I-25 and Colorado and...

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Beauty Salon
Enclosed Courtyard
5.0(1 review)

Pinewood Lodge

200 South Ironton St, Aurora, CO 80012

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
7
7 Photos available
5
5 Floor plans available
Provides: Senior Apartments
See all ComCap Management communities

Pinewood Lodge offers the ambiance and comfort of a luxury mountain resort style community with convenience of an urban lifestyle – and all for people 62 years of age or older (income limits apply). The development features generously sized one and two bedroom apartments filled with amenities and...

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Beauty Salon
4.5(16 reviews)

We would 1000% recommend Pinewood Lodge to other families based on the experience we have had so far, it is a great place. My dad is very happy there. We love pinewood and we are so glad you helped us find...

Bella Vita

1470 S Havana St, Aurora, CO 80012

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
14
14 Photos available
8
8 Floor plans available
Provides: Senior Apartments
See all Cappella Living Solutions communities

Luxurious apartment living for those 55 and better. Whether you're still in the workforce or you've retired, enjoy a home without headaches. Let us introduce you to a new level of luxury senior living at Bella Vita. Convenience is Included at Bella Vita Simple is beautiful. Every day living is...

... Read more
4.9(7 reviews)

Manager Concierge & Maintenance are great they advertise bimonthly maid service which I've yet to see so don't expect it ever My apt is what they call an ADA apt so it (840 ft) is a little larger than their...

Brookdale Meridian Englewood

3455 South Corona Street, Englewood, CO 80113

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
12
12 Photos available
Provides: Independent Living, Assisted Living
See all Brookdale communities

Our team stands out by having a continued personal and emotional investment in our community, residents and staff.' Offering breathtaking mountain vistas and panoramic views of the city of Denver, The Meridian is conveniently located adjacent to Swedish Medical Center, off Hamden Avenue and...

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Beauty Salon
Enclosed Courtyard
4.3(52 reviews)

Every staff person and resident was super friendly and welcoming. There was no high-pressure sales or pushing us to come there to stay and live. The residence we talked to were very thankful that they had...

Viewing 1-25 out of 131 communities

Costs of independent living in the Denver area

Within 10 miles of the Denver city center, the cost of living in a partner independent living community is $3,883, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure includes rent and any add-on fees. This cost is also what seniors actually pay per month. Independent living costs can vary depending on the facility’s unit sizes, amenities, services, and location. Depending on the community, there may also be entrance fees or an all-inclusive rate.

A breakdown of independent living costs

Independent living costs include rent and multiple conveniences that allow seniors to live independently without homeowner responsibilities like maintenance, repairs, lawn care, etc. Depending on the community, baseline monthly costs for independent living may include access to the following types of on-site amenities, ranked from most common to most luxe:

  • Fitness centers
  • Business centers
  • Common areas like lounges
  • Courtyards and BBQ areas
  • Indoor or outdoor pools
  • Outdoor walking paths
  • Movie rooms
  • Putting greens
  • Bars
  • Community transportation

Additionally, the cost for an independent living community may vary depending on the types of add-on services a senior chooses, such as:

  • Dining services
  • Housekeeping and laundry services
  • Transportation services
  • On-site parking
  • Cable or Wi-Fi
  • Health care concierge services
  • Salon and spa services

The following figures are average baseline costs for independent living in Denver. This cost does not include add-on fees.

Average cost comparisons near Denver, CO

10.90 miles from you

Aetna Estates, CO

$3,831

per month on average

See communities

Your zip code

Denver, CO

$4,112

per month on average

See communities

8.72 miles from you

Aurora, CO

$3,831

per month on average

See communities

How people pay for independent living in Denver

Medicare, long-term insurance policies, and Colorado’s Medicaid program — Health First Colorado — do not cover independent living costs because independent living communities are not care facilities. These programs, however, can help cover in-home health care services. If future care is ever needed, seniors may be able to use these resources to help pay for health care at their community of choice.

Most seniors pay for independent living using their private resources. Here, you can find information on private pay options and local public assistance resources for seniors, including housing assistance, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Private pay methods in Denver

Since long-term care insurance does not cover independent living costs, seniors must find other ways to pay rent. Many seniors use savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns to pay for independent living costs. Below are other commonly used ways to privately pay for independent living costs:

  • Selling a house: Many seniors sell their family home to pay for independent living.
  • Reverse mortgage: When selling the family home isn’t an option, a reverse mortgage allows the homeowner to borrow money from the home’s equity and use it to pay for senior living.
  • Health savings accounts: While a health savings account can’t be used for independent living rent, it can be used for certain medical services like home health care.
  • Life insurance: Life insurance cannot be used toward home care services or for senior living costs. However, some seniors sell or borrow from a policy to fund their senior living. Each policy is different, so it is important to consult with your policy provider to see what your options are.

Understand Denver laws and regulations for independent living communities

Since independent living communities do not offer personal care or health care services, they are not regulated like traditional assisted living or skilled nursing communities. However, 21 out of 30 of our Denver independent living partners also offer assisted living care on the same campus. So, these communities are regulated like any individual assisted living facility. If you would like to check out the Denver regulations for assisted living communities, see our guide to Denver Assisted Living.

Stand-alone independent living communities

Stand-alone independent living communities do not follow assisted living facility guidelines. They typically follow rental regulations and inspections common to the landlord-tenant laws of the state. Besides local rental guidelines, independent living communities typically have their own restrictions, such as an age requirement. Most independent living facilities require residents to be at least 55 or 62 years old. These requirements can typically be found on the independent living community’s website.

Rental regulations and inspections

As of Jan. 1, 2023, Denver launched its residential rental licensing program, which requires apartment rentals to be licensed. This license must be renewed every four years. Additionally, apartment buildings must undergo and pass an inspection to receive a license. The residential rental property licensing program looks at 10% of the apartments on the property. In these inspections, the third-party inspector may check the following conditions:

  • Hot water temperature
  • Bathtub and shower status
  • Lack of leaks or holes in walls, roofing, or foundation
  • Free of pest infestation
  • Regular trash removal services
  • Sufficient lighting in halls and stairways

Independent living communities also need to follow traditional apartment guidelines. These guidelines have specific regulations for apartment owners and occupants. Under Colorado law, owners of rental properties have to abide by the following guidelines:

  • Maintain cleanliness of public areas in the apartment complex
  • Meet minimum standards for necessities like lighting, ventilation, and heating
  • Perform pest control
  • Have the minimum requirements for home appliances and facilities, such as bathrooms, kitchens, water heating, etc.
  • Cannot disconnect utilities

While landlords have their own regulations to follow, so do tenants. Occupants in every apartment complex must adhere to the following:

  • Sustain a clean apartment
  • Dispose of garbage in a sanitary manner
  • Maintain hygiene of plumbing
  • Keep the unit pest-free

Besides these laws and regulations, Colorado law aims to provide tenants with safe living accommodations thanks to an extensive list of tenant rights. Tenants are protected through the following rights:

  • Landlords cannot raise the rent more than once a year.
  • Landlords must meet building, housing, and health codes.
  • Landlords are not allowed to charge late fees until the payment is over seven days late. These late fees are also capped.

In addition to these rights, the Colorado Antidiscrimination Act prohibits discriminating against occupants based on age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability status, sources of income, etc. Additionally, the Immigrant Tenant Protection Act prevents landlords from discriminating against or threatening tenants based on their immigration status.

If you believe your tenant rights are not being met, you can dial 3-1-1 to contact the local Department of Public Health and Environment.

Colorado Department of Health contact information

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
4300 Cherry Creek South Drive
Denver, CO 80246
Phone: 303-692-2000

Denver Tenant Rights & Resources

Review the extensive list of apartment tenant rights.

COVID-19 regulations for Denver independent living communities

Denver independent living communities do not have any specific COVID-19 regulations or guidelines to follow and typically function like any rental community.

However, if the community offers additional care types like assisted living, the facility must follow additional COVID-19 guidelines. Because 21 of 30 of our independent living partners in Denver have assisted living on the same campus, we provided those additional assisted living guidelines here.

Learn more about CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines for assisted living communities.

The following COVID-19 regulations are for Colorado senior living communities that also offer assisted living services.

Vaccinations. Vaccinations are recommended for staff and residents. The facility must have vaccinations accessible to residents and staff.

Masking. Masks are encouraged, and supplies must be available throughout the community.

Facility cleanliness. At least one staff member must be in charge of cleaning and disinfecting the community with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved, hospital-grade disinfectant.

Staff safety. The facility should have personal protective equipment (PPE) accessible to staff members.

Social distancing. Social distancing is encouraged.

Quarantining. If a resident or staff member tests positive or suspects COVID-19 infection, facilities are encouraged to follow the CDC’s isolation guidelines. This includes isolating for at least five days from testing positive. Self-isolation can stop after five days if the infected person has been fever-free for 24 hours.

Get to know independent living in Denver

261

Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market

4.0/5.0 average in-network rating
47% of communities are pet-friendly
98% of our independent living partners offer on-site activities
86% of our independent living partners have round-the-clock staff
86% of our independent living partners offer housekeeping or laundry services
98% of communities in Denver offer dining services

9457

Number of people we have referred in Denver

80

Average age of residents we have referred in market
Gender split: 62% female, 35% male

Types of independent living in Denver

Seniors in Denver can experience nearly year-round sunshine in the bustle of city living or laid-back suburbs with resort-like amenities and activities at our independent living partners’ facilities. Below you’ll learn more about the different types of independent living Denver has to offer.

City vs. suburban living

While there are many independent living communities within the city itself, senior living is booming in nearby suburban areas like Lakewood, Arvada, and Littleton. Seniors aged 65 and older are approximately 12% of Denver’s population. However, many suburbs within the 10-mile radius of downtown Denver see an increase in senior population. Some suburbs, like Arvada, see up to 18% of its population consisting of seniors age 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Seniors may gravitate to the surrounding suburbs because of the location, cost, and lack of traffic.

Heading farther out from the Denver city center increases the number of A Place for Mom independent living partners in the area to 54 independent living facilities. These facilities are located in surrounding suburbs like Highlands Ranch, Louisville, Broomfield, Parker, Lone Tree, Castle Pines, Brighton, Boulder, and Thornton. While some of these areas do not see a dramatic increase in senior population, there is a slight increase in cost. The average cost raises to $4,084 when including these suburban areas. Over half of these independent living communities include additional care types like assisted living or memory care.

Active independent living in Denver

Independent living communities in Denver emphasize the importance of active living. Over 85% of our Denver independent living partners offer at least one of the following resort-like features:

  • Fitness centers
  • Game rooms
  • Billiards lounges
  • Outdoor walking paths
  • Pools
  • Movie theaters
  • Arts and crafts center

In addition to all-inclusive amenities, many independent senior living communities also host activities and events for their residents. Some facilities have an on-site activity and event coordinator, while others have resident-run groups. The following are some activities and events common to independent senior living communities:

  • Art, fitness, and educational classes
  • Interest groups and clubs
  • Live music
  • Holiday parties
  • Devotional services
  • Planned outings

Denver independent living facilities also encourage socialization among residents with community-based clubs, such as the following:

  • Book club
  • Bridge club
  • Men’s club
  • Walking club
  • Sewing club
  • Cooking club
  • Gardening club

Additional on-site care services

While stand-alone independent living communities do not specifically offer personal care, many include health care services. Approximately 66% of our independent living partners in Denver offer access to an on-site home care agency, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data. This allows seniors to experience exceptional care while enjoying the freedom of independent living. If an in-home care agency is not available on-site, many independent living communities offer additional health care services. In fact, 90% of our independent living partners in Denver offer in-home appointments from visiting medical professionals like dentists, nurses, physical therapists, and podiatrists.

Continuum of care

Only nine out of 30 of our independent living partners in Denver are stand-alone independent living communities. Our other partners in Denver add on another care type, such as adult day care, memory care, or assisted living. Exactly half of our partners are continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) with care services for independent living, assisted living, and memory care on the same campus. Since care needs are ever-changing, a continuum of care on the same campus helps seniors age in place. If you do not like moving around and expect your needs to change, a CCRC may be a better option for a longer period of time.

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Unfamiliar with Denver? Highlights for seniors

86408

Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Denver, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
12%

Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Denver population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau

54%

Percentage of seniors 65 and older with retirement account income, per U.S. Census Bureau

Health care for seniors in Denver

Denver offers a variety of health care providers. However, two hospitals receive higher rankings with national recognition and outstanding ratings for geriatric care.

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital

Among all the health care systems in Denver, UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital ranks No. 1. This hospital has national recognition for five adult specialties and is within the top 10% for geriatric care, according to U.S. News and World Report.[10]

SCL Health St. Joseph Hospital

SCL Health St. Joseph Hospital is highly recommended, ranking second in Denver and third in the state of Colorado. The hospital is also high performing in geriatric care.[10]

Transportation for seniors in Denver

Approximately 98% of A Place for Mom’s independent living partners in Denver include complimentary transportation services for residents. In addition to these services, Denver features multiple transportation options, making the city accessible.

Besides Denver’s buses and taxis, Denver has RTD, a light rail system that covers 113 miles across the city and suburbs. RTD provides a discount and accessibility options for seniors 65 and over. However, if money is an issue, Denver has a free hybrid shuttle bus known as the 16th Street Mall Ride that travels through 16th street in downtown Denver. The free Mall Ride travels from Denver Civic Center Station to Denver Union Station with a stop along each road in between. This provides easy access to the 16th Street Mall, the Colorado Convention Center, restaurants, local tourist attractions, and theatres.

The following ratings, each out of 100, were compiled according to transportation accessibility in Denver, per Walk Score.

61

45

72

Senior activities in Denver

Denver is a large city surrounded by mountain views and offering a seamless balance between beautiful natural settings and interesting indoor activities. Whether you’re looking for local restaurants, hiking paths, accessible museums, or active living programs specifically for seniors, Denver has something for everyone.

Outdoor areas

From outdoor walking trails to fishing sites, Denver Mountain Parks offer over a dozen outdoor areas where Colorado residents can enjoy the state’s beauty up close. One of the most well-known outdoor areas is the renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater, where Colorado residents and their visiting families can explore hiking trails or experience an outdoor concert. Other parks are also known for various activities:

  • Hiking
  • Historic buildings
  • Grills
  • Bison herd views
  • Skiing
  • Golf
  • Picnic tables
  • Fishing
  • Scenic views

Museums

The urban area of Denver houses a wide range of museums, from fine art to miniature toys. Seniors can experience the following museums:

While seniors may enjoy these historical and art museums, they may not be enticing for their visiting grandchildren. Seniors can take their families to these local specialty or interactive museums:

Sports

Denver is the home of two professional sports stadiums. In the heart of downtown Denver rests Coors Field, where you can enjoy watching Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies. When the home field is unoccupied, Denver sports fans can take a look behind the scenes through stadium tours. Approximately 5 miles away is Empire Field at Mile High, where Denver Broncos fans can be heard cheering for their home National Football League team. When football is in the off-season, this stadium also hosts a variety of events, from dirt bike competitions like Supercross to live concerts.

Food

Denver is home to numerous food and drink options, including various restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Many restaurants in Denver are award-winning or staff an award-winning chef. Denver residents can explore their palette with local foods like homemade ice cream, French pastries, Indian Tandoori dishes, and American diner food.

The downtown Denver area offers an array of food scenes, such as a British pub, a café-style French restaurant, and a historic venue with upscale food and live music. Besides year-round access to local food and drinks, Denver celebrates this foodie culture with annual festivals like the Great American Beer Festival and A Taste of Colorado.

Senior activity programs

Besides the various activities around Denver, the city encourages active living for seniors through Denver’s Active Older Adults (AOA) programs. These programs provide a variety of indoor and outdoor hobbies for seniors in Denver. Denver seniors age 60 and older can sign up for a My Denver PRIME membership. This membership offers free access to Denver’s recreation centers, pools, parks, and recreation facilities.

Frequently asked questions

Brookdale North Boulder, Brookdale Meridian Arvada and Brookdale Longmont are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Denver, CO. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.

The average cost of Independent Living in Denver is 4,112 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.

  1. A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  2. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.

  3. Denver The Mile High City. (2022, March 10). Denver Launches Residential Rental Licensing Program.

  4. Denver The Mile High City. (2022, Oct. 20). Residential rental inspection checklist.

  5. Revised Municipal Code of the City and County of Denver, Colorado: Housing, Denver Code of Ordinances § 27 (1973 & rev. 2022).

  6. Denver The Mile High City. (2022, October). Denver tenant rights and resources.

  7. Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. (2023, Jan. 12). Assisted living and group homes for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  8. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.

  9. U.S. News and World Report. (2023, January 13). Best hospitals in Denver, CO.

  10. Walk Score. Living in Denver.

  11. Elliott, R. (2022, October 11). Personal communication [Zoom interview].

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