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Moving to Colorado: Altitude, Taxes and Homes

Denver sits at 5,280 feet.

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5,280 feet

What should I know about altitude and taxes before moving to Colorado?

Denver sits at 5,280 feet, below the 8,000-foot line where the CDC places altitude illness (CDC Yellow Book, 2026). Colorado lets taxpayers 65 and older subtract all Social Security income from state taxable income (Colorado Department of Revenue). Front Range single-family medians run from $469K in Colorado Springs to $3.7M in Cherry Hills Village over the last 12 months (MLS, updated November 10, 2026).

Will the altitude bother me?

  • Denver is 5,280 feet. Most Front Range cities sit near that.
  • The CDC places altitude illness at 8,000 to 10,000 feet (CDC Yellow Book, 2026).
  • Ski towns sit above that line. Breckenridge is 9,600 feet (Breckenridge Resort).
  • Talk to your doctor before a move to the high country.

How does Colorado tax retirement income?

  • Age 65 and older: subtract all Social Security in federal taxable income (Colorado Department of Revenue).
  • Age 65 and older: subtract pension and annuity income up to $24,000. Social Security you subtract counts against that $24,000.
  • Age 55 to 64: subtract all Social Security if adjusted gross income is $75,000 or less single, $95,000 or less joint (tax year 2025 and later).
  • This is not tax advice. Your CPA runs your numbers.

How are property taxes figured?

  • The 2026 local-government residential assessment rate is 6.80%, after a 10% reduction on the first $700,000 of value (Colorado Division of Property Taxation).
  • The senior exemption needs 10 years in the same Colorado home, so new arrivals do not qualify right away.

What do homes cost on the Front Range?

  • Fort Collins: $625K single-family median, last 12 months (MLS, updated November 10, 2026).
  • Boulder: $1.29M single-family median, last 12 months (MLS, updated November 10, 2026).
  • Castle Pines: $994K single-family median, last 12 months (MLS, updated November 10, 2026).
  • Cherry Hills Village: $3.7M single-family median, last 12 months (MLS, updated November 10, 2026).

How do I house-hunt from out of state?

  • Video tours of every home before you fly in.
  • A short list and a 2-day trip to see the top five.
  • Ask the title company about remote signing for closing.
  • Pick the area by drive time to the places you go every week.

What surprises new arrivals?

  • Hail. Roof age drives insurance cost.
  • Metro districts on the tax bill in newer communities.
  • Dry air and strong sun at elevation.
  • Radon. Test every home before you close. Colorado sellers disclose known radon (SB23-206).

Fort Collins to Colorado Springs

Homes over $1 million across 32 Front Range cities

Single-family homes from $1,000,000 in 32 cities from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs, highest price first. Active and Coming Soon listings from REcolorado.

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Quick answers

Questions, answered.

Does Colorado tax Social Security?

Not for taxpayers 65 and older. They subtract all Social Security in federal taxable income (Colorado Department of Revenue).

How high is Denver?

5,280 feet, one mile above sea level.

Do new residents get the Colorado senior property tax exemption?

Not right away. It requires 10 years of owning and living in the same home (Boulder County Assessor, 2026).

See every question, answered

Sources

Where the numbers come from.

Published 2026-09-24 by The Kenna Group at Keller Williams DTC. Numbers checked 2026-09-24; next review 2027-01-15.

On the map

Where are these luxury areas on the map?

Each numbered pin is a luxury area mentioned on this page. Tap a pin to see homes for sale there.

  1. 1. Denver
  2. 2. Fort Collins
  3. 3. Boulder
  4. 4. Castle Pines
  5. 5. Cherry Hills Village
  6. 6. Colorado Springs

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Pins show an area’s approximate center.

Where to go next

Keep reading.

Capital Gains When Selling a House Over 55, ColoradoBlogColorado Property Tax Deferral for Seniors, 2026BlogColorado Luxury Homes by CityNextColorado Luxury Lifestyles: Golf, Lakes, 55+Next
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