34 Independent Living Communities in Denver, CO
Seniors Blue Book
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Jul 21, 2026
Colorado - Denver Metro
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Finding the Right Independent Living Community in Denver
Watching a parent decide whether to give up the house
they've lived in for thirty years is never simple. It's rarely about ability —
it's about lawn care becoming a burden, empty rooms feeling too quiet, and the
quiet worry of "what if something happens and no one's around."
Independent living exists for exactly this stage of life: active, capable older
adults who are simply ready to trade home maintenance and isolation for
convenience, community, and peace of mind.
Denver's independent living market is large and varied,
ranging from budget-friendly senior apartments to resort-style campuses with
full concierge service. That range is a blessing, but it also makes comparison
shopping harder. This guide walks through 34 independent living communities
across metro Denver — Arvada, Aurora, Broomfield, Centennial, Lakewood,
Littleton, Lone Tree, Parker, Thornton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, and Denver
proper — with verified contact information so you can start calling today.
What Is Independent Living?
Independent living (sometimes called retirement communities,
senior apartments, or active adult communities) is designed for older adults —
typically 55, 62, or 65 and up — who don't need help with daily activities like
bathing, dressing, or medication management. Instead, residents are trading the
responsibilities of homeownership for a maintenance-free lifestyle: no more
mowing, shoveling, or gutter cleaning.
Most communities offer some combination of restaurant-style
dining, housekeeping, scheduled transportation, fitness centers, social and
wellness programming, and 24-hour emergency response systems. Floor plans range
from studios to two-bedroom apartments, and many communities also offer
cottages or patio homes. Because independent living isn't a licensed medical
care setting, it's generally private-pay and isn't covered by Medicare, though
some income-restricted or affordable communities exist for those who qualify.
Many Denver-area independent living communities sit on the
same campus as assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing — a
"continuum of care" model that lets residents age in place without a
stressful move if their needs change down the road.
Independent Living Communities in Denver, CO
Arbor View Senior Living – WellAge Senior Living
8001 W 71st Ave, Arvada, CO 80004 | (303) 403-3129
Established in 1964 as the Colorado Lutheran Home, Arbor
View sits on a 13-acre campus atop Hackberry Hill, a short walk from Olde Town
Arvada. The community offers 56 independent living apartments with walk-out
patios and mountain views, alongside assisted living, memory care, and skilled
nursing for those who want a full continuum of care in one place. Arbor View is
owned and operated by WellAge Senior Living, a Colorado-based management
company built on the "Live Well. Age Well." philosophy.
Brighton, CO 80601 | (720) 685-9977
Brighton Village serves active seniors in the Brighton area
with a friendly, community-focused atmosphere. The property has been recognized
for staff warmth toward residents and visiting families alike, and it offers a
straightforward independent living option for those who want to stay close to
Brighton's small-town feel while still being within reach of the greater Denver
metro.
1811 S Harlan Cir, Lakewood, CO 80232 | (303) 937-1010
Carmel Oaks, operated by the nonprofit Transforming Age
network, sits in Lakewood and offers freedom from home upkeep alongside a
genuinely active social calendar. Residents get amenities like a fitness
center, game room, media center, and clubhouse, and the community emphasizes
helping newcomers feel welcomed from day one — several residents specifically
cite the warmth of the existing community as a reason they chose to stay.
Cherry Creek Retirement Village
14555 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO 80014 | (303) 693-0200
Cherry Creek Retirement Village offers independent and
assisted living with more than 60 scheduled activities each week, three
chef-prepared meals daily, and scheduled transportation to medical
appointments, shopping, and cultural events. The park-like grounds are designed
for walking, and the community's continuum of care means residents can
transition to assisted living on the same campus if needs change.
10695 W 17th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215 | (303) 232-7100
Formerly known under a different name, Ciel at Applewood
offers a two-story foyer, woodworking shop, greenhouse, library, fitness
center, beauty/barber shop, outdoor putting green, and movie theater. It's part
of the national Ciel Senior Living portfolio, and residents have access to
concierge-style services alongside full independent living apartments.
9555 W 59th Ave, Arvada, CO 80004 | (303) 425-1900
Set among century-old cottonwood trees and a peaceful
stream, Ciel of Arvada blends a park-like natural setting with independent
living apartments, chef-prepared meals, a fitness center, beauty salon, and
game room. Like its sister community in Lakewood, it's operated by Ciel Senior
Living and focuses exclusively on independent living rather than higher levels
of care.
Clermont Park – Christian Living Communities
2479 S Clermont St, Denver, CO 80222 | (720) 974-7275
Serving Denver's University Hills neighborhood since 1972,
Clermont Park is a nonprofit Life Plan Community operated by Christian Living
Communities. Residents choose into a full continuum of care — residential
living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing — with 24-hour
concierge service, flexible dining, and wellness programming for mind, body,
and spirit.
Concordia on the Lake Apartments
6155 S Ammons Way, Littleton, CO 80123 | (303) 933-3449
Located along the shores of Johnson Lake at the base of the
foothills, Concordia on the Lake Apartments offers nine floor plans for active
adults 55 and older. Every residence includes a full kitchen and in-unit
washer/dryer, and residents enjoy a robust activities calendar plus chauffeured
van excursions for theater, concerts, and day trips.
Concordia on the Lake Cottages
6155 S Ammons Way, Littleton, CO 80123 | (303) 933-3449
Sharing the same lakeside campus as Concordia's apartment
buildings, the Cottages offer freestanding homes — 22 of them — for residents
who want more privacy while still enjoying full access to the community's Event
Center and programming. The campus totals more than 250 residents across
apartments and cottages combined.
14221 E Evans Ave, Aurora, CO 80014 | (303) 750-0820
Garden Plaza of Aurora is a continuum-of-care campus
offering independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing under one
roof. Residents enjoy an entertaining social schedule, wellness programming,
and fine dining, with the reassurance that if care needs increase, they won't
have to leave the community they know.
10200 E Harvard Ave, Denver, CO 80231 | (303) 696-0622
Managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, Harvard Square
sits adjacent to Babi Yar Memorial Park in southeast Denver and offers
independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The 225-unit complex
includes 41 independent living apartments with full kitchens, plus amenities
like an art studio, fitness classes, and a resident wellness program built
around individuality and personal freedom.
Holly Creek – Christian Living Communities
5500 E Peakview Ave, Centennial, CO 80121 | (303) 731-9004
Holly Creek is a Life Plan Community in Centennial with
resort-style amenities including a pool, hot tub, and three distinct dining
venues. Its mountain-lodge architecture and full continuum of on-site care —
independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing — make
it a popular choice for couples who want to plan for the long term without
relocating later.
22 S Adams St, Denver, CO 80209 | (303) 399-1146
Founded in 1968 in the heart of Cherry Creek, Kavod Senior
Life is a nonprofit, non-sectarian community open to residents of all faiths
and backgrounds. It offers affordable independent living apartments alongside a
Health & Wellness Center, more than 50 activities each month, care
coordinators, and an on-site chaplain — with an outreach arm that serves
several hundred additional seniors aging in place across the metro.
Keystone Place at Legacy Ridge
11180 Irving Dr, Westminster, CO 80031 | (720) 644-6664
Sitting on eight landscaped acres at West 112th and Federal
Boulevard, Keystone Place at Legacy Ridge offers 160 apartments split between
independent living, assisted living, and a dedicated memory care wing.
Amenities include a heated pool, putting green, indoor and outdoor dining, and
a pub, all with panoramic Rocky Mountain views.
Mountain Vista Independent Living Cottages
4800 Tabor St, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 | (303) 421-4161
Serving Wheat Ridge seniors since 1963, Mountain Vista is a
nonprofit, faith-based community operated by American Baptist Homes of the
Midwest. Its independent living option is genuinely distinctive: cottage-style
one- and two-bedroom units with full kitchens, grouped in duplexes and
six-plexes, with rent that includes heat, electricity, water, and laundry — a
rare all-inclusive, budget-friendly cottage model in the Denver market.
Mullen Residences at The Highlands
3629 W 29th Ave, Denver, CO 80211 | (720) 266-5788
A major redevelopment project on the historic Mullen Home
site in Denver's Highlands neighborhood, this community — operated by Christian
Living Communities in partnership with the Archdiocese of Denver — is projected
to open independent living in 2029, with assisted living and memory support to
follow. The 8-acre campus blends restored Italian Renaissance Revival buildings
with new construction, and reservations are being accepted now for families
planning ahead.
MorningStar Senior Living at Holly Park
6675 S Holly St, Centennial, CO 80121 | (720) 952-1451
MorningStar at Holly Park is a four-story,
three-neighborhood community offering 85 independent living suites alongside
assisted living and memory care. It sits at the corner of Holly and Arapahoe,
close to Streets at SouthGlenn shopping and dining, with luxury amenities and
MorningStar's signature "to honor, to value, to invest" service
philosophy.
MorningStar Senior Living at RidgeGate
10100 Commons St, Lone Tree, CO 80124 | (720) 545-1645
Located near HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge in Lone Tree,
MorningStar at RidgeGate offers 124 independent living suites — including
penthouses up to 1,838 square feet — plus assisted living and memory care.
Amenities include an art studio, saline pool, fitness center, and reserved
underground parking.
MorningStar Senior Living of Arvada
17351 W 64th Ave, Arvada, CO 80007 | (720) 907-9071
Set on 1.5 acres near historic Golden and the Arvada
Reservoir, MorningStar of Arvada offers 112 independent and assisted living
suites in studio, one-, and two-bedroom layouts, plus a secure memory care
neighborhood. Recent renovations added new flooring and refreshed landscaping
throughout the community.
MorningStar Senior Living of Parker
11000 S Dransfeldt Rd, Parker, CO 80134 | (303) 841-1800
MorningStar of Parker offers independent living, assisted
living, and memory care for adults 62 and older, with penthouse suites as large
as 1,609 square feet. The community's Reflections neighborhood uses
MorningStar's "Lavender Sky" dementia care approach for residents who
eventually need that level of support.
Parkside Village Retirement Resort
14501 E Crestline Dr, Aurora, CO 80015 | (720) 370-5746
Billed as "Aurora's All-Inclusive Independent
Retirement Resort," Parkside Village offers 119 apartments for adults 55
and older with a single monthly fee covering meals, activities, laundry,
transportation, and utilities. Amenities include a 150-seat theater, billiards
room, concierge lounge, and 24/7 live-in managers.
Residences at University Hills
2775 S Brook Dr, Denver, CO 80222 | (720) 428-8869
Built in 2014 in a highly desirable pocket between Cherry
Hills Village and Cherry Creek, Residences at University Hills is a 101-unit
independent community for residents 62 and older, some units income-restricted.
Full-size washer/dryers, granite countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and
a location near light rail and Washington Park round out the appeal.
5225 S Prince St, Littleton, CO 80123 | (303) 797-0600
RiverPointe is a landmark independent living building in
Littleton with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, the South Platte River,
and downtown Denver. Built from brick, steel, and concrete, the community draws
residents interested in lifelong learning, the arts, and an active social
calendar.
San Marino Retirement Community
5000 W 75th Ave, Westminster, CO 80030 | (303) 429-8857
San Marino sits on a 10-acre park-like campus bordering
Arvada, Broomfield, and Thornton, with koi ponds, waterfalls, and mature
landscaping. Independent living options include patio homes, standard
apartments, and apartments with added services like housekeeping and meal plans
— plus a full continuum through assisted living and memory care if needs
change.
Sky Pointe Retirement Resort Community
5842 S Taft St, Littleton, CO 80127 | (720) 274-5007
Sky Pointe is an all-inclusive independent living resort in Littleton with a single monthly price covering services and amenities and no large buy-in fee. Live-in managers, a 24/7 emergency alert system, valet parking, and a full slate of wellness programming make it a popular pick for residents who want resort-style living without financial surprises.
Someren Glen – Christian Living Communities
5000 E Arapahoe Rd, Centennial, CO 80122 | (303) 502-9114
Serving Centennial since 1990, Someren Glen is a nonprofit
Continuing Care Community on 14 acres, operated by Christian Living
Communities. Independent living residents enjoy newly renovated apartment
homes, chef-prepared meals, a wood shop, and fitness center, with assisted
living and skilled nursing available on the same campus.
The Residences at Eaton Senior Communities
333 S Eaton St, Lakewood, CO 80226 | (303) 937-3000
The Residences offer affordable independent living
apartments for adults 62 and older, with studio and one-bedroom units featuring
views of the downtown Denver skyline and the Rockies. Amenities include outdoor
gardens, a solarium, dining room, fitness center, and a pet-friendly policy
with a fenced dog run.
The Summit – An Eaton Community
323 S Eaton St, Lakewood, CO 80226 | (303) 937-5107
Sharing a campus with The Residences, The Summit is Eaton
Senior Communities' companion independent living building in Lakewood,
similarly focused on affordable, service-supported apartment living for seniors
62 and up who want an active, connected lifestyle without a high price tag.
The Village at Hampden Town Center
3601 S Dallas St, Aurora, CO 80014 | (303) 750-5400
Part of the LIHTC affordable housing program, The Village at
Hampden Town Center offers independent senior living for residents 62 and older
at below-market rates. Amenities include an exercise room, library, media room,
and a full calendar of social events, with easy access to shopping, dining, and
public transit along Hampden Avenue.
999 E 1st Ave, Broomfield, CO 80020 | (303) 465-1919
Nestled between Denver and Boulder near Broomfield Community
Park, Town Centre Senior Apartments offers one- and two-bedroom independent
living units for residents 55 and older. The community includes a library,
beauty salon, dog park, gazebo, and community room, and is located close to the
Broomfield Senior Center.
V-Esprit Active Adult Community
5240 S Shalom Park Circle, Aurora, CO 80015 | (303) 400-2399
Spread across 14 landscaped acres with panoramic Rocky
Mountain views stretching from Boulder to Colorado Springs, V-Esprit is a
55-plus independent living community offering one- and two-bedroom apartments.
A distinctive "Share-A-Place" option lets residents split a unit with
a friend, family member, or compatible housemate to reduce costs and combat
isolation.
V-Esprit, The Villas Patio Homes (New, Now Leasing)
5240 S Shalom Park Circle, Aurora, CO 80015 | (303) 400-2399
Located on the same 14-acre V-Esprit campus, The Villas
offers patio-home-style independent living for residents who want more private,
single-level living space while still having access to the community's pool,
fitness center, theater, and library. These homes are newly available and
currently leasing.
2515 E 104th Ave, Thornton, CO 80233 | (303) 255-4100
Set on 64 acres in north metro Denver with two lakes and
walking paths, The Villas at Sunny Acres is a continuing care retirement
community offering independent living alongside assisted living and skilled
nursing. An on-site physician clinic, two dining rooms, and scheduled
transportation round out a genuinely full-service campus about 20 minutes from
downtown Denver.
3235 Mill Vista Rd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 | (303)
798-3100
Wind Crest is a gated, 62-plus continuing care community
developed and managed by Erickson Senior Living, one of the largest senior
living operators in the country. Glass-enclosed, climate-controlled walkways
connect residences to resort-style amenities, an on-campus medical center with
full-time doctors, a pool, and fitness center — with independent living,
assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing all available on one campus.
Why This Matters Locally
Denver's senior population is growing quickly, and the
metro's independent living inventory reflects that: everything from
budget-friendly, income-restricted senior apartments to full continuing care
campuses with medical centers on-site. Choosing well matters because a good
match affects daily quality of life immediately — proximity to family, access
to the right level of amenities, and whether a community can support a resident
if their needs change in five or ten years.
Location also matters more in Denver than in a lot of
metros, given how spread out the region is. A community in Wheat Ridge and one
in Parker might both say "Denver," but they're an hour apart in
traffic. Narrowing by neighborhood, campus type, and continuum of care up front
saves families from touring communities that were never realistic options.
How to Get Started
- List
your must-haves. Budget, preferred neighborhood, pet policy, and
whether you want a full continuum of care (so you never have to move
again) versus a standalone independent living building.
- Call
two or three communities from this list. Ask about current
availability, waitlists, and whether pricing is all-inclusive or itemized.
- Schedule
in-person tours. Photos and websites can't tell you how a dining room
actually feels at 6 p.m. or whether residents seem genuinely engaged.
- Ask
about the transition process. If a community offers assisted living or
memory care on-site, ask exactly how a move between levels of care works
and what it costs.
- Talk
to current residents if possible. Most communities will connect you
with residents willing to share honest feedback during a tour.
- Review
the contract carefully before signing, including move-in fees, rent
increase policies, and what happens if a resident needs to leave for
medical reasons.
Related Categories
This article was researched and written by Seniors Blue Book. Seniors Blue Book connects seniors, families, and caregivers with trusted local senior care resources across the country. Browse local listings, read expert articles, and order a free printed guide at seniorsbluebook.com.
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Top 3 Independent Living in Longmont, CO
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The community has been described as providing close to 40 percent of Boulders low-income senior housing.Golden West is now managed by Boulder Housing Partners, the City of Boulders housing authority. Since the transition, the North Tower has been renovated, and in June 2025 the Iris Bistro opened, giving residents a full-service meal kitchen and dining space on site. The community is known for its social atmosphere, with residents often mentioning activities, friendships, and the feeling of belonging.Unlike many independent living communities, Golden West is income-qualified. Applicants must meet income limits, and rent increases are restricted under the propertys covenants. This makes it a meaningful option for seniors who want independent living in Boulder without a luxury price tag. Because availability and income limits change, call to ask which apartments are open and how to apply.3. Ciel of BoulderPhone: 303-494-3900Ciel of Boulder is a newer-style independent living community on Gillaspie Drive in the Table Mesa area of south Boulder. It is built around maintenance-free living, with mountain views, walking paths, a pond, and landscaped grounds. Everyday upkeep is handled by the team, so residents have more time for the things they enjoy.Dining is a highlight. Ciel offers restaurant-style dining with chef-prepared meals, and the culinary team takes resident feedback into account when planning menus. The community uses a digital activity calendar to keep residents informed about events, wellness programs, and outings, and it emphasizes hospitality and a strong sense of belonging.Ciel of Boulder is pet-friendly, which matters to many seniors who do not want to leave a companion behind. Ciel lists suites starting at about $6,250 per month on its own website, while third-party listing sites show lower starting prices. Pricing changes with apartment size and services, so ask the community for current rates and what is included. Because independent living does not include personal care, the team can also talk with you about what to consider if your needs change in the future.How These 3 Communities Compare Frasier: Best for long-term planning, because care options are available on the same campus. Golden West Senior Living: Best for affordability, because it is income-qualified with restricted rent increases. Ciel of Boulder: Best for a hospitality-style experience with chef-prepared dining and a pet-friendly setting. Why This Matters LocallyBoulder is a wonderful place to retire, but it is also expensive. Housing costs are among the highest in Colorado, and many seniors who raised families here find that the home they own has become more than they can comfortably manage. Moving to independent living can free up that equity, reduce monthly worries, and keep people close to the neighbors, doctors, and trails they love.Boulders setting also matters. Residents are close to the Flatirons, bike paths, Pearl Street, and CU Boulder, which brings lectures, concerts, and events within easy reach. Active seniors often choose Boulder specifically for that lifestyle, and independent living lets them keep it without the burden of a house.Finally, demand is real. Boulder has a limited number of independent living communities, and affordable options in particular can fill up or maintain waitlists. Families who start looking early have more choices and less pressure.How to Get Started Talk about what matters most. Decide together what you want: lower costs, more social time, pets, dining, or the security of long-term care on the same campus. Set a budget. Ask each community what is included in monthly fees, whether there is an entrance fee, and what could change over time. Call to ask about availability. Use the phone numbers above to ask about open apartments, waitlists, and income requirements where they apply. Schedule tours. Visit at least two communities, and try to see them at mealtime. Notice how residents and staff interact. Ask the right questions. What happens if my needs change? Are pets allowed? How are fee increases handled? What is the move-in process? Review the contract carefully. This is especially important for communities with entrance fees, such as continuing care retirement communities. Consider having a family member or advisor look it over. Plan the move. Many seniors downsize. Start early, and decide which belongings truly make the new apartment feel like home. A quick note: information in this guide is based on public details from each community and third-party listing sites and can change. Call each community to verify pricing, availability, and requirements before you decide.Related Categories Assisted Living Memory Care Affordable Subsidized Housing