Is Montrose, Colorado a Good Place to Retire?

For many people, yes. Montrose offers milder winters than the mountain towns, a 75-bed regional hospital, a commercial airport and access to the outdoors. Colorado also offers a senior property tax exemption for qualifying long-time homeowners and lets retirees subtract some retirement income on state taxes. Whether it fits you depends on your health needs, budget and how you want to spend your time.

This is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Tax rules change, so talk with a tax professional about your situation. Facts below were reviewed November 11, 2026.

What is the weather like for retirees?

Mild by Colorado mountain standards. NOAA's 1991–2020 normals for Montrose list an average January high of 40.2°F and a low of 17.5°F, with about 21.5 inches of snow a year that usually melts quickly. Summers are hot and dry, with average July highs near 90°F. See my Montrose winter weather post for the full comparison with Gunnison and Crested Butte.

What healthcare is available in Montrose?

Montrose Regional Health, at 800 South 3rd Street, is the area's main hospital. According to its Wikipedia entry, it is a 75-bed acute care hospital with a Level III trauma center, it opened in 1950 as a county hospital, and it was renamed from Montrose Memorial Hospital in October 2021. The same entry lists a service area that includes Montrose, Delta, Ouray, San Miguel, Gunnison, Hinsdale and San Juan counties. Call the hospital to confirm the specialists and services you need.

Can I fly in and out easily?

Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is in town. In my post on Montrose flights, I summarized summer 2026 service from United, Southwest and American. Winter schedules differ, so check the airlines for the cities your family lives in.

Does Colorado have a senior property tax exemption?

Yes. Per the Colorado Division of Property Taxation, a qualifying senior can exempt 50 percent of the first $200,000 of actual value of their primary residence, when the state budget allows. To qualify, you must:

• Be at least 65 years old on January 1 of the year you apply
• Have owned the property for at least 10 consecutive years before January 1
• Have lived in it as your primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years before January 1 (the state defines primary residence as where you are registered to vote)

Applications are due July 15. Late applications are accepted through August 15, but late applicants lose appeal rights. A surviving spouse can keep the exemption in some cases if they have not remarried and still live in the home. Only one exemption per property per year is allowed, even if someone also qualifies for the disabled veteran exemption.

What does the 10-year rule mean if I'm moving here?

It means the exemption is not available right away if you buy a new home in Montrose. The 10-year ownership and occupancy clock starts with the home you buy. The state page I reviewed did not mention any provision for carrying the exemption from another home, so ask the Montrose County Assessor about your situation.

How does Colorado tax retirement income?

According to the Colorado Department of Revenue's January 2025 publication on Social Security, pensions and annuities:

• Pension and annuity income: taxpayers age 55 to 64 can subtract up to $20,000, and those 65 or older up to $24,000.
• Social Security, age 65+: the entire amount of Social Security benefit income can be subtracted (tax years 2022 and later).
• Social Security, age 55 to 64: starting with tax year 2025, the full amount can be subtracted if adjusted gross income is at or below $75,000 (single) or $95,000 (joint); above that, the $20,000 cap applies.

These rules interact with each other and change, so a tax professional should run your numbers.

What should retirees look for in a Montrose home?

I help a lot of buyers think about the next 10 to 20 years, not only the next two. Some features worth considering:

• Single-level living or a main-floor primary bedroom
• Low-maintenance yard, and how irrigation is handled
• Distance to the hospital, pharmacy, grocery store and airport
• HOA services, such as snow removal and landscaping, and the dues that pay for them
• Step-free entries and wide doorways, or room to add them later
• Heating and cooling costs, with 12 months of bills

What about property taxes and costs?

Property taxes in Montrose County are due April 30 in full or in two halves (end of February and June 15), as I covered in my due dates post. The bill depends on your home's value and taxing districts. Add insurance, utilities, HOA dues and maintenance to see your full monthly cost.

What is the bottom line?

Montrose combines milder winters, a regional hospital, an airport and outdoor access, which is why many people consider it for retirement. Colorado's senior exemption and retirement income subtractions can help, but they have specific rules and the property tax exemption takes 10 years in the same home. A local agent can help you find a home that works now and later.

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for Colorado's senior property tax exemption?

Homeowners 65 or older on January 1 who have owned and lived in the home as their primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years.

How much is the senior exemption?

50 percent of the first $200,000 of actual value of the primary residence, when the state budget allows.

When is the senior exemption application due?

July 15, with late applications accepted through August 15 without appeal rights.

Does Colorado tax Social Security?

For taxpayers 65 and older, the full amount can be subtracted on the state return, per the Department of Revenue.

Is there a hospital in Montrose?

Yes. Montrose Regional Health is a 75-bed acute care hospital at 800 South 3rd Street.

Connect with a great real estate agent in Montrose, Kelsey Loftis with Crystal Peak Properties, Brokered by eXp Realty. Phone: (970) 784-6768 · Email: kelseyloftis@gmail.com · Website: crystalpeakproperties.com

Sources: Colorado Division of Property Taxation, "Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens in Colorado"; Colorado Department of Revenue, "Social Security, Pensions, and Annuities" (January 2025); Wikipedia, "Montrose Regional Health"; NOAA 1991–2020 normals for Montrose (via Wikipedia); all reviewed November 11, 2026. Not tax, legal or financial advice.