COLORADO — Several Colorado cities have landed near the top of the lists of best large, mid-sized and small cities, according to AARP’s new data from its Livability Index.
In the category of large cities, Denver landed at No. 4, following San Francisco, Boston and Seattle. Boulder was ranked No. 4 in the mid-sized communities, after Madison, Arlington and St. Paul. In the small communities list, Lafayette came in No. 4, after Fitchburg, Sheboygan and La Crosse, all in Wisconsin.
The index uses more than 50 national data sources to score every neighborhood and community in the country based on seven categories of livability, which includes affordable housing, public transportation, social engagement, health, environment and more.
“The majority of older adults want to stay in their current homes and communities as they age,” said Rodney Harrell with the AARP Public Policy Institute. “The livability index is a valuable tool to help community leaders and individuals improve their communities and better meet the needs of people of all ages as the number of older adults in America continues to grow.”