Nova55Living › Colorado Springs › The Retreat vs. Elan
Colorado Springs 55+ Head-to-Head · $592K Average vs. $933K Average
The Retreat and Elan are both new construction 55+ communities in Colorado Springs, but they serve fundamentally different buyers. The price gap is roughly $340,000. Here is what you get for that difference — and what you don’t.
| Feature | The Retreat at BLR | Elan |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 236 homes | 36 homes |
| Avg. Price | ~$592K | ~$933K |
| Price Range | $450K–$900K+ | Luxury tier; confirm |
| Home Type | Detached + paired/courtyard options | Single-family luxury |
| Finish Level | Production builder quality (Oakwood) | Near-custom luxury finishes |
| Private Amenity Center | 10,000 sq ft (private to Retreat) | Resort amenities through larger community |
| Activities Director | Yes, full-time | Yes, full-time |
| Social Energy | Higher (236 neighbors) | Lower (36 neighbors) — by design |
| Annual Property Tax (est.) | ~$2,782 at avg price | ~$4,385 at avg price |
| Annual Insurance (est.) | ~$2,200 | ~$3,400 |
Moving from The Retreat’s average to Elan’s average costs roughly $340,000 more in purchase price. You get: higher-finish construction, more exclusive community (36 vs. 236 homes), and quieter day-to-day environment. You do not get: better amenity center (The Retreat’s private 10,000 sq ft is arguably superior), stronger resale market (larger communities historically have more liquid resale), or lower monthly carrying costs ($200+/month more in tax and insurance at Elan).
If the finish level and exclusivity are the priority — and you have the budget — Elan is genuinely that. If you want the best overall active-adult community life in Colorado Springs, The Retreat delivers more community per dollar.