Our 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, observed, “ There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no one independence quite so important, as living within your means.”

And for a good many of us, namely those preparing for retirement, words more true may never be spoken.   Tight credit and a general downturn in the economy make the prospect of a decent job, affordable housing, and a low cost of living, top priorities for this significant number of Americans.

Where you decide to spend your retirement can apparently  have a lot say about just how much you wind up enjoying it, too. So says a recent article in Forbes Magazine Online that takes an in-depth look at cities where your nest egg might go farthest. To find out just how retirees were feeling about where they found themselves in their golden years, Forbes looked at the aggregate migration for persons over 65, to get a feel for just how living longer is working out.

Denver Colorado raked 7th on a top ten list, headed up by Columbus, Ohio. The article points to a Rocky Mountain retirement where “outdoor living”, and a “beautiful environment”, compliment “a manageable cost of living”. Noting that Denver has long been a city that attracts people of all ages, the article goes on to point out that life in the Mile-High City “makes it a good long-term bet for retirees who want to ensure that they’re settling someplace with a bright future”. A point well taken. Denver residents, young and old who’ve settled there, would probably say they don’t know the half of it.

But see for yourself, at Forbes Online.