City: Denver, CO

Category: Retirement

Telephone: (303) 232-7100

Address: 10695 W. 17th Ave.

Description: Denver’s western suburbs in Jefferson County have the largest number of retirement communities. One of the most extensive retirement-­residence organizations that gets mentioned in a positive light is Meridian, which has four retirement communities in Metro Denver. All are owned by Brookdale Senior Living, the nation’s largest owner and operator of senior living communities. They also own a Meridian in Boulder and the Village at Lowry, 150 Quebec St. (303-364-7149). Each is managed independently, but all are essentially the same: nicely appointed buildings on campuslike settings, with elegant interiors and formal furniture. The Lakewood and Englewood Meridians have nursing-­home sections, while the others have independent and assisted living only. Besides the Lakewood location listed above, other area Meridians are located at 1805 S. Balsam St., Lakewood (303-980-5500); 9555 W. 59th Ave., Arvada (303-425-1900); and 3455 S. Corona St., Englewood (303-761-0300).