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Colorado Springs Relocation Guide

Moving to Colorado Springs opens up a world of fantastic possibilities for you and your loved ones. With some of the best outdoor activities in the country, amazing natural spaces, a unique history, great schools, and a positively sublime climate, you'll be glad that you were relocated to this wonderful city. Time after time Colorado Springs makes numerous top ten lists for one thing or the other. Whether it's the best city to live in, the most active city in America, the best city to work, live, and play in, the cleanest city, the best value for money city, or the best city for Defense Jobs, we think you get the point that there are not many cities that can compete with all that Colorado Springs has to offer its residents!

This Colorado Springs Relocation Guide will help you to understand a bit about the surrounding area, city facts, the military installations in the area, and some of the best communities in the city to live in. Let's take a closer look at some of the general reasons why so many people love this area so darn much:

the basics of living in colorado springs

Climate & History

Colorado Springs Quick Stats

  • Colorado Springs is the second largest city in Colorado
  • The city is located at the base of Pikes Peak mountain
  • The elevation is 6,035 feet (1,839 meters) above sea level
  • The population of the city is about 440,000 people (The metro area is about 660,000+)
  • The area receives about 5 Million visitors annually
  • Colorado Springs has a vital resource center for the Defense industry, with a focus on missile technology development

Brief Historical Facts

  • General William Jackson Palmer founded the area in 1871
  • In the 1890s gold was discovered around Pikes Peak, which spiked the population of the area almost overnight
  • In the early 1900s, Katherine Lee Bates wrote "America the Beautiful" in Colorado Springs, which is the most famous poem in the country
  • Around the 1940s the U.S. Army opened Camp Carson, which was the first of many military bases in the area
  • Today Colorado Springs has a strong military presence, a growing IT presence, and a thriving medical presence

Climate & Geography

One of the best things about relocating to Colorado Springs is the amazing climate! With ample year-round sunshine, a spectacular mountain range, plenty of interesting geological formations, and less than average rainfall, you have a great formula for the perfect climate. Here are a few facts about the weather in this simply lovely city:

  • Climate: Alpine Desert
  • Average Yearly Precipitation: 17.4"
  • Average Yearly Snowfall: 37"
  • Average Humidity: 51.5%
  • Average Yearly Days of Sunshine: 300+

Tourist Attractions

The Colorado Springs area is famous for many fantastic tourist attractions. There are too many to mention here but let's take a look at the top 5 attractions that bring tourists each year from all over the world:

  • 1. Garden of the Gods
  • 2. Seven Falls Park
  • 3. Pikes Peak
  • 4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
  • 5. United States Air Force Academy

Local Lingo

Colorado Springs is locally known as "The Springs". It was originally called "Little London" as many British tourists settled here many years ago. As with many cities throughout the world, there are a number of terms that are primarily known to locals. So, when you are pcsing to Colorado Springs it's important to understand some of these terms. The following are just some of the many local slang terms that you may want to know:

  • The High Country - The area of the Rocky Mountains with the highest peaks
  • The Front Range - The eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains from Pueblo to Cheyenne, Wyoming
  • The Valley Highway - The I-25
  • Mouse Trap - The intersection of the I-70 and the I-25
  • RiNo - The River North District

get out and explore colorado springs

Things To Do

Outdoor Recreation

With 156 city and state parks, the Colorado Springs area has no shortage of outdoor activities for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout the seasons. Whether you are interested in alpine recreation, whitewater activities, or mountain and road cycling, you'll be spoiled for choice in this gorgeous part of the country. The natural beauty will simply take your breathe away from the moment you relocate to this city. Take the time to explore all the trails and parkways throughout the city and surrounding area. Here's just a small sample of the more well known trails in and around Colorado Springs:

  • Pikes Peak Recreation Area
  • Palmer Park
  • Seven Bridges Trail
  • New Santa Fe Regional Trail
  • Pulpit Rock Park
  • North Slope Recreation Area

Shopping in Colorado Springs

Not only does this city have fantastic outdoor activities but it also has some of the best shopping complexes around! Some of the more popular shopping malls include the following:

  • The Promenade Shops At Briagate
  • Chapel Hills Mall
  • First & Main Town Center
  • The Citadel
  • Cheyenne Mountain Shopping Center

world-class facilities, quality education

Schools & Universities

Kindergarten to Grade 12 School Districts

  • Academy School District 20
  • Cheyenne Mountain School District 12
  • Colorado Springs School District 11
  • Falcon School District 49
  • Fountain Ft Carson School District 8
  • Harrison School District 2
  • Lewis Palmer School District 38
  • Manitou Springs School District 14
  • Widefield School District 3

Colleges in Colorado Springs

  • Colorado College
  • Colorado Technical University
  • DeVry University - Colorado Springs Center
  • Pikes Peak Community College
  • United States Air Force Academy
  • University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
  • Webster University

live and thrive just minutes from the base

Colorado Springs Military Installations

Colorado Springs has five military installations in and around the city. When you know you are pcsing to Colorado Springs it's important to know what communities are close to the base and what the community can offer you and your family. The stress of relocating does not have to include the stress of finding the perfect home. We at Military Home Search have helped so many military families find a home that is close to their base, in a community with good schools, and with a selection of homes that fit their family's needs. Below is a description of where each of these bases are located and some of the potential communities that you may soon be calling home:

Peterson Air Force Base

Peterson Air Force Base is located directly east of downtown Colorado Springs sharing a runway with the Colorado Springs International Airport. This central location offers home buyers a variety of neighborhoods to choose from. Whether you want the historic charm of Downtown Colorado Springs, a newly constructed property in Powers, or a more affordable home in Fountain, you'll have a good variety of neighborhoods to choose from that are within close proximity to the base.

Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station

Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station is located in the southwest section of Colorado Springs. The Cheyenne Mountain complex was built in the 1960s and was the first of its kind for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). For those of you wanting to live away from the base should look at areas such as Fountain, Downtown Colorado Springs, and Broadmoor.

Fort Carson

Fort Carson is located quite close to the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. The closest communities for you to live in are Fountain, Downtown Colorado Springs, and Broadmoor. Keep in mind there are many other areas in southern Colorado Springs that will be suited to your families housing needs. Please ensure you speak with one of our Military Homes experts to help you explore all the options in the area.

United States Air Force Academy

The United States Air Force Academy is located in the northeast section of Colorado Springs. Communities such as Briargate and Northgate are very close to this base and offer great value for households of all ages. There are also wonderful options for anyone relocating to Colorado Springs and looking for a more luxurious property. The abundance of new construction homes in both of these communities offer home buyers the chance to truly customize their property.

Schriever Air Force Base

Schriever Air Force Base is about 10 miles east of Peterson Air Force Base. The closest communities will be similar to Peterson AFB and include Downtown Colorado Springs, Powers, and Fountain. Again, there are a number of other fantastic areas that may be just perfect for you and your family, so be sure to let us help you in any way we can to find your perfect family home!

find the neighborhoods closest to the bases

Colorado Springs Neighborhood Guide

When you're thinking of moving to Colorado Springs it's important for you to get an understanding of the different communities throughout the area. Whether you are looking for a starter family home, a larger property to house your growing family, or a more luxurious house with all the modern updates one could possibly dream of, the communities in Colorado Springs are sure to have just what your family needs. If you have any questions about these communities or other neighborhoods you have heard about, then be sure to contact our team of experts! Let's take a closer look at some of the more well-known neighborhoods in the area:

Downtown Colorado Springs

Downtown Colorado Springs has some wonderful historic buildings, trendy condos, and idyllic homes bursting with character from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Home buyers are attracted to the charm of the area and the ability to walk to just about every amenity available in the downtown core. Shops, restaurants, lounges, bars, museums, and theaters are all within a short walking distance of many of the homes in the beautiful downtown core.

The Historic Old North End is a big attraction for visitors and home buyers alike. The property in this part of downtown includes affordable character homes as well as stunning Victorian mansions close to the million dollar mark. This neighborhood boast gorgeous tree-lined streets that guide you through this truly outstanding part of the city.

Downtown Colorado Springs Homes Are Close To The Following Military Bases

Old Colorado City

Old Colorado City real estate is a great mix of heritage homes, bungalows, newly constructed townhomes, and beautifully renovated character properties. Located just west of the downtown core, these properties are a great option for those pcsing to Colorado Springs as they offer home buyers an affordable home in a central location. Over the years many business have set up shop in this community, which gives home buyers a great selection of local and mainstream retail options to choose from.

Many of the roads in this area have old-fashioned street lanterns to guide you throughout this beautiful area. You'll also find many artisan shops and restaurants to add to the charm of this fantastic community. If you are looking for a property that is not cookie-cutter, the uniqueness of Old Colorado City is definitely for you!

Old Colorado City Homes Are Close To The Following Military Bases

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs gets its name from the mineral springs that are abundant in the area. Located just 15 minutes west of downtown Colorado, Manitou Springs is a great mix of living in a quaint small town while being just minutes from all the amenities of the big city. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind custom home, a unique condo, or an acreage to give you privacy, then the Manitou Springs real estate market is the place for you. Homes are affordable and you definitely get more space and land for the money in this part of town!

Known for being a hot spot for tourists and eco-adventurers, Manitou Springs is the place for those that love the outdoors and want to be close to trails for hiking and biking. There's also the famous Pikes Peak Cog Railway that takes visitors all the way up to the summit of Pikes Peak. This interesting community feature is just one of the many attractions in the Manitou Springs area. There's also many local shops and restaurants that just add to the character of this wonderful town.

Manitou Springs Homes Are Close To The Following Military Bases

Broadmoor

Broadmoor is an area known for its luxurious homes, condos, and townhomes. Well over the million dollar mark, these properties have unique architecture, large lots, and stunning interior features. Many of the properties offer amazing views of the surrounding area. If you are relocating to Colorado Springs and are looking for a stately housing option, then look no further than the Broadmoor community.

If you are looking for more affordable option close to Broadmoor, then the Broadmoor Bluffs has some single-family homes that have slightly less square footage but still have some gorgeous interior features in keeping with the allure of the area. Broadmoor also has some great shopping plazas and big box stores for you to get all the items on your weekly shopping list. You'll also find a number of fine dining options as well as some great casual dining restaurants that are great for all the members of your family.

Broadmoor homes are close to the following military bases

Briargate

The Briargate real estate market offers a wonderful variety of properties. There are many affordable houses and condos that are perfect for first-time buyers. There are also larger more luxurious homes that offer growing families more space. New developments are still being built in this area and many of the older properties have seen some fabulous updating over the years. If you are moving to Colorado Spring and in search of an affordable family home, then Briargate is a great option for you.

Not only is there a good range of properties, Briargate also has one of the best indoor malls in the area known as Chapel Hills. If you are looking for an area with an abundance of shopping and a myriad of conveniences, Briargate should definitely be on your radar! There's also a number of great family-friendly parks and playgrounds for you to enjoy with the younger members of your family.

Briargate homes are Close To The Following Military Bases

Northgate

Northgate has newer homes in master planned neighborhoods, with many cul-de-sacs and curved streets as opposed to a typical grid structure. These newer homes have many of the latest upgrades that home buyers are looking for. If you are pcsing to Colorado Springs to work at the United States Air Force Academy, then homes in Northgate are literally located on the opposite side of the I25. Within minutes you'll be at work and you won't have to contend with any traffic!

At the intersection of the I25 and North Gate Boulevard are a number of big box stores and specialty shops to further add to the convenience of living in the Northgate area. There's also a number of restaurants to appease all the members of your family, along with grocery stores and a farmers market to get all your fresh produce from.

Northgate Homes Are Close To The Following Military Bases

Fountain

Fountain homes for sale are located about 15 minutes south of downtown Colorado Springs. Military families looking for newer, affordable properties close to Peterson AFB and Fort Carson, should definitely consider the community of Fountain. This area is one of the fastest growing communities in Colorado Springs, with the majority of the development taking place since the early 2000s. The community dates back further than that, with some charming established homes in a more mature setting, but the vast majority of Fountain real estate is newly constructed properties.

Fountain Homes Are Close To The Following Military Bases

Powers

Powers real estate is another affordable community in the Colorado Springs area. If you are a first-time buyer or someone looking for their next family home, this community has something for just about every budget. You'll find many new construction homes in Powers, which makes great financial sense for military families given the benefits of a VA loan.

Property in the southern section of Powers is closer to Peterson AFB and Schriever AFB, while the homes in the northern section of Powers are much closer to United States Air Force Academy. This being said, if you find the right home anywhere throughout the Powers area, you'll have great road links via Highway 21 and Marksheffel Road to quickly get you wherever you are going!

Powers homes are Close To The Following Military Bases