PCSing can be a stressful time of any military personnel's life. Relocating with a family and pets often adds to that stress. Here are four things you should know about relocating with your family and pet.

1. Are You Married or Single?

Married military personnel have more options when it comes to PCSing. In most cases, your pets are included as a dependent and everyone in the family moves together. This means that you simply need to notify the right officers and make proper arrangements for your pets to be moved with the family. However, it can also be really difficult to get into family housing. In some cases, it can take a year to get in, which means you'll have to find a pet-friendly rental somewhere in Colorado Springs, that's ideally

A short 30-minutes outside Colorado Springs sits one of the last remaining major steel-producing cities in the United States. However, to residents who live in Pueblo, CO, the city should better be known for its culture, arts, food, and recreation. Often overlooked by buyers looking in Colorado Springs, Pueblo is an amazing city with incredible amenities and an affordable housing market that should make you look twice.

Here are 7 great reasons to live in Pueblo:

1. It's Affordable

One of the most obvious reasons to move here is that it is affordable. According to Livability.com, the majority of homes in Pueblo are below $299,000 with the majority of home values ranging from $50,000-$149,000. This is in stark contrast to many neighborhoods in

With 5 military installments, Colorado Springs is home to one of the largest concentrations of military families in the country. While you don't always have a say in where you live in terms of location, you typically have some choices when it comes to living on-base or off.

If you're PCSing to Colorado Springs and are faced with the decision of living in military housing or finding your own accommodations, here are a few reasons why buying your own home is the best choice.

No Waiting Lists

Many bases have a waiting list a mile long. It could take anywhere from a few weeks to a year for military housing, especially if you have a family. For many, this means they'll be forced to rent for a time until they can get into on-base housing. As rental

Nearly every military family experiences a PCS move at least once in their life, but many have become seasoned pros by the time they end their service. From organizing and packing to moving and finding a new home, the whole process can be overwhelming for anyone, but it doesn't have to be with the help of some supportive friends and endless online resources at your fingertips. We've curated some of the top tips by military families, for military families, to help make your next move as smooth as possible.

Get Rid Of Excess Stuff

It happens to everyone. After a few years in a home, everyone happens to collect stuff that they've used once or not at all. If you have any boxes in the basement from your last move, it probably means that you haven't

Relocating to a new city or neighborhood is a big decision. You should certainly invest some time in researching your new community before making a purchase. Factors like proximity to work, quality of local schools, and the types of amenities available are all important things you must consider.

However, something you should also take into account is the affordability of the neighborhood. Thinking about your budget is probably the most crucial element of finding a home and if you unknowingly choose a neighborhood with high home prices or high property taxes, you might get stuck paying for something that is out of your budget.

Here's a helpful guide to the most affordable neighborhoods to buy a home in Colorado Springs.

Palmer Park

Fort Carson is quite the feature in Colorado Spring's overall landscape. In many ways it's like a city all of its own, sandwiched between the soaring Cheyenne Mountains and the Interstate 25 highway.

So, if you find yourself stationed at this city-within-a-city, you'll probably also be looking to relocate to one of its outer suburbs. Well...you're in luck.

The areas around Fort Carson offer a diverse mix of affordable homes, family-friendly amenities, and a convenient commute times. If that sounds like what you're looking for, then read on for information on 3 great neighborhoods near Fort Carson.

Stratmoor

The residential community of Stratmoor lies southeast of downtown Colorado Springs along the I-25 Highway, just a bit

If you have never experienced the wonders of Colorado Springs, moving here can feel like a bit of a shock. Situated in a high desert, Colorado Springs offers some of most breathtaking scenery in the country, but that's not all it has going for it. With a thriving economy and huge military presence, there's a reason Colorado Springs has been dubbed the Best Hometown in the Military.

Its strong military presence and friendly community make Colorado Springs a great option for active service members and veterans alike. Before you start looking at homes for sale near Fort Carson, Here are 6 more things you should know about Colorado Springs before you PCS here:

Low Property Taxes

Although taxes are based on the individual home and lot, in general,

PCSing can be a stressful experience for any military family. In many cases, the orders come quickly and you don't have much time to research or plan your move the way you would prefer. This is especially true when you are PCSing from two seemingly completely different towns and bases, like Fort Riley and Fort Carson.

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you with the transition:

Expect a Change in Your Athletic Performance

Colorado Springs is a high desert climate. Its high altitude results in thinner air that are more difficult to process for individuals who are used to the mid-west. Expect a transition period while your body is getting used to the new altitude. During this time, you may notice decreased run times or reduced athletic

A new report from the Council for Community and Economic Research shows that Colorado Springs has a lower cost of living than the national average, by as much as 7.4%. The Virginia-based nonprofit compares 57 good and services that are purchased by households, using a base of 260 metropolitan areas. The intent of the study is to help provide business owners and managers with valuable information that they can recruit with, and help them determine if it's worth moving or expanding their operations into a new city.

The Average Cost Of Living Drops in Colorado Springs

The average cost of living in Colorado Springs is usually below the national average, although the difference tends to fluctuate from year to year. For instance, in 2014, it was only

Buying a home is often something that active service members try to avoid. With a potential PCS looming over their heads every two to four years, the idea of purchasing a home, and subsequently, selling a home can seem daunting.

However, there are many things that military sellers can do to make selling a home after a PCS easier and worry-free. The Colorado Springs real estate market is especially lucrative for sellers since the market is in desperate need of some new inventory.

Here are a few other tips for making a seamless PCS transition and selling your home:

Talk to Your VA Home Loan Center

Your local VA Home Loan Center can help if you are looking to make a quick sell of your home. Offerings such as the HAP Military Short Sale