8 Best Places to Live Near Colorado Springs, CO [2022 Guide]

Once known as a resort city, Colorado Springs has a growing commercial economy led by varying components of the military and high-tech industries. Several military installations, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, and the Space Command, are located within or near the city. The city also is home to 24 national sports governing bodies, including the Olympic Committee and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. With a population of almost half a million, the Colorado Springs community is the second-largest city in Colorado.

In 2018, U.S. News and World Report named Colorado Springs one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S. The Rockies to the west provide beautiful scenery and a broad range of outdoor recreational opportunities in Colorado Springs. Summer weather is pleasant and dry. Winters range from mild to moderately cold.

The metropolitan area includes many charming neighborhoods, towns, and cities for potential residents to consider. Read on to discover some of the best places to live near Colorado Springs.

Woodmoor

The Woodmoor suburban community is in northern El Paso County. It straddles the Palmer Divide and is near the town of Monument. Its boundaries are County Line Road in the north, State Highway 83 on the east, State Highway 185 on the south, and Interstate 25 on the west. The community encompasses about 2,000 acres of land and about 9,000 residents.

The Woodmoor Improvement Association manages the community, which comprises mostly large single-family homes and townhomes. Homes typically list for between $650K–$750K. The community is about 25 miles from downtown Colorado Springs, and most residents commute to work by car, with commutes around 28 minutes. Elevations in the community range from 6,900–7,400 feet above sea level.

The Country Club at Woodmoor features an 18-hole golf course, along with indoor facilities for tennis, pickleball, and swimming that can be enjoyed year-round. Pike's Peak Brewing Company, located in the Woodmoor Center, offers a year-round and seasonal beer menu as well as live music events. Hungry for more? The Back East Bar and Grill and 3 Margaritas Mexican Restaurant can satisfy those cravings.

Monument

The town of Monument is on Rampart Range in the heart of Pike's Peak. Its boundaries are the Pike National Forest on the west, Colorado Springs and the U.S. Air Force Academy on the south, foothills to the north, and rolling plains to the east. The rolling landscape, mountain backdrop, and local lakes make this town a sight to behold.

The town was first settled as a stop along the Rio Grande Railroad in 1972. It was first incorporated as a town in 1879 and originally called Henry's Station, after prominent settler Henry Limbach. Later the city was renamed after Monument Rock, located at the base of Mount Herman. Currently, it has a population of about 5,500. It's a community of large homes, and prices typically range from $850K–$950K.

Go shopping at Monument's Historic Downtown Shops and the Monument Hill Farmer's Market, or quench your thirst at Trail's End Taproom, where craft beers, ciders, wines, and kombuchas are self-pour and paid by the ounce. Visitors can also enjoy fine dining at Bistro on 2nd, with entrees including pan-seared scallops and grilled elk tenderloin. The commute to Colorado Springs is about 30 minutes.

Gleneagle

The Gleneagle community is part of the larger Northgate community, nestled between Monument on the north and Colorado Springs on the south. Its borders are Interstate 25 on the west, Baptist Road and Fox Run Regional Park on the north, Roller Coaster Road on the east, and Old North Gate Road and North Gate Boulevard on the south. The population is about 6,600. It's characterized by its spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.

Gleneagle is a suburban neighborhood comprising primarily medium-sized to large single-family homes and townhomes with median sales prices of $400K–$500K. Most were built in the 1980s and 1990s, and land is available for new construction homes. Many houses are built on half-acre lots. The commute to downtown Colorado Springs is about 32 minutes. Most residents commute between 15–35 minutes to their jobs. Grab a bite to eat at Tao's Oriental Cuisine, or stop by Spooky Cookie Co. for a sweet treat.

Manitou Springs

The Manitou Springs community is a small city of 3.15 square miles at the foot of Pike's Peak. It sits on U.S. 24, west of the Old Colorado City neighborhood, and is bordered by Mt. Manitou to the west, Red Mountain to the south, and Englemann Canyon to the south and west.

The city was originally founded in 1872 for its mineral springs, eight of which still function today. It has existed as a resort since its founding, and its historic area still attracts travelers. The population is about 5,000. Most of its houses were built before World War II. Commercial districts are on Manitou Avenue, Ruxton Avenue, and Canon Street.

The commute to Colorado Springs is about 14 minutes, although a large percentage of residents telecommute. Manitou Springs has numerous restaurants and cafés, including Mona Lisa Fondue, Savelli's Pizza, Adam's Mountain Café, and Red Dog Coffee, to name a few.

Woodland Park

The Woodland Park community is a city in Teller County, 20 minutes northwest of Colorado Springs. It's often called the "City Above the Clouds" because it's 8,465 feet above sea level. The city is surrounded by Pike National Forest and is at the intersection of U.S. Highway 24 and State Highway 67.

It was officially incorporated in 1891, and homesteaders, loggers, and gold hunters were attracted to its borders. Once the Colorado Midland Railway was built, the city began to grow more rapidly. Visit the historic Crystola Roadhouse for food and entertainment, or try Hungry Bear's variety of pancakes. For a late-night bite, grab a cocktail at Rhapsody. Those headed out on the trail should stop by Colorado Gear Lab to pick up adventuring essentials.

The average home price is around $600K–$700K, and the average home size is about 2,700 square feet. The population is over 7,500, and the commute to downtown Colorado Springs is about 17 miles. Many residents also telecommute.

Cimarron Hills

The Cimarron Hills community is in the Powers Corridor of Colorado Springs. It's roughly triangular in shape and bordered by Constitution Avenue on the north, Route 21 on the west, and passes just a little south of Omaha Boulevard at its southernmost point. It also borders the Cherokee Ridge Golf Course, a nine-hole course with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. It's three miles north of the Colorado Springs Airport.

It's considered an urban neighborhood, and most houses were built between the 1960s and 1980s. However, there are also new construction homes. Homes are typically between 1,000–3,000 square feet, and the prices generally range from $250K–$500K. Property types include single-family homes and condos in high-rise buildings. Most residents spend between 15 and 30 minutes commuting to work, and the commute to downtown Colorado Springs is about 20 minutes.

Dance the night away on one of Copperhead Road Bar's two dance floors—country music in the back and Top 40 in the front. Go shopping at the Powers Center and grab a bite to eat at one of several restaurants and bakeries nearby, or try Osae Sushi's maki, poke bowls, or udon.

Green Mountain Falls

The town of Green Mountain Falls covers an area of 1.1 square miles, about 10 miles west of Colorado Springs. Its elevation is 7,800 square feet, and it's surrounded by the Pike National Forest. It's located in both El Paso and Teller counties. The permanent population is only about 875, but because it's a popular tourist destination, that number may swell in the summer.

The town offers a variety of architectural styles, including Victorian homes, log homes, and modern homes. Most homes in Green Mountain Falls were built before World War II.

Get breakfast or lunch at The Pantry and spend the evening at Blue Moose Tavern, sipping on a microbrew and munching on gourmet pizza while you listen to the weekend's live band. In the mood for steak and seafood? Visit Mucky Duck Restaurant and Catering.

Black Forest

The rural neighborhood of Black Forest is defined by the trees that darken the terrain. It's just north and slightly east of Colorado Springs. The forested surroundings offer a sense of seclusion in a peaceful wilderness. In 2006, residents voted against incorporating as a city.

The first known inhabitants of the area were the Ute and Comanche Native American tribes. The Kiowas displaced them around 1800, but 40 years later, the Apache and Cheyenne tribes displaced the Kiowas and became the last Native Americans to occupy the area. American pioneers began to settle there in 1850.

Homes are large in Black Forest, averaging almost 4,700 square feet. Prices range from $400,000 up past $4 million, and most homes were built in the 1990s or more recently. The area features rural acreage homes with several new custom-built dwellings. The commute to downtown Colorado Springs is about 24 minutes. Enjoy the surroundings on Black Forest Bistro's patio, or chow down on pizzas or sandwiches at Pies & Grinders. Mouthwatering Texas-style barbecue is on the menu at Black Forest Firehouse Barbecue.

Find Your Dream Home Near Colorado Springs

The best locations in the greater Colorado Springs area offer dwellings for various lifestyles, ranging from very private custom luxury homes to urban neighborhoods bustling with activity. Depending upon the neighborhood, residents can own historic Victorian homes, new construction homes, and everything in between. All Colorado Springs suburbs are surrounded by natural beauty, including breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, and offer a plethora of outdoor recreational activities. Seeking to answer the call of Colorado's majestic mountains? There aren't many places better to do so than Colorado Springs.

If you're inspired by the opportunities in Colorado Springs, contact The Military Home Search Team of eXp Realty at (719) 338-7294 to get in touch with a local real estate agent and find the ideal Colorado Springs home for you today.