8 Things to Know About Living in Colorado Springs

Living in Colorado Springs: Lifestyle & Homebuyer Guide

Situated at the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is a dynamic destination for a variety of visitors and residents. There is no better place to experience Colorado's natural beauty while enjoying convenient access to a booming city. The metropolis sits at an altitude of over 6,000 ft and is in proximity to the wondrous Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods. On top of that, Colorado Springs is a fitness mecca for all types of athletes, serving as home to the Olympic Training Center and the U.S. Olympic Committee. The United States Air Force Academy can also be found just north of the city.

As Colorado's largest metropolitan city, Colorado Springs boasts an area of nearly 200 square miles and is home to over 455,000 people. Because this city is composed of over 100 neighborhoods, there is something for everyone interested in moving to Colorado Springs; read on to learn more about what you should know before relocating.

Colorado Springs Cost of Living

Colorado Springs is a relatively affordable city to live in when compared to other cities in the state. While the cost of living in Colorado Springs is almost 5% higher than the national average, it is actually about 15% lower than other cities in Colorado. For a broader comparison, the cost of living in Colorado Springs is 27% lower than living in New York.

The median price to buy a house in Colorado Springs is $287,900, which is about 25% higher than the United States average. Colorado Springs luxury real estate is often priced just above or below $2,000,000 on average. Individuals hoping to rent a studio apartment in Colorado Springs should expect to pay close to $800 a month, while the price of a one-bedroom apartment averages at $936. For a two-bedroom apartment, renters pay $1,195 on average. The median cost of utilities is about $130 per month, which is on par with the national average.

Colorado Springs Job Market

With a promising economy and job market, Colorado Springs was named as the 4th most business-friendly city in the United States by Thumbtack's annual Small Business Friendliness Survey. The city showed a 4.1% job market increase over the last year, which is significant when compared to the national average of 1.6% job market growth. In fact, Colorado Springs is projected to experience a 48% increase in job growth over the next ten years, compared to the United States estimate of 34%. This mixture of favorable conditions makes Colorado Springs an ideal destination for budding or booming businesses hoping to break into a new market.

Overall, there is no shortage of job opportunities in Colorado Springs, which is reflected by recent employment data. The city's unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is just below the national median unemployment rate. The majority of Colorado Springs residents' salaries fall into an elevated bracket of between $100,000 and $150,000 per year. Considering the high potential for business growth, Colorado Springs is an excellent place to build a career.

Popular Industries in the Area

Colorado Springs' economy is driven by three main forces: the military, the high-tech industry, and tourism. Service sectors are growing in the city in correlation with the influx of visitors and residents. Some of the largest employers in Colorado Springs are categorized in the defense industry, particularly when it comes to space and missile defense. Big-name industry leaders in the area include Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and L3Harris Technologies. The Space Foundation is also based in Colorado Springs as a non-profit dedicated to space education and space-related activities focused on education and awareness.

Things to Do in Colorado Springs

A plethora of unique activities awaits in Colorado Springs. People can spend their days discovering downtown Colorado Springs while shopping and their nights grooving to live music. The city also offers a broad range of compelling museums, including the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum and the Ent Center for the Arts, which houses a contemporary art gallery. They can even choose to live right next to all the action in one of Colorado Springs' many condos for sale. See a day in the life of a cadet by touring the United States Air Force Academy, or take advantage of being in "Olympic City USA" at the United States Olympic Training Center. The possibilities are endless with Colorado Springs'one-of-a-kind attractions.

Outdoor Activities

Colorado Springs is a nature lover's paradise. Conveniently located 10 minutes outside the city, Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark visitors won't soon forget. Admission is free to admire the unusual sandstone rock formations that reach 300 feet high. With Pikes Peak and a classic Colorado-blue sky as the backdrop, a trip to see the Garden of the Gods will inevitably become a highlight. Visitors can continue the exploration to Pikes Peak itself, where they can take a bike tour. Almost completely downhill, this activity is perfect for all skill levels. Additionally, Red Rock Canyon Open Space features hiking trails, picnic areas, a free-ride bike park and off-leash dog loops.

Restaurants, Breweries, and Bars

After their outdoor excursions, people can treat themselves to one of Colorado Springs' delectable dining experiences. Discover one of Colorado's renowned 5-star restaurants, The Penrose Room. Alternatively, wander through the recently built Lincoln Center, where visitors can find scrumptious eateries and fun breweries like Nightingale Bread and Goat Patch Brewing. Stop by the IvyWild School, a converted schoolhouse from 1916 that now functions as a community market. Wander inside to check out Axe & Oak Whiskey distillery, Bristol Brewery, delis, bakeries, and live music. When it comes to fine dining, lively breweries, and unforgettable experiences, Colorado Springs will exceed all expectations.

Nightlife

When the sun goes down in Colorado Springs, the fun is just getting started. From cultural outings or an exciting, social atmosphere, this vibrant city covers it all. Start the evening by taking in a spectacular show at the Pikes Peak Center performing arts complex, a venue that hosts 200 music and theater shows per year and is internationally recognized for its superb acoustics and tasteful design. For those who prefer a more casual evening, stop by Happy Tap for a wide range of tasty beers and around-the-clock sports on the televisions. There are plenty of high-quality breweries and wineries in and around Colorado Springs that will set the tone for a great night!

Colorado Springs Climate

Residents of Colorado Springs praise its marvelous weather and overall pleasant climate. The city experiences all four seasons with consistently low humidity, dryness, and lots of sunshine. Summer temperatures peak in July at around 84º F, making for a warm-but-bearable summer, while winter temperatures can drop to 17º F in January. Colorado Springs is best enjoyed in the summer months, from mid-June to early September.

Colorado Springs gets very little rain, with an average of 18 inches of annual rainfall compared to the national average of 38 inches a year. However, the city does see a fair amount of snow, with 57 inches per year (compared to the United States average of 28 inches of snow per year). Typically a bright destination, Colorado Springs is sunny 243 days out of the year. This agreeable climate makes for the perfect setting for outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, boating, and enjoying the city.

Colorado Springs Traffic

While Colorado Springs has dedicated infrastructure for bikes and pedestrians, the city is largely traversed by car. Two major highways service the area: the I-25 and US 24. The I-25 facilitates traffic from the north to the south end of the city, while US 24 crosses the central mountains, Colorado Springs itself, and then continues to the plains. State Highway 21, also known as Powers Boulevard, is a semi-expressway that runs from Black Forest to Fountain. Travelers can take Highway 83 to go north to Denver, which is located about an hour away. Overall, the city's highways and routes are well-constructed to keep a steady traffic flow, even during rush hour.

Traffic in Colorado Springs is light compared to large cities. Rush hour on the I-25 is not extremely crowded, and the average commute lasts around 20 minutes. Even in the most congested times of day, traffic typically clears quickly and only increases commuters' drive time by 5-10 minutes. Colorado Springs' climate can create unsafe driving conditions, including ice. During the winter, residents recommend taking precautions because the city does not always clear the ice accumulation. Snow typically melts quickly, however.

Alternative Routes

Though Colorado Springs' highways and routes generally move quickly, there is always the off chance of an accident or slower-than-usual traffic. In order to cut down driving time, commuters can consider taking an alternative route. To skip out on the potential slow-downs of the I-25 headed north, they can hop on Highway 83 instead. This route will take them through Black Forest and into a scenic, undeveloped landscape, and they will eventually pass Castlewood Canyon State Park.

Colorado Springs Public Transportation

The Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak area is serviced by Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT), which encompasses a large selection of routes. In fact, Mountain Metropolitan Transit provides over 11,000 one-way trips per day. Commuters can take the Mountain Metro Bus within the city of Colorado Springs or extend their trip into Manitou Springs or north to the Chapel Hills Mall. Bus lines also continue east to the Peterson Air Force Base and south towards the Widefield area. In an effort to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, Mountain Metro Rides offers alternative transportation solutions to commuters such as ridesharing, bicycling, or walking.

Colorado Springs Schools

Colorado Springs is home to numerous schools for students of all ages. The city of Colorado Springs has a total of 51 public elementary, middle, and high schools as well as 29 private schools.

Colorado Springs is home to the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado College, the University of Colorado: Colorado Springs, CollegeAmerica, and six additional colleges for prospective students to apply to. Students have their pick of private and public colleges, giving them the flexibility they need to move into university.

Ready to Enjoy Life in Colorado Springs?

Colorado Springs is a thriving city filled with a multitude of diverse communities, offering proximity to breathtaking scenery and stunning natural wonders. Sports fans and athletes will be in their element in "Olympic City USA." An endless supply of unique outings is available in this lively city. Experience exquisite dining, an impressive range of cultural attractions, or stop by unforgettable museums and theaters. Enjoy sunny, clear days year-round, with prime conditions from mid-June to early September. Colorado Springs has everything needed to appreciate the great outdoors while enjoying the attractions of a growing city.

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.