What to Expect When PCSing from Fort Riley to Fort Carson

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 performance, it's nothing to worry about, eventually, your body will acclimatize. And since it's Olympic City USA, you may find yourself inspired to push yourself harder and further than ever before!

Enjoy New Activities

Colorado Springs is a dynamic and exciting city with numerous activities and sports to enjoy. You'll notice civilians walking around town looking like they are heading off on a camping trip because they probably are. Residents love taking part in exciting sports such as kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, whitewater rafting, and more. Military personnel enjoy their off-time with these activities as well, and the leisure trave services center on base can hook you up with tickets for sporting events and recommend where to buy or rent sporting goods.

Slightly Higher Cost of Living

The cost of living is slightly higher in Colorado Springs compared to Kansas, however, with beautiful homes, stunning views, and exceptional amenities, one could argue that the quality of life is certainly a good compromise. One piece of advice much military personnel would give someone PCSing to The Springs would be to get off the base every now and then and explore the city.

Different Laws

As many people know, marijuana is decriminalized in Colorado. However, since the military is a federal entity, its employees must abide by federal law, which means marijuana use for military personnel is still prohibited. On base, you will constantly be reminded about the military's policy on marijuana, which is something you may not have experienced on other bases.

Highly Rated Schools

The Fountain-Fort Carson School District serves base residents and many families who live off base, with one of the most diverse school populations in the state. Its high school has an award-winning drama department, as well as a noted marching band. Students who attend Fountain schools or are enrolled in other Colorado Springs area schools enjoy opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities as well as academic programs. A move to Fort Carson should be an easy one for children of military families because of the welcoming educational climate and numerous outdoor pursuits available in any season. Summer programs, including a summer lunch program, also abound for children of all ages and interests. The school year in Colorado Springs typically begins in early August and continues to about the third week of May, similar to school schedules in Kansas. Students won't be shortchanged on vacation, no matter when the family makes the move from Fort Riley to Fort Carson. 

Real Estate is in High Demand

Colorado Springs was recently ranked one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. This, combined with the high demand and limited development makes it difficult it a very competitive market for home buyers. Whether you're buying or renting, it's recommended to start looking right away and not wait until the last minute to look for a home. Working with an experienced Colorado Springs real estate agent will also help the process and ensure you find a house that suits your family's personal needs.

For more information on PCSing to Fort Carson and what it's really like to live in Colorado Springs, contact Military Home Search today at 719-338-7294 or toll-free at 800-205-6170.