Welcome to the foot of Pikes Peak
Colorado Springs consistently ranks among the best places to live in America — and thousands of newcomers arrive every year for the mountains, the climate, the economy and the lifestyle. This is the honest newcomer's guide: what to know before you move, how to choose where to live, and how to settle in well once you're here.
Use this guide however you need it. Read it start to finish before you decide to move, or come back page by page as each stage — planning, choosing a place to live, PCSing in, or building your day-to-day routine — comes up. Every page links to the others that matter, and every page tells you honestly where to go verify the specifics that change.
Before you move
Why people move here
The real draws — and honest trade-offs.
A brief history
From Gilded Age resort to Space City.
Cost of living
Housing, budgets and what's changed.
Jobs & economy
The military, tech, aerospace and more.
Military & PCS
A newcomer's guide for military families.
Planning your move
Movers, timing and what to bring.
Where to live
Neighborhoods
From downtown to Briargate to the west side.
Surrounding towns
Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Monument and more.
Schools & education
Districts, colleges and choices.
Healthcare
Hospitals, providers and insurance.
Life here
The outdoors
Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods and beyond.
Weather & altitude
300 days of sun, and the mile-plus elevation.
Wildlife & safety
Bears, lightning and altitude on the trail.
Getting around
Driving, transit, biking and flying.
Things to do
Attractions, food and culture.
Getting settled
The first-90-days checklist.
FAQ
Newcomer questions answered.
Not sure where to start? If you're still deciding whether to move at all, start with why people move here and cost of living. If the move is already happening, jump straight to planning your move and getting settled.