Moving to Colorado Springs: The Essentials
Moving to Colorado Springs can feel like a fresh start for military families, with its family-friendly atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings. Here’s everything you need to know to get settled in!
1. Finding a House in Colorado Springs
Neighborhoods
One of the first decisions you’ll face when moving to Colorado Springs is selecting the right neighborhood for your family. Each area has its own vibe and amenities, so think about what works best for your family’s needs.
- Briargate: Known for its well-established homes, top-notch schools, and proximity to shopping and outdoor activities. It’s perfect for families who want easy access to schools and parks.
- Powers Corridor: A rapidly growing area with new housing developments, this neighborhood offers a mix of affordable homes, great shopping, and restaurants, and it’s close to Peterson Space Force Base and the airport.
- Old Colorado City: For families looking for a more historic, quaint environment, Old Colorado City is a charming area with unique shops, art galleries, and family-friendly restaurants.
- Northgate & Wolf Ranch: These areas are great if you’re looking for newer developments, offering lots of family amenities and great schools.
Proximity to Base
With military installations such as Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, proximity to your base will be one of the most important factors. Depending on your assignment, you’ll want to minimize the commute while keeping other family needs in mind.
Real Estate Market
The market can be competitive, especially around summer and fall when many families are PCSing. Make sure to reach out to a local realtor who has experience working with military families and can help navigate housing allowances and options. You may want to start your search early on real estate platforms like Zillow or Realtor.com to get an idea of what’s available in your price range.
Rentals vs. Buying
While many families decide to buy a home when stationed at Colorado Springs, others opt for renting, especially if they’re unsure of their next PCS. There are plenty of temporary housing options available, from furnished apartments to short-term rentals.
The Best Schools in Colorado Springs for Your Kids
Finding the right school can set the tone for a successful PCS transition, and Colorado Springs offers some top-rated educational institutions for children of all ages.
Elementary Schools
- Cheyenne Mountain Elementary School
One of the top-rated elementary schools in the district, Cheyenne Mountain Elementary excels in academics and extracurricular offerings. The staff is known for their dedication to fostering creativity and curiosity in young learners. The school is also known for its commitment to developing strong social-emotional learning programs. - Briargate Elementary School
In the Briargate neighborhood, this school offers a great balance of academics and community engagement. Briargate Elementary is highly rated by parents for its leadership programs, extracurricular clubs, and a strong emphasis on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). - Academy International School
If you’re looking for a unique experience, Academy International School offers a dual-language immersion program, helping students become bilingual in English and Spanish. The school is well-regarded for its diverse curriculum and emphasis on international learning.
Middle Schools
- Cheyenne Mountain Junior High
For middle school students, Cheyenne Mountain Junior High stands out for its academic rigor and opportunities for involvement in extracurriculars like band, art, and sports. It’s also known for its focus on developing students’ critical thinking skills and preparing them for high school challenges. - Chinook Trail Middle School
This middle school has a reputation for fostering an inclusive, positive environment. They focus on offering a comprehensive curriculum that addresses students’ academic needs while providing various enrichment programs for growth outside the classroom. - Liberty High School
Liberty High School serves as a middle school as well and offers an excellent combination of academic support and after-school activities. The focus on leadership, community service, and academics makes it a top choice for families.
High Schools
- Cheyenne Mountain High School
This is one of the most prestigious high schools in Colorado Springs. Known for its academic excellence and exceptional extracurricular offerings, Cheyenne Mountain High School consistently ranks as one of the best in the state. It offers strong AP courses, athletic programs, and a variety of clubs to get your teen involved. - Air Academy High School
Located near the U.S. Air Force Academy, this school is ideal for families interested in a military-related atmosphere. Air Academy High is not only known for its excellence in academics and athletics but also for its JROTC program and military-style discipline. - Pine Creek High School
Pine Creek is a favorite for families looking for a well-rounded school with strong athletics and academics. With a top-rated music program, competitive sports teams, and a variety of honors and AP classes, your child will have many opportunities for success.
Exploring Colorado Springs: Vacation Ideas for Military Families
When you’re stationed in Colorado Springs, the opportunities for family-friendly activities and vacation spots are endless. Even if you don’t have much time for extended vacations, there are plenty of nearby places to explore.
1. Pikes Peak
Known as “America’s Mountain,” Pikes Peak is an iconic landmark and one of Colorado Springs’ biggest attractions. Whether you drive to the summit, take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, or hike one of the many trails, the stunning views from the top are unforgettable. At over 14,000 feet above sea level, you’ll have breathtaking views of the surrounding city and mountains.
2. Garden of the Gods
This national natural landmark features towering sandstone rock formations and is perfect for families. You can hike, bike, or simply walk along the paths that wind through the park. The best part? Admission is completely free! It’s a perfect spot for a family picnic or a short getaway when you need some downtime.
3. The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Located near the Cheyenne Canyon, Seven Falls is one of Colorado’s most scenic and accessible spots. You can hike up 224 steps to get a closer view of the waterfalls or enjoy a leisurely meal at the nearby restaurant overlooking the falls. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing day trip with the family.
4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Colorado Springs, and for good reason! Located at the base of Cheyenne Mountain, this zoo offers not only a great collection of wildlife but also amazing views. The kids will love feeding giraffes or walking through the Mountain Wild exhibit.
5. Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum
Want to learn more about Colorado Springs’ history? Head to the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the area through various exhibits. It’s educational and fun, making it a perfect rainy-day option.
6. Day Trips to Nearby Destinations
- Manitou Springs: This quaint little town is located just outside Colorado Springs and is known for its historic mineral springs and laid-back vibe. It’s a great spot to explore on a weekend getaway.
- Royal Gorge Bridge & Park: Just a short drive from Colorado Springs, the Royal Gorge features the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. and offers exciting activities like zip-lining, rafting, and even a skycoaster.
Final Thoughts on PCS’ing to Colorado Springs
Making the move to Colorado Springs offers endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and personal growth. Whether you’re settling into a new home, finding the perfect school for your kids, or exploring the natural beauty of the area, you’ll quickly find that this is an ideal place for military families.
The best part? There’s always something new to discover—whether it’s hiking up Pikes Peak, enjoying the historical sites, or relaxing with your family in one of the many scenic parks. Your new adventure is just beginning!
