Mountains and blue skies paint the natural background on Colorado Springs' canvas - a perfect place to settle for someone interested in getting close to the great outdoors. With lush cottonwood trees and a vibrant green landscape, discover what Colorado Springs may have to offer you as a new Colorado resident.
If you're relocating to Colorado Springs, or just in the process of considering the move, take a look at the information provided in the following guide. It is full of tips and important information about the city that will help you make your final decision.
Colorado Springs Climate
Get ready for hiking and skiing, as Colorado Springs' semi-arid climate averages 37 inches of snowfall per year during the winter season, with January temperatures ranging anywhere from the 10's to 60's, varying by year. Summers are characteristically warm, with the chance of brief heavy rainfalls and some heat waves reaching over 90 degrees.
Winters in Colorado Springs can be mild, but can also be frigid with heavy snowfall. So be sure to have a mix of both heavy coats and shorts, as the seasons are opposites of each other. But despite temperature fluctuation, Colorado Springs touts over 300 days of blue skies each year.
Colorado Springs Neighborhoods
There are over 100 neighborhoods in Colorado Springs awaiting potential new residents like you.
For a distinguished sense of living, try the Broadmoor area, known for the Broadmoor resort with beautiful golf course, this area has tree-shaded homes with large yard for recreation, and is served by the Cheyenne Mountain School District 12. For even more grandeur with breathtaking mountain views, Fox Run may be a place for you. It is in close proximity to Fox Run Regional Park, and a forest of evergreens framing detailed architecture.
For life close to the city and the best of both urban and suburban living, consider the private community of Cedar Heights, nestled on a hilltop just overlooking downtown Colorado Springs, and a view of Pikes Peak.
Registering Your Car
Once you are either gainfully employed in the state of Colorado, reside in Colorado for over 90 days or own a business in Colorado, you must register your out-of-state vehicle within 90 days. Once becoming a resident, you have 30 days to qualify for a Colorado driver license.
If your vehicle was titled out of state, a Colorado law enforcement officer, motor vehicle dealer or emissions testing station must fill out the Verification of Vehicle Identification Number form. You will need this form, your current registration, proof of Colorado Vehicle Emissions, Proof of Insurance, payment of taxes and fees, and secure proof of identification. For more information, visit the Colorado DMV webpage
Colorado Springs Schools
The public schools in Colorado Springs are divided into eight different school districts: Widefield School District 3 (south), Academy School District 20 (north), Colorado Springs School District 11 (center), Falcon School District 49 (east), Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 (far south), Harrison School District 2 (south central), James Irwin Charter Schools (east central) and Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 (southwest). Colorado Springs is also home to Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, and a number of highly accredited private schools.
If you're considering moving to Colorado Springs for a higher education opportunity, many diverse options include: Colorado College, CollegeAmerica, IntelliTec College, United States Air Force Academy, University of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Community College, Nazarene Bible College, Remington College, Colorado Technical University, Colorado State University -Pueblo, DeVry University and University of the Rockies.
Colorado Springs Employment
Colorado Springs' economy is heavily influenced by the military, tourism and the high-tech industry. The unemployment rate in the area is steadily falling, dropping to 8.7 percent as of early 2013 - the lowest it has been since 2009, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Some of the city's top employers are: Boeing, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Verizon, Apple, Hewlett-Packard and Intel. Fort Carson accounts for more then 10 percent of the area's employment, with Peterson Air Force Base at just over 4 percent and Schriever Air Force Base at just below 3 percent.
Living Costs in the City
While food, utilities and miscellaneous expenses are ranked lower than the national average, the overall cost of living in Colorado Springs is even with the national average, with home prices being the major expense. The median home price is approximately $180,000 while the average home in more upscale neighborhoods will cost at least $270,000. A two-bedroom apartment averages between $800-$900, and monthly electric bills run approximately $70 per month, with natural gas bills averaging at about $50 per month.
The average salary range for the area is between $68,000 and $90,000, with the higher salaries belonging to military personnel and high-tech industry jobs.
Colorado Springs Moving Resources
Colorado Springs moving and storage companies are can't wait to get your move started, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Colorado. Before you hire a moving company, get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit. Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Colorado Springs Transportation
Colorado Springs has a large city population, and limited public transportation, so as a new resident, be prepared to drive a personal vehicle to most places.
The bus system in Colorado Springs is Mountain Metropolitan Transit, and serves Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs and Security/Widefield with limited hours of operation.
Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority, using sales tax to make steady improvements on the area's roadways, handles transportation infrastructure in Colorado Springs and El Paso County. The two main highways in Colorado Springs are Interstate 25 and US 24. I-25 runs from the city to Denver north bound to Wyoming. Other main roadways include: Colorado 21, 83, 94, 115, US 85 and US 87.
Culture & Contemporary Life
With a history surrounded by gold mining, pioneer days and railroading, Colorado Springs has over 50 scenic views and attractions to new residents' attention. You'll have the option of touring this historical area on horseback courtesy of Academy Riding Stables, or experience underground exploration at the Cave of Winds.
Take in mountain views while hiking around Pikes Peak, enjoy golfing at one of the many golf ranges in the area, or take a dip in an indoor swimming facility in the city like Cottonwood Creek and Memorial Park. Don't forget you'll be in close proximity to skiing as well.
For dining, you'll find a wide variety of different types of cuisine as a new resident. Colorado Springs has everything from Mexican, to rustic-style pizza, to steakhouse and seafood restaurants. Historic eateries are also prominent in the area as well.
Colorado Springs Relocation Tips
- With Colorado Springs annexing on new neighborhoods and therefore increasing the population, expect traffic to be considerable for morning and afternoon commutes.
- Stay hydrated and stock up on sunscreen. Due to Colorado's high elevation, your body will need time to acclimate and sunrays can be much stronger.
- Colorado Springs offers some temporary residences, like Fillmore Crossing Apartments with a two month lease, that allow you some relocation breathing room if you're in the process of looking for a home but need to relocate right away.