Moving Guide to Colorado Springs

Get your hiking boots ready and bring your sense of adventure because Colorado Springs, Colorado, is calling. This mountain city is known for its natural beauties, like Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, and locals take full advantage of their proximity to both. There’s also a bustling downtown and commercial district with plenty of local art galleries and breweries, so it’s not all country roads and cowboy hats. Discover why a move to Colorado Springs may be your best move.

6 things you should know before moving to Colorado Springs

1. The cost of living is reasonable

Colorado Springs is one of America’s more affordable cities, with a cost of living index of 108.3, far lower than the state index of 120.5. Review some facts and figures about the local cost of living before the big move.

• Rent: The average cost to rent a one-bedroom apartment is $1,230, and $1,550 for a two-bedroom apartment. These rates make rent in Colorado Springs relatively reasonable, not even breaking into the top 50 priciest cities to live in the United States.
• Transportation: Adult monthly transit passes cost $63. Discounts apply to children, seniors 60 and older, and people with disabilities and Medicare.
• Food: A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost you around $64.35. What’s the average domestic beer cost? Just $5.
• Taxes: Sales tax in Colorado Springs is 8.2%
• Utilities: Expect to pay around $172 a month for the utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment. Colorado Springs Utilities oversees the city’s gas, electricity, water, sewage, garbage, and recycling services.
• Internet: Local services range from $60 to $100. Connect with Xfinity, PCI Broadband, or Falcon Broadband LLC.

2. The weather is pleasant all year round

Colorado Springs is a nature lover’s dream, and with its moderately temperate weather, locals get ample opportunities to explore their city. Average winter temperatures get into the 20s and 30s. Colorado Springs also averages around 68 inches of snow per year. Since snowfall requires cold but not freezing weather, expect some winter days in the 50s. Summers are warm but not humid, and temperatures reach the 80s on average.

3. Colorado Springs has excellent neighborhoods

our chosen neighborhood can impact your lifestyle and cost of living. Discover a few popular areas that Colorado Springs residents like to call home.

Downtown

Get ready to enjoy the convenience of living in downtown Colorado Springs. Here, you’ll find coffee shops and microbreweries, musicians playing at local watering holes, and students from nearby Colorado College taking it all in.

Old Colorado City

Explore the renovated Prohibition-era saloons, former brothels, art galleries, and brew pubs as you stroll through this neighborhood. Old Colorado City sits just south of the Garden of the Gods visitor center, so you can always expect a good crowd in its commercial district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Living here also means easy access to Red Rock Canyon Open Space, as it’s steps away from the commercial district.

Rockrimmon

Directly north of downtown and about a 15-minute drive away, Rockrimmon is a gorgeous area surrounded by miles of hiking trails, mountains, and parks. The beautiful Rockrimmon Open Space offers 77 acres of open land right in this neighborhood’s backyard. Ute Valley Park is a short, five-minute drive west, and Ormes Peak, Pikes Peak, and Mount Manitou are all easily accessible from this neighborhood. The U.S. Air Force Academy is just a few miles north of Rockrimmon.

Old North End

Bursting with old-fashioned charm and character, Old North End is a historic Colorado Springs neighborhood. This coveted area, carefully guarded by neighborhood watchdogs, is home to Colorado College, Monument Valley Park, and Penrose Hospital. Head downtown, just a few miles away, and enjoy the convenience of being close to the shops, restaurants, and nightlife. You’ll be in good company; plenty of young professionals and families call this neighborhood home.

4. There’s plenty to see and do

Get your outdoor fix at many Colorado Springs attractions. The Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, the Manitou Incline, and Pikes Peak are notable spots for local nature lovers. What pairs better with an outdoor workout than a nice, cold beer? Check out the nearly 30 breweries in the Colorado Springs area and take a tour to see the brewing process. Oskar Blues offers a full food menu, live music, trivia, game nights, and some of the best brews in town.

5. Public transportation is limited, but available

Getting around Colorado Springs is simple by car or bus. The Mountain Metropolitan Transit is your main public transportation option. This bus system connects most parts of Colorado Springs and operates seven days a week, although weekend services run less frequently. You’ll need your vehicle to explore the great outdoors beyond the city limits.

6. You can arrive by car or plane

From out of state, hop on a flight and get to Colorado Springs Airport. This airport is municipal, and you might need a connecting flight from a larger airport like Denver. If you’re driving into Colorado Springs, you can easily access it from Interstate 25 or Highway 24, 94, or 115.

Tips for living in Colorado Springs

These tips can help you make the most of your new home before moving to Colorado Springs:

• Hike Pikes Peak and discover the mountain that inspired our nation’s song, “America the Beautiful.”
• Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Training Center, and the USA Triathlon. You may encounter some Olympians as you explore the area.
• Bring your skis and snowboard! You’ll find a handful of renowned ski resorts within a three-hour drive, including Breckenridge, Loveland, Vail, and Aspen.
• Remember that you’re in the mountains, which means high altitude. Be sure to pack enough food and water for your outdoor activities and get acclimated to the thin air.

Final thoughts

With so many natural wonders and charming neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, it’s not hard to see why living in Colorado Springs is so appealing. Do you prefer living close to bars and restaurants in the bustling downtown district, or do you want to be minutes from great hiking trails? Check out Colorado Springs apartments for rent and choose a place that works for you.