Everything You Need to Know Before Moving to Colorado Springs
How great would your life be if every morning you were treated to a gorgeous view of one of America's iconic Mountains, Pikes Peak? To step out every morning and join the best athletes and fitness enthusiasts on their ritual morning run? Well, when you move to Colorado Springs, your workout routine in a high-altitude city would be like that of an Olympic athlete.
Nicknamed 'Little London' (yes, London, England), or simply 'The Springs', Colorado Springs is just over an hour south of Denver. It is most famous for its natural landscape beauty, a booming marijuana industry, and a fitness-focused populace. That is not all, though. Read on to discover what is awaiting you when you move to Colorado Springs.
Demographics
Colorado Springs is located in El Paso County. It is the second-largest city in Colorado after Denver, covering an area of 195 square miles. The average income for a Colorado Springs family in 2019 was about $64,712, according to the US Census Bureau.
According to the US Census Bureau, Colorado Springs had an estimated population of 478,221 as of July 2019. The worldpopulationreview.com estimates the population density of Colorado Springs to be 2,510.40 people per square mile. The racial composition of the populace is as follows:
- White - 78.5%
- Black - 6.5%
- Mixed Race - 6.0%
- Asian - 2.9%
- Native American - 0.8%
- Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian - 0.3%
- Other races - 5.9%
Colorado Springs is very attractive to Americans from all over the country seeking green pastures. The green city has been steadily growing by double digits since the first census in 1879 at the peak of the Gold Rush on Pikes Peak. Before then, the expansive ranges and plains were a part of the Colorado Territory inhabited by Cheyenne, Arapahoe, Ute, and Kiowa Indians.
Cost of Living
The real estate market in Colorado Springs is highly competitive and is on an upward trajectory of growth. The US Census Bureau found that 60% of the population in the city lived in their own homes, valued at an average of $269,800 in 2019, which was slightly higher than the national median home price of $217,500 in the same year.
The median gross rent for a single-bedroomed apartment in Colorado Springs in 2019 was $1,131, but had dropped to about $1,024 by mid-2021, according to apartmentguide.com. This is more pocket-friendly compared to the national average monthly apartment rent of $1,124. Note, however, that the prices of apartments vary greatly by neighborhood, from as little as $887 in Stratton Meadows to over $1,720 in Norwood.
With its growing economy, household income is growing, and so is the cost of living. Based on figures published by Expartisan, it would cost you roughly $2,080 per month to lead a basic comfortable life in Colorado Springs.
Job Market
Colorado Springs is exploding in commercial activity. An analysis released by WalletHub revealed that the city was the 9th best out of 180 for budding careers to find well-paying jobs in the country in 2020. According to the US Census Bureau, about 65% of the population in The Springs was in the civilian labor force in 2019. The average annual salary is estimated to be $52,360, slightly lower than the national average of $53,490.
The rate of unemployment in Colorado Springs as of July 2021 was 6.2%, as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics report. This was a tad higher than the national average of 5.4%. The largest employers in the city according to zippia.com are:
- Macy's
- Re/Max
- Catholic Health Initiatives
- JBS USA
- DaVita
- Ing Security life of Denver
- Teletech Holdings
- Pilgrim's Pride
- The Anschutz
- Centene
Transportation
Colorado Springs is the largest city in the state of Colorado by area. The city boasts of hundreds of great landmarks, and they are the reason the city grew to become a cornerstone for tourism and residency in Colorado. The Mountain Metro Transit (MMT) is the city's most reliable and cost-effective way to get around. The service covers Pikes Peak and the surrounding area, offering over 10,000 one-way trips to different destinations every day for a basic fare of $1.75 per ride for an adult, and half that for youth and disabled or senior citizens.
PikeRide offers shared bicycles that residents can use to get around town in keeping with the spirit of the city's green nature. The service offers rental e-bikes with an electric assist as an environment-friendly, cost-effective, and healthy way to travel between short distances.
About 78% of the residents of Colorado Springs commute by private car, while about 11% carpool. The average commute time is 22 minutes according to Best Places and rush hour peaks are between 6.30 am, and 8.30 am.
Note that Colorado Springs has a parking limitation, and finding free parking spaces in and around the downtown can be a challenge. The roads vary from narrow country roads and zigzag mountainous terrain to six-lane highways. Construction and maintenance goes on year-round, mainly during off-peak hours and during night times. Drivers are advised to be alert at all times when driving.
Weather and Climate
If you have decided to relocate to Colorado Springs, there is a good chance that the excellent weather had something to do with it. Since the city sits at an elevation of 6,000 feet, the air is thin, but the temperatures are pleasant. As a result, the residents of the city enjoy between 240 and 300 days of clear sunshine and deep blue skies, which makes the alpine desert climate enjoyable all year round.
Colorado Springs gets an average of 18 inches of rain per year, much lower than the US national average of 38 inches based on figures published on Best Places. It also experiences about 57 inches of snow, higher than the national average of 28. The city precipitates about 88 days per year, and the mountains cast long shadows on most of it. It is hottest in July with peak temperatures of about 84°F and coldest in January with temperatures as low as 17°F.
Culture and Lifestyle
Are you seeking an artistic way to discover the world? Perhaps you are looking for a community of people whose culture is modern and accommodating? Whatever you value more, Colorado Springs offers both in plenty.
'Art' in The Springs covers both culture and dining. Artists, foodies, theatre aficionados, gallery addicts, music lovers, and tree huggers all have their say in the city's culture. There are countless public performances of arts as well as private cuisines and demonstrations.
The city of Colorado Springs comes alive at night. If you value exciting experiences when the sun goes down, you will enjoy the many clubs and restaurants with fantastic charm and unique personalities.
The bars on Tejon Street such as Oskar Blues Grill, Allusion Cocktail Bar, and Jack Quinn's Irish Pub and Restaurant are ideal for fine dining and quiet jazzy evenings. For more hype and dance, you may want to check out The Cowboys, Blondie's, The Mansion Nightclub, or Copperhead Road Bar on Academy Blvd.
You will love the food trucks and the farmers' market just as much as you will appreciate the musical creativity and artistic nature walks unique to the city. Better still, the people are welcoming, and neighborhoods are always ready to assimilate new members. The surest way to get a feel of the city's culture and way of life is to visit, starting at peakradar.com.
Colorado Springs has hundreds of amazing tourist attractions and things to do that the locals get to enjoy at any time. Some of the most popular outdoor activities or places you should add to your to do list when you get to Colorado Springs are:
- Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Hike the Palmer Park nature trail
- Take a scenic drive along the High Drive road
- Camp at the Elk Grade
- Watch balloons soar high in the sky on Labor Day
- Enjoy the First Friday art and gallery exhibitions in person or virtually on the first Friday of every month.
Education and Schools
The State of Colorado ranks very highly on the list of the nation's top education systems. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2019, about 94% of residents of Colorado Springs aged 25 years+ graduated high school, while 40% had a Bachelor's degree. The city boasts of over 15 district schools and five universities certified as the Centers of Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency.
Colleges and Universities within the city offer educational opportunities for learners from all walks of life. The top colleges include Colorado College, Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC), and US Air Force Academy. Popular universities, some of which you may have heard of, include Colorado Technical University, The University of Colorado (UCCS), Colorado State University-Pueblo, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Webster University.
Neighborhoods
One of the first surprises awaiting new relocators in Colorado Springs is finding out that the city is not just a neighbor to Denver. The Pikes Peak region is expansive and is made up of many great neighborhoods, each distinct from its neighbor by culture and style.
There are, in total, over a hundred neighborhoods in Colorado Springs. Here are the most notable you should mark to discover and explore.
Downtown
The Downtown neighborhood is a beautiful rustic mixture of large and stately homes, most dating back to the late 19th century.
Pleasant Valley
A charming neighborhood located right at the heart of the city. It borders the Garden of the Gods park and features small homes built in the 1950s and 60s.
Flying Horse
This is a luxury Tuscan-style neighborhood with all types of homes from outstanding patio homes to million-dollar luxury mansions. It is close to the Flying Horse Golf Course and the popular Flying Horse Steakhouse.
Pine Creek
Built around the Pine Creek Golf Course, this neighborhood is the original luxury golf-course neighborhood in Colorado Springs.
Cordera
Cordera is a special 'neighborly' neighborhood with all the unique amenities a modern family would expect in a modern city. It features extra-wide sidewalks and multiple shopping centers.
Fountain
Fountain is one of the nicest places to stay in The Springs. It is a homely and upcoming neighborhood most desirable to residents just migrating to the city.
Broadmoor
This neighborhood stands out for its manicured lawns, safe streets, mature trees, and top-notch schools. The top-ranked Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 is close to the Broadmoor neighborhood.
Northeast
Northeast is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Colorado Springs. Homes on sale in this neighborhood do not stay listed for long, as they are often snatched up by young families.. Perhaps it is because of its proximity to the Air Force Academy and the famous Rampart High School
Pros and Cons of Moving to Colorado Springs
Pros: Reasons Colorado Springs is Perfect for You
- Colorado Springs has an impressive fitness culture. There are lots of open spaces and parks to work out and explore.
- It is more affordable to live in Colorado Springs compared with neighboring cities of similar size.
- Colorado has pleasant all-year-round weather and an accommodating climate.
Cons: Why Colorado Springs May Not Be Right For You
- Colorado Springs does not feel like a big city. This is partly due to its slow growth and expansive area.
Are You Ready to Move to Colorado Springs?
There is a lot you should discover about Colorado Springs if you are seriously considering moving to the city. If you are a nature or fitness lover, you will feel right at home in The Springs. If you love marijuana, the city's booming industry will cater to all your cravings.
It is best to take the time and research the city's neighborhoods before you move to Colorado Springs. While at it, consider the costs of the move, where and how to settle, and what you will need to make the relocation smooth and painless. Should you need professional help planning or moving, contact College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving today for personalized moving advice from experience and help you handle moving logistics.