COLORADO SPRINGS
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, at an elevation of 6,035 ft., sits at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains. It lies near glacier-carved Pikes Peak, a landmark in Pike National Forest with hiking trails and a cog railway leading to its 14,114-ft. summit.
Known as Little London in its early days, Colorado Springs was founded in 1871 as a resort town by Civil War hero, General William J. Palmer. Within seven years, the Antlers Hotel was built; and by 1918, the renowned Broadmoor Hotel was constructed. Beginning in the late 1800s, Colorado Springs became a natural health destination for tuberculosis patients because of the nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, natural mineral springs, and dry mountain air. Today, Olympic City USA is home to more than 55 unique things to see and do. Exquisite natural landscapes, rich Western history and impressive cultural offerings are just a few things that attract new residents and visitors from near and far. The city’s Garden of the Gods Park features iconic red-sandstone formations and mountain views, and it is also home to 24 national governing bodies of sport, the United States Olympic Committee, the United States Olympic Training Center, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum. Other attractions include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the United States Air Force Academy, and The Broadmoor to name a few. It is also home to five military installations and five accredited colleges and universities.
Recent Colorado Springs Rankings:
#2 in U.S. News and World Report “Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2022-2023”
#9 in the Miliken Institute for “Best Performing Cities 2022”
#7 in TripAdvisor’s “Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2021”
#9 in Axios/The Generation Lab “Where College Students Want to Live Post-Graduation Survey 2022”
AREAS IN COLORADO SPRINGS
Black Forest is located about 25 minutes northeast of Colorado Springs. It is defined by the towering Ponderosa Pines that coat the area. Black Forest was given its name from early pioneers looking at the land from a distance and seeing the dark color that the trees created in the area. There is an abundance of trails and endless places to explore here. Black Forest offers land, privacy, and provides amazing views of the wilderness all around you. There are older homesteads dotting the area along with sprawling ranches and magnificent estates including the newest development, Flying Horse North.
The founders of Briargate envisioned a community that offered a master-planned community with something for everyone. Homebuilders were selected for their quality and variety and amenities such as parks and walking trails were planned from the start. What started in the 1980s is still a thriving and vast area and includes multiple neighborhood parks, and a 4.5 mile inter-linking trail system, a plethora of shopping and retail stores, and an amazing view of Black Forest and the mountains.
Central Colorado Springs is a hub of urban life. Downtown Colorado Springs has everything to offer those who seek activity and culture while trails and beautiful parks interlace the area. Housing consists of bungalows with a ton of character along with newer lofts and downtown high-rise apartments and condos to attract younger clientele. Outdoor recreation is within reach but there is also access to plenty of restaurants, breweries, shopping, and entertainment to help create a greater sense of community. The United States Olympic Training Center and the Olympic and Paralympic Museum are also located here.
Home to such neighborhoods as Village Seven, Old Farm, Palmer Park and Garden Ranch, here you will find a variety of housing options in well-established areas with mature vegetation and convenience to amenities. These neighborhoods boast some of the best Pike Peak views, nicely sized lots and homes that may have been recently renovated. And if you are looking for a project, you might find a gem in one of these areas.
Fountain is located 10 miles south of Colorado Springs and just east of Fort Carson. The city with the motto “pure Colorado” presents wonderful views of the rolling hills, Pikes Peak, and the Front Range. Fountain offers access to plenty of parks and reservoirs including Fountain Creek Regional Park and the Big Johnson Reservoir but is also conveniently located near Ft. Carson, Peterson and Schriever Air Force bases making it a very desirable location. It has a charming and laid back feeling while also growing with the latest in commerce.
Representing mostly commercial growth in Colorado Springs, including the first In-N-Out Burger and Whataburger restaurants and Scheels Sporting Goods facility, the corridor also houses The Farm, one of the newest neighborhoods in Colorado Springs that includes amenities such as a clubhouse, pool and lakes.
The Marksheffel corridor serves a variety of needs including direct access to the Powers corridor and easy “back road” access to military installations. But today, it’s best known as the way to such desirable master-planned communities of Banning Lewis Ranch, featuring multi-housing options, schools, recreation centers, walking and biking trails and more; Indigo Ranch, Claremont Ranch, Hannah Ridge, Shiloh Mesa and the list goes on and on. While these areas boast plenty of new construction and a variety of builders to choose from, resale homes are also available.
Providing immediate access to both the interstate and the Air Force Academy this growing area has become a destination for outdoor recreation and thrills including Top Golf, Bass Pro Shops and an indoor skydiving facility. The corridor is also home to Gleneagle and the popular Flying Horse neighborhood, which has amenities such as a country club, golf course and boutique hotel.
Northwest Colorado Springs does not disappoint with its views, recreation, proximity to conveniences and variety in housing options. Residents enjoy Garden of the Gods to the south, the United States Air Force Academy to the north and national forest making up the western edge. There are older, more established neighborhoods and also some newer options such as Mountain Shadows, rebuilt after the Waldo Canyon Fire of 2012.
The Old North End features streets lined with beautiful Victorian homes and historic estates that are highly-sought-after in the Colorado Springs real estate market. A preservation committee ensures the neighborhood, and its stately houses, remain in keeping with its turn-of-the-century pride. An iconic character of the neighborhood is the wide tree-lined streets, which harkens back to founding father Gen. William Jackson Palmer, who insisted on the trees.
The Powers corridor is chock full of big box stores, chain restaurants, movie theatres, including Springs Ranch and Stetson Hills. School District 49 and School District 11 are both represented along this boulevard so residents looking for a particular school or district will have options, and it provides easy access to many of the military installations as well as the Colorado Springs Airport.
Rock Creek features large lots tucked up against the foothills just minutes south of Colorado Springs. Easy access to multiple Ft Carson gates, a short drive to downtown Colorado Springs or Canon City.
Often considered on the brink of redevelopment, this area also is in close proximity to military bases but also close to the downtown area and popular recreation spots such as Prospect Lake, and Memorial Park. Housing options will vary from refurbished bungalows and smaller homes to newer single family homes in the Spring Creek area.
The southwest quadrant of Colorado Springs might be the ideal mix of residential, recreation and luxury. Located within award-winning school district 12, this region includes Skyway, Upper Skyway, Cheyenne Canon, Broadmoor Bluffs and Broadmoor. It’s also home to Colorado Springs’ only 5-star resort, The Broadmoor, featuring a lake, golf courses and world-class dining and lodging. Recreation includes the world-famous Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Cheyenne Canon and Seven Falls. Housing in the southwest will run the gamut from 1960s ranchers and contemporary 1970s homes to stately mansions in the Broadmoor flats and larger homes built in the 1990s making up the Broadmoor Bluffs area. Access to Fort Carson is a plus and Highway 24 will take you up Ute Pass into Teller County.
Settled just north of Colorado Springs, the Tri-Lakes area offers a commuters paradise with easy access to I-25 and spacious living accommodations. The cities of Monument and Palmer Lake are part of the Tri Lakes area. The gorgeous land available here bellows with the beauty of Colorado. This area is close to the mountains with Monument lake nearby. This quickly growing area is popular because it feels like you are living amongst the mountains, while close to I-25 which provides a short drive to Castle Rock, Denver or Colorado Springs.
Whether exploring Garden of the Gods or venturing into the Cave of the Winds you can’t go wrong on the westside of Colorado Springs. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking for hiking, climbing, and mountain biking opportunities and local and visitors enjoy the Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon and the Garden of the Gods Visitors Center year-round. You won’t find any big box stores but there are plenty of cafes, coffee shops and restaurants to be enjoyed. Housing options include many well-established neighborhoods in all price ranges from Pleasant Valley to the gated community of Kissing Camels.