Colorado Springs

About Colorado Springs

Denver may be nicknamed the Mile High City, but Colorado Springs actually sits at a higher elevation, at over 6,000 feet above sea level. Nestled along the front range of the Rocky Mountains an iconic Pikes Peak, the city is a popular home for national sports-governing bodies, including the United States Olympic Committee and Training Center. Today, Colorado Springs has several military bases and a variety of tech companies, natural attractions and institutions of higher education.

The History of Colorado Springs

The first inhabitants of present-day Colorado Springs were Native Americans from the Arapaho, Ute and Cheyenne tribes. When the Louisiana Purchase was completed in 1803, Colorado Springs joined the U.S. as a territorial capital. The Gold Rush arrived in 1891, bringing with it a massive boom in population. Many new residents struck it rich and entrepreneurs established a variety of businesses in the area.

During World War II, the military established a large presence in Colorado Springs, which further fueled its growth.

Living in Colorado Springs

A variety of factors, including its sunny weather, low cost of living, recreational activities and flourishing tech industry, make Colorado Springs a popular relocation destination. The city's geographical location makes it an ideal spot for lovers of the great outdoors, and it has a range of both natural parks and developed green spaces. Nearby Pikes Peak offers hiking, air shows and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a famous motor race through the twists and turns of the mountain roads.

The local military presence and the closely related defense industry largely powers the city's economy. High tech electronic manufacturing is also a source of many jobs in Colorado Springs, with Verizon Wireless, Microchip Technology and Hewlett-Packard among the tech companies with offices or plants in the area.

Neighborhoods in Colorado Springs

Here are just a few of the great neighborhoods you can explore in Colorado Springs:

The Broadmoor

The Broadmoor is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, with stately mansions that date back to the 1920s. It's named for The Broadmoor, a historic hotel and resort, which a local businessman and philanthropist built in 1918.

Old North End

Most of the homes in Old North End-some built as early as the late 1800s, have earned spots on the Historic Register. The community takes historical preservation very seriously and has enacted specific rules that aim to preserve the integrity of the old homes.

Rockrimmon

Located in the sloping foothills of Colorado Springs, Rockrimmon is home to many military personnel because of its proximity to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Other residents include local wildlife, including bighorn sheep and deer, which often wander down from their nearby habitats.

Briargate

Briargate is one of the larger neighborhoods in the city, with sweeping mountain views from its elevated location. It's a popular choice for young families, thanks to its inclusion in the Air Academy School District.

Colorado Springs Schools

The public schools in Colorado Springs are divided among several districts serving elementary, middle and high schools. There are also a variety of private and charter options.

If you're planning to pursue higher education, there are plenty of schools that offer two- and four-year degrees, as well as technical training. The University of Colorado, Colorado College and Remington College are among the schools with campuses in and around the city.

Resources for Moving to Colorado Springs

Here are a few helpful resources that can help you with your move to Colorado Springs:

• Utilities: Colorado Springs Utilities manages all major utilities, including electricity, water and sewer.
• Garbage and Recycling: Several private companies provide curbside collection of trash and recyclables.
• Transportation: The Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT) provides public transportation through a network of bus routes, and vanpools are a popular option for daily commuters.

Colorado Springs Housing

The median home price in Colorado Springs is slightly higher than the national average, though prices have increased over the past decade. The city has a wide variety of rental options as well, so you can find something that fits your needs.