Fort Carson
KEY CONTACTS
Military Housing Office (Garrison)
1225 Evans Street
Room 189
Fort Carson, CO 80913
PH: (719) 526-7573
School Liaison
1590 Prussman Blvd.
BLDG 1518
Fort Carson, CO 80913
PH: (719) 526-6470
Fort Carson Family Homes
6800 Prussman Blvd.
Fort Carson, CO 80913
PH: (719) 579-1606 (Leasing)
Army Community Service
6303 Wetzel Ave.
Bldg. 1526
Fort Carson, CO 80913
PH: (719) 526-4590
Most installation services will be available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. As always, call first to confirm hours and availability of services.
Helpful hint: Contact these offices early in the week during the morning time
About Fort Carson
Colorado Springs is home to a number of military installations and is an enviable posting! Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and the prestigious United States Air Force Academy are all located in this picturesque Colorado town. Did you catch that? There are THREE Air Force installations here. If there is ever a clue to a phenomenal standard of living, it’s that. As a bonus, U.S.News and World Report consistently ranks Colorado Springs in the top ten of their “Best Places to Live” list. Quality of life, job prospects, and affordability were key in their ranking of metropolitan cities. In addition to the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron, several major Army units call Fort Carson home, including the 4th Infantry Division, 10th Special Forces Group, 440th Civil Affairs Battalion, 4th Engineering Battalion, 10th Combat Support Hospital, 743rd MI Battalion, and 759th Military Police Battalion.
The history of Colorado Springs is rooted in the Gold Rush of the mid-1800s. Here at the eastern foot of the Rockies, you’ll still find evidence of wealthy mine owners in the grand Victorian homes near Cheyenne Mountain as well as of the eclectic and frontiersman’s spirit of the miners down in the foothills and surrounding plains. With more than 300 days of glorious sunshine a year, the dry climate and mellow seasons promote an extremely active lifestyle. Locals and tourists alike enjoy year-round outdoor recreation.
Want next-day Amazon shipping, Uber, and grocery delivery service? This area has all of the modern-day amenities a city slicker can dream of. Being that it is a city, you may have to spend some time and really explore to find something that fits your BAH, but no worries! We’re here to help. No matter what area you choose, you’ll still be reasonably close to any other part of town. Most of your day-to-day needs are reachable within 15 to 20 minutes of wherever you choose to call “home.” With top-rated hospitals and treatment facilities, you won’t have to journey far for specialized services. As a bonus, if you’re searching for a bigger city, greater employment opportunities, or just a place to get away, Denver is only a little over an hour away!
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Nearby Neighborhoods
Briargate
About
If you ask people stationed in Colorado Springs about where to live, they are very likely to recommend Briargate. This is a fantastic area for families and is conveniently located near most installations. The “big brand” (and luxury brand) shopping is centralized here, and the area is bursting with amenities. Fantastic schools, tightly knit communities, larger homes set on bigger lots, and incredible mountain vistas make this a top contender for most families PCSing to the area.
Neighbors
Here in the suburbs, you’ll find a ton of military families, retirees, as well as the working class and professionals of Colorado Springs. This is a very popular area for the Air Force Academy because of its proximity to the school, but many find the commute to other installations reasonable as well.
Neighborhood Feel
Most of the homes in the area were built over the last 20 years. There was a boom in building in the 1990s, then a lull, but now you’ll find construction taking off again and spreading northward. This provides ample opportunity to find newer neighborhoods and a chance at personalized construction, if that’s what you’re looking for. The neighborhoods are very family-friendly and planned out in a way to foster a strong sense of community. Trails, parks, well-lit sidewalks, and mature and well-maintained landscaping are common. Some of the neighborhoods have a “cookie-cutter” feel to them, but newer construction is widely available as well. Homes here tend to be roomier and have more land as well as some variation in elevation—not just parcels of flat farmland. Some homes are set on hillsides, and most have stunning mountain views.
Neighborhood Info | Briargate
Points of Interest
Big Plus
- Briargate is bursting with new strip malls and outdoor shop-ping with all the brands you know and love.
- Because it is located near I-25, commuting south to Fort Carson and getting to downtown is easy.
- Briargate boasts an incredible YMCA and multiple parks, trails, and even skate parks.
- This area is part of the highly sought-after school district Academy District 20.
Things to Consider
- Though the commute to anywhere other than the Air Force Academy can be tough, families can access basic services like the commissary, military treatment facilities, and the BX located at the Academy.
Highlighted Areas
- Wolf Ranch
- Cumbre Vista
- Cordera
- Pine Creek
By the Numbers
- Population: 42,000
- Household Income: $96,284
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
School Scoop
- In Colorado Springs, you can “choice” into a different school in the district or in another district, space allowing, during the choice application window. The only way to guarantee admission to a school in your district is by residing within the district boundaries.
- Briargate is zoned in the highly sought-after Academy District 20 (D20). This district consistently ranks among the top 10% in the state. D20 offers a robust selection of extracurricular activities and athletics, International Bacca-laureate (IB) programs, and Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and even supports a healthy Home School Academy program (homeschooling is quite popular in Colorado Springs).
- District 20 offers eight highschool options, including the popular Pine Creek High School and a unique Classical Academy.
Central
About
Central is your typical “downtown” district, complete with quaint shopping and limitless dining and social options. Colorado Springs is also making a respectable name for itself in the micro and craft brewery world, and you’ll find most of them in Central. The area is walkable and alive with festivals, markets, sidewalk dining, coffee shops—you name it!
Neighbors
Young couples and singles tend to gravitate to Central because of its exuberance and active social scene. As with most urban centers, raising a family here is entirely feasible, but space is sold at a premium. You’ll still run across other members of the military if you live here, but not many military families live in the area.
Neighborhood Feel
Condos, lofts, and townhomes are common, and you can easily step out and walk to most of what you need. The historic district is called Old North End, and here you’ll find large Victorians from the 1800s. A lot of the neighborhoods are inhabited by the affluent of Colorado Springs (both old money and new), but areas like Patty Jewett and Shooks Run offer all the historic character and charm at more attainable price points.
Neighborhood Info | Central
Big Plus
- Markets, shops, local restaurants, and breweries are everywhere.
- This area is super walkable with all the perks of living in an active city.
- From here, you’ll have an easy commute to Fort Carson and a reasonable commute to Peterson SFB.
Things to Consider
- Central is an urban downtown, and with that come the plusses and minuses of city life. There is more crime here, and there are some run-down areas. Do your research before settling on a home and be sure that you’re fully aware of the surrounding neighborhoods. Nicer pockets of homes are typically found farther north and away from the main highways (I-25 and CO 87).
- Your money won’t go as far here per square foot, but you’re trading space for the city living experience.
- Schools in other districts may be more desirable, but again, do your research on which school you may be zoned to. It is possible to “choice” into another district, but it’s by no means guaranteed.
- If you find yourself in the historic district, keep in mind that there could be very strict restrictions on renovations that may prove to be prohibitive. The HOAs and preservation societies tightly govern modifications to homes, if applicable, and can be overwhelming to deal with. They do, however, offer education programs and incentives for those willing to love an old home back to life!
- Anyone wanting to work in Denver should avoid central to southern sides of town as it will add at least 30 minutes to an hour to the commute.
By the Numbers
- Population: 78,000
- Household Income: $48,000
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
School Scoop
- In Colorado Springs, you can “choice” into a different school in the district or in another district, space allowing, during the choice application window. The only way to guarantee admission to a school in your district is by residing within the district boundaries.
- Central Colorado Springs contains 28 schools. One of the most popular high schools is The Vanguard School, one of Colorado Springs many tuition-free charter schools. The public schools in Central Colorado Springs are generally within Colorado Springs School District 11 or Cheyenne Mountain School District 12, but always double check with the district to be sure.
Highlighted Areas
- Patty Jewett
- Audubon
- Ivywild
- Tejon Street
- Shooks Run
- Knob Hill
Fountain
About
Originally founded as a railroad shipping station for nearby ranches and farms, Fountain is a rapidly growing area located very close to downtown Colorado Springs, Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, and Schriever SFB. Fountain Valley is comprised of the town of Fountain and the Colorado Springs suburbs of Security and Widefield. The Fountain Creek, for which the area is named, flows south through the area, but most growth is pushing east. New subdivisions with affordable housing as well as new restaurants and shops are making this area a very attractive option for military families.
Neighbors
You’ll find a high concentration of military families here because of the proximity to several installations. Those looking for a “country” lifestyle with stunning views yet with close proximity to big-city amenities like it here.
Neighborhood Feel
Most of the subdivisions have been converted from old farmland, and the area isn’t as topographically diverse as others closer to the mountains. Young landscaping and flat land are a trade-off for some of the most affordable housing options in the area and the opportunity to be on more land.
Neighborhood Info | Fountain
Big Plus
- The commute to Fort Carson from Fountain can’t be beat as you’ll be reverse commuting.
- You’ll find affordable and abundant housing options here.
- Fountain is its own town, which means locally run police, recreation departments, and parks.
- Rapid growth is bringing in many well-known names in shopping and dining.
Things to Consider
- There are many newer neighborhoods available, but check and make sure the HOAs are still active in the older subdivisions. A defunct HOA could be problematic for home values as you’re taking a gamble with who your neighbors are.
- You’ll get more land here but with “cookie-cutter” type homes.
- Looking for new homes in this area is advised, as the maintenance of older homes may not have been as meticulous as in other areas of Colorado Springs.
- Some might argue that the growth is happening too quickly and the presence of many vacant properties is evidence of that.
- Some of the areas can be a little hit or miss, and it’s advised that you check out the area well before deciding on a property. Working with an experienced real estate agent can be of tremendous value in this market!
By the Numbers
- Population: 29,800
- Household Income: $65,000
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
School Scoop
- In Colorado Springs, you can choice into a different school in the district or in another district, space allowing, during the choice application window. The only way to guarantee admission to a school in your district is by residing within the district boundaries.
- Public schools in Fountain are part of Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8. One of the highest rated schools is Eagleside Elementary School.
- District 8 serves the city of Fountain as well as Fort Carson residents; therefore, they receive federal funding and are uniquely attuned to the challenges military families face in education. Security and Widefield are typically served by Widefield School District 3.
Highlighted Areas
- Barnstormer’s Landing
- Cross Creek
- Mesa Ridge
- Countryside
Northwest
About
Northwest is located exactly as its name describes and is an ideal location for those stationed at the Air Force Academy. Occupying the area between the mountains and I-25 and just north of Garden of the Gods, Northwest area homes are very desirable, and the supply can be limited. While still a reasonable choice for those stationed at Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, and Schriever SFB, living here will make your commute to those installations much longer.
Neighbors
You’re more likely to reside amongst dual-income families in this region. Upper ranking military officers stationed at the AF Academy love the area, and spouses tend to find excellent employment opportunities here as well as in Denver. Retirees also find refuge here.
Neighborhood Feel
There’s a great mix of old and new in this region replete with “old town” Colorado charm. There really isn’t a single prevailing home type; you’ll see either spacious new construction in a variety of architectural styles or ‘70s-style split-level homes. This area spans the foothills and the hillsides, where wildlife is plentiful and the vistas are stunning. Newer, master-planned communities boast themed playgrounds and parks as well as walking/biking trails.
Neighborhood Info | Northwest
Big Plus
- Shopping is abundant, and you’ll find all the brands you recognize and rely on (from Target all the way through luxury brands).
- You’ll have easy access to the Air Force Academy amenities—even if you’re stationed down south at Fort Carson or Peterson SFB. There’s a BX, a commissary, military treatment facilities, and all the collegiate sports your heart desires.
- Master-planned communities with parks, trails, and a variety of architectural styles ranging from craftsman, to cottage, to Spanish style were all built from the ‘90s onward.
- This area includes the most sought-after area school district, Academy District 20.
- Denver is quite convenient from here and northwest is a great place to live if the military spouse wants to try to commute to Denver for work.
Things to Consider
- This is a fairly pricey area for most families, and your money may not go as far.
- It’s a difficult commute to anything other than the Air Force Academy, so the closer you can position yourself to the main highways, the more time you’ll save.
By the Numbers
- Population: 87,000
- Household Income: $97,428
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis
School Scoop
- In Colorado Springs, you can “choice” into a different school in the district or in another district, space allowing, during the choice application window. The only way to guarantee admission to a school in your district is by residing within the district boundaries.
- Northwest is partially zoned in the highly sought-after Academy District 20 (D20). This district consistently ranks among the top 10% in the state. D20 offers a robust selection of extracurricular activities and athletics, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and even supports a healthy Home School Academy program (homeschooling is quite popular in Colorado Springs).
- One of the more popular elementary schools in the Northwest area is Rockrimmon Elementary School. The public schools in Northwest Colorado Springs are in Colorado Springs School District 11 or Academy District 20. Make sure to verify the zoning directly with the district.
Highlighted Areas
- Cordera
- Rockrimmon
- Peregrine
- Pinecliff
- University Park
- Mountain Shadows
Powers
About
Powers is one of the fastest growing areas in Colorado Springs, with new developments cropping up everywhere. A favorite of military families looking for affordable housing, both Powers and Markscheffel are conveniently located near Peterson SFB and Schriever SFB and are only 30 minutes from Fort Carson.
Neighbors
You’ll definitely be amongst your military brothers and sisters in this area. Sandwiched by two installations and with a multitude of affordable shopping, dining, and housing options, this area is very popular with military families. A constant influx of service members and their families keeps this area growing.
Neighborhood Feel
The neighborhoods that most families gravitate to are the newly constructed subdivisions. Some projects began 10 years ago, but a recent real estate surge has prompted a ton of new development. There are ample opportunities to personalize a new home, and desert topography provides the backdrop for most of the area. You can still find older homes, but they will most likely need some TLC.
Neighborhood Info | Powers
Points of Interest
- The Powers Corridor shopping district has just about everything for day-to-day errands and weekend entertainment. Dining options are plentiful, and most of the national chains are anchored here.
- Cherokee Ridge Golf Course
- Colorado Springs Airport
Big Plus
- Rapid growth is flooding the market with newer, affordable housing options.
- You’ll find build-from-scratch opportunities in the newer planned communities.
- This area is very close to Peterson SFB, Fort Carson, and the Colorado Springs Airport.
Things to Consider
- Popularity paired with rapid growth brings lots of traffic and densely populated neighborhoods. There’s no freeway through the area, so the daily commute involves navigating busy streets and traffic lights.
- If you are looking for the “Colorado experience,” this may not be the best area for you. You can still see the Rockies in the distance, but the land here is dry, dusty, and very much like a desert. Most neighborhoods have very young landscaping.
- There’s a significant amount of empty land still to be developed, so expect building to continue for years to come.
By the Numbers
- Population 59,600
- Household Income $88,000
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
School Scoop
- In Colorado Springs, you can “choice” into a different school in the district or in another district, space allowing, during the choice application window. The only way to guarantee admission to a school in your district is by residing within the district boundaries.
- The public schools in Powers belong to District 49, which includes Remington Elementary School, one of the most popular elementary schools in the district.
- Families could consider trying to “choice” into the nearby Academy District 20, especially when considering high schools. “Choice” applications are never a sure thing, so be sure to interview your schools and look at the overall picture when considering the schools here.
Highlighted Areas
- Spring Ranch
- Stetson Hills
- Indigo Ranch
- Banning Lewis Ranch
- Claremont Ranch
Southeast
About
Southeast is located between East Platte Drive and Milton E. Proby Parkway and lies immediately west of Peterson AFB/Colorado Springs Airport. While affordable housing that is very close to the southern military posts can be found here, there are some drawbacks for families with school-age children as the school districts are not as popular. Some parts of the Southeast are older neighborhoods that are in need of rejuvenation, so we don’t recommend committing to a property site unseen.
Neighbors
While families are plentiful in the area, the tremendous options for schools in Colorado Springs prompts most military families to focus on other areas. This could potentially be a place to consider for single servicemen who want to pocket BAH and are not as concerned with school selection and curb appeal.
Neighborhood Feel
This is an older area of Colorado Springs, and the feel is definitely urban. Unfortunately, most of the neighborhoods are not well maintained and some are downright dilapidated. You’ll find mostly multifamily dwellings (apartments) and some subdivisions with older ranchers and split-level homes. This area has struggled economically in recent years, which is apparent in the up-keep and overall investment in the area.
Neighborhood Info | Southeast
Points of Interest
Big Plus
- Southeast’s proximity to Fort Carson, Colorado Springs Airport, and Pikes Peak Community College is ideal.
- There is a mall as well as options for shopping. It’s also easy to get to the Powers shopping district and to Central from this area.
- Affordable housing can be found in Southeast, but we advise thoroughly researching the area first. We do not recommend buying or renting sight unseen here. Newer neighborhoods can be found in the area between Hancock Expressway and Milton E. Proby Parkway, and there’s also a neighborhood called Barn-stormers that’s worth looking into. Working with an experienced real estate agent can be of tremendous value in this market!
Things to Consider
- Homes can be in disrepair, and some areas are particularly rundown. If you do find a home in good shape, it is still highly advised that you consider its surroundings for the long-term outlook on your investment.
- There are numerous options for schools in the Colorado Springs area, we advise you research the schools zoned within the Southeast as you consider your options. There is a charter school in the Southeast, but due to the number of applications there is no guarantee of admissions.
- Due to its proximity to Peterson SFB and the airport, noise from the base and air traffic is woven into daily life.
- Anyone wanting to work in Denver should avoid central to southern sides of town as it will add at least 30 minutes to an hour to the commute.
Highlighted Areas
- Barnstormer
- Areas between Hancock Expressway and Milton E. Proby Parkway
By the Numbers
- Population 108,000
- Household Income $52,000
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
School Scoop
- In Colorado Springs, you can “choice” into a different school in the district or in another district, space allowing, during the choice application window. The only way to guarantee admission to a school in your district is by residing within the district boundaries.
- Southeast Colorado Springs contains 19 schools, including one public high school and a charter high school. Schools in Southeast Colorado Springs belong to Harrison School District 2.
- James Irwin Charter Schools are the schools that most parents focus on in Southeast. The process for admissions includes an application, placement testing, and a lottery and/or waitlist when space isn’t available. If you plan to live in Southeast, we highly recommend getting a jump on applying to these schools.
- Harrison School District 2 contains quite a few Title 1 Schools. For those not familiar with this, Title I schools are schools that have been granted supplemental funds by the government based on a high number or high percentage of low- income students in attendance to help bridge the achievement gap. Any student zoned to a Title I school (there are many in Southeast) has the right to attend a higher performing school within the district. While families can certainly find school options to meet their students’ needs in this district, we encourage you to evaluate the whole picture and be sure to research and interview with the specific schools when deciding to purchase or rent in this district.
SouthWest
About
Originally anchored by the iconic Broadmoor Hotel and reinforced by the War Department’s decision to construct Fort Carson nearby, Southwest has been a sought-after area to live in since the late 1800s. Its beauty, proximity to the mountains, diverse housing options, fantastic schools, and the abundance of amenities are all factors that make this an area to check out.
Neighbors
Families and wealthy retirees are attracted to Southwest. Convenient access to Fort Carson and Cheyenne Mountain Complex draws military to the area, although you’re likely to find service members lower on the incline. Climbing in altitude equates to climbing home prices in this affluent neighborhood. Dual-income families are common and mostly in professional occupations.
Neighborhood Feel
Southwest is a less densely populated area of Colorado Springs and is characterized by a slower pace. A majority of the homes were built between 1940-1980, so you’ll find a mix of mid-century ranches and ‘70s-style split-level homes. Most houses are very well maintained and/or thoughtfully renovated, though if you’re looking for a character-filled “fixer upper,” you can find those too.
Neighborhood Info | SouthWest
Points of Interest
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park
- Manitou Springs
- The Broadmoor Hotel
- Cheyenne Mountain Complex
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – The only high-altitude zoo in the U.S.
Big Plus
- Stunning views, classic “old-world” ambience, history, and culture abound here.
- Living in Southwest makes for an easy commute to Fort Carson and a reasonable commute to Peterson SFB.
- Access to I-25 makes for quick trips to big-brand shopping and amenities found slightly farther north. Fort Carson’s PX and commissary are also convenient.
- This area is close to Central, Colorado Springs’ “downtown” district, and all it has to offer—breweries, quaint shopping, independent restaurants, mar-kets, festivals, and more.
- Southwest boasts desirable schools and low crime rates.
- This is the closest and most popular area for those attached to 10th Special Forces Group
Things to Consider
- It’s tough to find a house under BAH here, but not impossible. You may get less house for the money, but the perks of such a wonderful neighborhood are worth considering.
- There’s not much new construction, but there are ample renovation opportunities.
- Start your home search early! Inventory is low and moves quickly—often via word of mouth. It’s best to stalk the area before arriving and be positioned to move fast. Working with an experienced real estate agent can be of tremendous value in this market! ‘
- Anyone wanting to work in Denver should avoid central to southern sides of town as it will add at least 30 minutes to an hour to the commute.
By the Numbers
- Population 37,700
- Household Income $68,700
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
School Scoop
- Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 (D12) is one of the area’s most sought-after districts. It’s a much smaller district than the other powerhouses (Academy District 20 and District 11), and some find the intimacy of D12 a welcome addition to the district’s high test scores. Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 is the highest-ranked school district in Colorado.
- It should be noted that D12 does not operate a bus system for transportation to and from school. You are also not guaranteed to be assigned to the school you are zoned to within D12 because of elementary class size limitations. Your child could be assigned to any school in the district.
- In Colorado Springs, you can choice into a school in another district (space allowing), but D12 is difficult to choice into. The only way to guarantee admission is by residing in the district.
- Southwest Colorado Springs has 14 schools. Parts of Southwest Colorado springs are also served by public schools Harrison School District Two, in addition to Cheyenne Mountain School District 12. We suggest verifying your zoning directly with the district.
- The public schools in Southwest Colorado Springs are in Harrison School District Two or Cheyenne Mountain School District 12.
Highlighted Areas
- Broadmoor Glens
- Broadmoor Bluff
West
About
While the wealthy mine owners settled in their palatial estates higher up in the hills, the miners and railroad workers flocked to West Colorado Springs. This area is proud of its blue-collar origins and has remained true to its eclectic roots. Here, you would have found the saloons and shops that were the lifeblood of the old gold rush towns. Some of those pieces of history have been preserved and celebrated in Old Colorado City, which today is a large tourist draw. West is very convenient to Central Colorado City, the “downtown” area, and also near to natural wonders like Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs. If you are looking for homes on an incline, proximity to epic trailheads, and the classic Colorado lifestyle, this is your place.
Neighbors
The inhabitants of West Colorado Springs are as eclectic as the homes. Young couples and singles abound because of the proximity of Central’s shopping and nightlife. Diverse, young, hip, and trendy are all descriptors used to describe the area’s residents.
Neighborhood Feel
Rich in history and character, West has something for everyone. You can find elegant Victorians, quaint arts and crafts bungalows from the ‘20s-‘30s, mid-century ranches, as well as high-end new builds. Nearby quaint shops and restaurants sprinkle life here with its own local flavor.
Neighborhood Info | West
Big Plus
- Heritage and history abound!
- Parks, historic sites, tourist attractions, and natural landmarks are all nearby.
- Here you’ll experience mellow vibes and quintessential Colorado culture and landscape.
- Wildlife is a part of life on the west side of town. Bears, deer, bobcats, even the occasional moose and mountain lion sightings are quite common.
Things to Consider
- West has a very young, hipster feel, and some areas may not be as equipped for families as some other communities, so do your homework.
- Because of recent devastating wildfires, there is a lot of new construction mixed in with the old.
- The homes are fairly affordable for families, but families with children living in the area often attempt to opt into neighboring districts. It is possible to “choice” into other districts, but not guaranteed or even likely in some cases.
- A nearby neighbor to the west, Manitou Springs, has a high water table and 11 springs. Because of this, flooding is an ever-present concern and occurs often. Be aware of flood zones and prepare accordingly if you buy/rent near the springs.
- It’s worth noting that Manitou Springs is regarded as an unofficial hub of Colorado Springs legal weed industry.
By the Numbers
- Population: 65,715
- Household Income: $51,200
- Median Home Value: Home values change rapidly in this market, so ask your real estate agent for a local market analysis.
School Scoop
- In Colorado Springs, you can “choice” into a different school in the district or in another district, space allowing, during the choice application window. The only way to guarantee admission to a school in your district is by residing within the district boundaries.
- The public schools in West Colorado Springs are in Colorado Springs School District 11. West Colorado Springs contains 7 schools, which includes Howbert Elementary, Jackson Elementary, Mann Middle School, and Palmer High School.
Highlighted Areas
- Old Colorado City
- Pleasant Valley
- Mesa Heights
- Gold Hill Mesa
- Crown Hill Mesa
- The Retreat at Cheyenne Mountain
Looking at relocating?
Enter your information below and we will reach out to help the process.
7 Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Home
1. TAX ADVANTAGES
To encourage homeownership, the IRS has provided many tax breaks for owning a home. Credits may be available for specific home improvements, such as using clean energy or for qualified first-time home buyers. The way most homeowners see those advantages is through income tax itemization and deductions like mortgage interest and real estate taxes.
2. STABALIZE MONTHLY HOME COSTS
Owning your own house is one of the safest bets on stabilizing your monthly home costs. There’s no worry of rent getting increased significantly after each year of living in someone else’s home. Additionally, when you answer to yourself, there is no worry of landlord changes or unexpected lease termination.
3. HOUSE HACKING
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
4. Increased Privacy
Generally speaking, house hacking is a smart strategy that involves renting out a portion of your primary residence as a means of generating income to offset your own living expenses. Think turning your finished basement or mother-in-law quarters into an AirBnB! Or consider purchasing a multi-unit duplex or triplex: live on one side and rent out the other! If your home making money while you’re living in it doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s always renting it out after you PCS as an income generating investment property.
5. Pets Are Welcome!
For those who choose to rent instead of buying, it can be extremely difficult to find rentals who allow for your
four-legged, furry friends. Landlords often require hefty pet deposits or place heavy restrictions on the number of pets and breeds they allow—if they will even allow pets. When considering quality of life, including beloved pets and the indoor and outdoor space available to them matters. Having the flexibility to include ALL members of your family as a homeowner is priceless!
6. Pride of Ownership
One of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is the pride of ownership that comes along with it. Not only are homeowners more inclined to take good care of their investment with routine maintenance and cleaning, but also they are free to make design choices ranging from hanging artwork on the walls, to paint colors, to customization of closets, electronics, and more. As military families who relocate frequently, having your home reflect who you really are feels important.
7. Safe and Stable Long Term Investment + Forced Savings
Owning a home has historically been one of the safest, lowest risk financial investments that tends to have long-term stability and success. As your home value appreciates and your mortgage balance decreases, what’s left is growing equity with an eventual paid off home. Making a monthly house payment is akin to setting aside a specific amount each month into a savings account—it’s a little difficult to access in the moment, but over time it can build into something significant in the form of equity.
FIVE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN YOUR RELOCATION PROCESS
Your PCS is underway!
The home buying and moving transition process has begun. Now what? If it feels like there are a million things to do, don’t fret because you don’t have to do them all yourself. During the relocation process, there are many service providers that can assist you in making your move a smooth one.
Consider these five resources to help you in the process
1. MOVING COMPANIES
Sure, the military offers transportation and relocation services, but many service members decide to coordinate the transfer of household goods themselves. Not only can you often earn money on the difference between moving costs and weight allowances, but you can be assured that you have more control over your belongings. Services that moving companies offer can range from delivery of boxes and pods for the “you-pack” model all the way to full-service logistics companies that will do all of the packing, loading, driving, and unpacking for you.
2. STORAGE
Whether you need to store your household goods for a few weeks until you close on your home or you decide that you have more stuff than square footage, storage companies abound. Sizes, conditions, and contracts vary widely so be sure to do your homework before you commit. Particularly in climates with extreme cold, heat, or humidity, it is important to consider using only climate-controlled storage to ensure the protection of your furniture and temporarily unused items.
3. TEMPORARY HOUSING
It is not uncommon for there to be a short gap of time during a military move between when you arrive at your new duty station and your new home being available to inhabit. No longer are hotels the only option for sticking out a few days or weeks during the wait. Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb are great options to make you feel more at home while you wait for your home. In fact, why not take advantage of seeing your new city through the eyes of a tourist? Find a location near new local attractions and dining and enjoy a few days of getting to know the lay of the land.
4. USPS/IRS
Once you get settled in at your new home, it’s important that you alert agencies that will make sure your current and up-to-date address is on file. The United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are two of the most important and by doing so, any important mail or documents in your name should be forwarded or sent along to your new address. It’s also a good idea to notify banks, credit card companies, and other debt collectors of a change of address. These days nearly all of these transactions can be handled online.
5. DISCARD & DONATE SERVICES
No matter how much you purge, toss, organize, minimize, or donate before you pack up the moving truck, it never fails that after you get unpacked on the other side there seems to be more stuff to declutter. Discard and donate services can help with this. Many are a phone call away and will happily come to your residence for a pickup. Others are structured where you simply drop off at a store. A lot of these services are charitable organizations and will offer you documentation for your own taxes based on your donation. It’s a win-win: you downsize by donating, and someone else benefits from your use of your items.
