Moving to Colorado Springs: What to Know Before You Go

If orders are taking you to Colorado Springs, you’re headed to one of the most unique military communities in the country. With several military installations throughout the area, incredible mountain views, endless outdoor recreation, and plenty to explore, Colorado Springs has a lot to offer.

Whether you’re PCSing to Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, or the U.S. Air Force Academy, getting familiar with the area before you arrive can make your move feel a whole lot easier.

Welcome to Colorado Springs

Sitting at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs offers a combination that’s hard to beat: city conveniences with incredible access to the outdoors.

One of the first things you’ll probably notice is the view. Pikes Peak towers over the area at more than 14,000 feet, and hiking, biking, parks, scenic drives, and weekend adventures are never far away.

Colorado Springs also has a significant military presence and is home to several major military installations. PCS moves, deployments, VA loans, and military life are a familiar part of the community.

Finding the Right Area for Your PCS

There isn’t one perfect place to live in Colorado Springs. The right location will depend on your duty station, desired commute, budget, housing preferences, school needs, and the type of lifestyle you’re looking for.

Depending on your duty station and commute preferences, areas you may want to research include Fountain, Security-Widefield, Monument, Falcon, Peyton, and neighborhoods throughout Colorado Springs.

Fort Carson is located on the southern side of the Colorado Springs area, while Peterson Space Force Base is on the eastern side of the city. Schriever Space Force Base is farther east, and the U.S. Air Force Academy is located north of Colorado Springs.

One of our biggest PCS tips: check your actual commute before choosing a home. Colorado Springs covers a large area, and a home that looks close on a map may not offer the commute you expected.

Things to Do in Colorado Springs

If you love being outside, you’re moving to the right place.

Garden of the Gods is one of the area’s most recognizable destinations, with towering red rock formations, views of Pikes Peak, and miles of trails. Even better, admission to the park and Visitor & Nature Center is free.

Then there’s Pikes Peak itself. Whether you explore by car, train, bike, or on foot, it’s one of Colorado’s most iconic destinations.

A few other places to add to your Colorado Springs bucket list include:

• Garden of the Gods

• Pikes Peak

• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

• Manitou Springs

• The Broadmoor Seven Falls

• U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum

• Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

• Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

• Old Colorado City

• The Manitou Incline

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And when you have a long weekend, Colorado gives you plenty more to explore. Denver, Breckenridge, Vail, Rocky Mountain National Park, and mountain towns throughout the state make for great road-trip destinations.

A Few Things to Know Before You Arrive

The elevation is real. Colorado Springs sits more than 6,000 feet above sea level. If you’re coming from somewhere closer to sea level, give yourself some time to adjust and remember to stay hydrated.

Colorado gets plenty of sunshine, but don’t underestimate the weather. Snow, cold temperatures, strong sunshine, and quick temperature changes can all be part of life along the Front Range.

Your commute matters. Before falling in love with a home, map the drive to your installation during the hours you’ll actually be commuting.

Explore your options. Colorado Springs and its surrounding communities offer a variety of housing styles, settings, and commute options. Take some time to decide what matters most to you before narrowing your home search.

Buying a Home During Your PCS?

Buying a home from another state can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re working around military orders, report dates, temporary lodging, household goods, and a timeline you didn’t exactly get to choose.

Before you start looking at homes, take some time to research the areas surrounding your duty station, establish a realistic commute radius, and talk with a lender who truly understands VA financing if you plan to use your VA loan benefit.

Having the right people in your corner can make a huge difference when you’re trying to coordinate a move from hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

Your Colorado Springs PCS Starts Here

Moving somewhere new comes with a million questions.

Where should we start looking? What will the commute be like? Should we rent or buy? What should we know before we arrive?

That’s exactly why we created Coast 2 Coast Connect.

As military spouses, we know that a PCS isn’t simply a change of address. It’s learning a new area, finding your people, building a new routine, and trying to make somewhere unfamiliar start feeling like home.

Our goal is to connect you with helpful resources and trusted local professionals who can make your transition a little easier, so you can spend less time stressing about the move and more time getting excited about what’s ahead.

Welcome to Colorado Springs. Your next adventure starts here.