Colorado Springs, sitting at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, is known for its incredible views, outdoor wonderland, and quiet setting. However, its booming growth in recent years has also made it one of the more affordable options in Colorado that still has access to the big-city amenities of Denver. One of the most important components of moving is deciding which beautiful neighborhood in Colorado Springs will be best for you. Here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Colorado Springs to consider.

Black Forest – Best for open space

If you’re moving to Colorado Springs so that you can have a gorgeous piece of land, then Black Forest might be a great option. Black Forest is a popular neighborhood for those who plan to own horses. It’s common for a home to have between one and five acres of land in this area. Plus, it’s close to plenty of park areas, including Fox Run Regional Park and Black Forest Regional Park.

Pleasant Valley – Best for those looking for charm

Do you regularly find yourself marveling at the charm of quaint homes? If so, then Pleasant Valley might be a great option for you. Most homes in this charming neighborhood were built in the 1960s, and the area is full of mature trees. The Garden of the Gods Park, one of the United States’ most popular tourist destinations, lines one side. Westmoor Park, a lovely park in the area, gives you a beautiful view of Pikes Peak along with general park amenities.

Palmer Park – Best for families with pets

Dog lovers moving to Colorado Springs should look no further than Palmer Park. This neighborhood is in northeast Colorado Springs. The area is bordered by the park that bears its name, which offers plenty of hiking and biking trails, as well as some of the best views in Colorado Springs. Plus, it’s extremely close to the Powers corridor, the main highway on the eastern side of the city, making it easy for you to get anywhere.

Indigo Ranch – Best for modern residents

The Indigo Ranch neighborhood is in the midst of the Powers Corridor, which means that it offers easy access to the freeway, making commuting to other areas simple. It offers the benefits of a modern development, with opportunities to enjoy  modern businesses, including boutiques, shops, and restaurants, as well as access to Jared Jenson Park.

Stetson Hills – Best for those seeking community

Stetson Hills is widely considered to be one of the largest neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, and it’s also generally very affordable. That means it’s a great option for anyone who really wants to find community in their new residence. Plus, Stetson Hills is quite close to Powers Boulevard, which is a great place for shopping and dining. 

Woodmen Hills – Best for green space

As you might expect from the name, Woodmen Hills is a great area for people who love the outdoors. Even though newer communities tend to have smaller yards, the large yards in Woodmen Hills continue to have plenty of appeal. Plus, with all sorts of parks and trails available, you’ll never be wondering where to find some green space.

Skyway Park – Best for established families

The Skyway Park area, including both Lower Skyway and Upper Skyway, also called Top of Skyway, is a great place for families who are interested in settling in Colorado Springs for some time. Bordered by Bear Creek Park and North Cheyenne Canon Park, also spelled North Cheyenne Cañon Park, this neighborhood offers a variety of green parks and general outdoors opportunities, making it a great option for any families with outdoor enthusiasts.

Crystal Park – Best for privacy

Crystal Park is known for being a gorgeous gated community that’s right near the mountains. The area merges beautifully into Pike National Forest, an area famous for being both stunning and perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you’re sitting on your front porch looking out over the park or you’re taking some time to visit the forest itself, Crystal Park will provide as much privacy as you want.

Meridian Ranch – Best for community amenities

Meridian Ranch is a great neighborhood for people who want to  take advantage of community amenities, such as the area’s 42,000-square-foot Meridian Ranch Recreation Center, as well as the Antler Creek Golf Course. Not only that, but the homes in this area also have a reputation for being fairly affordable, which means that you can avail yourself of high-end community amenities while also enjoying the spread-out homes available at a great price.

Springs Ranch – Best for peace and quiet

While Springs Ranch is a great family-friendly community, offering both apartments and single-family homes, it’s also a very quiet neighborhood. The area doesn’t pride itself on its restaurants and boutiques, but instead on the fact that the area stays quiet and beautiful. Plus, you’re really only a quick drive to First & Main Town Center, so if you want to go into town, it’s always available.

Sanctuary Pointe – Best for outdoor enjoyment

If the parks and general greenery of Colorado Springs are the main reasons that you choose to move to Colorado Springs, then Sanctuary Pointe may be a great place to try. Whether you’re interested in walking, hiking, or running outdoors, Sanctuary Pointe is a great place to access Fox Run Regional Park, one of Colorado Springs’ most famous parks. Plus, homes are generally very new, and the home designs in this area can be truly monumental.

Briargate – Best for commuters

If you’re looking for the best back-and-forth commute in Colorado Springs, then you might be looking for Briargate. Families may also enjoy the highly rated schools, like Frontier Elementary School and Rampart High School, as well as the large parks and major shopping centers. Finally, if you’re thinking about commuting to Denver, the capital of Colorado, Briargate could be perfect, as it’s only about an hour away.

Northgate – Best for military families

Northgate is well-known for being very close to the United States Air Force Academy, which means that it attracts plenty of military families and veterans. It’s only 15 minutes away from downtown Colorado Springs making for easy access to dining and entertainment. The area’s appeal to military members has also made it a hotspot for breweries and restaurants. Home prices have stayed relatively affordable overall.

Short-term rentals in Colorado Springs

Before you move, you might want to try out a short-term rental in Colorado Springs first. As opposed to hotels, which are usually in urban areas, short-term rentals are the same homes that you might be interested in renting or buying. Short-term rentals can give you a better feel for what it’s like living in a specific neighborhood. Some of the best neighborhoods for short-term rentals include Middle Shooks Run and the Colorado College area, which are walkable and close to the best places in the city. A short-term rental might be the best way for you to access more information about different neighborhoods.

Frequently asked questions about living in Colorado Springs

What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Colorado Springs?

The two most affordable neighborhoods in Colorado Springs are Old Colorado City, with average rent of about $950 per month for a one-bedroom, and Cragmoor, where rent is $975 per month for a one-bedroom on average. Remember that average rental prices can change rapidly, so always check Zumper’s Rent Research tool before you start looking at neighborhoods.

Is it especially expensive to live in Colorado Springs?

The cost of living is always fluctuating, and when a city is growing as rapidly as Colorado Springs, that price may fluctuate even more significantly. However, on average, Colorado Springs is only 8% more expensive to live in than the national average. It’s also less expensive than Denver, which has a cost of living at 14% higher than the average. Plus, many neighborhoods still provide highly affordable real estate.

Is Colorado Springs a good retirement town?

More active retirees may find Colorado Springs is one of the best places to retire in the nation. In Colorado Springs, you’re very likely to find people out and about all days of the year, which means that if you love the idea of shopping, dining, and enjoying your retirement, Colorado Springs is one of the retirement towns that will likely pop up on your radar.

What’s the weather like in Colorado Springs?

One of the main reasons people choose to live in Colorado Springs is simply because the weather is gorgeous, especially if you love the cool mountain air. Temperatures peak in July when the highest highs tend to be around 84 degrees Fahrenheit. But even during the winter months, temperatures often stay above freezing. Generally, Colorado Springs is a great place to live if you don’t mind a bit of chill during the winter.

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