Colorado Springs is one of the most breathtaking cities to move to and Colorado’s 2nd largest in terms of population. From majestic mountains to beautiful weather, Colorado Springs is truly a gem of a place to live.
Plus, it’s full of fun little neighborhoods that you would love to call home. From the modern ambiance of new developments to downtown city life, and the historic streets of Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs, Colorado Springs has a lot to offer those looking to move here.
The Springs is also relatively close to Denver, which is another big reason so many people choose to live there. It’s just an hour’s drive, pending traffic and road work on Highway I-25. It’s 75MPH in most places. Even still, there are more and more reasons to stay around the Springs, as it continues to grow and grow.
Colorado Springs has just over 500,000 people. Due to its landmass, it’s expected to one day surpass the city of Denver in population (700,000+) due to Denver’s constrained size. Here are a few of the many reasons to move to Colorado Springs, in no particular order:
1. Housing is more affordable (than Denver)
Colorado Springs real estate tends to be more affordable than in other parts of the state, which is a huge reason many people choose to live there. Being that Colorado Springs is only about an hour’s drive away from Denver, many people who work or commute to Denver daily choose to live in Colorado Springs.
The town is also popular among families with children, as it allows them to live in a more suburban area while still having access to Denver. The affordable housing market is one of the biggest draws for Colorado Springs.
2. There is a strong sense of community
Another thing that makes the town so popular is its sense of community. Although a large city, Colorado Springs has more of a suburban feel, making it especially popular among families and married couples.
There is always something to do in the area and plenty of exciting events, whether it’s art festivals, farmers’ markets, or live music. Whatever your interests are, there is truly never a dull moment in El Paso County.
3. Relax and enjoy business casual
Unlike New York City, Boston, and other “dressy” cities, Colorado Springs residents tend to look like they are on the way to a hike in the beautiful Colorado Rockies. Regardless of whether you’re readying to go fishing, camping, or to most work environments, expect to dress casually.
Of course, if you have a formal event, you may need to dress the part, but most Coloradans bring a change of clothes to relax and keep it casual for the remainder of the day.
4. Expect a high quality of life, and not just the elevation
One of the most important things about living in Colorado Springs is the city’s quality of life. Due to the great weather year-round, residents are frequently able to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Bicycling, running, and hiking are all popular forms of exercise in Colorado Springs, keeping its residents happy and healthy.
The city also frequently ranks on lists of cities with the cleanest air, and residents of Colorado Springs can attest to that. Colorado Springs is a well-rounded, happy, and healthy city. With mild weather, (more) affordable housing, and a great quality of life, what’s not to love?
5. Parks galore
Colorado Springs is one of the healthiest cities in America, making it a highly desirable place to move and raise a family. With all the beautiful parks and recreation around, you’ll find it easy to get your exercise in.
There are many public parks throughout the city, from local green spaces with playgrounds to huge open spaces full of interesting topography and wildlife. Stop by Acacia Park in Downtown Colorado Springs to get a feel of the city vibes and then head into nature at Bear Creek Regional Park, just ten minutes apart.
6. Fabulous food and nightlife
Downtown Colorado Springs has no shortage of bars, restaurants, and cafes, and patrons have the unique opportunity to dine with a view of the beautiful Pikes Peak. From bakeries to steakhouses to Mexican restaurants, COS has something to suit everybody’s tastes.
The city also has several restaurants that offer vegan and vegetarian options, which is something many cities haven’t touched on yet. If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll love the variety of dining that Colorado Springs has to offer, especially its fine dining establishments. So exercise, diet, and fun are a check.
7. Natural landmarks
Colorado Springs is the perfect city for people who want to enjoy both the city and the great outdoors. There are many historic sights and natural landmarks in town, which is a huge reason the city continues to attract droves of tourists each year.
One of Colorado Springs’s most notable landmarks is the Garden of the Gods, a public park that allows visitors to view the city’s breathtaking sandstones from various hiking trails and lookout points.
Pikes Peak is another popular hiking spot, as it is the highest peak of the Southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Pikes Peak is also one of the most visited summits in the United States, probably because you can drive to the top at 14,115 feet.
8. Great school systems
It’s especially popular among families with children because the school system is one of the best in the region. Parents can rest assured that their children are getting a top-notch education. Colorado Springs schools generally score high on tests, and high schools are known for their emphasis on preparing students for college.
There are also several colleges and universities in and around the Springs region, and the city is popular among commuter students as well. Two of Colorado’s best colleges, the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Colorado, both have additional campuses in Colorado Springs. There is also Pikes Peak State College, a 2-year community college at the southern end of town.
9. Olympic City USA
As I mentioned before, Colorado Springs is a particularly athletic city. Because Colorado Springs is home to the United States Olympic Committee Headquarters, the city is often referred to as “Olympic City”. It’s home to an Olympic Training Center, which hosts athletes in disciplines from judo to ice skating.
Colorado as a whole sent the 2nd largest number of athletes to the Winter Olympic Games in 2022 in Beijing (behind California). One reason Colorado Springs is so popular among professional athletes and coaches is that it offers amazing natural training grounds at a higher elevation. Most of the city sits above 6,000 feet, with chances to go up over 14,000 feet on Pikes Peak.
10. Dog-friendly city
Residents love their pets just as much as anyone else, and the city itself is very pet-friendly. There are many dog parks in El Paso County to let your furry friends run around with other dogs, as well as countless pet-friendly trails and recreational areas.
One exciting event for dog owners is Pawtoberfest, which benefits the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region. This take on a traditional Oktoberfest happens in mid-September at the historic Union Printers Home in Colorado Springs. Sip on craft beverages, enjoy local food, and explore the pet vendors.
Thanks for checking out our top reasons to move to Colorado Springs. It’s a beautiful and fascinating city, which continues to attract all different demographics of people to this day. Check out this Denver Vs. Colorado Springs article comparing our two largest cities, as well as our top reasons to move to Denver.
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