Colorado Springs: The Other Side of the Front Range

Colorado Springs has quietly become one of the most popular destinations in the American West. Sitting at the base of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, the city combines dramatic natural beauty with a strong military presence, a growing tech sector, and a cost of living that undercuts Denver by a wide margin. With a population pushing 500,000 in the city proper and over 750,000 in the metro area, Colorado Springs is no longer Denver's little sibling — it is a destination in its own right.

For military families, defense contractors, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone priced out of Denver or Boulder, Colorado Springs deserves serious consideration.

Military City USA

Colorado Springs is one of the most military-concentrated cities in the country. The defense community is not just a presence here — it is the economic and cultural backbone of the city.

Fort Carson: Located on the city's southern edge, Fort Carson is home to the 4th Infantry Division and multiple support units. It is one of the Army's largest installations, employing thousands of soldiers and civilians. The surrounding communities of Fountain and Security-Widefield are largely military-connected.

Peterson Space Force Base: Headquarters of the United States Space Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), Peterson is central to America's space and missile defense operations. The base is located on the city's east side near the airport.

Schriever Space Force Base: About 15 miles east of the city, Schriever handles satellite operations for the Space Force. It is a growing installation with increasing civilian employment.

United States Air Force Academy: Located just north of the city, the Academy is both a military institution and a significant employer. Its campus, with its iconic Cadet Chapel, is one of Colorado's most visited landmarks.

NORAD and Cheyenne Mountain: The famous Cheyenne Mountain Complex, buried deep inside a granite mountain, remains operational as NORAD's alternate command center. It is a symbol of the city's deep defense ties.

For military families executing a PCS move, Colorado Springs has extensive support infrastructure — military-friendly schools, veteran service organizations, and a community that genuinely understands military life. Housing near the bases varies widely, from affordable apartments in Fountain to upscale developments in Briargate.

Garden of the Gods and the Outdoor Life

Garden of the Gods is not a state or national park — it is a free city park, and it is one of the most spectacular public parks in America. Towering red sandstone formations rise against the backdrop of Pikes Peak, and the park offers hiking, rock climbing, cycling, and horseback riding. For residents, it functions as a neighborhood amenity — many locals run or bike through it daily.

Beyond Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs offers access to North Cheyenne Canyon Park, the Incline (a grueling 2,768-step stair climb), Palmer Park, and the Pikes Peak Highway. The city's trail system is extensive and well-maintained. For serious mountain recreation, the Collegiate Peaks and Sangre de Cristo ranges are within a two-hour drive.

Neighborhoods and Where to Live

The Broadmoor

Colorado Springs' most prestigious neighborhood sits at the base of Cheyenne Mountain, anchored by the legendary Broadmoor Hotel. Homes here are large, expensive, and nestled among trees with mountain views. Prices range from $700,000 to well over $2 million. It is quiet, established, and exclusive.

Old Colorado City

The original Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City has evolved into an artsy, eclectic neighborhood with galleries, independent shops, and local restaurants along West Colorado Avenue. Homes range from historic Victorian cottages to newer builds, with prices from $350,000 to $600,000. It has character that newer parts of the city lack and is close to both Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs.

Briargate

North of the city, Briargate is a large master-planned area popular with families and military personnel from the Air Force Academy and Peterson. It is suburban, well-organized, with good schools and shopping. Homes range from $380,000 to $650,000. It is not particularly charming, but it is functional and family-friendly.

Flying Horse

An upscale golf community on the city's northeast side, Flying Horse features custom homes, a championship golf course, and resort-style amenities. Home prices start around $600,000 and climb past $1.5 million. It attracts military officers, defense executives, and retirees who want luxury in a quieter setting.

Manitou Springs

Technically its own municipality, Manitou Springs sits at the entrance to Pikes Peak and has a distinct, funky personality. It is artsy, hippie-adjacent, and walkable with mineral springs, quirky shops, and the Cog Railway. Housing is limited and prices have risen, but it offers a lifestyle nothing else in the area can match.

Fountain and Security-Widefield

South of the city near Fort Carson, these communities are the most affordable options in the metro area. Homes start in the low $300,000s, and the areas are heavily military-connected. Amenities are more limited, but for budget-conscious buyers, especially military families, they are practical choices.

Cost of Living: The Denver Alternative

The primary financial argument for Colorado Springs over Denver is housing. Median home prices in Colorado Springs hover around $430,000 in 2025, compared to $580,000 in Denver. Rents are also lower — a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,200 to $1,600, versus $1,500 to $2,200 in Denver.

Beyond housing, daily costs are comparable. Groceries, utilities, and transportation track close to Denver prices. However, Colorado Springs has a higher sales tax rate (8.2 percent combined) than Denver (8.81 percent), so the difference is marginal on purchases. The city's property tax rates are moderate and comparable to Denver metro averages.

The trade-off is employment. While the job market is strong in defense, cybersecurity, and healthcare, Colorado Springs lacks Denver's breadth in tech, finance, and corporate headquarters. If you work remotely or in defense-related fields, the savings are clear. If you need Denver's job market, the 70-mile commute on I-25 is feasible but grueling — about 75 to 90 minutes each way.

Growth and Growing Pains

Colorado Springs' rapid growth has strained infrastructure. Traffic has worsened significantly, particularly along I-25 and Powers Boulevard. The city's water supply, drawn primarily from snowmelt and reservoirs, faces long-term sustainability questions as the population grows. New development has pushed east and north into previously undeveloped prairie, raising questions about sprawl and wildfire risk.

The city's culture is more conservative than Denver or Boulder, shaped by its military heritage and the presence of organizations like Focus on the Family. This is shifting as new residents arrive, but it remains a noticeable cultural difference for transplants from more liberal cities.