Living in Colorado Springs Pros and Cons
There are endless pros and cons to living in Colorado. Today, we’re focusing on a popular metro area, Colorado Springs. Known for its majestic mountain ranges and beautiful sprawling city, Colorado Springs has consistently ranked one of the best places to live in America. It is surrounded by beautiful, diverse landscapes and features plenty to do for residents. Some of the best universities in Colorado are located in the Springs. Additionally, it’s well known for for its multiple military outposts, which stimulate local industries and the economy. As a result, it’s making for a very prosperous area for young professionals and families alike! Here’s what you should know about living in Colorado Springs pros and cons.
As Colorado Springs continues to be one of the most sought after destinations, the city is experiencing change as it adapts to growth.
Pro: You’ll Have Plenty of Areas to Work Out and Get Fit
Fitness is a culture in Colorado Springs. The primary reason is that there are several close state and city parks with winding biking and walking trails, challenging hikes, and rivers, lakes and streams for kayaking, paddleboarding and other sports. And that’s just in the summer! Colorado Springs also has a hearty winter season for residents to enjoying skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and other winter sports.
In town, you definitely won’t find a shortage of yoga studios, dance classes, gyms, cycling, rowing, and other fitness trends. Even if you haven’t always been a fitness enthusiast, you’ll probably pick up some healthy habits.
Pro: Affordable Living
Among a list of metro areas across the country, Colorado Springs continually ranks among metro cities that are relatively affordable. Colorado Springs economy continues to grow and while property prices are steadily increasing, living wages are also reflecting stronger jobs. Rental prices in Colorado Springs are significantly lower than other metro areas such as Boston, LA, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, and others. Median rent prices in this area of Colorado are just over $1,200 per month.
Some of the most affordable areas and neighborhoods in Colorado Springs include:
- Summerfield
- Mesa Ridge
- Security
- Stratmoor Hills
- Southeast Colorado Springs
Check our Urban Phenix rental properties in Colorado Springs at the Gardens at Hidden Creek.
Pro/Con: Colorado Springs Doesn’t See Lengthy Winter Weather
Seasonal average temperatures in Colorado Springs:
- Spring – 24° F (low) / 79° F (high)
- Summer – 50° F (low) / 84° F (high)
- Fall – 34° F (low) / 74° F (high)
- Winter – 6° F (low) / 45° F (high)
Living in Colorado Springs pros and cons includes this quick fact. Colorado Springs is located in what is nicknamed the “banana belt”, where warm, sunny weather is usually up to 300 days out of the year! Even when the city sees a winter storm and flurries of snow up to 8 to 12 inches, it will usually be completely gone within 3 days and the sun will be shining again.
If you love snow, take advantage of fresh pow when it comes, and don’t expect long winters or many days of cloudy, rainy weather. Another interesting side note to consider is that the sun really sets at different times during the year. Some areas don’t feel daylight savings time as heavily as Colorado Springs, but keep in mind that in Spring, the sun sets very early because of the surrounding mountains.
The weather fluctuates quite a bit in the Front Range, with different temperatures throughout the day. Some residents find the altitude fluctuation and different weather patterns to be drying, so stock up on your lotion when you move to Colorado Springs.
Pro: The City is Growing, But Doesn’t Feel Like a Big City
Colorado Springs is huge and is even forecasted to overtake Denver in terms of population within the next decade. However, the sprawling city manages to avoid that cramped, big city feel. Most residents of downtown areas still feel like they’re living in a suburb due to thoughtful city planning and a breathable population density throughout Colorado Springs.
Plus, if you ever start to get a little cramped in the city, you can escape into the towering rock formations in Garden of the Gods or the surrounding peaks like the iconic Pikes Peak in thirty minutes or less. The frontier wilderness is at your back door, anytime you need some peace and quiet! In every cardinal direction, you’ll find a different version of Colorado’s diverse and beautiful landscape.
Pro: The Economy of Colorado Springs is Healthy
As we mentioned before, the military outposts, colleges, and airports all located within Colorado Springs stimulate the local economy and create tons of jobs for the residents. Not only this, but huge industry leaders like Amazon regularly move into Colorado Springs and further stimulate the economy with jobs.
The local airport is also pouring money into expanding the airport facilities with runways, gates and other renovations to increase the traffic of travelers and planes coming into the Front Range.
Con: The City is Having Growing Pains
Exponential growth in a city always comes with growing pains. With plenty of residents moving in to take advantage of choice jobs or to escape the high cost of living of other places, the city is having to keep pace with the scale of its growth and adjust. Housing developments are springing up daily, and new public infrastructure like police stations, medical centers and more are regularly planned to keep pace with expansion. However, the need for more infrastructure is always there before new buildings and organizations go up.
Living in Colorado Springs pros and cons lists can help you make the most informed decision when deciding to move to this beautiful metro list. There are plenty more features that residents love. Keep this in mind when moving to Colorado Springs, and get involved with city and neighborhood government where you can to help address community needs!
