Moving to Colorado Springs What to Expect
Colorado Springs is one of the top places for young families and young professionals to move to. With a bustling city center and several family-friendly neighborhoods, it’s easy to see why it’s a prime location. In fact, some experts think it will overtake Denver in popularity in the next 30 years!
If you’re planning on making the move to Colorado Springs, here’s an easy guide on what to expect of your new home.
The Climate of Colorado Springs
Something that never fails to surprise new Colorado Springs residents is the air. Because Colorado Springs is at an elevation of 6,000 feet, the thin air may surprise those used to being closer to sea level. It’s important to take physical activity easy and prepare to make adjustments in your first few weeks. You’ll adjust to the elevation in no time!
Another thing you’ll have to adjust to is big temperature swings! Colorado Springs is in the high desert and experiences 4 distinct seasons and a variety of temperatures. Its always good practice to bring a light jacket with you in the warmer seasons. You may leave the house when it’s bright and sunny and find the temperature fluctuates as much as 50 degrees!
Generally, Colorado Springs experiences sunny summers that are perfect for rock climbing adventures, kayaking in nearby rivers and lakes or other outdoor adventures! Residents also make the best out of icy winters with snow sports. Cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snomobiles, tubing, and ice skating are all favorite pasttimes.
Lifestyle
One thing that sets Colorado Springs apart from other cities is the dedication to fitness. This is in part because there are so many physical adventures to be had in the great outdoors, and in part, because Colorado Springs is host to a ton of Olympians.
Colorado Springs, or the Olympic City as it’s sometimes nicknamed, is home to theU.S. Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the Olympic Museum. It’s not unusual to see celebrity athletes trail-running, biking or enjoyinng the great outdoors right along with you.
Because of the natural emphasis on fitness and physical activities, the dress code in Colorado Springs is pretty casual. Most residents go about their days in athleisure wear. However, it’s important to dress for the weather, since the temperatures do fluctuate so often!
Get Outdoors
Colorado Springs has some of the most beautiful and unique outdoor experiences right in its backyard. In fact, the Garden of the Gods is within city limits!
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is rated one of the top parks in the nation. It’s full of accessible walking and hiking trails, panoramic views of Pikes Peak and magnificent red rock formations.
You can also walk your furry friends through the park, and there’s even an off-leash area.
Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon is full of hiking loops with views of Garden of the Gods. Also, there’s a free ride bike park right in the park!
Royal Gorge Park
The Royal Gorge yawns 1,000 feet into the earth. Scenic overlooks stare deep into the chasm, and winding hiking trails and bike loops make this a lovely area to get some exercise.
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
The Cave of the Winds are millions of years old, but were only discovered about 150 years go. Early legends from the Jicarilla Apaches tell of a cave where the Great Spirit of the Wind resided. It was officially discovered by Arthur B. Love, a local settler in 1869.
Today, you can explore the caves by spelunking, go on tours and attend special events. Also, you can attend a thrilling virtual reality ride in the Magic Lantern Theatre, climb outdoors in the Via Ferrata, and the thrilling 40 mph outdoor ride over the canyon known as the Bat-a-pult!
The park is friendly for children, with educational displays and geology lessons for exploring kiddos.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Another popular attraction is the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. This high-altitude zoo features amazing giraffe exhibits, as well as monkey and tiger exhibits. There are also thrilling exhibits for the kiddos, such as a historical carousel, a SkyLift ride and hands-on animal encounters and educational opportunities for kids and adults alike. The Loft attraction also allows you to work in a hands-on environment with zoo staff, learning about the practice and study of zoology.
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo plays an important role in teaching conservation and preservation of the animal kingdom and all its inhabitants. The zoo is a crowd favorite among the residents of Colorado Spring, and will become a favorite of yours, too!
