Moving to Colorado Springs? Welcome. We thought it might help if you knew our top 5 reasons why you’re going to love it.
Why Move to Colorado Springs?
If you or someone you know is considering a move to Colorado Springs, Colorado anytime soon, make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Is moving to Colorado Springs for you? We will do our best to lay out the facts of why we love this city. Before we get into the top 5 reasons why you should move to Colorado Springs, here are some basic facts about our beautiful city:
- Total Population of El Paso County 713,856 (2018)
- Unemployment Rate 3.5% (2019)
- Median Home Price $332,000 (July 2019)
- Median Household Income $58,158 (2019)
- Average Number of Sunny Days Per Year: 300
(Sources: Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, Pikes Peak Association of Realtors)
Now for the Top 5 Reason Why You Should Move To Colorado Springs
- Climate
Colorado Springs is a high alpine desert. Yes, a desert. Not the type you would find in Arizona though, the climate here is cool, dry and offers a much more mild to dry winter along with sunny, warm summers. Here’s a fun fact: Colorado Springs is one of the most active lightning strike areas in the entire United States. So much so that this led Nikola Tesla to Colorado Springs to build a lab to study electricity. Don’t let that alarm you, many Colorado Springs residents enjoy watching the light show during our summer rainstorms.
The winter months in Colorado Springs range from mild to moderately cold, with December and January being by far the coldest months, averaging 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Believe it or not, 30 degrees doesn’t feel so bad in our dry climate during the day, but with temperatures commonly dropping below zero at night, you may not want to be outside too long once the sun goes down.
Springtime is when the buds are breaking out and mid-day temps are warming up with lots of sunshine, but it is also when we get some of our heaviest snowfall. Snow disappears quickly during this time of year, though, so be prepared with versatile layers as the day warms up.
Summers in Colorado Springs, Colorado are absolutely gorgeous. In our very biased opinion, summertime in Colorado Springs is ranked number one in the world… With temperatures reaching up as high as the 90’s and then dropping into the very comfortable 60’s and 70’s in the evening, our long summer days are enjoyed to the max.
Fall is arguably the locals’ favorite time of year, and you’ll see why when you get here. The leaves are changing into bright yellows and oranges, the air is crisp, the days are warm, and nights are cool. Nostalgia fills the air as people everywhere are sipping pumpkin lattes, wrapped in scarves, and planning day trips through the aspen tree groves to watch the autumn splendor unfold. Our biased opinion, once again, is that Colorado Springs is without a doubt one of the best places to be during fall (or “sweater weather,” as some like to say).
We hope you get our point. Our mountain climate helps create our version of paradise.
- Mountains
Near and dear to the hearts of many Coloradans are our beloved mountains and all the activities you will have access to when you move to Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs sits at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and the base of a rather famous mountain; Pikes Peak. You may have heard about it in a song. Pikes Peak is 14,115 feet above sea level (also known as a fourteener) and located in Pike National Forest, only 12 miles west of downtown Colorado Springs. This mountain is the biggest tourist attraction for Colorado Springs among other things. If you like biking, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, or just peacefully gazing out at the beauty seen in our mountains, you will find Colorado Springs a fitting place to call home.
Along the western edge of Colorado Springs you’ll observe stunning peaks and valleys of the Rocky Mountains which can be enjoyed up-close as you drive through Highway 24, also referred to as “The Pass.” This highway runs alongside the historic town of Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak, and the charming mountain towns of Chipita Park, Cascade, and Green Mountain Falls.
Aside from the mountain highways immediately within reach, the locals look forward to driving through stunning Colorado State Parks (especially during the fall) such as Golden Gate Canyon and Rocky Mountain National. Miles south of Colorado Springs you will find Wolf Creek Pass where you will definitely want to pull over and let the breathtaking scenery of the San Juan Mountains make you forget you are on a highway.
Last, but certainly not least, is one of the most visited regions in the State, Summit County. Just a couple hours away from Colorado Springs, you will find a slew of charming mountain towns and home to many of Colorado’s most popular ski resorts, such as Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, and Keystone. Winter obviously offers plenty of options for play, but many aren’t aware that summers in the resorts are just as enjoyable. Between hiking trails, mountain biking, resort events, camping, and so much more, you won’t be bored.
With everything there is to do throughout our gorgeous mountain ranges regardless of season, a list of top 5 reasons why you should move to Colorado Springs wouldn’t be complete without them.
- Stable Economy
Aside from enjoying the lifestyle, another top reason so many move to Colorado Springs is the booming economy. Noted as one of the top cities in the country to find a job, especially for those in IT, and with a low 3.5% unemployment rate, there is no debate that opportunities in our beloved city are plentiful. Just drive around and you will see new development all over Colorado Springs. From the urban renewal in the South to the explosive growth along Northgate, and the buzz of Downtown to the East side expansion, there is no shortage of development.
It is no secret that further strengthening our economy is the robust military presence stemming from Fort Carson, Schriever, Peterson and the Air Force Academy. Providing a large population of service members, these bases serve as an anchor to our population that in turn bolsters the local economy and attracts businesses. Furthermore, because so many have been stationed in this beautiful city, there are a number of Veterans that ultimately choose to call Colorado Springs home for the long haul and many more government contractors find unique employment opportunities here.
When you look at the bigger picture, the bottom line is that this economy enjoys both the national upticks as they come and a stabilization that withstands the down turns as well, providing one more real solid reason you should move to Colorado Springs.
- Real Estate
We had to throw this one in, right? Of course we may be biased since this is what we see and do in our day-to-day, but the numbers speak for themselves. Just in the last 2 years alone, our average home price has jumped 20%, yielding many very happy sellers. Of course, it isn’t just about homeowners turning a quick profit, though many are, but truly our variety of home styles, options, price ranges, and communities give prospective buyers a lot to choose from.
One little known fact that many out-of-state buyers discover is our extraordinarily low property taxes. With less of the monthly mortgage payment going to taxes as perhaps in other parts of the country, that means buyers can reach a little higher with purchase price qualification. Many consider retiring in Colorado Springs for this reason, in addition to the others of course. Some neighborhoods you will find the tax rate comes out to be close to a half percent!
Lastly, land is plentiful. Many aspire to buy their own land and build their dream homes, thankfully this dream can become a reality with how much land is still available throughout the county. Lots with acreage are very common, and some even still at reasonable prices. Want land? No problem.
5. Lifestyle & Health
Rounding out our top 5 reasons why you should move to Colorado Springs has to be the individual lifestyle this region offers. Making the list among the top 10 healthiest states in the US, it should not come as a surprise that locals climb a mile of straight stairs for fun. But it isn’t just attractions like the incline, the outdoor activities and the culture that comes along with them has a strong impact on the health of our residents. Not to mention, the air quality, pure water, and general health consciousness that is represented in Colorado Springs. In fact, not long ago in one national survey we ranked third most health-conscious city in the country.
The altitude can be a little much for some with certain health conditions, but for others, such as athletes, being at a higher elevation has provided certain advantages over their low-land colleagues. But altitude sickness is no joke, so when you get here, don’t push yourself too hard and be sure to drink lots of water. Speaking of water, once you’ve been spoiled by our crisp and refreshing mountain water, no other place in the country can compare (our personal opinion). But really, it’s that good.
Not convinced yet? Believe me when I say we’re just scratching the surface here. We would love to learn more about your situation and what reasons you are looking to move. Whether voluntary or involuntary, let us help you make your transition seamless and enjoyable by contacting one of the highly skilled Realtors at Venterra Real Estate.