Best thing about Colorado Springs nobody appreciates
Hey everyone, We relocated for my husband's job in legal. The weather averaging 48F year-round is {weather_feel}. Public transit is a work in progress - you'll want a car. Would love local perspectives.
28 upvotes
50 Replies
Olivia Williams
I've been in Downtown for 10 years and Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.
50 upvotes
Ryan W.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Colorado Springs guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Broadmoor: best food in the city
- Falcon: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Manitou Springs: hidden gem, locals only know
- Gold Hill Mesa: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: underrated compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. Colorado Springs is growing but it's not for everyone. If you value space over walkability, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Boston.
49 upvotes
Serenity Sanders
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Colorado Springs guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Broadmoor: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Old Colorado City: family-friendly with good parks
Tier 2 (best value):
- Cordera: great community feel
- Cheyenne Mountain: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: hit or miss compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. Colorado Springs is pricey but it's not for everyone. If you value space over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Portland.
49 upvotes
Serenity G.
Worked in logistics here for 10 years. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. The market is improving right now if you're in that field.
49 upvotes
Abigail M.
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If cultural diversity matters most, then yeah Colorado Springs is great. But if you need walkability, might want to look at Wolf Ranch instead.
48 upvotes
Kaylee Ramos
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Cheyenne Mountain, Manitou Springs, and currently in Flying Horse. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Cheyenne Mountain: /mo for a 3-bed
- Manitou Springs: about /mo
- Flying Horse: /mo but solid
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Colorado Springs really clicks. DM me if you want more details.
43 upvotes
Eva Lee
Food industry person here. The restaurant scene in Colorado Springs is underrated. The parks system here is underrated..
42 upvotes
Hailey B.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Colorado Springs.
Background: 23, empty nester, moved from Portland 10 years ago for family. Currently in Cordera.
**Housing:**
The market is great right now. We went with Cordera because it was walkable. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Downtown - it's quiet and the value is better.
**Work:**
construction jobs are strong here. I was worried coming from Portland but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect decent if you negotiate.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 17 months were tough. Then I found my people through neighbors. Now I have a solid group. Colorado Springs people are friendly once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: improving rapidly
- Entertainment: plenty to do on weekends
**Would I move here again?**
I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. For students, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
42 upvotes
Isabella S.
Word.
41 upvotes
Aurora Walker
As someone who lives in Old Colorado City, The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. That said, it's not for everyone.
41 upvotes
Alice W.
I had the opposite experience.
40 upvotes
Riley Adams
Great question. Here's my honest take after 9 years:
The good:
- Good parks and trails
- Growing job market
- Good schools in certain areas
The not-so-good:
- Tourist crowds
- Homelessness visible downtown
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. I'd say for singles, Colorado Springs is underrated. DM me if you want more details.
40 upvotes
Aiden Moore
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Cordera from Atlanta about 8 years ago. Initially I loved it immediately. But after settling in, The suburbs vs city debate here is real..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Cordera and Broadmoor for housing
- Give it at least 6 months before deciding if it's for you
- Visit during different seasons if you can
The biggest adjustment was weather. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. Overall I'd give Colorado Springs a 8/10 for singles.
39 upvotes
Benjamin Wilson
My experience has been different actually. I found that I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. Maybe it depends on which part of Colorado Springs you're in.
37 upvotes
Skylar
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a young professional in Wolf Ranch. Been here since 2017. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
Neighborhood-wise, Wolf Ranch has really grown in the past few years. Briargate is the up-and-coming spot right now. Old Colorado City is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for legal: solid. For healthcare: quiet.
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.
Hope that helps!
37 upvotes
Serenity Brown
Renter's perspective: I could find cheaper but love the neighborhood. I'm in Northgate and it's underrated. Definitely shop around though.
37 upvotes
Serenity Brown
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Northgate from Kansas City about 12 years ago. Initially I was excited but nervous. But after settling in, Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Northgate and Flying Horse for housing
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
The biggest adjustment was dating scene. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. Overall I'd give Colorado Springs a 7/10 for students.
35 upvotes
Mateo Thompson
As someone who lives in Old Colorado City, Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. That said, your experience might vary by neighborhood.
34 upvotes
Owen
Food industry person here. The restaurant scene in Colorado Springs is decent. The parks system here is underrated..
34 upvotes
Grayson
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Colorado Springs.
Background: 31, young professional, moved from Nashville 8 years ago for quality of life. Currently in Gold Hill Mesa.
**Housing:**
The market is solid right now. We went with Gold Hill Mesa because the price was right. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Falcon - it's established and the value is better.
**Work:**
engineering jobs are decent here. I was worried coming from Nashville but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect about 10-15% less than coastal cities.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 10 months were tough. Then I found my people through a kickball league. Now I have a solid group. Colorado Springs people are warm once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: surprisingly excellent
- Entertainment: solid local scene
**Would I move here again?**
The parks system here is underrated.. For students, I'd give it a 9/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
33 upvotes
Melanie Wood
It's gotten worse recently.
33 upvotes
Andrew Lee
Following because I'm curious too.
32 upvotes
cool_kinsley19
You're not wrong.
32 upvotes
portland_caroline
Great question. Here's my honest take after 11 years:
The good:
- Growing job market
- Good airport
- Strong arts and culture scene
The not-so-good:
- Parking is a nightmare
- Pollen season is no joke
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. I'd say for singles, Colorado Springs is hit or miss. Feel free to ask specifics.
32 upvotes
Hannah J.
Seconding this.
32 upvotes
Emmett Turner
I'd highly recommend checking out Briargate. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Plus the food options around there are underrated.
31 upvotes
Leo R.
Homeowner in Wolf Ranch since 2024. The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. Property values have gone up steadily which is surprising honestly.
28 upvotes
Camila Jones
You're not wrong.
27 upvotes
Nora J.
TIL.
25 upvotes
Leonardo J.
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Old Colorado City vs Falcon: completely different vibes. Old Colorado City is more pretty good with a younger crowd and nightlife. Falcon is growing and better for families.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Old Colorado City. In Falcon you can find stuff for /mo.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.
24 upvotes
Caleb R.
My experience has been different actually. I found that People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Maybe it depends on which part of Colorado Springs you're in.
23 upvotes
Bella Rogers
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Colorado Springs.
Background: 35, freelancer, moved from Charlotte 10 years ago for school. Currently in Old Colorado City.
**Housing:**
The market is underrated right now. We went with Old Colorado City because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Gold Hill Mesa - it's pricey and the value is better.
**Work:**
retail jobs are strong here. I was worried coming from Charlotte but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 7 months were tough. Then I found my people through neighbors. Now I have a solid group. Colorado Springs people are genuine once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: honestly terrible
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: solid local scene
**Would I move here again?**
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
20 upvotes
Gerald H.
Night shift worker - Colorado Springs at 3am is excellent. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel..
18 upvotes
Jack Lewis
Same experience here.
17 upvotes
Ariana Cooper
Just to add another data point - we moved from Seattle about 7 years ago. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. No regrets so far.
17 upvotes
Nora Roberts
Lol so true.
15 upvotes
Everly Sanders
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Black Forest, Cordera, and currently in Rockrimmon. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Black Forest: /mo for a 3-bed
- Cordera: about /mo
- Rockrimmon: /mo but decent
The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Colorado Springs really clicks. Feel free to ask specifics.
14 upvotes
Jackson Wright
It's gotten better recently.
14 upvotes
Thomas Wood
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If outdoor activities matters most, then yeah Colorado Springs is great. But if you need mountain access, might want to look at Downtown instead.
13 upvotes
desert_axel77
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Cordera from Indianapolis about 2 years ago. Initially I was excited but nervous. But after settling in, The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Cordera and Black Forest for housing
- Try the farmers market on Saturday mornings
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
The biggest adjustment was nightlife. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Overall I'd give Colorado Springs a 7/10 for young professionals.
13 upvotes
Christian W.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Colorado Springs guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Flying Horse: trendy, pricey, but worth it
- Falcon: family-friendly with good parks
Tier 2 (best value):
- Downtown: great community feel
- Manitou Springs: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: excellent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Colorado Springs is affordable but it's not for everyone. If you value space over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Baltimore.
Good luck!
11 upvotes
Luca Mendoza
Underrated comment.
10 upvotes
Ian E.
I'd highly recommend checking out Briargate. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Plus the food options around there are decent.
8 upvotes
Stella Adams
Been here 5 years, can vouch for this.
6 upvotes
lake_luca50
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Colorado Springs.
Background: 49, single mom, moved from Salt Lake City 3 years ago for quality of life. Currently in Falcon.
**Housing:**
The market is solid right now. We went with Falcon because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Old Colorado City - it's pricey and the value is better.
**Work:**
tech jobs are competitive here. I was worried coming from Salt Lake City but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 5 months were tough. Then I found my people through a running club. Now I have a solid group. Colorado Springs people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: reasonable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: could be better
**Would I move here again?**
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. For singles, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
6 upvotes
Evelyn Perez
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Broadmoor, Stetson Hills, and currently in Cordera. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Broadmoor: /mo for a 2-bed
- Stetson Hills: about /mo
- Cordera: /mo but solid
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Colorado Springs really clicks.
6 upvotes
Easton Martin
Great question. Here's my honest take after 5 years:
The good:
- Good airport
- Safe neighborhoods
- Pet-friendly city
The not-so-good:
- Sprawl is real
- Wind never stops
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. I'd say for retirees, Colorado Springs is great. Hope that helps!
5 upvotes
Aubrey Taylor
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Colorado Springs.
Background: 25, newlywed, moved from New York 9 years ago for cost of living. Currently in Flying Horse.
**Housing:**
The market is excellent right now. We went with Flying Horse because it was walkable. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Broadmoor - it's quiet and the value is better.
**Work:**
retail jobs are strong here. I was worried coming from New York but the market is promising. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 16 months were tough. Then I found my people through a kickball league. Now I have a solid group. Colorado Springs people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: honestly terrible
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: solid local scene
**Would I move here again?**
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. For singles, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
4 upvotes
Logan Flores
Couldn't have said it better.
3 upvotes
Carter Harris
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. The city has transformed a lot.
All Countries
