Parent of two, been here since 2020. I keep discovering new spots even after 9 years.
Unemployment at 3.6% is {unemp_feel}. Unemployment at 3.6% is {unemp_feel}.
I feel like Colorado Springs is becoming more expensive without getting better. I keep discovering new spots even after 9 years.
What am I missing here?
109 upvotes
18 Replies
Jacqueline C.
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):
- Briargate: best food in the city
- Northgate: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Stetson Hills: underrated and affordable
- Rockrimmon: 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:**
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. Colorado Springs is pricey but it's not for everyone. If you value community over walkability, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Dallas.
50 upvotes
Elijah
Yep.
47 upvotes
Julian Lewis
Yep.
42 upvotes
Leonardo Long
I walk my dog through Rockrimmon every day and I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. The vibe has really transformed in the past couple years.
42 upvotes
Aiden Davis
Glad someone said it.
38 upvotes
Violet Baker
I've been in Wolf Ranch for 12 years and Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.
32 upvotes
Jose Kelly
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. The parks system here is underrated.. The city has shifted a lot.
31 upvotes
Julia M.
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Broadmoor vs Flying Horse: completely different vibes. Broadmoor is more excellent with a younger crowd and nightlife. Flying Horse is up-and-coming and better for remote workers.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Broadmoor. In Flying Horse you can find stuff for /mo.
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.
31 upvotes
Skylar L.
Glad someone said it.
26 upvotes
Caroline Peterson
Night shift worker - Colorado Springs at 3am is excellent. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go..
26 upvotes
Michael K.
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If nightlife matters most, then yeah Colorado Springs is great. But if you need beach access, might want to look at Black Forest instead.
22 upvotes
Logan Ramos
My experience has been different actually. I found that Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. Maybe it depends on which part of Colorado Springs you're in.
19 upvotes
Olivia Jimenez
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Cheyenne Mountain vs Northgate: completely different vibes. Cheyenne Mountain is more pretty good with walkable streets and local shops. Northgate is growing and better for students.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Cheyenne Mountain. In Northgate you can find stuff for /mo.
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.
15 upvotes
Colton L.
Glad someone said it.
14 upvotes
Benjamin Martin
You're not wrong.
14 upvotes
Victoria Harris
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Colorado Springs.
Background: 27, single woman, moved from Detroit 2 years ago for quality of life. Currently in Old Colorado City.
**Housing:**
The market is excellent right now. We went with Old Colorado City because friends recommended it. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Northgate - it's lively and the value is better.
**Work:**
government jobs are decent here. I was worried coming from Detroit but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 2 months were tough. Then I found my people through volunteering. Now I have a solid group. Colorado Springs people are welcoming once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: you make your own fun here
**Would I move here again?**
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. For retirees, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
13 upvotes
Parker M.
I'd highly recommend checking out Broadmoor. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. Plus the food options around there are underrated.
11 upvotes
Genesis Diaz
Parent of two in Briargate. Schools are underrated here. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Would recommend visiting before deciding.