What are the pros and cons of living in Colorado Springs?

Why people love living here

I'll be upfront: we live here because we love the mountains and we absolutely love the summers. Here's what I hear most from people who are glad they moved here.

The mountains and the outdoors

Pikes Peak and the Front Range are part of daily life, not a weekend trip. Trails, parks, and open space are easy to reach from most of the city, and there's no shortage of ways to get outside.

Sunshine, even in winter

Winters here are usually more manageable than people expect, because so many days are sunny.

An active, fit community

Colorado Springs is a very fit city. You'll find endless outdoor activities, plus plenty of youth sports and adult leagues. If staying active matters to you or your kids, it's easy to find your people here.

College sports close to home

Having the U.S. Air Force Academy here means easy access to college athletics: football, basketball, soccer, track and field, baseball, and more, often against strong visiting competition. It's a lot of fun, and it's something many newcomers don't expect.

A food scene that keeps getting better

Five to ten years ago, the restaurant scene leaned heavily on chains, with some standout independent spots. That has changed a lot. More independent owners are taking real pride in their food and creating memorable experiences, and it keeps improving.

A stable economic base

The large military and aerospace presence gives the local economy a steady foundation. More than 200 space, aerospace, cybersecurity, and defense companies employ about 111,000 people here, according to 2022 figures from the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC.

That stability doesn't mean nothing changes. U.S. Space Command headquarters is moving to Huntsville, Alabama, following a 2025 decision, though the job impact was reduced to closer to 1,000 positions, and key operational elements are staying in Colorado. At the same time, the Space Force launched its year-long Officer Training Course for new officers at Peterson Space Force Base in 2024. In my view, the infrastructure and the broader civilian space and aerospace industry are still here and still growing.

The honest downsides

Homes cost more than in many places

Colorado Springs has a higher price point than much of the country. Homes here cost more than in much of the country. How much negotiating room buyers have changes with the market, and my monthly market update tracks it, but making the numbers work can still be difficult. Budget for the full monthly cost, not just the purchase price. (See How much does it really cost to live in Colorado Springs?)

Cold days are cold, and the wind is real

Sunshine helps, but when it's cold, it's cold. The wind can cut right through you. If you're coming from a mild climate, plan on good winter gear and a little time to adjust.

Hail, and what it does to insurance

Hail is part of life on the Front Range. It damages roofs and cars, and it's the biggest factor driving homeowners insurance costs in Colorado. According to 2026 data from the Colorado Division of Insurance, hail accounts for roughly half of the typical premium along the Front Range. Understand your policy and your deductible before you buy.

Traffic on some corridors

Colorado Springs doesn't have big-city gridlock everywhere, but traffic on Powers Boulevard can drive people crazy. Test-drive your likely commute at rush hour before you commit to an area.

The altitude takes adjustment

At about 6,035 feet above sea level, Colorado Springs tests your physical capability, especially at first. There's a reason the military adjusts fitness test standards for altitude. Give yourself time to acclimate, and stay hydrated.

Where you live in town changes the trade-offs

The west side, closer to the mountains, is more established and has limited room to grow. Most new construction keeps moving east, where you'll typically find newer homes, more metro districts, and easier access to Peterson and Schriever Space Force Bases. Being closer to I-25 makes trips north toward Denver easier. Neither is better. It depends on what you value and where your daily life happens.

Is Colorado Springs a good fit for you?

• It's likely a strong fit if you want outdoor access, an active lifestyle, sunshine, and a community with a steady military and aerospace base.
• Think it through carefully if your budget is tight, you're sensitive to cold and wind, or your commute would run through heavily congested corridors every day.
• Plan ahead if you may relocate again in a few years. Buying can still make sense, but you'll want a plan for renting the home out and cash set aside. (See Is Colorado Springs a good place to buy a home?)

What could change the answer

• Where in town you live. Commute, traffic, wind exposure, and home prices vary a lot between parts of the city.
• Your work. A job on a base or in aerospace, or remote work, changes how much the local economy and commute matter to you.
• How you handle altitude and winter. Some people adjust quickly; others find the dry air, wind, and elevation harder.
• Your budget. Homes cost more than in many parts of the country, and insurance and taxes vary from home to home.

When to talk with a professional

If you're weighing a move, talk with a lender early about what you can comfortably afford, and with an insurance agent about hail coverage and deductibles on the types of homes you're considering. If you're coordinating a move with retirement or other big financial decisions, a financial planner or CPA can help the pieces fit together.