Relocating to Peterson Space Force Base: A Military Family’s Guide to Colorado Springs

Publish Date: October 2, 2025

A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) can feel overwhelming, but relocating to Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO can also be an exciting new chapter for your family. Whether this is your first move or your tenth, having the right information makes all the difference.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about living near Peterson Space Force Base: housing, schools, healthcare, family support, cost of living, and things to do in the Pikes Peak region.

Introduction to Peterson Space Force Base and the Surrounding Area

Base Overview

Peterson Space Force Base, formerly Peterson Air Force Base, is a hub of U.S. Space Force operations. It is home to Space Base Delta 1, supporting major commands including NORAD, U.S. Northern Command, and U.S. Space Command. Located on the east side of Colorado Springs at 6,035 feet elevation, the base shares runways with the Colorado Springs Airport, making it one of the most accessible installations in the region. Families preparing to move can learn more about units, services, and local resources directly through the Peterson Space Force Base official website.

Life in Colorado Springs

Abundant sunshine (300+ days a year)
Low humidity and a mild climate with warm, dry summers and moderate snowfall in winter
Unmatched scenery with Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains as your backyard

Neighborhoods surrounding the base are family-friendly and diverse, with housing options for every lifestyle. Popular areas include Cimarron Hills, Stetson Hills, Security-Widefield, and Briargate, all within easy commuting distance.

Housing Options Near Peterson Space Force Base

On-Base Housing

Family housing is managed by Tierra Vista Communities (TVC), offering 3- and 4-bedroom homes with modern amenities, playgrounds, and community spaces. Key details:

Apply early through the Military Housing Office
Expect waitlists, especially during peak PCS season
Homes include garages, fenced yards, and maintenance services
Amenities like a Community Center, dog park, and splash pad foster a true neighborhood feel

Off-Base Housing

Many families choose to rent or buy in nearby Colorado Springs neighborhoods. Options range from apartments and townhomes to single-family houses.

Cimarron Hills: closest to Peterson Space Force Base, about 10 minutes from base
Stetson Hills / Powers Corridor: newer homes, shopping and schools nearby
Security-Widefield: budget-friendly with parks and open spaces
Briargate: established master-planned community with strong schools, longer commute

Average rent for a 3-bedroom home runs $1,700–$1,800/month, while the median home price in 2025 is around $550K. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is designed to align with local costs, making both renting and buying feasible.

Tip: When researching housing, many military families turn to trusted platforms such as AHRN and Homes.mil. You can also use the Military One

Source PCS resources to get checklists, moving tips, and housing guidance before you arrive. The Housing Office can review leases and provide landlord resources to ensure compliance with Fair Housing laws.

Schools and Education

Education is a top priority for military families, and Colorado Springs provides multiple options:

District 11 (D11): Most on-base families attend McAuliffe Elementary, Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy, and Mitchell High School with bus transportation provided.
District 49 (D49): Popular on the city’s northeast side, known for charter schools and innovative programs.
District 2 (D2): Serves southern neighborhoods like Security-Widefield, offering smaller schools and military family support.

Other Options

Charter Schools: Classical Academy (TCA), Thomas MacLaren, and aerospace or STEM-themed programs.
Private Schools: St. Mary’s High School, Colorado Springs Christian Schools, and Fountain Valley School.
Homeschooling: Strong support networks, including Peterson Homeschoolers with regular on-base activities.

The School Liaison Officer (SLO) on Peterson Space Force Base is your best resource for enrollment, records transfer, and finding programs that fit your child’s needs.

Healthcare and Family Support

On-Base Medical Care

Peterson Space Force Base is served by the 21st Medical Group Clinic, which provides:

Primary care for adults and children
Immunizations, lab, pharmacy, and radiology services
Mental health, family advocacy, and limited specialty care

For emergencies, local civilian hospitals such as UCHealth Memorial Hospital and Penrose-St. Francis are nearby. Families also benefit from access to Children’s Hospital Colorado – Colorado Springs for pediatric specialty care.

Family Services

Airman & Family Readiness Center: spouse employment support, deployment assistance, financial counseling
Child Development Centers (CDCs): full-time daycare and Pre-K programs (waitlists are common, register early via MilitaryChildCare.com)
Youth Center: before and after school programs, sports, STEM clubs, summer camps
Spouse Clubs & MFLCs: provide connection, activities, and short-term confidential counseling

Things to Do Around Peterson Space Force Base

Living in Colorado Springs means adventure is always close by.

Garden of the Gods: free city park with stunning red rock formations
Pikes Peak: drive or take the Cog Railway to the summit at 14,115 feet
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: family-friendly and famous for feeding giraffes
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum: world-class interactive exhibits downtown
Peterson Air & Space Museum: right on base, with historic aircraft and space exhibits

Seasonal favorites include the Labor Day Lift-Off hot air balloon festival, Territory Days, and holiday Zoo Lights. Families who want to see everything happening in the region can browse events and activities on the Colorado Springs tourism website, which highlights local attractions, parks, and family-friendly destinations.

Cost of Living and Daily Life

Colorado Springs is slightly above the national average but affordable compared to Denver or Boulder.

Housing: Median home price ~$550K, rent for a 3BR ~$1,750/month
Utilities: Around $125/month, below national average
Groceries: On par with U.S. average (commissary helps stretch your budget)
Gas: ~$3.00/gallon, usually near national average

Military families save with tax-free shopping at the Commissary and Base Exchange, plus numerous local military discounts.

PCS Tips for Peterson Space Force Base

Apply for housing early since on-base waitlists are common.
Book TLF (Pikes Peak Lodge) or nearby extended-stay hotels during the transition.
Register kids for school ahead of time and contact the School Liaison Officer.
Update TRICARE enrollment for the West Region and choose your PCM.
Plan for altitude adjustment: hydrate often and take it easy the first week.
Explore local support networks: spouse clubs, family readiness, and homeschool groups.

Helpful contacts:

Housing Office: (719) 556-4777
School Liaison Officer: (719) 556-3152
Medical Clinic Appointments: (719) 524-CARE
Airman & Family Readiness Center: (719) 556-6141

Why Work with Beaton Brothers Property Experts?

At Beaton Brothers Property Experts, we are more than real estate professionals. We are a team of military veterans who have lived the PCS lifestyle ourselves. We know firsthand the challenges of relocating, balancing family needs, and navigating the details of a move. That personal experience, combined with years of real estate expertise, gives us a unique perspective to guide your transition to Peterson Space Force Base.

We are also highly experienced in helping families leverage VA benefits, from VA loans to assumptions, ensuring you maximize every advantage available to you. Because we have stood where you stand, both in uniform and in the closing room, we understand military moves on both a personal level and a real estate level.

That is why military families across Colorado Springs trust us to handle their relocations with precision, care, and the insight only fellow veterans can provide. If you are preparing for your PCS to Peterson Space Force Base, let us make your move smoother, smarter, and stress-free.

Work With Beaton Brothers Property Experts

Whether you are planning to buy, sell, invest, or relocate, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. If you or someone you know is ready to take the next step, we would be honored to earn your trust.

For questions about the Colorado Springs real estate market, or to work directly with top rated Colorado Springs Realtors, connect with us today!

Learn more: www.beatonbrotherspropertyexperts.com
Call or Text: (719) 751-6585
Email: [email protected]

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Moving to Peterson Space Force Base? Here’s Everything Military Families Need to Know