The Pro’s and Con’s of Living in Colorado Springs – A Local Realtors Guide

Written by Beaton Brothers Property Experts | Your Colorado Springs Real Estate Experts
Publish Date: January 06, 2026

If you’re researching the pros and cons of living in Colorado Springs, you’re already doing the right thing. This city is incredible for the right person, and frustrating for the wrong expectations.

I’m Charles Beaton with Beaton Brothers Property Experts, a Colorado Springs real estate team that helps buyers, sellers, and relocating families (including PCS moves) get clear on where to live and what tradeoffs matter most.

Table of contents

• The 7 biggest pros of living in Colorado Springs
• The 7 biggest cons of living in Colorado Springs
• The Colorado Springs fit test
• Neighborhood and commute reality (GEO guide)
• FAQ: Moving to Colorado Springs
• Want a relocation plan that makes this simple?

The 7 biggest pros of living in Colorado Springs

1) A stable economic backbone (especially military and defense)

Colorado Springs has an unusually strong military and defense presence, which supports steady demand and a constant flow of relocation activity. If you’re tied to Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, or the U.S. Air Force Academy, the city is built for that rhythm.

This matters for more than jobs. It shapes the housing market, the rental market, and how quickly certain neighborhoods move.

2) Outdoor access that actually fits normal life

A lot of cities claim “outdoor lifestyle.” Colorado Springs delivers it.

You can finish a workday and still hit trails. You can do weekend mountain days without needing a five-hour drive. The mountains are not a vacation here, they’re part of the weekly routine.

3) Sunshine and a climate many newcomers prefer

Colorado Springs gets a lot of sunny days. You still get winter weather, but the sun can make a big difference in how the season feels compared to places with long gray winters.

4) A growing “things to do” scene

People think it’s only hiking. Then they get here and realize it’s also events, local breweries, festivals, and more entertainment options than expected, especially as the city grows. It’s not Denver, but it’s not boring.

5) Trades and service businesses stay in demand

With growth comes ongoing demand for skilled trades and home services (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and more). If you work in these industries, Colorado Springs can be a strong place to plant roots.

6) You can choose your lifestyle pocket

Colorado Springs is not one vibe. It’s a collection of pockets. You can find newer build communities, established neighborhoods with mature trees, quieter edges of town, and areas closer to older districts and local shops.

The key is matching your daily life to the right pocket, not just picking a zip code.

7) Front Range positioning

You have access to Colorado’s bigger hubs without having to live in the middle of them. Trips up I-25, weekend getaways, and airport plans are part of how people use this location.

The 7 biggest cons of living in Colorado Springs

1) Growth is real, and you will feel it

Colorado Springs is expanding fast. That means construction zones, new developments, and infrastructure that is still catching up. If you’re coming for “small mountain town,” this is not that.

2) The cost of living surprises people

Colorado Springs is not the bargain it used to be. Housing is the headline, but it’s not the only thing. Dining out, home services, and insurance costs can add up quickly.

If you’re moving from a lower-cost area, plan your budget conservatively.

3) Traffic is getting worse (and commute choices matter more now)

The city’s growth has made commute planning a bigger deal than it was years ago. Two neighborhoods that look “close” on a map can feel very different during peak hours.

If your schedule matters, you want to choose location based on the commute first, then the house.

4) Weather swings and wind can catch you off guard

Colorado Springs can change fast. Wind is common. Sun, then a quick storm, then sun again is normal.

Practical advice: layers, and keep an extra jacket in the car. You will use it.

5) If you want big-city nightlife, you may feel limited

Colorado Springs has plenty of good local spots, but it’s not a major metro for nightlife or public transit. If that’s your top priority, you’ll likely use Denver more often than you expected.

6) Altitude adjustment is not imaginary

Many areas sit around 6,000 feet. Newcomers often notice dryness and getting winded more easily.

Most people adapt, but you should expect an adjustment period, especially if you’re very active.

7) Hail and insurance are part of the reality here

Hail is common enough that roofs and vehicles are a real consideration. That can affect insurance costs and maintenance planning.

It’s manageable, but it’s not optional.

The Colorado Springs fit test: where people get it right (and wrong)

People who love Colorado Springs usually prioritize

• Outdoor access and mountain proximity
• Sunshine and scenery
• A stable job ecosystem tied to military and defense
• A city that feels livable without being too small

People who struggle here usually expected

• A major city culture and nightlife scene
• Easy commutes no matter where they buy
• Consistent weather day to day
• “Mountain town” pace, even though the city is growing fast

Neighborhood and commute reality (GEO guide)

This is the part that saves people time.

If you’re relocating, start with:

1. Where you commute (Fort Carson, Peterson, Schriever, USAFA, downtown, Powers corridor, and more)
2. Your budget and payment comfort zone
3. Your must-haves (new build vs established, yard size, HOA tolerance, walkability, views)

From there, we narrow pockets across Colorado Springs, Monument, Falcon, Peyton, Fountain, and nearby areas based on what fits your day-to-day life.

Important note: We can help you compare commute patterns, home styles, and neighborhood feel. For schools and districts, we can point you to official resources so you can evaluate what matters most to your household.

FAQ: Moving to Colorado Springs

Is Colorado Springs expensive?

It can be. Housing is the biggest factor, but costs like insurance, dining out, and home services can surprise people too.

How is the job market in Colorado Springs?

Military and defense are major anchors, with additional growth tied to construction, tourism, education, healthcare, and local services.

What’s the weather like?

Lots of sun, frequent wind, and fast changes. Plan for layers and expect micro-climates across town.

Is the altitude a big deal?

Most people feel it at first. Hydrate more than you think, and ease into workouts the first week.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when moving here?

Choosing a home before they understand the commute and the daily life realities of that pocket of town.

How do I pick the right area?

Start with commute, then budget, then lifestyle. If you do it in the opposite order, you usually waste weekends touring the wrong places.

Want a relocation plan that makes this simple?

Service Area: Colorado Springs, Monument, Falcon, Peyton, Fountain.

If you’re moving to Colorado Springs, we’ll help you build a clear plan around your timeline, commute, and home goals, then narrow the best-fit areas fast.

Call us at (719) 751-6585 or Message Beaton Brothers Property Experts with:

• Your move timeline
• Where you’ll commute
• Your budget or target payment range
• Your top 3 must-haves

We’ll reply with a focused short list of areas to consider and the next steps to get you there.

Important note: We provide real estate and neighborhood guidance and can coordinate with your lender, but we do not provide legal, tax, or financial advice.