Is Colorado Springs, CO a Good Place to Live? 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is a diverse city known for its natural beauty, food scene, and cultural heritage. But is it a good place to live? While it offers outdoor activities like hiking in Garden of the Gods and a lively community with events such as the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, there are challenges to consider. In this Redfin article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of living in Colorado Springs to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.
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Quick Facts about Colorado Springs
Median home sale price
$475,000
Average monthly rent
$1,435
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
19/100
Bike Score
45/100
1. Pro: Stunning natural scenery
Colorado Springs is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery. The city is home to the Garden of the Gods, a public park featuring towering red rock formations that attract visitors from around the world. Additionally, Pikes Peak, one of the most famous mountains in the United States, offers hiking trails and panoramic views that are simply unparalleled. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities year-round, from hiking and mountain biking in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
2. Con: High altitude
One of the challenges of living in Colorado Springs is its high altitude. At over 6,000 feet above sea level, the city can pose health challenges for newcomers, such as altitude sickness. This can manifest as headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath, particularly for those who are not accustomed to such elevations. Additionally, the thinner air can make physical activities more strenuous, which may be a drawback for some residents.
3. Pro: Clean air
Colorado Springs boasts clean air thanks to its high elevation and relatively low population density compared to other cities. The city’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains also helps to mitigate pollution levels, providing residents with crisp, fresh mountain air. This clean air contributes to a healthier and more enjoyable outdoor lifestyle for those living in Colorado Springs.
4. Con: Transit options are scarce
While Colorado Springs offers some public transportation options, the transit score is 19, meaning there is minimal transit available. The city’s bus system, Mountain Metro Transit, has a limited number of routes and schedules, which can make commuting without a car challenging. This can be particularly inconvenient for residents who rely on public transportation for their daily commute or for those who prefer not to drive.
5. Pro: Active lifestyle
In Colorado Springs, an active lifestyle is ingrained in the city’s culture, with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, and rock climbing in nearby natural wonders like Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain. The city’s numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities encourage residents to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors year-round.
6. Con: Variable weather
The weather in Colorado Springs can be quite variable, which can be a downside for some residents. The city experiences a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, often within the same day. This unpredictability can make it challenging to plan outdoor activities and can be a source of frustration for those who prefer more consistent weather patterns.
7. Pro: Excellent educational institutions
Colorado Springs is home to several highly regarded educational institutions. The United States Air Force Academy is one of the most prestigious military academies in the country, offering rigorous academic and leadership training. Additionally, Colorado College is known for its innovative Block Plan, which allows students to focus on one course at a time.
8. Con: Winter driving conditions
Winter driving conditions in Colorado Springs can be hazardous due to snow and ice on the roads, especially in the higher elevations. Sudden snowstorms and freezing temperatures can lead to slippery road surfaces and reduced visibility, making commuting challenging for residents.
9. Pro: Outdoor recreation opportunities
Colorado offers a myriad of outdoor recreation opportunities, with its diverse landscapes ranging from majestic mountains to vast plains. Whether it’s skiing in world-renowned resorts like Aspen and Vail, hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park, or rafting in the Arkansas River, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
10. Con: Limited water resources
Colorado Springs grapples with limited water resources, a challenge exacerbated by its semi-arid climate and growing population. With much of the city’s water supply dependent on snowpack and precipitation in the Rocky Mountains, droughts and changing weather patterns pose significant concerns.
Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center. The Walk Score, Transit Score and Bike Score data is from Walk Score.
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