Colorado Springs, COBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Colorado Springs enchants with its gorgeous landscapes and vibrant community. Nestled against the Rocky Mountains, the city offers abundant outdoor activities, a thriving arts scene and a strong economy, all while maintaining a low cost of living.
Colorado Springs, CO, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
The summit of Pikes Peak, just west of Colorado Springs, CO, inspired Katharine Lee Bates to pen “America the Beautiful.” So let’s just say Colorado Springs is not just one of the best places to live in the U.S. but also one of the most scenic and inspiring. Don’t just take our word for it. Locals and residents alike can take The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit of the peak, a super scenic adventure in the fall when the leaves change colors. Go ahead and add the “Oh beautiful, for spacious skies…” jingle to your TikTok.
All are welcome in this southern Colorado city, from those going for gold who train at the Olympic Training Center to members of the U.S. Army and Air Force (there are five military installations here) to families taking advantage of all the fun things to do in the region. Colorado Springs is also an academic city, with top-rated schools and several colleges like the University of Colorado’s Colorado Spring campus and Colorado College, a private liberal arts school.
Some of the biggest employers in the greater Pikes Peak region include Lockheed Martin, Team USA, Progressive Insurance and Microchip. Aerospace and defense, health care and medtech, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing are all key industries in the region. With a strong network of support for entrepreneurs, Colorado Springs is also a great place for military veterans who want to stage their “second acts” and launch their own companies. The Springs also come with a lower cost of living than other parts of Colorado.
Locals also have quite the backyard playground in Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods has awe-inspiring crimson formations that jut out in blue skies and come in interesting shapes, like spires, “Kissing Camels,” and a “Sleeping Giant.” Residents also have easy access to 375 miles of trails and even mingle with Olympic athletes in training at the Manitou Incline, a retired cog railway track with a 2,000-foot elevation gain.
Downtown Colorado Springs is a thriving district with restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and Acacia Park, which has equipment for children of all ability levels and lots of fun, cutting-edge playground equipment that looks like it belongs on the set of American Ninja Warrior.
Colorado Springs, CO Quality of Life LivScore
Colorado Springs, CO Top Categories
Transportation
Housing & Cost of Living
Education
Colorado Springs ranks highest for transportation, housing and education.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado gets all four seasons (and sometimes it seems like they all hit on the same day). The average highs and lows are 82°F and 55°F (summer) and 44°F and 18°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Colorado Springs is 57 inches.
The average annual rainfall in Colorado Springs is roughly 16 inches.
Colorado Springs averages 300 sunny days a year.
Go horseback riding with Academy Riding Stables through the towering red rock formations in Garden of the Gods.
Colorado Springs Weather
300 days
Average Annual Sun
16 inches
Average Annual Rain
57 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Colorado Springs, CO
Admission is free at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, which has 70,000 artifacts in its collection ranging from artwork to paleontological specimens.
Get an up-close view of a collection of waterfalls at The Broadmoor Seven Falls. Afterward, snack on “bubble waffle” ice cream sundaes sold from a food truck.
It’s hard to narrow it down because the food scene in Colorado Springs is unreal. However, green chiles are a delicacy in southern Colorado. Pop into Bingo Burger for the signature burger stuffed with fire-roasted Pueblo chiles.
Head to the Principal’s Office for “Detention Hour” deals, including $7 signature cocktails like the “Teacher’s Pet” gin and strawberry drink and other cocktails that earn an A for creativity.
The Local and State Economy in Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs is known for its diverse economy, and some of the largest industries in the area are defense and aerospace, technology and cybersecurity and tourism and hospitality. For example, the United States Department of Defense is one of the largest employers in the city due to the large number of military and air force bases here. Also, The Broadmoor, a luxury resort, is a key employer in the city and brings in thousands of tourists every year.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Colorado Springs is 8.2%. Colorado has one of the country’s lowest overall state sales tax rates.
Yes, Colorado has a state income tax.
Colorado Springs is the largest city in Southern Colorado, and several major providers serve the city, including UC Health, which operates UCHealth Memorial Hospital, a high-performing facility in nearly a dozen procedures and conditions.
There are several colleges and universities in Colorado Springs, CO, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Community College.
Quick Facts About Colorado Springs, CO
- Median Household Income
- $73,301
- Median Home Value
- $403,761
- Average State Property Tax
- $2,017
- Total Population
- 488,968
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,292
- Average Commute
- 18.96 minutes
Colorado Springs’s highly-rated schools make it one of the best places to live in the U.S., along with its low cost of living and diverse housing options. Read even more about how to live like a local in Colorado Springs and why it’s a great city for entrepreneurs. Also, consider other great places to live out West.