Colorado Springs, CO
Why You’ll Love Living in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs, Colorado, has exploded in popularity in recent years and is now the second-largest city in the state. Its proximity to the state capital, breathtaking scenery, and burgeoning food and craft brewery scenes mean residents never grow bored. The natural beauty provides an excellent backdrop for adventures like hiking Pikes Peak, soaring down whitewater rapids, cycling the local parks and trails, visiting the mountain zoo, and taking leisurely strolls through the community’s variety of museums and attractions. After working up a sufficient appetite, locals recommend making a pit stop at one of the many local breweries to refuel with drinks and appetizers. The cost of living here is around 5% higher than the national average. Still, it’s remarkably more affordable to put down roots here than in Denver.
Thinking of moving to Colorado Springs, CO? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Colorado Springs, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Colorado Springs, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Colorado Springs, CO, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Colorado Springs, CO, is a place where world-class athletes come to prepare for Olympic medals, where Army and Air Force personnel train (there are five military installations here), and where students come to study and enjoy college life. And, of course, there’s the spectacular scenery everywhere you look, which inspired Katharine Lee Bates to pen “America the Beautiful.” For all of these reasons and more, Colorado Springs is one of the best places to live in the U.S.
The summit of Pikes Peak, situated just west of Colorado Springs, looms over the city, and the whole area is surrounded by incredible places to play. Garden of the Gods, for example, has various rock formations that jut out against the city’s beautiful blue skies. Plus, there are 375 miles of trails to explore, including lovely waterfalls.
The downtown area is full of terrific restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, and the Springs offers a lower cost of living than many other parts of the state.
This is an academic city with Colorado College, a private liberal arts school, the University of Colorado’s Colorado Springs campus and top-notch public schools. Industries such as cybersecurity, health care, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace and defense are all crucial sectors in this city of 486,000 people. Some big-name employers include Progressive Insurance, Microchip and Lockheed Martin. And the welcoming business community makes it easy for military veterans to find their niche after years of service.
Colorado Springs, CO Quality of Life LivScore
Colorado Springs, CO Top Categories
Education
Transportation
Housing & Cost of Living
Colorado Springs ranks highest for education, transportation and housing.
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 59 inches.
The average annual rainfall in Colorado Springs is roughly 19 inches.
Colorado Springs averages 243 sunny days a year.
Hike or bike roughly 13 miles to the summit of Pikes Peak, which towers over the region at 14,115 feet and inspired the lyrics of “America the Beautiful.” When you reach the top, reward yourself with one of the summit’s world-famous (and super proprietary) high-altitude donuts. Or, spend some time at the lesser-known Seven Bridges Trail in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. Sometimes overlooked by Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, Seven Bridges Trail is considered a hidden gem. It includes a moderately challenging hike complete with beautiful scenery and — as you might guess by the name — seven charming wooden bridges.
Things To Do in Colorado Springs, CO
If Colorado had an official state postcard, the picturesque Garden of the Gods would be a solid contender. Visitors can take in the beauty of the region’s iconic red rock formations against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. This city park offers free admission and provides various hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and plenty of breathtaking views, all of which make it a hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
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.
Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center (plus the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum), so keep your eyes peeled as you walk around town — you never know when you’ll run into one of the nation’s top athletes!
Locals often shop at Old Colorado City, a popular historic district boasting an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries and specialty shops. You can find all manner of locally owned businesses selling everything from unique gifts and handmade crafts to clothing and home goods.
Dogs are welcome at tons of restaurants and brewery patios around Colorado Springs. But there’s even a hybrid restaurant/dog park called Pub Dog, where dogs can hang out with you indoors as you eat (and they even have their own 3,000-square-foot off-leash area to romp and play).
The Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts is a premier venue for live music and performing arts in Colorado Springs. Located downtown, the center hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, Broadway shows and ballet performances.
Head to the Principal’s Office for “Detention Hour” deals, including $7 signature cocktails like the “Teacher’s Pet” – a 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 there. Also, The Broadmoor, a luxury resort, is a key employer in the city and brings in thousands of tourists every year.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Colorado Springs is 8.2%.
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.
Several colleges and universities are located in Colorado Springs, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and Pikes Peak Community College.
Weather in Colorado Springs, CO
Average Temperatures
61 High / 35 Low
Average Annual Rainfall
19 Inches
Average Annual Snowfall
59 Inches
Quick Facts about Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Median Home Value
- $404,997
- Median Property Tax
- $2,987
- Total Population
- 485,566
- Average Commute
- 19 min
- Median Household Income
- $83,329
- Median Rent per Month
- $1,281
Map of Colorado Springs, CO
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