The Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs, CO, features dramatic sandstone rock formations. Colorado Springs is not only scenic and inspiring, it's also one of the best places to live in the U.S.

©Journal/Brian McCord

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

0 1000 1000 740

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

What is the weather like in Colorado Springs?

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).

Does Colorado Springs get a lot of snow?

The average annual snowfall in Colorado Springs is 57 inches.

Does Colorado Springs get a lot of rain? 

The average annual rainfall in Colorado Springs is roughly 16 inches.

How many sunny days does Colorado Springs get?

Colorado Springs averages 300 sunny days a year.

What are some things to do outside in Colorado Springs?

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

What are some free things to do in Colorado Springs?

Admission is free at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, which has 70,000 artifacts in its collection ranging from artwork to paleontological specimens. 

What are some fun things to do with kids in Colorado Springs?

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.

Where should you have dinner with friends in Colorado Springs? 

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.

Where is the best place to have happy hour in Colorado Springs?

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.

Nestled into the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs, CO, is a a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe. But its top-rated schools and phenomenal food scene help make it one of the best places to live in the U.S.
iStock/Getty Images
Nestled into the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs, CO, is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe. But its top-rated schools and phenomenal food scene help make it one of the best places to live in the U.S.

The Local and State Economy in Colorado Springs, CO

What are the three largest industries in Colorado Springs?

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. 

What is the sales tax rate in Colorado Springs?

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.

Does Colorado have a state income tax?

Yes, Colorado has a state income tax. 

Who are the major health care providers in Colorado Springs?

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. 

What colleges and universities are in Colorado Springs?

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
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Median Home Value
$403,761
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Average State Property Tax
$2,017
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Total Population
488,968
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Median Rent/Mo.
$1,292
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Average Commute
18.96 minutes
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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.

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