10 Things You'll Love About Living in Colorado Springs {2020 Guide}

• The Great Outdoors
• Local Events
• Healthy Living
• Community
• Affordability
• Sustainable Economy
• Four Full Seasons
• Air Quality
• Small Town Charm
• Historic Landmarks

Colorado Springs has some of the best outdoor activities in the country. Outside Magazine named it one of the Top 10 Best Big Cities for Active Families and "America's Best City Overall."

There are parks and trails scattered throughout every part of Colorado Springs. Many of the trails are connected, so you can hike or ride to your heart's content, through what seems like an endless amount of pathways and options.

There are also excellent camping spots in the mountains, just minutes from Downtown. Tourists travel here to experience camping in the Rocky Mountains because there is nothing else like it anywhere else in the U.S.

The size of Colorado Springs makes the local events significant enough to remember, but small enough to enjoy. The Air Force Academy graduation ceremony is one of the highlights of the year, with the Thunderbirds air show visible from miles around.

Colorado Springs has many notable events as well. The Broadmoor World Arena and the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts are two of the leading concert venues in the area, with performances by legends like Jerry Seinfield, Rod Stewart, and many more.

There are also local farmer's markets, festivals, parades, and gatherings throughout the year spread out all over the area. In the summer months, there are so many events on the weekends that it's impossible to keep up with them all.

It's common for people moving to Colorado Springs to naturally lose weight after they get here because the elevation causes their bodies to work harder. We also have an arid climate, which requires people to drink more water. I lost 60 lbs when I moved here from Houston, TX years ago. I'm very grateful for that.

The stunning beauty of the area, mixed with a supreme climate encourages people to get out of their homes more often and experience nature. Hiking, biking, walking, and climbing are all part of the experience of living here.

To top it off, Colorado Springs offers many healthy dining options throughout town that make eating healthy, exciting & effortless. It's a part of the culture of this city that residents appreciate. Colorado Springs was named the 2nd Fittest City in America by Men's Fitness Magazine.

At first glance, Colorado Springs may seem like a sizeable growing city that has moved on from the good ole days of the local small-town community. That couldn't be farther from the truth. Colorado Springs is a city that encourages the local community to be self-sufficient. With weekly local farmer's markets, and a full week explicitly devoted to small businesses, the sense of community here is powerful.

Since the emergence of Facebook Groups, people can move here and quickly connect with like-minded individuals. From hiking with dogs to cooking groups, there is never a shortage of people to meet and share life with. My wife and I have made some incredible friends in the few years that we have been here. Our kids love it as well.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median house value between 2014-2018 in Colorado Springs was estimated to be $248,700. The median house value for the entire State of Colorado during that same period was $313,060. That means real estate in Colorado Springs cost roughly 21% less than the average for the State.

Many out-of-town home buyers relocating to here are surprised to find out how reasonably priced our homes are. Our property taxes and homeowners insurance are also much less than Texas, California, and New York. With all of these things considered, living in Colorado Springs is very affordable in comparison with other famous cities in the U.S.

When a large percentage of a city's economy is based on one or two corporations, the financial health of the town is only as strong as those companies. Businesses with less than 500 employees make up 92% of the local economy in Colorado Springs. Our economy is not supported by just a few large companies, which helps keep our economic sustainability secure.

The support for small businesses in Colorado Springs is impressive. There is one week out of the year where all of the residents are encouraged to shop local businesses. It's a mindset that the city has adopted and supported for many years. The U.S. Military has a commanding presence in the town as well, which also helps boost our economy every year.

The topic of weather conditions comes up often in conversations with people who have recently relocated here. New residents are often scared of the coming Winter because they expect months of straight snowstorms. That's not the case at all, though. That only happens in the mountain towns. Our four seasons are all very distinct. Summer, Winter, Spring, and Fall all have their unique traits and predictability.

Our tourist season never stops because each season offers unique & exciting opportunities. The Fall brings spectacular golden mountains covered in changing Aspen trees. Winter offers world-class skiing. The Spring and Summer mean camping and hiking that is second to none. With each season comes new experiences that make living here amazing.

The dry air means the low temps aren't as cold as expected, and the high temps aren't as hot either. We enjoy warm climate year-round, with an occasional blizzard or hail storm sprinkled in to keep it interesting.

Here's a breakdown of the temperature averages:

People visiting Colorado Springs typically notice the air quality difference right away. The air in Colorado Springs is dry and mild with very little smog. The clean air is excellent for people with health conditions who need fresh air. It's also great for athletes and Olympic trainers, of whom many trains right here in our city.

Colorado Springs was voted the 5th best air quality in the nation in this SafeWise report. Our elevation and dry climate provide much better air quality than other parts of the country. Check out this picture from Realtor.com, showing the visual difference between Los Angeles and Colorado Springs.?

One of the greatest things about living in Colorado Springs is that it is big enough to offer all of the amenities of a large city but small enough to make you feel like it's a small town. Most downtown areas are only used for business, but Colorado Springs downtown is equally a charming tourist spot full of great shops, bars, and restaurants.

Within a few miles of Downtown, you'll find Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs. These areas have some of the most enchanting streets to walk and are idyllic for locals and tourists alike. In the Summer months, these areas are typically crowded because the allure is so powerful.

The Broadmoor area is more of an upscale historic part of town that has an intrigue like no other. Be sure to check out the Broadmoor Hotel and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo when you're here. They are both stunning must-see attractions.

For a town of nearly 500,000 people, Colorado Springs has its share of Landmarks, both National and Local. The most notorious National Landmark is Pikes Peak, whose beauty inspired the poem "America the Beautiful" and was therefore nicknamed "America's mountain." When the Gold Rush took place in the early 1900s, travelers would use Pike's Peak as a beacon to guide them to the area. Standing at 14,114', this monster of a mountain is always within a visual range anywhere in town. It's the most prominent feature of Colorado Springs and is admired by travelers from all over.

Garden of the Gods is considered to be one of the most photographed tourist destinations in America. It is a vast park with stunning red rock formations, unlike any other public landmark. The park is free to the public, with paved walkways around the main structures, and 15 miles of more rugged trails for hiking or horseback riding.

Seven Falls, The Cliff Dwellings, Cave of the Winds, and the Royal Gorge are a few other incredible, unique places that are sure to impress. There are also endless hiking and biking trails to lesser-known areas in the mountains that locals enjoy, which are equally as impressive as the more famous Landmarks.