Living in the Old North End in Colorado Springs, CO

The Old North End is a well-known historic neighborhood in Colorado Springs, located just north of downtown and next to Colorado College and Monument Valley Park. This area is recognized for its wide, tree-lined streets and a large collection of Victorian-era homes, many built between the late 1800s and early 1900s. Residents can easily walk to nearby shops, restaurants, and parks, and downtown is only a short distance away.

Most homes in the Old North End cost more than the city's average, which is partly due to the historic architecture and the neighborhood's popularity with buyers. Owning an older home sometimes means extra spending on maintenance, such as repairs to older plumbing, heating systems, or original windows. The area is a designated historic district, so homeowners may need approval from the city before making exterior changes, which helps keep the neighborhood's look consistent.

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Lifestyle in the Old North End

People living in the Old North End can walk to coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and cultural venues. Colorado College is right next to the neighborhood, making it easy to attend public events or visit the college campus. Students and staff often walk or bike through the area.

Monument Valley Park is next to the Old North End, which is a huge benefit. The park offers over 150 acres of green space and includes walking trails, sports courts, playgrounds, and views of Pikes Peak. There are paved paths, picnic areas, and outdoor pools open in the summer. The park connects to longer trails like the Pikes Peak Greenway, which runs through the city and is popular for biking and running. Residents can quickly access major roads, like I-25 and Nevada Avenue, when they need to get around Colorado Springs.

Compared to other neighborhoods nearby, like Patty Jewett or Shooks Run, the Old North End is recognized for its historic character, central location, and walkable design. This mix of features gives residents both a sense of history and access to urban conveniences.

History and Architecture of Old North End

This neighborhood was originally built for people working in the railroad and mining industries, as well as city leaders of that time. The area's history is reflected in its architecture, with houses built in Victorian, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman styles. These homes often include features such as original stained glass, woodwork, and large porches.

Some large properties in the neighborhood were used for different purposes throughout the years. During World War II, it was common for bigger homes to be divided into rooms for soldiers or renters. A few of these properties still show signs of these earlier uses, like extra bedrooms in basements. The streets in the Old North End are wider than those in many newer areas because they were designed for horse-drawn carriages rather than cars.

The neighborhood is known for its old trees, many of which have grown for more than a century. These trees line the streets, making the area shady and comfortable for walking. According to preservation records, there are more than 650 historic buildings in the Old North End. This number is based on city surveys and historic registries. There are guidelines in place to help keep the neighborhood's architectural style the same as when it was first built. This helps preserve its unique look and feel for future generations who live, work, or visit here.

Old North End Real Estate and Housing Market

Inventory in the Old North End is usually low, meaning not many homes come on the market at once. Buyers are often drawn to the area's history, walkability, and unique architecture. However, these same reasons make homes here more expensive and occasionally lead to bidding wars when listings appear.

Living in a historic home can mean extra work for the owner. Older houses may need updates for plumbing, wiring, or heating. Owners must follow local preservation rules before making changes to the outside of the home. These rules are meant to keep the neighborhood's look consistent and to protect its historic value.

Recently, the city passed new rules for accessory dwelling units, also called ADUs. Starting in 2025, property owners can add small, separate living spaces on their lots, as long as they follow certain guidelines. The ADU must be smaller than the main house and offer a parking space. Short-term rentals are not allowed in new ADUs. These changes create more options for people who need extra space or want to house family members close by.

Overall, the Old North End is a place where people can find historic homes, but they should expect higher prices, more maintenance, and some extra steps for remodeling or building on their property.

Old North End Neighborhood Association (ONEN)

The Old North End Neighborhood Association, called ONEN, is a volunteer organization founded in 1957. Its main focus is supporting the historic preservation of homes and streets in the Old North End of Colorado Springs. Unlike homeowners' associations, ONEN does not collect mandatory dues. Contributions and volunteer hours help fund many of its activities and projects.

ONEN is known for organizing community events. Regular activities include a Fourth of July parade and neighborhood block parties, which bring people together and help create strong connections among residents. The association also communicates with the city about safety issues, such as traffic, crosswalks, and lighting, especially in areas where new development or changes take place.

Recently, ONEN worked with city officials when Colorado Springs adopted new rules for accessory dwelling units, also called ADUs, in April 2025. These changes allow property owners to add small separate living spaces, like backyard cottages or converted basements. State law now requires residential lots zoned for single-family homes to allow at least one ADU, with basic standards for parking and size. The association helped share information about these changes so residents understood how new structures could fit within existing neighborhood guidelines.

ONEN aims to keep residents informed and involved in decisions about the area. Monthly updates, volunteer projects, and feedback meetings are common. Many people say participation in ONEN helps them stay connected and have a voice in changes affecting their neighborhood.

Schools Serving the Old North End

Families living in the Old North End have access to several local public and private school options. The primary public elementary school is Steele Elementary, which is part of Colorado Springs School District 11. Steele Elementary has received positive ratings from both GreatSchools and Niche, earning an 8 out of 10 and a B+ grade, respectively. The school is noted for its engaged staff and active parent community, though some parents have expressed concerns about recent changes in leadership and the need for stronger diversity efforts. Steele Elementary offers standard academic programs along with art, music, and Spanish as part of its curriculum.

For middle school, most Old North End students attend North Middle School. North Middle is known for offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme, which provides a student-centered curriculum with a focus on critical thinking and global awareness. The IB program is designed to challenge students while supporting learning in more than one language.

High school students are typically zoned to attend Palmer High School, which is also in District 11. Palmer High offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses and opportunities for college credit through partnerships with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. While the school is close to downtown and provides a broad range of extracurricular activities, some families note that parking is limited and urban safety considerations are comparable to other downtown schools.

Private school options nearby include The Colorado Springs School, St. Mary's High School, and Colorado Springs Christian Schools, all within a reasonable drive of the neighborhood. These schools offer smaller class sizes and a variety of educational programs with different academic and extracurricular focuses.

Comparing Old North End to Nearby Neighborhoods

Several neighborhoods close to the Old North End may interest people looking at homes in central Colorado Springs. Patty Jewett sits just east of the Old North End. This area is centered around the historic Patty Jewett Golf Course and is known for its older homes, tree-lined streets, and active community events. Many houses are early twentieth-century bungalows and cottages. Residents appreciate easy access to local coffee shops and downtown, as well as annual gatherings like the Fourth of July parade and Porch Fest.

Shooks Run is located just southeast of the Old North End. This neighborhood is recognized for its smaller lots, historic houses, and paved multi-use trail that follows Shooks Run Creek. Homes include bungalows, cottages, and Craftsman styles, some dating back to the late 1800s. The area features community gardens, local parks, and high walkability to downtown businesses and schools. Property prices in Shooks Run are typically lower than in the Old North End, and buyers find a mix of affordable fixer-uppers and renovated properties.

Old Colorado City is west of downtown Colorado Springs. It was once a separate city and still maintains its original main street, which is lined with local shops, boutiques, and cafes. Many homes in Old Colorado City were built before 1940, and the neighborhood is known for its historic character. Public parks and shopping are within walking distance, and the area sits close to the Garden of the Gods park.

Each of these neighborhoods offers its own features, history, and housing styles. Buyers may find differences in home prices, lot sizes, local amenities, and proximity to downtown and parks. The Old North End is known for larger historic homes and a quieter setting, while many choose nearby areas for their artsy feel or easy access to recreational and shopping options.

Pros and Cons of Living in the Old North End

Living in the Old North End neighborhood offers unique benefits and some challenges that are important to know. The area is known for its historic homes, large trees, and walkable streets. Residents often enjoy community events and can easily reach downtown Colorado Springs, which is less than a mile away.

One major benefit is the neighborhood's character. Many homes here have been kept in good shape, mostly through ongoing efforts to preserve their original look. Because of this history, property values in the Old North End tend to remain steady over time, even when the local market changes. Another positive aspect is the sense of community. Neighbors work together on projects like adding streetlights or slowing down traffic when needed.

There are also some challenges that come with living in an older neighborhood. Many houses need specialized repairs, especially with plumbing, heating, or electrical systems that may be original to the home. Renovations or changes on the outside of a house usually require city approval because the area is a protected historic district. This process helps keep the neighborhood looking consistent but can take more time and sometimes cost more money.

Parking may be limited, especially close to Colorado College. The neighborhood sometimes experiences noise from downtown events or college activities, especially on weekends. There are occasional reports of car break-ins or minor property crime, which is typical for areas close to city centers.

Overall, the Old North End is best for people who appreciate historic architecture, value community involvement, and enjoy easy access to city amenities. It is a good fit for buyers who are comfortable with some of the upkeep and rules that come with living in a preserved neighborhood.

Discover Your Home in the Old North End

If you are researching neighborhoods in Colorado Springs or are interested in living in an area with historic character, the Old North End is a place many people consider. Listings and prices may change frequently, so checking updated resources is recommended when exploring homes in this part of the city.

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