🌄 Moving to Colorado Springs? Here Are the Ten Things I Love About This Place
1. The mountains are always watching.There’s something grounding about seeing Pikes Peak every morning. It’s not just a landmark—it’s a quiet witness to our days. Whether I’m walking George or heading to church, that mountain reminds me I’m part of something bigger.
2. Garden of the Gods never gets old.
I’ve lived here long enough to know the red rocks change with the light. Sunrise makes them blush. Sunset turns them golden. And every time I take someone new there, I get to fall in love with it all over again.
3. The air feels like a reset button.
It’s dry, yes—but it’s clean. I breathe easier here, literally and figuratively. There’s a clarity to the sky that makes you want to stand still and just look up.
4. People wave.
Not everyone, but enough. At the farmers market, on the trail, in the grocery store parking lot. There’s a friendliness here that doesn’t feel forced—it feels like neighbors remembering they’re neighbors. Small town vibes with big city perks!
5. History lives here.
From Glen Eyrie Castle to the old mining towns nearby, this city wears its past with pride. I love that I can walk through Manitou Springs and feel echoes of another time, even as I sip a modern latte. But it’s not just the buildings or the stories—it’s the land itself. General William Jackson Palmer, the city’s founder, believed nature was essential to the soul. He planted thousands of trees, preserved open spaces, and even redrew railroad plans to protect native vegetation. His vision gave us parks like Monument Valley and the backdrop of Garden of the Gods. That legacy of conservation continues to shape how we live here today.
6. The arts are alive and well.
Whether it’s a local play, a gallery opening, or a mural tucked into an alley, creativity finds its way into the corners of this city. It’s not flashy—it’s sincere. And that makes it all the more powerful. Places like Motif Jazz Café and The Mining Exchange host live jazz that feels like a secret worth sharing. I’ve sat with a craft cocktail in hand, letting the cymbals and bass lines melt the day away. It’s not just music—it’s mood, memory, and a little bit of grace. And in a city that honors its past, jazz feels right at home.
7. It’s a city that lets you breathe.
There’s space here. Not just physical space, but emotional space. You don’t have to hustle to belong. You can take your time. You can find your rhythm, walk your dog!
8. The seasons know how to show off.
Fall brings golden aspens. Winter dusts the mountains like powdered sugar. Spring surprises you with wildflowers. And summer? Summer is for porch sitting and trail wandering. The trails burst into bloom—Indian paintbrush, blue columbine, mountain bluebells, and even prickly pear cactus with their unexpected blossoms.
9. It’s affordable, relatively speaking.
Compared to Denver or Boulder, Colorado Springs still allows you to dream without getting bogged down in mortgage math. That matters, especially if you’re starting over or starting fresh.
Median home prices are $489,906. As of July 2025, the median rent price in Colorado Springs is approximately $1,829 per month. A three-bedroom house rents for $2,250. Colorado Springs remains about 6% below the national average, making it relatively affordable compared to cities like Denver or Boulder. However, rent has increased slightly over the past year, reflecting steady demand and limited inventory
10. It feels like home.
Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s real. The people, the places, the pace—it all adds up to a city that welcomes you as you are. And for me, that’s the best kind of place to be.
“General William Jackson Palmer didn’t just build a city—he planted a vision. His belief that nature should be preserved, not conquered, shaped Colorado Springs in ways we still feel today. From the trees he planted to the trails he protected, Palmer’s legacy is a quiet invitation to live with reverence. At The Utley Post, we honor that legacy—not just in history, but in how we tell our stories, care for our communities, and walk gently through the world.”
📝 A Note from the Author: On Some of the Cons
I love living in a military town. There’s a sense of discipline, pride, and service that runs deep here, and it brings people from all over the country and world to Colorado Springs. That diversity is real. You’ll hear different accents, see different uniforms, and meet families who’ve lived in Germany, Guam, and Georgia, all in the same decade. It’s part of what makes this city feel dynamic and grounded.
But that same military presence also shapes the city’s politics. Colorado Springs is widely regarded as the most conservative city in the state, and this influence is evident in everything from local governance to cultural norms. Evangelical organizations like Focus on the Family still hold sway, and marijuana remains illegal here despite statewide legalization. Things are changing—slowly. The election of an unaffiliated mayor and the growing presence of younger, more progressive voices are signs of a city in transition.
Major military installations in Colorado Springs include Fort Carson, US Army; Peterson Space Force Base; Schriever Space Force Base; Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station; and the United States Air Force Academy.
Walkability is another challenge. This is a car-centric city. Outside of downtown, Old Colorado City, and Manitou Springs, most neighborhoods are designed for driving, not strolling. If you’re used to walking to your favorite café or bookstore, you might find yourself missing that rhythm.
And while there are some wonderful locally owned coffee shops and restaurants—like Wayfinder Coffee Co., Kawa Coffee, and Carnelian Coffee—they’re scattered. Chain eateries dominate, and discovering the gems takes intention.
Boonzaaijer's Dutch Bakery is a little slice of Europe tucked into Fillmore Street.
When I first walked into Boonzaaijer's, I felt like I’d stepped into a scene from The Great British Baking Show—but with a Dutch twist. The scent of almond croissants and mocha eclairs greets you at the door, and the cases are filled with pastries that look like they belong in a storybook. This family-owned bakery has been serving Colorado Springs for decades, and its commitment to craft is evident in every flaky layer and mousse-filled dome.
That said, the schools here are strong. From top-ranked public institutions like The Vanguard School and Pine Creek High School to inclusive elementary campuses like Queen Palmer and Springs Ranch, families have access to quality education. The military’s presence also contributes to residential integration and educational investment.
Yes, Colorado Springs is indeed complex. It’s a place of tension and beauty, tradition and change. And for me, that makes it worth loving. Not because it’s perfect, but because it’s real.Signs of a city in transition. I love it.