Colorado Springs (population 415,000) is an extremely popular retirement community due to spectacular scenery, abundant sunshine, and conservative values. Originally built as a resort city, the town owes part of its growth and history to a huge gold strike nearby. Colorado Springs looks up at Pikes Peak, which towers over the city at 14,115 feet. The United States Air Force Academy, NORAD, Fort Carson are among the military bases also located in the area. Several evangelical organizations have their headquarters here.
The Colorado Springs downtown area provides extensive shopping. Many malls are also located in the area. Many modern amenities such as open-areas, bike trails, parks, and cultural activities are among the reasons why the city was named in 2006 as the best large city to live in by Money Magazine. The city is the 2nd largest city in Colorado. Photo of United States Space Force – Peterson Air Force Base Building 1 Colorado springs (public domain). Photo of Air Force Academy Doolittle Hall courtesy of Wikipedia and David Shankbone (public domain). For more information on retirement in Colorado
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Where to Retire in Colorado Springs and Home Prices
There are plenty of different types of housing available. Some of the nicest are the restored Victorian homes along Nevada Avenue. There are other old neighborhoods close in to town. Many offer views of snow-topped Pikes Peak or other mountains. The Broadmoor Hotel resort area is one of the most exclusive places to live in the city. Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs offer a flavor of the old west and some more interesting housing alternatives. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median selling price of a single family home in the 1st Quarter of 2020 was $339,100, which is much lower than the median selling price in Boulder which is listed at $622,600, during the same quarter. Larger homes in desirable areas can go for much more.
What is special about Colorado Springs
Lively downtown with broad streets and excellent shopping; The Antlers Hotel; The Cog Railway goes to the top of Pikes Peak; The sun shines 75% of days; 17,000 square foot Colorado Springs Senior Center; Pikes Peak; Cheyenne Mountain Zoo; Pike National Forest and Garden of the Gods; City is very walkable. The USAF Academy is a proud part of the city.
What is not special about Colorado Springs
It is crowded in the summer time; property crimes are above the national average; traffic along I-25 can be very heavy; runaway growth is a problem.
Who will like retirement in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs attracts a community of retirees who want to live in an active, conservative community with nearby mountains and plenty to do. Many military families tend to retire here, due to their familiarity with the area
Local economy is driven by
The economy is driven by the military, high tech and defense industries, and tourism
Climate and Physical Environment
The area experiences a 4 season climate. Summers tend to be cool, thanks to its altitude of 6000 feet. That same elevation provides a number of snowy blizzards, although the snow tends to melt quickly as blue skies reappear. Average July high is 84 and average January low is 14.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Musical events are plentiful in the area, either at the Pikes Peak Center, the Colorado Springs Symphony Orchestra, or the free concerts offered by the U.S. Air Force Academy Band. Other cultural institutions include the Colorado Opera Festival, the Colorado Dance Theatre, the Broadmoor Hotel, and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Colorado College and a small University of Colorado campus provide additional cultural opportunities.
Crime
Crime in Colorado Springs is slightly above the national average.
Medical facilities
Memorial Hospital and Penrose Hospital
Transportation
Colorado Springs Municipal Airport . Colorado Springs is a very walkable town.
What is the average retiree home ownership price in Colorado Springs as compared to Fort Collins, Colorado? Also do you have any information about retiring to Thornton, Colorado?
Posted by gman on August 23, 2016
Colorado Springs vs. Ft. Collins
I am a Colorado native. I've lived in Ft. Collins and my folks lived in Colorado Springs at one time.
Colorado Springs is beautiful next sits up next to mountains. It is clean. Because there is so much military it can be transient but there are established communities especially over 55. It is very conservative.
Ft. Collins is also beautiful with a great little downtown mall. Parking nose into the sidewalk. Good restaurants lately. Empties out in the summer a great deal as students leave. Close to mountain access like Red Feather Lakes. Pretty drive. Ft. Collins has pockets of conservatives but mixed with academia and diversity.
Posted by judych217 on February 28, 2015
the news i get back is the area north of downtown is nice. That includes Manitou Springs and old Colorado City. The area near the Broadmoor is reputably expensive and surrounded by some sketchy areas.
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