Colorado Springs : Colorado

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 city against the valley courtesy of Wikipedia and Postoak; photo of City Hall 2008 courtesy of Wikipedia and Teofilo. For more information on retirement in Colorado

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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 2nd Quarter of 2018 was $323,600, which is much lower than the  median price in Boulder which is listed at $631,100. Larger homes in desirable areas can go for much more.

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.

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.