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With over 300 days a year of sunshine, Colorado Springs is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. About 70 miles south of Denver, the city also offers something its sister city often lacks: a balanced lifestyle. That balance comes from economic stability, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community pride. If you’re moving to Colorado Springs soon, or just arrived, this Colorado Springs Moving Guide, created by NSA Storage, is packed with all the info you need about your new home!
Colorado Springs is Mostly Sunny, Dry, and Pleasant
One of the many great reasons to move to Colorado Springs is the weather and climate. The city is classified as a high-desert, semi-arid climate with abundant sunshine and low humidity. At 6,000+ feet above sea level, however, the weather can also change quickly.
Here’s a closer look at some weather facts about Colorado Sprgins:
- Colorado Springs sees over 300 days a year of sunshine.
- Temperature changes can happen quickly, so preparation is key.
- In spring and summer, it’s not unusual to get hail and afternoon thunderstorms.
- Bright, clear, sunny weather often follows snowfalls.
- The most pleasant time of year is fall, which is especially mild and sunny.
- The city sees less than 20 inches of rain annually.
- July highs reach the mid-80s, but it cools down into the 50s at night.
- Snowstorms can and do occur into May, but the sun usually melts the snow quickly afterward.
For folks who love sunshine but also enjoy snow skiing, living in Colorado Springs is perfect. That’s because world-class ski resorts are about two hours away. It’s worth noting, though, that the city’s elevation makes the sunshine more intense, so sunscreen is a must even in the winter.
Lifestyle and Affordability Balance
It would be a stretch to say that Colorado Springs is “affordable”. That said, the city does offer a nice balance of lifestyle perks and, compared to Denver and other cities, affordability. Housing prices, for example, are generally lower in Colorado Springs. The economy is strong and stable, also, which keeps runaway pricing under control.
As for lifestyle, few cities can boast 300+ days of sunshine and quick access to a wealth of natural beauty. There’s less congestion in Colorado Springs, also, and the low humidity makes for very pleasant living conditions overall.
Below are a few more facts about the city’s attractive balance:
- Median home prices in Colorado Springs are generally in the mid-$400,000s, though prices do vary.
- Colorado Springs is growing quickly, but it hasn’t hit the pricing extremes of places like Boulder or Denver.
- Colorado has some of the lowest effective property tax rates in the country.
- Colorado, and thus Colorado Springs, has a flat state income tax of 4.4%.
- The city’s overall cost of living is slightly above the national average. (About 108/100.)
- Grocery costs are about average in the city, but insurance can be higher due to the risk of hail.
As you can see, Colorado Springs really does have a nice balance of comfortable lifestyle and moderate affordability. For folks moving in from coastal cities, it can be a smart financial move that provides a wonderful way of life.
Outdoor Recreation
One thing everyone enjoys about living in Colorado Springs are the numerous and easily accessible outdoor activities. After all, the city lies at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, one of the most spectacular natural areas in the country! That makes it possible to hike in the morning, kayak in the afternoon, and see the sunset from a forest path.
Some of the amazing activities you can enjoy in Colorado Springs include the following:
- Horseback riding and camping in Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
- Spectacular mountain biking within minutes of the city at Red Rock Canyon Open Space.
- The 2,000-foot vertical trail challenge at Manitou Incline.
- World-class rock climbing both in the city’s parks as well as nearby canyons.
- All the winter activities you can imagine, from cross-country skiing to snowboarding, snowshoeing, and much more.
- Taking a spectacular, scenic drive around Pike’s Peak and the Front Range.
- Boating, fishing, and other water sports on nearby Lake Helene and Rampart Reservoir.
- Running and biking the extensive network of trails across the region.
Living in Colorado Springs gives you access to major outdoor areas within 15 to 30 minutes. Outdoor life is enjoyed here year-round, and part of the city’s lifestyle. And all of that comes with some of the most diverse landscapes in the United States, bar none.
Festivals, Events, and Community Spirit
It’s not surprising that, in a city with so much sunshine, Colorado Springs knows how to celebrate. From dynamic parades and exciting balloon festivals to art fairs and outdoor concerts, there’s always something happening. Holiday markets are a city staple, and one of the best ways to share, connect, and enjoy life. The best part is that it’s all done against one of the most scenic backdrops in the country!
Below is a list of the top celebrations in Colorado Springs you’ll soon be enjoying:
- Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off– One of the biggest and most spectacular balloon festivals in the United States. (Early July.)
- Pikes Peak International Hill Climb– This thrilling motorsports event sees drivers race up Pikes Peak! (Late June.)
- Greek Festival– Downtown Colorado Springs is the location for this annual festival celebrating Greek culture with authentic food, music, dancing, and crafts. (Late August.)
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival– A fun, family-friendly parade focused on Irish culture.
- Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo– Rodeo events, live music, and community fun are the main attractions. (Mid July.)
- Holiday Lighting Festivals- Colorado Springs goes all out during the holidays with lights, celebrations, and more.
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s “Electric Safari”– Spectacular Interactive light displays, live music, and zoo-related activities for the entire family. (December through January.)
One of the highlights of living in Colorado Springs are the city’s many farmers markets. Most of them start in late spring and continue through fall, with fresh local produce and handcrafted food and goods. Several feature live music, also, as well as local food trucks. Two of the best are the Old Colorado City Farmers Market and the Colorado Farm & Art Market. This helpful link will give you all the details on the many farmers markets you’ll enjoy here.
Education Options in Colorado Springs
As if there wasn’t enough to love, the educational options in Colorado Springs are first-class. STEM programs are highly emphasized in public schools, as well as the arts and athletics. Community education is strong, supported by public workshops and continuing education programs. Plus, the city is home to the prestigious United States Air Force Academy.
The facts, below, highlight the city’s emphasis on education:
- Much of the city’s educational culture is shaped by the presence of the U.S. Air Force Academy. They partner with local schools for leadership training and STEM programs.
- Colorado Springs invests heavily in arts, music, and performance programs at both private and public schools.
- Coding clubs and robotics competitions are widespread in the city, getting kids hooked on engineering from an early age.
- Outdoor experiential programs leverage Colorado Springs’ natural environment in a variety of ways.
- The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) offers strong STEM, business, and research programs.
Colorado Springs has several strong school districts, including Academy School District 20, Colorado Springs District 11, and Falcon School District 49. These highly-rated districts offer advanced programs, sports, and extracurricular opportunities to students of all ages.
Need Storage in Colorado Springs? NSA Storage Makes It Easy
Moving is stressful, it’s true, but storing your belongings doesn’t have to be. Whether your new home isn’t ready, is smaller than you expected, or you just need some extra space, NSA Storage has you covered.
Our clean, secure Colorado Springs storage units come in a variety of sizes and are available at several convenient locations. You can reserve a storage unit in Colorado Springs online in just minutes. Plus, our month-to-month leases give you lots of flexibility without the burden of a long-term contract..
With NSA Storage, your items will be safe, secure, and accessible. That way, you can focus on settling into your new home and enjoying everything Colorado Springs has to offer.
