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23 Pros and Cons of Living in Colorado Springs in 2024
Have you wondered about the pros and cons of living in Colorado Springs?
It’s no wonder why people are moving to Colorado. There’s a natural beauty, outdoor lifestyles, and plenty of job opportunities!
But there are also many other factors to consider to decide if Colorado Springs is for you. I’ve lived in over 18 countries in the last 10 years and know what to look for when looking to move somewhere new.
So let’s dive in so you can see if living in Colorado Springs is right for you.
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1. Pro: Plenty of Outdoor Activities
One of the biggest pros of living in Colorado Springs is the many outdoor activities available.
Picturesque parks and the mountains as your neighbor, nature is calling you outside.
From hiking to mountain biking, and camping to snowshoeing, you will find both summer and winter sports here in Colorado Springs. Best of all, these are all roughly a 20-minute drive from downtown.
2. Con: Not Much To Do Except the Outdoors
If you don’t like the outdoors, there are limited options for things to do.
Living in Colorado Springs is all about being outside. There are a few options for museums in the city.
Denver is only an hour away and has more options for museums, indoor activities, restaurants, and shopping for when you don’t feel like visiting nature.
3. Pro: Rapid City Growth
Colorado Springs’s population has exploded. It is the second largest city in Colorado, after Denver.
Infrastructure is being developed, neighbourhoods are being built, and roads are widening to try and keep up.
Although it is sprawling, it avoids feeling claustrophobic. If you ever do feel cramped, escape outside to the towering rock formations in Garden of the Gods or Pikes Peak in under 30 minutes.
While the city is rapidly growing, it is keeping its small town feel.
4. Con: High Price of Living
There aren’t enough houses to rent or buy, so the cost of living in Colorado Springs is high.
If you think about its location, isolated in the mountains, it makes sense. Too many people want to live here and the number of houses available is limited.
Colorado Springs is still a more affordable place to live when compared to Denver and other major cities.
5. Pro: Amazing Quality of Living
Colorado Springs is a great place to live for its amazing quality of living.
Voted one of the best places to live in the US, it’s a popular destination for relocation and travelers alike.
The hospitals are some of the best in the state. The military provides economic security for the area. The city values its quality of living, so locals are always outdoors.
6. Con: Lots of Traffic
One of the biggest cons of living in Colorado Springs is the traffic. The secret is out about the high quality of life. More people moving to Colorado Springs is bringing an influx of traffic.
There is never-ending construction on the I-25. Avoid the highway during morning and after-work rush hours, and you should be okay.
The average commute time is 22 minutes which is nothing compared with living in Toronto and spending 1+ hours traveling across the city. So it depends on where you are moving from whether this is a pro or a con.
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7. Pro: Excellent Education System
The school system is one of the best in Colorado and has a student-teacher ratio of 16:1.
Colorado Springs has higher graduation rates for both high school and university than the national average.
If you have young kids, the strong education system would be a great benefit of living in Colorado Springs.
8. Con: Higher Crime Rates
Despite its high quality of life, Colorado Springs does have a crime problem.
Violent and property crimes are serious issues.
The city has higher rates of assaults and theft than other cities in the USA. Police forces are expanding as the city continues to grow.
If you’re moving to Colorado Springs, research the area you will live in and take precautions to protect yourself from crime.
9. Pro: Good Public Transportation
Colorado Springs has a good public transportation system. Living here gives you access to buses, taxis, ride shares, and shuttles.
There are 40 bus routes to help you travel around the city. And there are daily shuttles between Denver and Colorado Springs.
Public transportation is affordable, with bus fares starting at $1.75 USD for an adult.
10. Con: Buses Don’t Go Everywhere
There may be plenty of bus routes, but the system isn’t perfect. The city is widespread and buses are limited outside of downtown.
Buses will take you around the core of Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs and Widefield. You can’t visit the iconic Pikes Peak by bus.
It’s easier to get around Colorado Springs with a car.
🚗 Get the ultimate freedom in Colorado Springs by renting a car. Find the cheapest rentals here!
11. Pro: Super Dog Friendly
Everyone in Colorado Springs seems to have a dog, and they are loved like family. It’s one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country.
Throughout the city are lots of trails, dog parks, and dog-friendly establishments to enjoy. I love traveling with my dog Theo and know he would enjoy living here.
If you have a dog or have considered getting one, Colorado Springs is a great place for you.
12. Con: The Altitude
For most people, the altitude is a con of living in Colorado Springs.
When leaving the airport or even driving from Denver, it takes time to acclimate to the elevation change.
The air is thinner here, and you need to drink more water. While getting used to it, you might suffer from altitude sickness and throw up or feel winded after climbing only 1 or 2 flights of stairs.
I had to take my puffer before I even left the Denver airport! And my asthma is pretty minor.
If you are an athlete, the high altitude can benefit your training. You can enjoy the Olympic training center here.
👩⚕️ Make sure to have good health insurance before moving to Colorado Springs. Get your quote with Safety Wing today!
13. Pro: Healthy Lifestyle
If you enjoy being active, you will love the many adventures awaiting you. Locals embrace a healthy lifestyle.
Once you acclimatize, you can train to be in the best shape of your life here, as Olympic athletes come here to do.
Even if you aren’t an athlete, there is something about picturesque scenery and easy access to mountain trails that inspires people to be outside.
14. Con: Short Supply of Water
Water is limited and complicated due to the high altitude and low amount of rainfall. The city is always looking for ways to conserve and transport water.
Most of the population lives on the Front Range at a lower elevation, and the water stays up at the top.
There are constant issues trying to move water around.
It is best to learn water conservation skills. Take shorter showers. Include rocks as part of your outdoor landscape which requires less water to maintain.
15. Pro: Plenty of Sunny Days
It’s common to hear Colorado gets over 300 sunny days a year but this isn’t entirely true. They do get a lot of suns. More than 240 sunny days per year.
One of the best parts of all that sun is even if it snows, it quickly melts it away. Often the next day after a snowfall. Talk about one of the best perks of living in Colorado Springs!
Just remember to wear sunscreen even when it’s not sunny. At a higher altitude, you can burn easier.
🌞 Meet new friends through this platform and enjoy those sunny days together!
16. Con: Dry Air
One of the disadvantages of living in Colorado Springs is the dry air.
Near the mountains with no large bodies of water nearby, humidity levels are low. This causes the air to be dry year-round.
Think of Colorado Springs as a high, dry desert. Very little precipitation in a year.
It’s essential to take precautions when living in Colorado Springs, such as drinking lots of water and using extra moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
Plan to carry a water bottle with you everywhere for good measure.
17. Pro: Good Air Quality
The air may be dry in Colorado Springs, but the air quality is high. It’s above the national average.
Unlike the polluted air you find living in California, Colorado is fresh and clean. It’s no wonder people are moving here from California and across the country.
Even better, the air doesn’t ever feel too hot or humid, so summer is comfortable.
When considering the pros and cons of living in Colorado Springs or anywhere, air quality is important for those with respiratory conditions, like my asthma.
18. Con: Unpredictable Weather
The weather in Colorado Springs has not normal and can be very unpredictable.
The topography, elevation changes, and wind patterns cause many microclimates in Colorado.
On any given day, depending on your elevation in town, you can experience sun, snow, hail, rain, fog, or clear weather in a short time period. Seasons are all out wack, as Colorado Springs gets most of its snow in the spring.
Make sure you dress in layers to be prepared for all the wild weather.
19. Pro: But Weather Can Change Quickly
Unpredictable and volatile weather isn’t all doom and gloom. If you don’t like the weather, just wait.
A rainy or snowy day can quickly turn into a sunny day in as little as an hour. This is where wearing layers will help.
Plan to take a nap or have a lunch break, and the weather can be better soon.
20. Con: Underdeveloped Food Scene
Speaking of lunch breaks, the food in Colorado Springs is very salty and bland.
The city is doing its best to change and new spots are opening up all the time. Hopefully soon the food scene will be more on par with larger cities.
In the meantime, you can find a great variety of food options just an hour away in Denver.
21. Pro: Local Airport
As a traveler, one of the best perks of living in Colorado Springs is having a local airport.
If that isn’t enough, it’s under 1.5 hours from Denver International Airport which is ranked one of the best airports in the country.
So you end up having two airports under 2 hours from you. This is a great perk of living in Colorado Springs and makes it easier to visit friends and family. Or have them visit you.
🛫 Find the best flights to and from Colorado Springs with this booking tool!
22. Con: People Aren’t Always Friendly
There are some growing pains, and not everyone in Colorado Springs is always friendly.
Locals have seen the size and prices of their small towns explode, and aren’t always the nicest to “transplants.”
Like anywhere, with more and more people moving here, you will find there are those who are easy to talk to and those who keep to themselves.
🤝 It might not always be easy but it’s definitely possible to make new friends in Colorado Springs. Join MeetUp today!
23. Pro: More Job and Business Opportunities
So many people moving to Colorado Springs means lots of business and job opportunities.
Multiple colleges, military outposts, and a local airport all help keep the city’s economy strong.
Many businesses are hiring, including healthcare, tech, manufacturing, and retail. New small businesses are opening all the time as residents love to shop locally.
If you are looking for a new job or to start your own business, relocating to Colorado Springs can be a great move.
👩💻 Use this platform to find the perfect job in Colorado Springs!
Is Colorado Springs, Colorado a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Colorado Springs is a good place to live.
People move here from all over the country for the mild weather, beautiful landscapes, and abundance of outdoor activities.
Wrap Up: Pros and Cons of Living in Colorado Springs
Living in Colorado Springs can be a great choice. From living in a growing city to enjoying its proximity to nature, there’s something for you here.
Now you have the information you need to decide whether or not these pros and cons of living in Colorado Springs will work for you.
If you are looking for an active lifestyle in one of the most beautiful cities in the US, then moving to Colorado Springs might be the place for you.
🛫 Ready to move to Colorado Springs? Use this platform to find the best flight deals!
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Living Abroad Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy expat travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Safety Wing!
🌎 What is the best country to live in as an expat?
It depends – the best country to live in as an expat will depend on your unique needs. I developed this free quiz to help you figure out where is right for you!
📍 How do I pick a country to live abroad?
It depends – picking a country to live in is hard. That’s why I developed this $7 course to share all of the steps I’ve taken when deciding to move to 20+ different countries, and how I handle homesickness when I get there.
Ultimately, making the choice of where to move is going to be hard. But the hardest thing is deciding to move abroad at all!
💼 How do I get a job as an expat?
You can find work abroad via local job boards or temp agencies. My favourite way to work is remotely, so I always look for jobs on FlexJobs.com when I live abroad. They hire for 100% remote roles only.
If you’re looking to teach English abroad, Premier TEFL has the best online course to get you great work!
💰 How do I open a bank account abroad?
Wise.com offers free global accounts, and the cheapest money transfers. Since it can be a headache to open bank accounts in different countries (it took me 2 months in the UK!), Wise.com is a great solution.
I actually use it as my primary bank now worldwide due to the multi-currency debit card. (Read more)
👯♀️ How do you make friends abroad?
Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.
🙀 I don’t speak the language. Can I still live abroad?
Learn languages in no time with iTalki! Moving abroad is an opportunity to learn the language. You don’t need to know it before you leave home.
💻 Do I need a VPN?
Yes! – VPNs allow you to access more of the internet. From US Netflix in the UK to social media sites banned in Asia. It’s a really helpful and cheap thing to ensure your online activities aren’t restricted.
🧳 What’s the best luggage for living abroad?
This is my favourite luggage set for long term travel. You can read more about my review of types of suitcases for travel here.
🏡 How do I tell my friends and family I want to live abroad?
Take this $7 course and learn the exact script I used to tell my family I was moving abroad … and then when I did it again. I even include tips for prepping your family, and for how to handle family who aren’t supportive.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. (Read more)
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com. (Read more)
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
