Relocation guide
Living in Colorado Springs.
Thinking about a move to the Pikes Peak region? Here is a quick look at who lives here, what there is to do, and why so many people decide to stay.
By the numbers
Who calls the Springs home.
Colorado's second-largest city is young, educated, and deeply connected to the military community.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts and American Community Survey (2019 to 2023), Census population estimates for the city (July 2023) and metro area (July 2025). Figures are the most recent available as of 2026.
Why people move here
Top 5 reasons to call it home.
- 1
The outdoors starts at your front door
Trailheads, open space, and mountain views are woven right into the city. You can hike Garden of the Gods before work and catch sunset on a 14er over the weekend.
- 2
Sunshine with real seasons
With more than 240 sunny days a year, winter snow tends to melt fast and summer evenings cool off nicely. You get all four seasons without the long gray stretches.
- 3
A proud military community
Fort Carson, Peterson and Schriever Space Force Bases, Cheyenne Mountain, and the Air Force Academy make the Springs one of the most military-friendly places in the country.
- 4
Big-city amenities, hometown feel
A growing downtown, local breweries, a pro soccer stadium, and neighborhoods ranging from historic Old North End homes to newer communities on the north and east sides.
- 5
Olympic City USA
Home to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and a world-class training center, the city's active spirit shows up everywhere from rec leagues to race day.
Things to do
Where locals spend the weekend.
Outdoors
Garden of the Gods
Towering red rock formations with easy paved loops, rock climbing, and free admission year-round.
Outdoors
Pikes Peak
Drive the highway, ride the Cog Railway, or hike Barr Trail to the 14,115 ft summit that inspired "America the Beautiful."
Outdoors
Manitou Incline
A famously steep staircase climb gaining about 2,000 feet in under a mile. Free reservations required.
Outdoors
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
A quieter local favorite for hiking, mountain biking, and dog walks with Garden of the Gods style views.
Family
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Hand-feed the giraffes at one of the highest-elevation zoos in the country, with city views from the mountainside.
Family
Seven Falls
A series of waterfalls tucked into a box canyon, with stairs to the top and trails beyond.
Family
Cave of the Winds
Underground cave tours plus cliffside thrill rides perched high above Williams Canyon.
Culture and food
U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum
An interactive downtown museum celebrating Team USA athletes and the city's Olympic identity.
Culture and food
Old Colorado City
The region's original town, now lined with galleries, local shops, and restaurants in historic buildings.
Culture and food
Downtown and Weidner Field
Patio dining, rooftop bars, and Switchbacks FC soccer under the lights with Pikes Peak in view.
Culture and food
Manitou Springs
A quirky mountain town next door with natural mineral springs, arcades, and walkable shops.
Family
The Broadmoor area
Stroll the lake at the historic resort, then explore nearby trails in North Cheyenne Cañon Park.
A little history
From resort town to Olympic City.
Colorado Springs was built as a destination. Gold, grand hotels, and a strong military presence shaped the city it is today.
- 1859
Colorado City is founded
Gold seekers settle at the base of Pikes Peak. The town briefly serves as the territorial capital in 1862 and lives on today as Old Colorado City.
- 1871
General Palmer plans a resort city
Railroad founder William Jackson Palmer establishes Colorado Springs as a refined resort town. So many English visitors arrive that it earns the nickname "Little London."
- 1893
"America the Beautiful" is born
After reaching the summit of Pikes Peak, Katharine Lee Bates writes the poem that becomes one of the country's best-loved songs.
- 1918
The Broadmoor opens
Spencer Penrose, who made his fortune in the Cripple Creek gold boom, opens the iconic resort that still anchors the southwest side of town.
- 1942
Camp Carson is established
The Army post that becomes Fort Carson kicks off the city's lasting role as a military hub.
- 1958
The Air Force Academy moves in
Cadets arrive at the permanent campus on the city's north end. NORAD's Cheyenne Mountain complex follows in 1966.
- 1978
Olympic headquarters arrives
The U.S. Olympic Committee moves its headquarters to Colorado Springs, along with a training center for athletes.
- 2020
Olympic City USA, officially
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum opens downtown, cementing the city's place in American sports.
Ready to find your place in the Springs?
Our local agents know every corner of the Pikes Peak region.