9 Brutal Truths About Living in Colorado Springs (and Why We Still Love It)
Let’s be honest — Colorado Springs looks like paradise on Instagram. Between the 300 days of sunshine, mountain views that belong on postcards, and an endless list of outdoor adventures, it’s no wonder so many people dream about moving here.
But here’s the deal: life at the foot of Pikes Peak isn’t always picture-perfect.
Every city has its quirks — and Colorado Springs is no exception. So before you sell everything, pack up your hiking boots, and head for the mountains, you might want to know a few “brutal truths” that locals love to joke (and occasionally complain) about.
We’re talking unpredictable weather, mischievous wildlife, and traffic that makes you question all your life choices. Sound dramatic? Maybe. True? Absolutely.
These are the nine things that make people say, “Wait… maybe I’m not cut out for this mountain life.” And yet, for those of us who call Colorado Springs home — we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
1. The Weather in Colorado Springs is a Roller Coaster 🎢
You’ve probably heard that Colorado Springs gets over 300 days of sunshine a year. Sounds amazing, right? Well… those other 65 days can really pack a punch.
Mark always says, “Don’t get too attached to whatever weather you wake up to — it’s probably going to change by lunch.”
We’ve seen snow in May. We’ve had 70-degree afternoons followed by 20-degree nights. You might shovel snow in the morning and grill in shorts by dinnertime.
And then there’s hail. Oh, the hail.
Every summer, those icy golf balls fall from the sky like Mother Nature’s version of dodgeball. Roofs, cars, siding — nothing is safe. Add in the insurance headaches that come with hail damage, and it’s no wonder locals cringe when the forecast says “isolated storms.”
Then there’s the wind. Forget losing your hat — around here, people lose entire trash cans. If you’ve ever wondered where yours went, there’s a good chance it’s enjoying its new life in Kansas.
Local Tip:
Don’t plant anything until after Mother’s Day. And if you do, make peace with the fact that your tulips may not make it.
The takeaway: The weather in Colorado Springs keeps you on your toes. But hey, that’s part of the fun — and it makes those perfect bluebird days even better.
2. The Altitude Adjustment 🏔️
At over 6,000 feet above sea level, Colorado Springs is quite literally a breath of fresh air — but also, sometimes, no air at all.
The thinner atmosphere here means less oxygen, which can lead to headaches, dizziness, or just feeling tired for no reason. Newcomers often find themselves winded after climbing a single flight of stairs. (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.)
“People fly in for vacation and think they’re fine,” Mark says, “until they try to jog around Garden of the Gods. That’s when reality hits.”
Hydration is key. Locals practically carry water bottles as accessories. And don’t underestimate lotion — the dry air plus altitude can leave your skin begging for mercy.
Pro Tip:
Give yourself a few weeks to acclimate. Go easy on outdoor workouts at first, and remember: even elite athletes train here because of the altitude challenge.
Once you adjust, you’ll love the crisp air, endless views, and the bragging rights that come with living a mile (and then some) above sea level.
3. The Cost of Housing 💸
Okay, let’s rip off the Band-Aid: Colorado Springs isn’t cheap.
We hear it all the time — people move here thinking it’s the affordable alternative to Denver. And while that used to be true, our city has grown so much that prices are now keeping pace with our northern neighbor.
The Colorado Springs housing market has seen prices climb dramatically over the past decade. Between limited inventory, steady demand, and new-construction costs, affordability has become one of the biggest hurdles for newcomers.
And it’s not just homebuyers feeling it — rent prices have followed suit. Add in property taxes, homeowners insurance (especially in hail or fire zones), and maintenance costs, and it’s easy to see why some people feel the squeeze.
“We love helping people find homes here,” Mark says, “but we’re also real about what affordability looks like in 2025.”
Still, when you compare the lifestyle — mountain access, community vibe, outdoor recreation, and smaller-city feel — many find that the value outweighs the cost.
Local Insight:
Work with a Realtor who knows how to navigate the nuances of each neighborhood. From Briargate’s family-friendly suburban feel to Old Colorado City’s historic charm, prices and value vary dramatically depending on where you land.
4. Traffic, Construction, and the Never-Ending Orange Cones 🚧
Colorado Springs might feel like a mid-sized city, but drive anywhere at rush hour and you’ll swear you’re in downtown Denver.
The problem? Our infrastructure hasn’t quite caught up to our growth. I-25 is basically the spine of the city — and it’s always under construction. A single fender-bender can turn your 20-minute commute into an hour-long exercise in patience.
“We joke that there are four seasons in Colorado Springs: almost winter, winter, still winter, and orange cone season,” Mark laughs.
Between expanding neighborhoods, road projects, and constant repairs, there’s always a detour waiting to test your temper.
Local Tip:
Learn the backroads. Academy, Powers, and Union can save you a lot of time if you know when and how to use them. And always — always — leave early if you have to be anywhere north or south on I-25.
The bright side? The city is investing in improvements. Slowly but surely, new overpasses and lane expansions are helping traffic flow better. It’s progress… just not fast progress.
5. Wildlife Isn’t Always Cute 🦌🐻
We love living close to nature — but sometimes, nature gets too close.
Deer in your backyard? Adorable… until they start eating your landscaping. Bears rummaging through your trash? Not so fun when it happens at midnight. Mountain lions wandering the foothills? That’ll make you rethink your evening jog.
“Every time my wife sees a bear online, she says, ‘I want one!’” Mark jokes. “And every time I remind her, ‘We have two dogs. That’s enough wildlife.’”
It’s part of what makes living in Colorado Springs unique — you’re never far from the wild. But it also means you have to adapt:
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Secure your trash cans.
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Keep an eye on small pets.
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Stay alert on hiking trails (yes, rattlesnakes are a thing).
Most encounters are harmless and awe-inspiring, but they’re also a reminder that we share this place with creatures who were here long before us.
6. The Dry Climate & Wildfire Risk 🔥
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t need lotion,” Colorado Springs will prove you wrong in about three days.
The dry mountain air feels amazing — until your lips crack, your skin flakes, and you wake up feeling like you swallowed a desert. Add in the altitude, and hydration becomes a full-time job.
Humidifiers, lip balm, and gallons of water are non-negotiable for locals.
Then there’s wildfire risk. When summer gets dry, it doesn’t take much for smoke to fill the sky. Those who lived through the Waldo Canyon or Black Forest fires know how quickly conditions can change.
“Wildfire awareness isn’t just for people in the foothills,” Mark says. “It’s something everyone here needs to think about.”
Local Tip:
Many neighborhoods now participate in fire-mitigation programs through the Colorado Springs Fire Department. If you’re moving here, ask about defensible-space zones and community readiness plans.
Despite the dryness, the upside is clear skies, crisp mornings, and low humidity — a dream for those escaping muggy climates.
7. The Job Market Isn’t for Everyone 💼
Here’s a truth that surprises many newcomers: unless you’re in the military, healthcare, or tech, the local job market can feel a little limited.
We’re home to multiple military installations (Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever, and the Air Force Academy), a robust healthcare network, and a growing tech scene. But beyond those industries, options thin out quickly.
For many, that’s fine — remote work has become more common, and plenty of people move here for the lifestyle rather than the career ladder. But if you’re expecting a bustling metro job market, you might find it challenging.
Local Perspective:
A lot of locals are “boomerangs” — people who served in the military here, moved away, and then came back to retire or start a second career. That says something about how special the community really is.
If you’re moving for work, just be realistic about opportunities and commutes. Some residents travel north to Denver for better-paying positions, trading time on the road for life near the mountains.
8. Rapid Growth = Growing Pains 🌆
Since the 1990s, Colorado Springs has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. And with good reason — it’s beautiful, friendly, and offers a lifestyle people love.
But growth comes with challenges. Our population boom has put pressure on roads, schools, and housing. Classrooms are packed, construction zones are constant, and infrastructure is racing to catch up.
“We’ve been saying for years that our infrastructure just didn’t keep up,” Mark admits. “And when you’re boxed in by mountains on the west side, there’s only so far you can expand.”
The result? More traffic, longer commutes, and higher demand for housing — which circles right back to affordability.
The Flip Side:
Growth also brings opportunity. New restaurants, parks, breweries, and small businesses are popping up all over town. Neighborhoods like Banning Lewis Ranch, Cordera, and Flying Horse have become vibrant communities with schools, trails, and amenities that didn’t exist a decade ago.
So yes, the growth can be frustrating — but it’s also what keeps Colorado Springs evolving and exciting.
9. Picking the Wrong Neighborhood Hurts 🏘️
This one’s big.
Colorado Springs is incredibly diverse — not just in people, but in vibe. Each part of town feels different. Choose wrong, and you might find yourself packing up sooner than you planned.
Maybe you want quiet cul-de-sacs and good schools — that’s Briargate or Wolf Ranch. Love mountain access and quirky charm? You’ll fit right in around Old Colorado City or Manitou Springs. Crave newer homes and wide-open spaces? Check out areas like Meridian Ranch or Peyton.
The key is matching your lifestyle to the right Colorado Springs neighborhood.
“That’s where we come in,” Mark says. “We’ve lived and worked in these areas for decades — we know the difference between ‘close to the mountains’ and ‘too close to the bears.’”
Local Tip:
Before you buy, spend a weekend exploring different sides of town. Grab coffee in the Old North End, walk a trail in Rockrimmon, and have dinner in the Broadmoor area. You’ll feel the differences right away.
Because here’s the thing — Colorado Springs is made up of micro-communities, and when you find the right one, everything just clicks.
So… Is It All Bad? Absolutely Not ❤️
After all that, you might be thinking, “Why would anyone live there?”
But talk to anyone who calls Colorado Springs home, and you’ll hear the same thing: yes, it has its quirks — but it’s 100% worth it.
Where else can you see Pikes Peak from your backyard, hit a trail after work, and still enjoy a small-town sense of community?
The weather keeps life interesting. The altitude makes every hike a challenge worth conquering. And the people — friendly, outdoorsy, and welcoming — make this city feel like home from day one.
We’ve helped tons of families relocate here, and we can confidently say that if you find the right neighborhood, the “brutal truths” become charming quirks you’ll laugh about later.
Final Thoughts
Every city has its challenges — but few have Colorado Springs’ mix of beauty, adventure, and heart. The key is knowing what you’re getting into and finding your best fit.
If you’re serious about moving to Colorado Springs or just curious about the Colorado Springs real estate market, let’s chat.
👉 Book a consultation with our team here.
We’ll help you find the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, your budget, and your goals — so you can love where you live from day one.
About The Author
The team at My Front Range Living are a group of full time real estate experts serving Colorado Springs, El Paso County and the surrounding areas. Their knowledge of the local community and experience in the industry provide you incomparable value when buying or selling a home. With several years of experience in helping out of state buyers and sellers, they are the go-to team when it comes to relocating and helping Colorado feel like home. Click Here to book a consultation with us.
Even if you’re looking for an agent in another city or state, the My Front Range Living team has a network of experts that can connect you with the right professional.
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