What They DON’T Tell You About Living in Colorado Springs: The Real Story
When I first visited Colorado Springs, I had no idea this city would eventually become my home. My brother and his family lived up in Divide, Colorado, and I was thrilled to visit them and meet my newborn nephew. As we drove in, I remember catching my first glimpse of Pikes Peak. I thought, “Wow, this place is incredible.” That trip sealed it for me. I fell in love with the weather, the views, the city, and the laid-back vibe.
Fast forward to today—I’m lucky enough to call Colorado Springs home. And while I truly love living in Colorado Springs, there are a few things I really wish I had known before I moved. If you’re thinking about moving to Colorado Springs, this is what they don’t always tell you—but what you definitely need to hear.
Falling in Love vs. Living Here: There’s a Difference
A lot of people, just like me, fall in love with Colorado Springs while they’re on vacation. I mean, how can you not? Between the jaw-dropping hiking trails, Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and the charming downtown with its food trucks and local shops, it’s easy to think this place is a dream.
But visiting and living here are two very different experiences.
When you live in Colorado Springs, you still have to sit in traffic. You still have to deal with construction. And as much as we love our visitors, tourist season can be… a lot. Plus, the magic of the mountains doesn’t mean you get to skip things like laundry or a trip to the DMV. The beauty doesn’t go away—it just becomes a little more “normal,” and you start to find joy in the quiet, everyday moments.
Tourist Season: It’s Real and It’s Crowded
We love our tourists. Really, we do. But from late May through Labor Day, the city changes.
Parking lots at popular spots? Completely packed.
Trails you enjoyed in the spring? Now crawling with visitors.
Your favorite brunch spot? Plan to wait.
If you move here, you’ll quickly learn the local secrets:
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Avoid Garden of the Gods on weekends during summer.
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Go to restaurants early (or late) to beat the rush.
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Explore the hidden trails and less crowded parks. Trust me, they’re worth it.
Living here means becoming a bit of an expert at navigating around tourist hotspots. You’ll find the local gems that most visitors miss—and those places become even more special.
The Myth of Perfect Weather: Sunshine, Wind, and Snow (Yes, Even in May)
One of the most common selling points about Colorado Springs is that we have 300 days of sunshine a year. And it’s true—sort of.
What people don’t always tell you is that those 300 sunny days might come with 50 mph winds. Or that the beautiful weather could shift dramatically within 30 minutes.
One minute: it’s sunny and perfect.
The next: sideways hail.
Let me tell you a true story.
We once planned a fun Father’s Day cookout—burgers on the grill, cold drinks, family on the way. Then out of nowhere, the wind swept in like a toddler mid-tantrum. We ended up eating in the garage, watching patio furniture blow down the street.
Classic Colorado Springs.
The weather here is wild. Spring can feel like winter. Summer storms can sneak up on you. Snow in May? Totally possible. And don’t even get me started on the wind—it’s a major character in this city’s story.
Quick Weather Tips for Living in Colorado Springs:
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Always have a backup plan for outdoor events.
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Invest in sturdy patio furniture (or accept that it may become your neighbor’s furniture).
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Keep a jacket, sunscreen, and an umbrella in your car—always.
The Real Colorado Springs: Diverse, Eclectic, and Unexpected
Colorado Springs has a reputation for being a conservative town, but that’s not the full picture. It’s actually a wonderfully eclectic mix:
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Military families
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Entrepreneurs
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Artists
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Outdoor adventurers
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Yogis and craft beer lovers (sometimes the same person)
It’s a city where someone might go from a yoga class to a Bible study, then meet friends at a brewery. It’s beautifully diverse and doesn’t fit neatly into a political box.
That’s one of the reasons I love living here. People here generally don’t care about labels. They just show up as they are, and I’ve found that when you meet them where they are, the connections are genuine.
Finding Your Place in a Transient City
Here’s something else I wish I knew before moving to Colorado Springs: it can feel a little… distant at first.
Colorado Springs is a very transient city. Between the military bases and job-related moves, people come and go a lot. Because of that, you might notice that folks keep to themselves in the beginning. I remember waving to people when I first moved here—just a friendly little one-finger wave from the steering wheel—and being surprised when they didn’t wave back.
But stick around. It changes.
Once you’re part of the community, you’ll see how people show up when it really counts:
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Neighbors helping each other shovel snow after a storm.
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Local businesses rallying support in tough times.
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People stepping up when someone in the community needs a hand.
Kindness always wins here. It just sometimes takes a little time to surface.
The Slower Pace: The Magic in Everyday Life
There’s something hard to put into words about living in Colorado Springs. Maybe it’s the way the mountains catch the light in the evening. Maybe it’s the slower pace, where people seem just a little more chill than in bigger cities.
It’s the moments that sneak up on you:
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Sitting on your porch watching the clouds roll over the Front Range.
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Knowing you’re only minutes from a quick hike, a bike ride, or paddle boarding.
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Enjoying your coffee while the sun rises over Pikes Peak.
Sure, it’s not always easy. The weather can be unpredictable. Tourist season can be frustrating. Making new friends can take time.
But for many of us, it’s deeply, deeply worth it.
Ready to Make Colorado Springs Home? Here’s How We Can Help.
If you’re thinking seriously about moving to Colorado Springs, we’ve put together a free relocation guide packed with helpful tips about:
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Schools
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Neighborhoods
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Breweries, restaurants, and local favorites
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And the things you didn’t think you needed to know
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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