With a population of over 483,000 people, the Colorado Springs metro area is one of the most populous cities in Colorado. With attractions full of natural beauty like Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the Rocky Mountains, it’s easy to see why it’s considered by many to be the best area to live in Colorado! Founded in 1871, Colorado Springs may feel like a small town, but it sprawls 194.9 square miles. The Springs is home to The University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado College, and multiple military installations including the United States Air Force Academy and Fort Carson.
With these attractions and institutions, many are making the move and settling down in one of this city’s diverse neighborhoods. Whether you are a student drawn to the lower cost of living, a young professional looking for some of the most affordable homes in Colorado, or a retiree looking for an amazing quality of life, it’s truly one of the most diverse and best cities in the state. Check out our 4 top neighborhoods in Colorado Springs, CO and find out which might feel like home to you!
BRIARGATE
Act fast if you’re thinking of buying a house in Briargate! Homes in this Northeast neighborhood don’t stay on the real estate market for long. Award-winning schools like Rampart High School, proximity to the nearby Air Force Academy, and affordable homes make it one of the best areas to live in Colorado Springs for young families.
Located on the north end of Northeast Colorado Springs, this large, master-planned community is known for its generously-sized homes, ample yards, and welcoming neighbors. It’s also a perfect area if you’re looking to raise horses. Many of the homes in the southern part of the area have at least half an acre for horses and children to venture out on. A relatively new community, Briargate was established in the 1980s-2000s. It is comprised of move-in-ready, starter homes that are perfect for the first time home buyer.
This centrally located neighborhood contains a plethora of amenities including Chapel Hills Mall, The Promenade Shops at Briargate, and a local YMCA. Big box stores such as Costco and Walmart are nearby for convenience. But they are far enough away that residents enjoy a quiet setting with little traffic. Briargate is also home to John Venezia Community Park which offers one of the best playgrounds in Colorado Springs.
Related Reading:
Homes for Sale in Briargate
Living in Briargate, Colorado Springs
Steps to Buy a Home
THE BROADMOOR NEIGHBORHOOD
Known for its large, historic homes and modern mansions, The Broadmoor neighborhood in Colorado Springs is among its wealthiest districts. This distinctive neighborhood is located in the Southwest area of Colorado Springs. Residents of this neighborhood enjoy stately architecture dating back to the 1920s-1940s. The Broodmoor neighborhood features manicured lawns, mature trees, and quiet, safe streets with exceptionally low crime rates. The schools in this neighborhood are also top notch. Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 is ranked in the top 5 districts in the state.
Whether you’re looking to raise horses on a million-dollar estate or for a more quaint farmhouse, most of the homes in this area have plenty of room for animals to roam. Many of the homes are also already outfitted with barns and other amenities necessary to raise horses. If the search is on for country living with nearby city resources, look no further!
When talking about The Broadmoor, it is impossible not to mention The Broadmoor Hotel and Resort. This prestigious resort dates back nearly a century. It is home to a golf course, spa, fitness center, tennis courts, swimming pools, restaurants, cafés, and a wide variety of shops. This destination attracts visitors nationwide and provides ample activities for local residents.
If you love the outdoors, the Broadmoor neighborhood provides access to many of the Springs’ best parks. Bear Creek Regional Park, North Cheyenne Canon Park, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park are all nearby.
The Broadmoor’s tight-knit community is comprised of upper-middle-class professionals in white-collar jobs. If your budget allows, this neighborhood is ideal for someone looking for plenty of space to roam in a welcoming environment tucked in close to the mountains.
Related Reading:
Homes for Sale in the Broodmoor
Broadmoor, Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Relocation Guide
Must Visit Parks in Colorado Springs
ROCKRIMMON
Composed primarily of white-collar professionals, small-business owners, and military families, Rockrimmon is the go-to neighborhood for young families. This neighborhood is located in the Northwest area of town. Its easy access to both Colorado Springs and the U.S. Air Force Academy accounts for the high population of servicemen in the area. However, it is ideal for both adults and children due to the highly-rated Academy School District 20, and amenities such as Trinity Brewing Co. and Caspian Cafe.
This charming neighborhood was developed in the 1970s. It is one of the most affordable districts in the Springs, especially if you’re looking for a bit of land. Most of the homes are zoned for horses and many feature over an acre of land.
While on a walk through Rockrimmon’s quaint streets, one may feel as though they stepped back in time. The homes are quintessentially ‘70s: split level with large windows and unique architecture. Inside, residents enjoy open floor plans with a thoughtful use of space. It’s also not uncommon to experience wildlife such as bighorn sheep, deer, and foxes due to several nearby wildlife parks.
Related Reading:
Homes for Sale in Rockrimmon
Tips for Finding a Rental in Colorado Springs
BLACK FOREST
Black Forest is great for those looking for a bit more open space. Most homes are built on at least one acre, but five acres of property is very common. This makes it a perfect area to own horses. If you have ample planning time and a considerable budget, it’s also a good area to consider buying land and building a custom home. Black Forest is home to Fox Run Regional Park and Black Forest Regional Park. Both provide plenty opportunities for outdoor activities like biking and hiking.
Whether raising a family is still in the future or the whole family is making the move, Black Forest is a great place to be. The woodsy area makes it a perfect place for children to grow up outside and there are endless outdoor activities. You can take advantage of all the big-cities amenities like nearby restaurants, movie theaters, and shopping while the Black Forest area allows for a retreat from that fast-paced lifestyle.
Related Reading:
Homes for Sale in Black Forest
Steps to Buy a Home
RISING STAR: BANNING LEWIS RANCH
A newer community in Colorado Springs is quickly joining the above areas as one of the most popular neighborhoods. Banning Lewis Ranch a master planned community located on the northeast side of Colorado Springs that dominates the area south of Woodmen Road and east of Marksheffel. Banning Lewis has grown to be a large part of town over the past 10 years and was named after the cattle ranch that used to be located there. This community will continue expanding south to eventually cover 30,000 acres.
The developers have tried to appeal to every lifestyle and stage of life by sectioning the community into smaller neighborhoods and providing additional amenities. There are many single family homes, ranch homes, specialty communities such as a low maintenance 55+ community with patio homes, zero lot line townhome style communities and more. Banning Lewis Ranch is massive and there is one main recreation area with a workout center, pool and tennis courts. But smaller sections throughout the community are laid out to feed somewhat independent. Some of them even have their own entrances, gyms and/or rec centers.
We can go on forever about all of the amazing neighborhoods–Northeast Colorado Springs, Westside, Old Colorado City, Northwest Colorado Springs, the Woodmen-Powers corridor! When it comes down to it, the Springs have something for everyone.
