PCS 101: Moving to Colorado Springs? Here’s What You Need to Know

by Erica Schlecht

"Colorado Springs is one of the most military-friendly cities in the country — here’s what to know before you arrive."

PCS 101: Moving to Colorado Springs? Here's what you need to know

So you just got orders to Colorado Springs? First off, welcome! Whether this is your very first military move or you're a seasoned pro, moving is always a mix of excitement, stress, and about a million to-do lists. I've been there, and I can tell you, Colorado Springs is a great place to land.

In this guide, I'll walk you through what you need to know before you get here. From bases to housing, neighborhoods, schools, and even a few lifestyle tips to help your family settle in.

The Duty Stations in Colorado Springs

One of the first things families ask me is: "where will we be stationed and what does that mean for where we should live?" Here's a quick breakdown:

Fort Carson - Souht side of Colorado Springs, near Fountain. Army post with a huge presence in town.
Peterson Space Force Base - On the east side of the city, right by the airport.
Schriever Space Force Base - About 10 miles further east of Peterson. More of a commute, but some families prefer the quieter communities nearby.
United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) - Up north, surrounded by beautiful open space and mountain views.
Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station (CMSFS/NORAD) - Nestled in the shouthwest foothills of the city. Close to the Broadmoor and Cheyenne Mountain neighborhoods, with quick access to Fort Carson. Expect some elevation and winding mountain roads.

-> Knowing your duty station is key because Colorado Springs strectches long north and south, and commutes can vary a lot depending on where you land.

Housing Options for PCS Families

When it comes to housing, You've got a few routes to consider:

On-base housing - Convenient, community feel, predictable costs. Downside: sometimes there are waitlists, and have less choice over style/space.
Buying a home - Many PCS families choose this route here because Colorado Springs is military friendly and VA loans are widely used. If you're staying at least 3 years, buying can be a solid move.
Renting off-base - Perfect if you want flexibilityor aren't ready to buy. Rentals can move quickly here, so it helps to start your search early.

-> Pro-tip: If you're thinking of byuing, get that VA pre-approval lined up before you even arrive. Homes here can go fast.

Neighborhoods & Commutes

Here's the part everyone Googles, neighborhoods. I'll keep this simple and objective by breaking it down by base proximity:

Near Fort Carson - Fountain, Security-Widefield, and the southern end of COlorado Springs are closest. Popular for families who want a short drive onto post.
Near Peterson & Schriever - Cimmaron Hills, Stetson Hills, and the Powers corridor are common picks. Lots of newer homes, shopping, and quick access to the bases.
Near the Air Force Academy - Briargate, Flying Horse, and Northgate are in the northern part of town. These areas give quick access to USAFA, plus great mountian views.
Near Cheyenne Mountain SFS (CMSFS/NORAD) - Broadmoor, Skyway, Cheyenne Meadows, Broadmoor Bluffs, and Ivywild. These areas offer quick access to the mountain gate, as well as Fort Carson. Be prepared for some hillside terrain and winter driving vonditions.

Base	Nearby Neighborhoods	Average Commute

Fort Carson

Fountain, Security-Widefield

5–15 min

Peterson

Stetson Hills, Cimarron Hills

10–20 min

USAFA

Briargate, Northgate

10–20 min

Cheyenne Mtn

Broadmoor, Skyway

5–15 min

-> Every area has its own vibe, so it really comes down to commute preferences, budget, and lifestyle.

School & Education

Colorado Springs has several school districts, and they don't always line up neatly with city boundaries. Some if the bigger ones you'll hear about are:

District 11 (Central Springs)
District 20 (North side, including Briargate/USAFA)
District 49 9Eastern Springs, near Peterson/Schriever)

-> Rather than me telling you what's "best", I always recommend checking out site like GreatSchool.org or SchoolDigger.com for ratings, and then visiting schools in person when you can. There are also plenty of charter and private school options is you're looking for something specific.

What's It Like Living In Colorado Springs

Okay, let's talk lifestyle, because you're not just moving to a house, you're moving to a community.

Outdoors galore - Garden of the Gods, Red Rock Canyon, and miles of hiking/biking trails. If your fmaily loves being outside, you'll never run out of things to do.
Weather - Over 300 days of sunshine, but don;t be fooled, the altitude (6,000 + feet) means thinner air, and the dry climate takes some adjustment. Drink water like it's your new job.
Military-firendly vibe - With multiple bases in town, you'll find lots of support networks, businesses that understand PCS life, and a welcoming community.

Tips for a Smooth PCS to Colorado Springs

Start your housing search early, whether your buying or renting.
Have your VA loan pre-approval ready before you house hunt.
Join local PCS Facebook groups. They're full of real-time info from other families.
Make a checklist for utilities, car registration, and updating your driver's license once you arrive.
Don't forget to explore once you're settled. Sometimes we get so focused on the unpacking that we forget to actually enjoy the new city.

Final Thoughts

PCS'ing is never easy, but Colorado Springs is one of those duty stations where families often say, "I wish we could stay longer." Between the mountains, the communitty, and all the opportunities here, I think you'll find this is a great place to call home. Whether it's for a few years or the long hual.

If you're making a PCS move to COlorado Springs and want some local guidance on housing, neighborhoods, or just surviving the transition, I'd love to help. Shoot me a message. I've helped plenty of military families get settled here, and I'd be honored to help yours too.