Colorado Springs is the second most populous city in Colorado. It serves as the county seat of El Paso County, Colorado. Often referred to as “The Springs”, it is a very scenic city that is spread out over 194 square miles.
Colorado Springs is located near the eastern edge of the Southern Rocky Mountains at the base of Pikes Peak. Colorado Springs is over a mile above sea level, at an elevation of 6,035 feet. It is conveniently located 65 miles south of Denver, Colorado’s state capitol.
Populatation
As of the 2010 census, Colorado Springs had a population of 416,427, making it the second most populous city in the state of Colorado, behind Denver, and the 41st most populous city in the United States. The Colorado Springs Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of El Paso County and neighboring Teller County, had an estimated population of 645,613 in 2010
Colorado Springs is located about 65 miles south of Denver, the state’s capital.
Colorado Springs Attractions & Things to Do
Colorado Springs is great place to visit and live if you enjoy the outdoors and/or sports.
The above picture is of the chapel at the Air Force Academy. Source: Pixaby user Skeeze
Some of the major attractions in Colorado Springs include:
- Garden of the Gods
- Pikes Peak
- The Incline
- 7 Falls
- Olympic Training Center
- Air Force Academy football
- Lots of places to hiking, biking and camping
Balancing Rock at the Garden of the Gods
Within an hour’s drive is:
- Denver
- Lake Pueblo
- Calhan Paint Mines
Living in Colorado Springs Pros & Cons
- Over 300 days of sunshine
- It does not get humid
- Summers are not overly hot.
- Can drive to places to go snow skiing
- Property taxes are cheap compared to some other states
- You can vacation in your backyard.
- The topography is very diverse. Mountains to your west and open, ranch land to your east.
- Colorado Springs is home to Fort Carson, NORAD, Peterson AFB, Buckley AFB and the Air Force Academy.
- Medical marijuana and recreational marijuana are both legal in Colorado. However, recreational marijuana dispensaries are not allowed in Colorado Springs or the unincorporated parts of El Paso County.
Living in Colorado Springs – Cons
- Summers are not overly hot
- Winters are long compared to Texas winters
- You have to pay a state income tax.
- The area attracts a lot of tourists and military members.
- It is too beautiful for some people’s tastes…… (Just joking)
- People that are interested in purchasing recreational marijuana can not purchase it in Colorado Springs or the unincorporated parts of El Paso County.
Colorado Springs is a short drive from many popular mountain destinations. In the fall, people love to see the Aspens in all of their golden splendor.