Colorado Springs is home to five major military installations and a thriving military community. If you’re relocating here, this guide covers everything you need for a smooth transition. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find:
- Bases in Colorado Springs: U.S. Air Force Academy, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, Fort Carson, and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station.
- Housing Options: Military-friendly neighborhoods like Stetson Hills, Fountain Valley, and Briargate offer convenience and community.
- Schools: Purple Star Schools and districts like Academy District 20 and Fountain-Fort Carson D8 cater to military families.
- Support Resources: Programs like the Peak Military Care Network, School Liaison Officers, and Home Front Military Network provide assistance.
Whether you need housing, education, or family resources, this guide ensures you’re prepared for your move to Colorado Springs.
5 Off-Base Neighborhoods For Military Families in Colorado Springs
Planning Your Military Move
Got your PCS orders to Colorado Springs? Follow these steps and resources to keep your move organized and stress-free.
PCS Timeline and Planning
Staying on schedule is key to a smooth relocation. Start by using the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) through Military OneSource to arrange your move. A PCS binder can be your best friend – keep it stocked with your official orders, leave forms, medical and school records, vehicle documents, housing paperwork, and a detailed inventory of your belongings.
Here’s a breakdown of what to tackle and when:
| Timeline | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| 3 Months Out | • Schedule a Military Housing Office briefing • Research schools • Update EFMP paperwork • Create a PCS budget |
| 2 Months Out | • Book medical appointments • Get a 90-day prescription supply • Start your housing search • Update auto insurance |
| 1 Month Out | • Submit a 30-day housing notice • Schedule final appointments • Set up mail forwarding • Book military travel (SATO) |
| 2 Weeks Out | • Set up a "No Pack Room" • Pack a PCS Essentials Box • Schedule utility disconnections • Update your personal inventory |
Once your timeline is in place, dive into housing resources for additional support.
Military Housing Resources
For housing assistance, reach out to the Military Housing Offices (MHO) at Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, or the U.S. Air Force Academy. These offices are your go-to for finding the right home in Colorado Springs.
At Fort Carson, the Housing Services Office (HSO) offers one-on-one consultations with volunteer realtors, access to rental listings on Homes.mil, financial aid through Army Emergency Relief (AER), and monthly homebuyer workshops. Connecting with your local HSO ensures you get personalized guidance and advocacy throughout the process.
If you need temporary lodging, consider Candlewood Suites at Fort Carson or the Air Force Inn at Peterson Space Force Base. In 2024 alone, the Fort Carson HSO helped over 300 military families relocate, achieving a 15% increase in successful housing placements compared to the previous year, thanks to partnerships with realtors and educational workshops.
Military-Friendly Neighborhoods
When searching for a place to call home, military families often look for neighborhoods that cater to their unique needs. With over 80,000 veterans and active-duty service members living in the area, Colorado Springs offers several communities designed to provide convenience, comfort, and proximity to military bases. Here’s a closer look at some of the top neighborhoods for military families.
Stetson Hills Area Guide
Stetson Hills is a favorite among military families, thanks to its close proximity to Peterson and Schriever Space Force Bases. This neighborhood combines suburban charm with practicality, offering quality shopping, recreational activities, reputable schools, and easy access to healthcare services. It’s a great option for families seeking a balanced lifestyle with convenient base access.
Fountain Valley and Broadmoor Guide
For those stationed at Fort Carson, Fountain Valley is a practical and affordable choice. Communities like Stratmoor (just 10 minutes away), Security-Widefield (14 minutes), and Fountain (15 minutes) provide quick commutes to the base. Meanwhile, the Broadmoor area offers a more upscale living experience with stunning views and premium amenities. While the commute from Broadmoor is slightly longer, the scenic surroundings and high-end features make it an appealing option.
Briargate and Northgate Area Guide
Families connected to the U.S. Air Force Academy often gravitate toward Briargate and Northgate. These neighborhoods are known for their excellent schools in District 20 and a welcoming, close-knit community. Upscale areas like Northgate Highlands and Flying Horse offer additional amenities, all within a short distance of the Academy.
These neighborhoods highlight the variety of housing options available for military families in Colorado Springs, ensuring there’s something to suit every need and preference.
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Schools and Family Support
When relocating, ensuring your children have access to quality education and support is crucial. For military families in Colorado Springs, the education system is designed to address the unique challenges they face.
Military-Ready Schools
Colorado’s Purple Star School program highlights schools that excel in supporting military-connected students. By April 2025, 27 schools in the region had received this recognition. These schools provide military liaisons, transition programs, and a range of support services tailored for military families.
Some districts are particularly noteworthy for their dedication to military children:
- Academy District 20: This district includes on-base schools and employs Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) to assist with transitions during deployments and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves.
- Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8: All twelve K-12 schools in this district have earned the Purple Star designation, showcasing their exceptional commitment to military families.
"Military families and their children make extraordinary sacrifices in service to our country. For military-connected students, frequent moves and long separations from loved ones can present unique challenges. Our Purple Star Schools go above and beyond to create welcoming, supportive environments where every student feels seen, supported, and a true sense of belonging – no matter where their family is stationed."
- Cordova, Colorado Education Commissioner
In addition to these programs, flexible enrollment policies and support services make it easier for military families to navigate educational transitions. These options empower families to choose schools that best meet their children’s needs.
Education Options and Activities
Military families in Colorado Springs benefit from a variety of enrollment options. Thanks to Colorado’s Open Enrollment policy, students can attend schools outside their assigned zones.
Support services designed for military families include:
- School Liaison Officers (SLOs): These officers help families with enrollment, graduation requirements, and after-school program guidance.
- Military Interstate Children’s Compact (MIC3): This initiative simplifies transitions by addressing enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements.
Here’s a quick look at military-specific support features by district:
| District | Notable Military Support Features |
|---|---|
| Academy District 20 | On-base schools, dedicated MFLCs, Purple Star designation |
| Fountain-Fort Carson D8 | All schools Purple Star certified, on-post elementary and middle schools |
| Colorado Springs D11 | Multiple Purple Star schools, comprehensive transition support |
| Widefield D3 | Purple Star designated schools, military student programs |
For families arriving mid-year, Colorado offers Advance School Enrollment for active-duty military dependents. School Liaison Officers can also connect families to online tutoring and after-school programs tailored to military children.
Finding Your Military Family Home
After organizing your PCS plans, finding a home that suits your lifestyle and ensures a manageable commute becomes the next important step.
Quick Move-In Homes
If you’re looking for a home you can settle into right away, quick move-in homes might be the perfect fit. Starting in the $370,000s, neighborhoods like Mayberry, Wolf Ranch, Stetson Hills, and Fountain Valley offer homes that are move-in ready. These homes often feature energy-efficient designs, modern finishes, and flexible floor plans. Plus, local builders in these areas have sales teams familiar with VA loans and the unique needs of military families.
Home Design Options
When it comes to home styles, there are plenty of options to match your needs:
- Ranch-style homes: Perfect for single-level living with 3–4 bedrooms, offering easy accessibility.
- Two-story designs: Great for larger families, with 4–5 bedroom layouts providing extra space.
- Main-level master plans: Ideal for multi-generational households or those seeking convenient access to the primary bedroom.
Most homes in these areas come with features like 2–3 car garages, energy-efficient systems, and modern, low-maintenance finishes. It’s all about finding a design that complements your lifestyle while keeping base access in mind.
Base Commute Times
For families needing proximity to multiple installations, the Powers Corridor is a popular choice. It offers convenient access to several bases, making it a practical option for military households. On top of that, Colorado Springs has a lot going for it: a property tax rate of just 0.63% and an impressive 243 sunny days per year.
"Colorado Springs was ranked #1 Best Big City in ‘Best Places to Live’ by Money magazine."
Next Steps for Your Move
Here’s how to make your transition to Colorado Springs as seamless as possible with key military resources.
Housing Assistance
Need help finding a place to live? Reach out to the Fort Carson Housing Services Office (HSO) at 719-238-6458 or 719-725-8096. They can assist with housing options at Fort Carson, Peterson, Schriever, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Financial Support
If you’re looking for help with housing deposits, call Army Emergency Relief at 719-526-4590. For free financial coaching, contact the Mt. Carmel Veterans Center at 719-309-4752. Don’t forget to explore local community networks for additional relocation support.
Community Resources
The Home Front Military Network (HFMN) has been a lifeline for service members since 2004, providing over $6 million in direct financial aid and assisting more than 500,000 individuals. To connect with their resources, call their navigation team at 719-577-7417.
"Welcome to Colorado Springs – the best duty station you will ever have." – City of Colorado Springs
Family Support Programs
Beyond housing and finances, military family programs offer tailored relocation support. Sign up for the “Smooth Move” class at Schriever SFB’s Military & Family Readiness Center, held on the first Monday of each month. The class covers housing networks, financial planning, and school enrollment tips.
Prepare Your Documents
Before you finalize your move, make sure all necessary documents are in order, including any Exception to Policy (ETP) packets. Single soldiers ranked E1–E5 should contact their gaining unit’s first sergeant for barracks arrangements.
You can also visit the Fort Carson Education Center to stay on top of your educational goals. Don’t miss out on local perks – check out the Military Welcome Program for discounts at area businesses. For additional relocation help, stop by the Fort Carson Relocation Readiness Program office at 6303 Wetzel Ave., BLDG 1526.
FAQs
What are the advantages of living in military-friendly neighborhoods like Stetson Hills or Fountain Valley for families moving to Colorado Springs?
Living in neighborhoods like Stetson Hills and Fountain Valley offers plenty of perks for military families relocating to Colorado Springs. These areas are conveniently close to major bases like Peterson Space Force Base and Fort Carson, cutting down on commute times for service members.
Both communities are built with families in mind. They feature parks, schools, and local activities that promote a welcoming atmosphere. Stetson Hills stands out for its safe and tight-knit community, making it an ideal spot for raising kids. Meanwhile, Fountain Valley is praised for its affordability, offering budget-friendly housing options that don’t sacrifice quality.
These neighborhoods provide military families with essential amenities, a strong sense of belonging, and a lifestyle tailored to their needs.
What educational resources and support are available for military families moving to Colorado Springs?
Military families moving to Colorado Springs will discover a variety of educational resources aimed at supporting their children’s needs. Local school districts, such as Colorado Springs School District 11 and Academy District 20, provide programs specifically designed for military families. These include free tutoring, counseling services, and dedicated transition support to help students adjust to their new environment. Many schools in the area have also earned the Purple Star School designation, highlighting their dedication to assisting military-connected students in adapting and thriving.
In addition, the Military Family Life Counselors program offers licensed professionals who help children navigate challenges like transitioning to a new school or developing social skills. These resources ensure that military families can trust their children will be supported both academically and socially as they settle into their new community.
What steps can military families take to ensure a smooth PCS move to Colorado Springs, and what resources are available for housing and financial support?
To make your PCS move to Colorado Springs as seamless as possible, start by getting an early start and staying organized. Reach out to your Transportation Office to handle the logistics of your move, and connect with the Military Housing Office for advice on finding housing that caters to military families. Keeping a detailed checklist can be a lifesaver in staying on top of everything.
If you’re looking for housing assistance, the Fort Carson Housing Office is an excellent place to explore military-focused housing options. You can also turn to organizations like Homefront Military Network and Mercy’s Gate, which provide financial aid and rental support specifically for veterans and military families. Don’t forget to attend PCS briefings and tap into resources offered by your local installation to address your specific needs.
