Military families in Colorado Springs have access to a variety of amenities designed to make life easier during their time near local bases. Here’s a quick summary of what you can expect:
- Outdoor Activities: Explore family-friendly parks like Cheyenne Mountain State Park and Bear Creek Regional Park, offering trails, archery, and playgrounds. On-base facilities provide youth sports and recreation programs.
- Schools: Public schools near bases, like McAuliffe Elementary and Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy, offer STEM programs and transportation. Families can also choose schools outside their district under Colorado’s Choice State policy.
- Healthcare: On-base facilities like Evans Army Community Hospital and the 10th Medical Group offer primary care, while TRICARE-participating providers in the community expand options. Mental health services are also available for military families.
- Housing: Options include on-base housing with utilities included or off-base communities like Lorson Ranch. Military-friendly homebuilders like Tralon Homes cater to specific needs with affordable and customizable options.
Colorado Springs provides a supportive environment for military families with tailored resources, outdoor fun, quality schools, and accessible healthcare. Read on for detailed insights into these amenities.
Lorson Ranch – A Military-Friendly Neighborhood in Colorado Springs, CO
Outdoor Activities Near Military Bases
Colorado Springs is a haven for military families seeking outdoor adventures. With its stunning landscapes and well-maintained facilities, the area offers countless opportunities to stay active while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Parks and Trails for Families
One standout destination for families stationed at Fort Carson is Cheyenne Mountain State Park. This sprawling 2,701-acre park boasts 29 miles of trails across 21 routes, catering to all skill levels, from easy to moderate – perfect for kids of all ages. Beyond hiking, the park also offers archery programs that older children and teens can enjoy.
Visiting Cheyenne Mountain State Park is budget-friendly. Daily vehicle passes range from $10 to $12, and individual daily passes are just $4. For Colorado residents, the Keep Colorado Wild Pass costs $29 annually, while an annual vehicle pass is $80, and a family annual pass is $120. The park is welcoming to all, allowing leashed dogs, service animals, and even horses.
Another great option near Fort Carson is Bear Creek Regional Park. Spanning 545 acres, this park features ten miles of multi-purpose trails, along with playgrounds and fields, making it an excellent spot for families to combine trail walks with playtime.
For those connected to the U.S. Air Force Academy, there’s no shortage of outdoor fun. The academy offers over 30 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The New Santa Fe Trail is especially family-friendly, as it’s wheelchair accessible, though steeper sections may require assistance. Note that since March 2022, visitors must park at the Edmonson Trail Head at 250 E Woodmen Road to access these trails.
Another gem is the Farish Recreation Area, a 650-acre retreat reserved for eligible military personnel and their families. Here, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping for a $10 per vehicle day-use fee. Access is limited to active, reserve, and retired military members, dependent ID card holders, DoD civilian employees, and retired DoD civilians. However, families should be aware that pets aren’t allowed in some lodging facilities, and open fires are prohibited near Stanley Canyon Reservoir.
On-Base Recreation Facilities
Military bases themselves offer plenty of structured recreational opportunities. At Fort Carson, the Child and Youth Services (CYS) program provides activities for children as young as six weeks old up to 18 years. These include youth sports and fitness programs, featuring both team and individual sports. The Fort Carson Youth Center further supports teens with its partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and National 4-H, offering free open recreation after school and on Saturdays for middle and high school students. These programs complement the outdoor options and foster a strong sense of community for military families.
Schools for Military Families
Finding a school near a Colorado military base is a straightforward process, thanks to the variety of educational options and support systems available. Below is an overview of schools and services near Peterson Space Force Base.
Schools Near Peterson Space Force Base
While Peterson Space Force Base doesn’t have schools directly on-site, several feeder schools provide bus transportation for children living on the base.
McAuliffe Elementary School is the primary feeder school for younger children from Peterson SFB. This pre-K through 5th-grade school serves around 540 students and offers STEM programs and various extracurricular clubs to keep kids engaged.
For middle schoolers, the Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy focuses on STEM education with an aerospace theme, catering to nearly 550 students.
High school students can attend Mitchell High School, which enrolls approximately 1,300 students. The school offers a diverse curriculum and is home to the largest Air Force JROTC program west of the Mississippi.
Military families in Colorado also have the option to choose schools outside their designated district, as Colorado is a Choice State. Many families opt for Colorado Springs School District 11, the largest and oldest district in the area, with over 50 schools. Harrison School District Two is another popular choice, especially for families connected to both Peterson SFB and Fort Carson, thanks to its significant military student population.
Education Support for Military Children
Beyond school options, military families benefit from a range of tailored educational support services. School Liaison Officers (SLOs) are a key resource, assisting with school transitions and selection. Jackie W., School Liaison Program Manager, explains:
“The goal of the School Liaison Office is to empower parents to be their child’s best advocate in the education process and to help parents navigate the school system and ‘level the playing field’ for military families by ensuring that military children are given the opportunities to achieve their highest potential at any assigned location.”
The School Liaison Office provides tools like the “Moving with a Military-Connected Student Checklist” and connects families with the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) to support smoother transitions.
Harrison School District Two further enhances support for military students by offering access to a full-time Military Family Life Counselor.
For academic assistance, free online tutoring is available through Tutor.com/airforce, while childcare needs are addressed via Sittercity‘s Military Program, funded by the Department of Defense. This program offers subsidized memberships for families needing before- and after-school care, as well as homework help.
Several schools in the area, including Jenkins Middle School and Doherty High School, have earned the Purple Star designation, recognizing their commitment to military-connected students. These schools also provide transportation services.
For families interested in STEM opportunities, the DoD STARBASE program is an excellent resource. It encourages elementary students, particularly fifth graders, to explore science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
To make informed decisions, families can utilize resources like the Colorado Department of Education website for enrollment details and Colorado School Grades for school performance information. For personalized guidance, the School Liaison Office is an invaluable first point of contact.
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Healthcare for Military Families
Military families in Colorado Springs benefit from a combination of military healthcare facilities and TRICARE-participating civilian providers. This network connects on-base services with trusted community healthcare options, ensuring comprehensive care.
Military and Civilian Healthcare Providers
The Evans Army Community Hospital at Fort Carson and the 10th Medical Group at the Air Force Academy serve as primary healthcare hubs for military personnel and their families. Evans Army Community Hospital, recognized by the Joint Commission (JCAHO) and named the Army’s Benchmark Hospital for Respect for Patient Preference, provides extensive services, including delivering over 100 babies each month. For TRICARE Prime enrollees, referrals to network providers are available when additional care is needed.
Civilian healthcare options in the Colorado Springs area also cater to TRICARE beneficiaries. Facilities like UCHealth Emergency Room – Powers and UCHealth Urgent Care – Powers accept TRICARE, with the urgent care center also accommodating Medicaid and Medicare patients for broader accessibility.
For mental health care, North Springs Psychiatry specializes in supporting military families, accepting both TRICARE and Tricare West. They offer psychiatric services tailored to the unique challenges faced by military families. Additionally, in the TRICARE West Region, a referral waiver valid through June 30, 2025, simplifies access to specialist care.
Military families can also rely on the TRICARE Nurse Advice Line at 1-888-887-4111 for medical guidance. For help with enrollments or program-related questions, the TRICARE Service Center at Evans Army Community Hospital is available.
Pediatric and Family Care Options
Dedicated programs are in place to address the specific healthcare needs of military children and their families. Beyond general services, specialized pediatric and behavioral health programs provide additional support.
The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Red Rock in Colorado Springs offers mental health services to post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, Reserves, and their families, including children. They treat conditions such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and family challenges using evidence-based practices like Cognitive Processing Therapy and Child/Family Therapy. Their commitment is clear:
“Lack of insurance or inability to pay will never be a barrier to care.”
For those dealing with behavioral health issues, Cedar Springs Hospital provides the Patriot Support Program, which is TRICARE-accredited and serves military members, veterans, and their families. Services include inpatient rehabilitation, partial hospitalization, and residential programs for adolescents, with options like family therapy, medication management, and recreational fitness.
Childcare support is also a priority. Family Child Care (FCC) programs on Army installations offer home-based care for children aged 4 weeks to 12 years, providing a 15% cost savings compared to Child Development Centers and School Age Care fees. When on-post childcare slots are unavailable, Child Care Aware® of America helps families find alternatives and financial assistance. The USAFA Family Child Care office further connects families with licensed provider homes.
For emergencies, families should call 911. Prescriptions can be filled at on-post pharmacies, and the Patient Representative Office at Evans Army Community Hospital is available to address concerns or questions about medical care.
Housing Options Near Colorado Bases
Finding the right place to live is a crucial part of the support system for military families in Colorado Springs. With both on-base and off-base housing options available, families can choose what best fits their needs. The area’s high Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) reflects the local cost of living, making it important to weigh all possibilities carefully.
Communities Built for Military Families
Tralon Homes focuses on creating communities tailored for military families in areas like Colorado Springs, Monument, and Peyton. Their developments are conveniently located near key military installations, including Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base, Fort Carson, the United States Air Force Academy, and NORAD Space Command.
“At Tralon Homes, we specialize in meeting the unique needs of military personnel with unmatched expertise. We recognize the challenges of military life and are dedicated to delivering seamless home-building solutions in Colorado Springs, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience tailored to your requirements.”
Tralon Homes offers a range of housing options to suit various budgets. For example:
- The Ridge at Lorson Ranch and Sanctuary at Meridian Ranch start in the low to mid $400,000s.
- Windermere begins in the mid $500,000s.
- Jackson Creek North starts at $600,000.
- Paint Brush Hills begins in the high $600,000s.
In May 2025, Tralon Homes will unveil four new floor plans at Lorson Ranch (1687 Copper Butte Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80925). The event, scheduled for May 30 from 11 AM to 2 PM, will showcase lots with stunning views of Pikes Peak and offer insights into build-to-order options.
For families interested in on-base housing, Fort Carson Family Homes provides rental options such as single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes, with utilities included. Similarly, Tierra Vista Communities at Peterson Space Force Base offers a mix of housing types, along with amenities like a fitness center, splash park, playgrounds, and a dog park.
Off-base neighborhoods popular with military families include Security-Widefield, Fountain, Briargate, and Northgate, each offering unique benefits like shorter commutes or family-friendly features.
Military-Friendly Home Features
The design of military housing goes beyond location, addressing the specific needs of military life. Tralon Homes integrates practical features like ranch-style plans with finished lower levels, two-story layouts for growing families, and main-level master bedrooms for added convenience.
Energy-efficient designs help families manage utility costs, while modern finishes and customizable options make it easier to personalize homes within military budgets. Tralon Homes also offers making room for more, 4.99% for VA and FHA buyers, making homeownership more accessible.
Community amenities in Tralon developments include parks, trails, and open spaces, providing safe recreational areas for children. On-base housing, like Fort Carson Family Homes, enhances family life with playgrounds, athletic courts, community gardens, and recreational trails.
When selecting housing, military families should consider factors like proximity to work, access to schools and parks, community resources, and overall cost of living. Installation housing offices are a valuable resource, offering referrals and guidance for off-base housing.
Other military housing options, such as Air Force Academy Family Housing, include thoughtful features like open floor plans, garages, fireplaces, patios, fenced backyards, modern appliances, extra storage, professional landscaping, and washer/dryer hookups. These features, combined with supportive community amenities, simplify the relocation process and provide a comfortable, move-in-ready experience for military families.
Conclusion: Military Family Life in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs stands out as a top destination for military families, offering proximity to major installations and a community deeply tied to the armed forces. With five military bases contributing a staggering $5.7 billion annually to the local economy, the area is home to over 85,000 veterans in El Paso County. The city’s aerospace and defense industry alone employs 111,000 people, solidifying its reputation as a hub for service members and their families. In fact, Military Times named Colorado Springs the Best Place for Veterans in 2019.
This thriving economic base translates into a wealth of family-friendly amenities. From high-quality schools and accessible healthcare to abundant recreational spaces and thoughtfully planned housing, the city offers resources that directly improve the quality of life for military families. Colorado Springs also provides robust support through community programs and initiatives, emphasizing how critical the right environment can be for military families.
For those planning a move, the city’s outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and military-specific resources – like Military OneSource and Relocation Assistance Programs – help ease the transition. Additionally, local social groups and family services ensure ongoing support, making it easier for families to settle in and thrive.
Whether families opt for on-base housing or explore nearby neighborhoods, such as those developed by Tralon Homes, they’ll find options tailored to their unique needs. The combination of quality schools, reliable healthcare, and a strong sense of community ensures that families can prioritize proximity to work, educational opportunities, and a supportive environment.
In every way, Colorado Springs is committed to serving military members, veterans, and their families, offering a place where they can truly feel at home.
FAQs
What are the pros and cons of living on-base versus off-base near Colorado military bases?
Living near Colorado military bases comes with its own set of perks, whether you choose to live on-base or off-base. Each option has unique advantages that cater to different lifestyles and priorities.
On-base living is all about convenience and community. Being close to work means shorter commutes, which can save both time and money. Plus, on-base housing often comes with family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, fitness centers, and organized social events. This creates a supportive environment, especially valuable during deployments when having a strong community can make all the difference.
Off-base living, on the other hand, offers more space and flexibility. Families might find homes that cost less than their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) while also having access to a broader range of housing styles. However, the trade-offs may include longer commutes and fewer chances to build connections with other military families.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on what works best for your family’s needs, lifestyle, and priorities. Both options have their own appeal, so it’s about finding the balance that suits you.
What educational opportunities and support services are available for military children in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs offers a range of educational opportunities and support services specifically designed for military families. Many schools in the area participate in programs like Purple Star Schools, which focus on helping military-connected students adjust to new schools and excel academically. These programs provide valuable resources and emotional support to address the challenges that come with frequent moves.
Nearby school districts, such as District 20, are particularly well-prepared to assist military children. They provide specialized programs and foster a welcoming atmosphere to help students settle into their new surroundings. This dedication to supporting military families makes Colorado Springs an appealing choice for those seeking quality education and a supportive community for their children.
What healthcare services are available for military families in Colorado Springs, and how do they address their specific needs?
Military families in Colorado Springs benefit from a range of healthcare services tailored to their specific needs. At the heart of these services is Evans Army Community Hospital, which provides a broad spectrum of care, including primary care, specialized treatments, and emergency services. As part of the Colorado Springs Military Health System, this facility is well-equipped to address the health needs of both military members and their families.
Another vital resource is TRICARE, the military’s healthcare program. TRICARE offers extensive services, including mental health support, pharmacy benefits, and access to a network of healthcare providers. It’s designed to meet the unique challenges military families face, such as frequent relocations and deployments, ensuring they have dependable and adaptable healthcare options. These services play a crucial role in helping military families stay healthy while navigating the demands of military life.
