Guide to relocating to colorado springs: A practical moving checklist

Relocating to Colorado Springs is a fantastic choice, putting you at the crossroads of city life and incredible outdoor adventure, all wrapped up in a booming job market. With Pikes Peak in your backyard and more than 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn here.

This guide will give you a real-world roadmap to make your move as smooth as possible.

Your Colorado Springs Relocation Roadmap

Making the decision to move is one thing; pulling it off without a hitch is another. The secret is breaking it down. A solid timeline can take the chaos out of relocating, turning a mountain of tasks into a manageable series of steps.

Forget trying to tackle everything at once. We’ll break this down into 90, 60, and 30-day windows. This approach keeps you focused on what needs to happen now, from the big-picture research to the last box you tape up.

Think of your move in three core phases: Research, Book, and Pack. Each stage builds on the last, creating a logical flow that will get you to Colorado Springs with your sanity intact.

90 Days Out: The Research Phase

Three months out is your discovery period. This is when you do the groundwork to make sure you land in the right spot and that your new life in Colorado Springs is everything you hope for. Right now, it’s all about understanding the city’s vibe and making sure it fits your career and lifestyle goals.

Here’s what your initial research should cover:

• Neighborhood Deep Dive: Start exploring! Do you want the historic charm of Old Colorado City, the family-focused suburbs of Briargate, or the energetic pulse of Downtown?
• School District Scan: If you have kids, this is a top priority. Districts like Academy District 20 are often at the top of parents' lists for a reason.
• Job Market Analysis: Moving without a job lined up? Dig into the city’s key industries. Aerospace, defense, and tech are huge here.

60 Days Out: The Booking Phase

With two months until moving day, it’s time to get logistics locked in. This is when you make the calls, sign the contracts, and book the services that will physically move your life.

Getting movers or a storage unit reserved early can save you a ton of money and last-minute stress. This is also the perfect time to start downsizing. Seriously, a lighter move is a cheaper and easier move. For some great tips, check out our guide on how to declutter before moving.

Pro Tip: Always get multiple quotes from moving companies. Prices can be all over the map, so comparing at least three different options is one of the smartest things you can do for your budget.

30 Days Out: The Packing Phase

Welcome to the final month! Now your focus shifts to the hands-on work of packing and tying up loose ends. It’s time to break out the boxes, start sorting your belongings, and get everything labeled.

And if you’re wondering if you’re the only one making this move, you’re not. From 2010 to 2020, the population of Colorado Springs shot up by 14.17%—a clear sign of the city’s magnetic appeal.

Finding the Right Colorado Springs Neighborhood for You

Choosing a neighborhood in Colorado Springs isn't just about picking a house—it's about finding your community and a lifestyle that clicks. The city is incredibly diverse, with pockets that feel worlds apart from each other. Your perfect spot could be a historic street with tons of character or a modern suburb where everything is brand new.

This decision trickles down into every part of your life, from your morning commute to how you spend your weekends. It’s no exaggeration to say that if you live up in Black Forest, you'll be seeing snow a full month after it's already melted for someone down in Fountain. Understanding these little quirks and microclimates is why finding the right fit is so critical.

To help you narrow it down, here’s a snapshot of some of the city's most popular areas.

Colorado Springs Neighborhood Snapshot

This is just a starting point, of course. The best way to truly get a feel for these places is to spend a weekend driving around, grabbing coffee, and walking through the parks to see which one feels like home.

For Families and School-Focused Movers

If great schools and family-friendly amenities are at the top of your list, you’ll want to focus your search on the north side of town. Areas like Briargate and Northgate are incredibly popular for a reason—they deliver a fantastic quality of life with access to the highly sought-after Academy District 20.

This is where you'll find most of the city’s new construction. The perks are clear:

• Planned Communities: Think master-planned neighborhoods with community pools, rec centers, and winding trail systems right outside your door.
• Shopping Convenience: Everything you need is close by, from The Promenade Shops at Briargate to big-box stores.
• Newer Homes: The housing stock is generally less than 20 years old, meaning modern floor plans and fewer immediate maintenance headaches.

The trade-off? You’ll generally see higher home prices and a more traditional suburban feel. But for families who want a turn-key lifestyle with top-tier schools, this part of the city is tough to beat.

For Lovers of Charm and Walkability

Dream of strolling to a local coffee shop on a Saturday morning or browsing quirky boutiques just a few blocks from home? If that’s your speed, put Old Colorado City and Downtown on your tour list immediately. These spots offer a vibrant, connected lifestyle that puts you right in the middle of the action.

Old Colorado City feels like stepping back in time with its beautiful historic Victorian homes and tree-lined streets. Downtown, on the other hand, offers a more modern urban vibe, with a growing number of lofts and condos that are just an elevator ride away from fantastic restaurants and entertainment.

One of the first things you'll realize about Colorado Springs is that it is not a mini-Denver. It has its own unique, laid-back identity. The city fiercely protects its mountain views, even regulating building heights to preserve that incredible skyline.

For Outdoor Enthusiasts and Scenery Seekers

If your idea of a perfect home is one where you can hit the trail without even getting in your car, the Northwest side of the city is calling your name. Tucked right up against the foothills near landmarks like Garden of the Gods and Ute Valley Park, this area gives you unmatched access to the great outdoors.

The views of Pikes Peak from these neighborhoods are simply breathtaking. The whole vibe is quieter, more relaxed, and deeply connected to nature. Just be prepared for the reality of mountain-adjacent living—you’ll have more wildlife encounters (yes, bears absolutely wander through backyards) and a more rugged terrain. For many, that's a small price to pay for having some of the country's most spectacular scenery right outside your window.

Understanding the Local Housing Market and Living Costs

Before you even start packing, it’s crucial to get a firm handle on the financial side of moving to Colorado Springs. The city’s incredible popularity has a direct impact on housing and day-to-day expenses. Getting a clear picture of these numbers is the only way to build a realistic budget for your new life here.

The secret is definitely out. While Colorado Springs is still more affordable than Denver, prices are on the rise. The housing market is competitive, fueled by a constant stream of people drawn to the fantastic quality of life.

Navigating the Colorado Springs Housing Market

Your biggest budget item, hands down, will be housing. That’s true whether you plan to buy or rent. The market is incredibly dynamic, shaped by rapid population growth and sky-high demand for properties with those iconic Pikes Peak views.

This growth has been steady and significant—the city’s population jumped by 15.02% between 2010 and 2020. That demand has pushed the median home price up to around $450,000 as of 2024. We also see a lot of new residents arriving from more expensive states with a good chunk of home equity, which only ramps up the competition. You can explore the population dynamics of the area to get a better sense of this trend.

Real-World Scenario: Let's say you're moving from a city where $450,000 buys a large, fully updated home. In a popular Colorado Springs neighborhood like Briargate, that same budget might get you a home that's a bit smaller or needs some updating. It’s all about adjusting your expectations to the local market.

The rental market is just as active. If you're looking for an apartment, you can expect average monthly rents to be in this ballpark:

• One-Bedroom Apartment: Around $1,400 - $1,600
• Two-Bedroom Apartment: Around $1,700 - $2,000

Of course, these numbers can swing quite a bit depending on the neighborhood, building amenities, and how close you are to hotspots like downtown or a major trail system.

A Broader Look at Living Expenses

Once you look past your mortgage or rent, the rest of your living costs in Colorado Springs are generally right around the national average. It’s a bit of a mixed bag—you’ll find savings in some areas and slightly higher costs in others.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect for other major expenses:

• Utilities: A little above the national average, mostly thanks to our four-season climate. You'll definitely be running the heat in the winter and the A/C in the summer.
• Groceries: Very close to what you're likely paying now. You won't see a major difference in your grocery bill here.
• Transportation: This is a win. Costs are lower than average. While you’ll almost certainly need a car, gas prices are reasonable, and traffic is a breeze compared to bigger metro areas.
• Healthcare: Also right in line with the national average, with a solid network of hospitals and providers across the city.

What this all means is that while housing demands some serious planning, many of your other daily costs will feel pretty manageable. The key to a smooth financial transition is building a detailed budget that accounts for these local realities before you move.

How To Handle The Logistics Of Your Move

Once you’ve zeroed in on a neighborhood and have your budget squared away, it’s time to shift gears to the practical side of moving to Colorado Springs. This is the execution phase—where all that planning becomes action. It's about tackling the real, physical work of packing, moving, and, perhaps most importantly, smart downsizing.

A cross-country move is honestly the best excuse you'll ever have to shed years of accumulated stuff. Why on earth would you pay to haul items you don't even use or want anymore? This isn't just about a spring clean; it's a strategic move that saves you money and simplifies the entire relocation.

Master The Art Of Smart Downsizing

Too many people see downsizing as a dreaded chore, but I see it as a huge opportunity. By selling the things you’re not taking, you can actually fund a nice chunk of your move, shrink the volume of stuff you need to ship, and get a truly fresh start in your new Colorado Springs home. This is where a little planning goes a very long way.

For anyone liquidating assets—whether you’re coming from a large family home or you’re an executor handling an estate—timing is absolutely critical. The market in Colorado Springs is hot, meaning there are plenty of eager buyers for your things. A modern approach like using DIYAuctions can make this process incredibly smooth. Its platform lets you manage bids, track everything, and organize a single-pickup day. Best of all, you keep up to 90% of the profits because they have a simple 10% capped commission. Many sellers I've talked to love the step-by-step guidance, which takes the guesswork out of everything from pricing to promotion.

To get it done efficiently, just follow these simple steps:

• Categorize Everything: Go room by room and make four piles: Keep, Sell, Donate, and Discard. Be ruthless!
• Catalog Your "Sell" Pile: Snap clear photos and write honest, straightforward descriptions for each item.
• Set Realistic Prices: A quick search to see what similar items are selling for locally will help you price things to move.

Assembling Your Moving Team

You don’t have to do this all by yourself. Bringing in the right pros can make your move infinitely less stressful. The biggest decision you'll face is whether to hire a full-service moving company or go the DIY route with a rental truck.

Full-service movers are a lifesaver for big homes or long-distance hauls, but they definitely come with a higher price tag. If you go this route, make it a rule to get at least three written estimates and always, always check their credentials. When you're moving from far away, knowing how to keep tabs on your belongings is key; you can find a complete guide to cross country freight tracking to make sure everything arrives when and where it's supposed to.

Pro Tip: When you're talking to movers, ask for their USDOT number. You can look it up on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to check their complaint history. It’s a five-minute task that can save you from a world of hurt.

If you decide to do a DIY move, book that rental truck at least a month ahead of time, especially if you're moving during the peak season between May and September. And don't be a hero—enlist friends or hire some local movers for the heavy lifting on both ends.

Your Final Weeks Checklist

That last month before the move is always a blur of boxes and last-minute details. The only way to stay sane is to stay organized. A good checklist will make sure nothing important gets forgotten. For a really comprehensive plan, check out our relocating to another state checklist.

Here are the absolute must-dos for those final weeks:

1. Transfer Utilities: Schedule the disconnection at your old place and, more importantly, the connection at your new one. Think electricity, gas, water, and internet.
2. Update Your Address: File a change of address with the post office, and don’t forget to notify banks, credit card companies, and any subscription services.
3. Pack a "First Night" Box: This is a non-negotiable. Put essentials like toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a basic toolkit, and some snacks in one clearly labeled box. You’ll thank yourself when you don’t have to tear through ten boxes just to find a toothbrush.

Getting Settled and Living Like a Local

The moving truck is gone and the last box is finally inside. Congratulations! Now the real fun begins—turning your new address in Colorado Springs into a place you truly call home. This part of the journey is less about boxes and more about a few practical steps to make it official and, more importantly, diving into the city’s incredible lifestyle.

I always recommend getting the essential administrative tasks out of the way first. Knocking these out early frees you up to start exploring everything the Pikes Peak region has to offer without that nagging "to-do" list in the back of your mind.

Making It Official

First up: your driver's license and vehicle registration. The state gives you 90 days after becoming a resident to get your vehicle registered, but it's best to handle this sooner rather than later. The process is pretty straightforward, just be sure to book an appointment with the DMV ahead of time.

Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:

• Get a Colorado Driver's License: You'll need to visit a driver's license office to swap your out-of-state license for a Colorado one.
• Register Your Vehicle: For this, you’ll head to an El Paso County Clerk and Recorder's office. Make sure to bring your title, proof of insurance, and an emissions test if your car needs one.
• Register to Vote: This is the easy part. You can register to vote online or just do it when you get your new driver's license.

With the paperwork out of the way, you can fully pivot to the best part of moving here: discovering your new city. The lifestyle here is deeply connected to the outdoors and a genuine sense of community.

Tapping Into the Local Lifestyle

Colorado Springs is a city that lives and breathes outside, where weekends are made for adventure. The best way to start feeling like a local is to get out there. You don’t have to conquer a fourteener your first week—start with some of the iconic, accessible spots.

A walk through Garden of the Gods is a must-do for every newcomer; it’s practically a rite of passage. If you're up for a bit more of a challenge with incredible views of the city, take on the Manitou Incline or explore the trails at Palmer Park, a true local's favorite right in the middle of town.

Beyond the trails, keep an eye out for community events. The Old Colorado City Farmers Market on a Saturday morning is a perfect spot to meet people and grab some local produce. In the summer, you'll almost always find free concerts and festivals happening down at America the Beautiful Park.

As you settle in, you'll also get to know the quirks of your new home. If you discover the floors need some work, there are great local pros for professional hardwood floor repair in Colorado Springs.

Finally, start exploring the food scene. It's an exciting time for dining in the Springs, with hidden gems in Fountain and new, trendy restaurants popping up around Northgate. And if you've unpacked only to realize you have way more furniture than space, our guide on how to sell furniture when moving is a huge help for clearing things out.

Of course. Here is the rewritten section, crafted to sound like an experienced human expert and match the provided examples.

---

Your Top Questions About Moving to Colorado Springs, Answered

Deciding to move to Colorado Springs is a big step, and it's totally normal to have a ton of questions swirling around. Let's tackle some of the most common ones I hear from people making the transition.

Is Colorado Springs Really a Good Place for Families?

It absolutely is. I'd go as far as to say it’s one of the most family-oriented cities in the state, and that’s not just about the good schools—though they are a huge draw. Districts like the highly-regarded Academy District 20 consistently pull in families who put education first.

But it’s the lifestyle that seals the deal. Weekends here aren't spent stuck indoors. You'll see families out on the trails at Palmer Park, spending a Saturday at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, or hitting up one of the countless community festivals. It's an active, outdoor-centric culture.

The sheer number of parks and open spaces is a huge plus for families. You’re never more than a few minutes from a playground or a trail, which makes getting kids outside incredibly easy.

How Bad Are the Winters, Honestly?

This is probably the biggest myth about living here. People picture brutal, snowed-in winters, but that's just not the reality. The key is our 300+ days of sunshine every year.

Yes, we get snow, but it rarely sticks around. A storm might drop a few inches, but the sun is usually out the next day to melt it all away. Our winters are dry and sunny, not damp and bone-chilling. You can hike year-round with the right layers—no need to hibernate.

What’s the Job Market Like?

The job market here is solid and has some seriously strong roots. You’ll find a ton of opportunity, especially if you’re in one of these fields:

• Aerospace and Defense: This is the backbone of the local economy, thanks to several military installations and the contractors that support them.
• Tech and IT: The city's tech scene is growing fast, with more and more companies setting up shop.
• Healthcare: With a growing population, the healthcare sector is constantly expanding with jobs at local hospitals and clinics.

Don't underestimate the military's economic impact. With over 40,000 active-duty personnel and 80,000 veterans in the area, there's a stable economic base here that you don't find everywhere. It also creates a really welcoming environment for service members and their families.