Colorado Springs, Colorado
Military Relocation Guide
Colorado Springs is one of the most desirable duty stations in the entire U.S. military, and for good reason. Situated at the foot of Pikes Peak with 300 days of sunshine per year, the city hosts an extraordinary concentration of military installations: Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and NORAD/USNORTHCOM. This diversity of missions means Colorado Springs attracts personnel from every branch, creating one of the most well-rounded and military-savvy communities in America.
At WeVett Realty, we work with Colorado Springs buyers across the full spectrum — from first-time VA loan buyers looking in the Fountain and Security-Widefield corridors, to senior officers searching for custom homes in the Flying Horse or Briargate neighborhoods. The market is more competitive and expensive than most Army posts, with median home prices around $420,000, but BAH rates reflect the higher cost of living and VA loan limits are not an issue for most buyers.
Colorado's outdoor lifestyle is unmatched. Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak Highway, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and world-class ski resorts within two hours make this assignment feel like a permanent vacation for adventure-loving families. The Colorado Springs Unified School District and several highly-rated charter and private schools ensure strong educational options.
With the Space Force's growing presence at Peterson and Schriever, Colorado Springs is increasingly a destination for career-minded military professionals looking at long-term roots in the area. WeVett Realty is here to help you find a home that serves both your tour and your future.
Military Installations Served
Fort Carson
army
Home to the 4th Infantry Division and 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson is a major Army installation on the southern edge of Colorado Springs. Its mission spans combined arms training, special operations support, and global power projection.
Peterson Space Force Base
space force
Peterson SFB hosts NORAD and USNORTHCOM headquarters, making it one of the most strategically significant installations in the country. It also serves as the home of Space Operations Command.
Schriever Space Force Base
space force
Located east of Colorado Springs, Schriever SFB is the nerve center of U.S. military space operations, controlling GPS satellites and operating advanced space systems critical to national security.
Local Market Trends
Median Home Price
$418,000
Average Days on Market
34 days
List-to-Sale Price Ratio
97.4%
Active Listings
1,650
Data represents recent market activity. Contact a local agent for current conditions.
Local FAQs
What is BAH for Colorado Springs, and will it cover a mortgage payment?
Colorado Springs BAH is among the higher Army post rates, with O-3 with dependents receiving approximately $2,070/month and E-6 with dependents around $1,800/month as of 2024. In the $350k–$450k market range most common for military families, monthly mortgage payments with a VA loan will often exceed BAH slightly, but Colorado's no-property-tax-on-primary-residence-for-veterans benefit and strong appreciation can offset this. Our agents will model the full cost of ownership for you.
How competitive is the Colorado Springs market for VA loan buyers?
The Colorado Springs market is competitive, and VA offers sometimes face hesitation from sellers who are unfamiliar with the appraisal process. However, the market has cooled slightly from the 2021–2022 frenzy, and experienced VA-specialized agents know how to structure offers that sellers accept. We recommend being pre-approved before you arrive and working with an agent who can speak directly to listing agents about the strength of VA financing.
What are the best neighborhoods for families near Fort Carson?
Fountain, Security-Widefield, and Cimarron Hills offer the most affordable options for families near Fort Carson's south gate, with good school options and strong military community presence. For families willing to commute slightly farther and spend more, the Briargate, Flying Horse, and Powers Boulevard corridors offer top-rated D-20 and D-49 schools and higher-end housing. Many Space Force families prefer the northeast quadrant near Peterson for its convenience.
Should I buy or rent during a typical 2–3 year assignment in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs has historically seen strong appreciation, and even a 2-year hold has produced positive equity in most market cycles since 2012. With a VA loan and no down payment required, the breakeven timeline is shorter than in many markets. If you're assigned to Schriever and anticipate a follow-on tour, keeping the home as a rental property is a viable strategy — the Springs rental market is robust due to the large transient military population.
Things to Do
Garden of the Gods
Outdoor Recreation
A stunning National Natural Landmark featuring dramatic red rock formations with Pikes Peak as a backdrop — free to enter and one of Colorado's most photographed landscapes.
U.S. Air Force Academy
Military Heritage
Open to the public for tours, the USAFA Visitor Center and the iconic Cadet Chapel offer a fascinating look at one of America's premier military educational institutions.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Family
America's only mountain zoo, situated at 6,800 feet elevation and home to over 750 animals — a perennial favorite for military families with children.
Pikes Peak – America's Mountain
Outdoor Recreation
The iconic 14,115-foot summit accessible by highway or cog railway offers breathtaking views and high-altitude adventure that defines the Colorado Springs experience.
Where to Eat
The Broadmoor's Summit Restaurant
$$$$American Fine Dining
Perched atop the iconic Broadmoor resort with panoramic mountain views, Summit offers an upscale American menu perfect for celebrating promotions and homecomings.
Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.
$$American Brewpub
Set in a historic downtown building, Phantom Canyon crafts award-winning beers alongside a hearty American menu — a Colorado Springs institution since 1993.
La'au's Taco Shop
$Mexican
A beloved local taqueria serving fresh, generously-portioned burritos, tacos, and bowls that have earned a devoted following among military families and locals.
Uchenna Ethiopian Restaurant
$$Ethiopian
Authentic Ethiopian cuisine featuring flavorful injera-based dishes, reflecting the diverse and globally-aware military community that calls Colorado Springs home.
Relocation Resources
Fort Carson Mountain Post Housing
Official housing office for Fort Carson managing on-post family housing and providing off-post housing referral assistance for service members.
Academy School District 20
One of Colorado's top-rated public school districts, serving the north Colorado Springs area near Peterson SFB with strong academic and extracurricular programs.
Evans Army Community Hospital
The primary military treatment facility at Fort Carson, providing primary care, specialty services, and behavioral health support to military beneficiaries.
Colorado Springs VHAP / VA Home Loan Resources
The Denver Regional VA Loan Center serves Colorado Springs borrowers, offering VA loan certificates of eligibility, appraisals, and lender guidance.
Ready to Make Colorado Springs Your New Home?
Let us connect you with a local agent who knows Colorado Springs and understands military families.