Colorado Springs offers residents stunning mountain vistas, tons of entertainment, and a bunch of outdoor activities to enjoy. But, before you up and move to The Centennial State’s second-largest city, you should know what to expect in terms of traffic, cost of living, moving expenses, weather, and more.
Hiring local, state-to-state or interstate moving companies for a move to Colorado Springs takes care of a lot of the heavy lifting and logistics of the actual moving process, but it doesn’t prepare you for settling into life in the city. Check out the six things you need to know before moving to Colorado Springs to make settling in easier.
1. Traffic isn't terrible, but there is always road construction
Colorado Springs traffic is pretty decent compared to other metropolitan cities in the USA, such as Los Angeles or Chicago. Residents often find that they don’t get stuck in traffic often, and when they do, it’s not for very long. But, roads are frequently under construction, making it trickier to navigate cars and moving trucks through the city easily.
Before moving to Colorado Springs, check out the city’s Public Works page. This site details current “cone zones” or areas with current and upcoming road work so that you and your movers can plan a route that won’t be under construction. This way, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic or dealing with lane closures and detours.
2. The weather varies significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood.
Most cities in the USA enjoy blanket weather conditions throughout the city limits. But in Colorado Springs, the weather on one side of town can be vastly different from the weather on the other. For example, areas closer to Black Forest and Woodland Park can see snow take up to a month longer to melt than areas at lower elevations like Downtown, Fountain, and Falcon.
So, if you are planning a late winter or early spring move, be aware that living in the Black Forest or Woodland Park areas could mean unloading a moving truck with considerable snow on the ground. However, you can avoid any issues with snowy weather by planning your move for the late spring-early summer months when the weather is more stable.
3. The cost of living is relatively low.
The cost of living in Colorado Springs is pretty reasonable and lower than the USA national average in some categories. For example, when it comes to groceries and utilities, residents will find that they spend about 2-4% less than the national average.
Overall, residents will find that Colorado Springs is about 6% lower in living costs compared to cities such as Seattle, Denver, and San Francisco.
This lower cost of living means that you may be able to get moving quotes with more moving services since you won’t have to save as much for initial living costs.
More moving services not only save time and energy but also ensure that all of your belongings make it safe and sound to your new Colorado Springs home or office.
4. Colorado Springs has some of the best schools in the state.
Education is a high priority for many families, and if you are moving to Colorado Springs with school-aged children, you’ll be happy to know that the city has some of the best schools in Colorado.
Not only does Colorado Springs have great elementary, middle, and high schools, but the city is also home to many colleges and universities. Some of the most popular institutions of higher learning in Colorado Springs include the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, Colorado Technical University, and Pikes Peak Community College.
5. The job market is growing.
The job market in Colorado Springs is booming with a 3.8% unemployment rate which is much lower than the national average. Many residents find work in the city’s top industries, including healthcare, technology, and tourism.
Like many other cities in the USA, finding a job in Colorado Springs can still take several weeks – even with a booming job market. Therefore, before arriving in the city, it is essential to network with professionals in your field and look for positions on job boards such as Indeed.com, Glassdoor, and Craigslist.
6. Full-service moving companies are the best way to get to Colorado Springs.
Whether it’s an interstate or intrastate move, hiring full-service moving companies will ensure that your belongings are moved safely and efficiently. When looking for a moving company, always ask about their licensing and insurance and get quotes from at least three different companies.
To ensure the quotes you receive are on par with industry averages, use a moving cost calculator to get a detailed estimate of your potential moving needs. These tools are available online and often free to use for those wanting to get the best price for their upcoming move to Colorado Springs, CO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I move to Colorado Springs in the winter or summer?
Moving to Colorado Springs can be done in the winter or the summer. Be aware that local weather may make winter moves more challenging, and a longer moving timeline may be necessary. But, because the winter is considered an off-peak moving season, rates will be lower than when trying to move during the summer months.
What does it cost to move a two-bedroom apartment to Colorado Springs?
The cost to move a two-bedroom apartment to Colorado Springs will vary based on several factors, with the most important being whether it’s a local or long-distance move. Local moves will be charged by the hour and can cost between 500-2500 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Long-distance moves will be charged a flat rate for mileage and weight, making the cost of a two-bedroom move to Colorado Springs anywhere between $3000-$7000+.
What is the best neighborhood to live in Colorado Springs?
The city has tons of great neighborhoods to fit a variety of lifestyles and budgets. Some of the most popular include Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, Downtown, and Briargate. Be sure to check out what the weather and cost of living are like in each neighborhood before making your final decision.
Do I need a car to get around Colorado Springs?
No, you don’t necessarily need a car to get around Colorado Springs, as the city has an excellent public transportation system. However, having a car will make getting around town much easier and will give you the freedom to explore all that Colorado has to offer.
What are some of the best things to do in Colorado Springs?
There is no shortage of things to do in Colorado Springs. Some of the most popular include hiking, biking, and exploring the city’s many parks and trails. Other popular activities include visiting the Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
Move To Colorado Springs Easily
By understanding the six facts about moving to Colorado Springs above, you can ensure your move is as seamless as possible. And with the help of full-service movers, you’ll be able to settle into a new neighborhood and excellent job or school in no time.
