Things You Should Know About Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. In 2006, Colorado Springs was named the best "big city" to live in in the United States. We are like many other cities. We've got some good and some poor schools. We have some traffic issues. Life moves too fast. But there are a few things that cause Colorado Springs to stand out.

1. Colorado Springs is a very fit city. We consistently land on fittest cities lists in the top 10. This is primarily because we love the outdoors here in Colorado Springs. The outdoors is valued from a governmental (parks and open spaces) to an individual level.
   
2. We are more aware of the needs of the military and the stress of living in the military than most cities. Colorado Springs has five military bases. From north (the Air Force Academy) to south (Fort Carson) and east (Peterson Air Force base) to west (NORAD), Colorado Springs is a military town.
   
3. House values are not falling like they are in many cities. According to recent numbers from the National Association of Realtors, Colorado Springs continues to experience significant home value gains. So if you are looking to buy a house, now is a great time. However, you need to help to find a great deal and Encompas Realty Group would love to help you out.

Resources to Help You Find Your Way

School Information
School Data - Information about Colorado Springs Schools

School Districts:
Colorado Springs School District 11
Academy School District 20
Cheyenne Mountain School District No. 12
Falcon School District No. 49
Fountain Fort Carson School
Harrison School District No. 2
Lewis Palmer School District No. 38
Manitou Springs School District No. 14
Widefield School District No. 3
Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind

Ask us what district you should be focusing on. We'll help you narrow the possibilities and help you
determine what the school district will mean for your kids.

Shopping
Down south we have the Citadel mall Up in north we've got the Chapel Hills Mall and the Shops at Briargate.

Utilities
Colorado Springs Utilities is your starting point for utilities in Colorado Springs. If you are in the city, Colorado Springs Utilities covers gas, electric, water, and sewer.

Looking for a phone? Visit Qwest.com or call them at 1-800-244-1111. You might also be able to get high speed internet from Qwest, but that depends on your address.

There are several trash companies you can consider. Call one of these companies:
Bestway Disposal - (719) 633-8709 BFI - (719) 591-5000
Waste Management Of Southern Colorado - (719) 632-8877

For TV you can get cable or satellite. For cable you will need to talk to Comcast. For satellite you are either looking at DirectTV or Dish Network. You may be able to get high speed internet from Comcast as well.

Newspapers
The Colorado Springs Gazette has been around since the founding of Colorado Springs. You can also check out the Colorado Springs Independent for alternative news.

Colorado Springs Information Summary
Finally, the City of Colorado Springs has a great collection of links to help you as you try to get settled in to your new house.