Based on 60 comments from people who live or lived in Colorado Springs, CO, gathered from public forums and checked by Varro. Updated October 22, 2026.
Outdoor access is a defining feature, with trails like Garden of the Gods and Palmer Park near the city. (Reddit, Reddit)
Residents describe a cultural shift away from a once dominant conservative, religious identity in the area. (Reddit)
The local economy includes a growing aerospace and defense driven tech sector with employers like Boecore and Bluestaq. (Reddit)
Job loss and financial strain were described as ongoing struggles for at least one local household. (Reddit)
Rockrimmon is noted for decent schools and family safety. (Reddit, Reddit)
“The view is great, the parks are great, trails are so accessible.” (a resident)
Who tends to love Colorado Springs, CO
Hikers and outdoor explorers: Many comments praise trails, parks, and outdoor spots across the area.
Coffee and food enthusiasts: Residents name many favorite coffee shops and restaurants around town.
Remote workers: Coworking spots offer free days, good vibes, and amenities for working outside home.
Nightlife seekers: Many bars, breweries, and clubs are recommended for going out.
Outdoors and trails
A hiker recommended the Palmer Loop in Section 16 and Mount Muscoco for easy, rewarding views. If you just want a couple of easy, rewarding hikes with rewarding views, check out palmer loop in section 16,(Reddit)
One resident recommends Monument Lake as a nice spot for kayaking with mild flow Monument Lake is a nice little kayaking spot(Reddit)
One resident describes Garden of the Gods as a classic spot to drive through or hike, and mentions The Broadmoor's falconry Garden of the Gods is classic. The Broadmoor has some neat stuff like the falconry(Reddit)
One resident recommended the Santa Fe Trail for beginners along with Falcon Trail and Ute Valley, while suggesting Cheyenne for something more difficult Santa Fe Trail is a good trail for beginners along with the Falcon Trail and Ute Valley(Reddit)
Nightlife and social
For nightlife, one resident pointed to Tony's, Mansion, and Copperhead as go to dive bars and dance clubs. I like dive bars and dance clubs, so Tony's, Mansion, and copperhead sound cool.(Reddit)
Coati downtown reportedly has the youngest crowd among nightlife spots in the area. Definitely, Coati downtown has the youngest vibe I've found.(Reddit)
A newcomer from Oregon said they fell in love with the vibe after visiting Colorado Springs. Visited COS a few times and fell inlove with the vibe in Colorado in general.(Reddit)
One resident said Black Sheep, Thrashers, Vultures, and Avenue 19 have constant events while Cowboys attracts a younger frat crowd. Black sheep, thrashers, vultures and avenue 19 all have events constantly(Reddit)
General impressions
One commenter suggested living north of Colorado Avenue and west of 11th Street to stay near OCC spots. Might want to stay west of 11th St / Limit St.(Reddit)
One resident wanted to push back on negativity about the city and share positivity instead. I've recently noticed how much negativity is being spread on this sub about our city(Reddit)
Food and coffee
"Humble Coffee, The Exchange, Stir Coffee, and Story Coffee are all around there…" Humble Coffee, The Exchange, Stir Coffee, and Story Coffee are all around there, plus others I'm(Reddit)
Cinchona, found inside Provision Bakery, was called a favorite for its hard to find coffee beans. Cinchona, (currently inside Provision Bakery) and Frankly are my two favorites.(Reddit)
One resident listed several favorite restaurants including La Bella Vita and Red Gravy. La Bella Vita, Chuckwagon 719, Sandy's restaurant, Roman Villa Pizza(Reddit)
One resident recommended The Public House and specifically the Colorado Cheesesteak with onion rings. I definitely recommend the Colorado Cheesesteak with a side of onion rings(Reddit)
Making friends
One resident said rock climbing gyms and the Colorado Mountain Club are good ways to meet outdoor-oriented people. Rock climbing gyms are a great way of meeting people(Reddit)
One resident suggested starting a Meetup group based on an age range or favorite activity as a way to connect. I always advise starting your own group on the Meetup app(Reddit)
Dating
One resident said people found partners through community activities like meetup groups, sports teams, or dating apps. Everyone found their partner by getting involved in community activities(Reddit)
One resident suggested joining meetup groups, sports teams, or book clubs since online dating is difficult. Online dating is rough. My best advice is to join some groups in town(Reddit)
One resident said Colorado Springs lacks a strong dating scene compared to the rest of Colorado. There really isn't a strong dating “scene” in Colorado Springs(Reddit)
One resident found online dating full of men only interested in promiscuity and recommended local meetup groups and singles events instead. it's mostly gross dudes into promiscuity, and immediately trying to get some(Reddit)
Cost of living
One resident pays under $200 for building utilities and electricity for a 2 bedroom apartment off base. for our 2 bed apartment off base costs us $165 for building utilities/water and electricity ranges from $80-$125(Reddit)
One resident said rent has risen about $500 a month over 2.5 years while wages stayed the same. Rentals have gone up about $500 a month since we moved here 2.5 years ago and the wages haven't budged(Reddit)
One resident rents a 1 bedroom downtown for about $1100 total and recommends the 80903 area for unique Victorian apartments. I am in a 1bd downtown for about $1100 all together(Reddit)
Getting around
One resident says I25 is the main route while highways 83 and 105 are slower alternatives with traffic lights. Anything else (Hwy 83 or 105) are alternatives that will get you there at reduced speed(Reddit)
One resident says their north south commute across the city is rarely delayed more than 10 minutes even though major roads are busy. I am never delayed more than 10 minutes, Most of the major roads are red(Reddit)
One resident says the commute is usually fine at about 40 minutes off peak but worsens during snow storms or peak hours. It is a 40min commute off-peak, it gets worse if it snows or in peak hours(Reddit)
One resident says the buses run infrequently and often require a long walk but they are reliable about keeping their schedule. Nothing besides busses, which run infrequently, and will still probably leave you with a healthy walk(Reddit)
What Colorado Springs, CO is known for
GalaxyFest (February): comic book and science fiction convention
Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (June): automobile and motorcycle hill climb to Pikes Peak summit
PrideFest (July): pride parade
Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off (September): hot air balloon festival at Memorial Park
More on Colorado Springs, CO
The full Varro guide adds rent and home prices, local taxes, schools, healthcare, getting around, weather by month, and a quiz that shows how Colorado Springs, CO fits what you want.