Colorado Springs: The Best Place to Live and a Great Place to Visit
So what does Money Magazine know? They make a list every year and choose the winner by measuring housing, education, quality of life, and leisure activities. In light of an equal balance between all of these factors, as large cities go, Colorado Springs triumphed and it’s easy to understand why.
Let’s start with climate. Call it perfect! The mean temperature for Colorado Springs in any given month is about 52 degrees! Winter usually doesn’t dip below the 30’s.
Although summer can be hot (in the 80’s) there is almost always a westerly breeze off of the Rocky Mountains. Be sure to bring the sunblock, though. Six thousand feet above sea level is a tad closer to the sun than a beach is!
If thunderstorms are your phobia – unpack! The storms in Colorado are fantastic to watch although the thunder can be quite loud. The state ranks second in human lightning strikes, but it can’t be any more dangerous than driving on the highway. Winters, for the most part are bearable as they don’t carry the moisture that many other snowy states do. In addition, after the snow has fallen, it’s not surprising to have a 60 degree day.
Things to do. Colorado is a very outdoorsy place. It’s a cycle-friendly place for bikes and motorcycles. There is no helmet law. Even those who have never hiked want to learn once they see the mountains. There are small mountains (or bluffs) for starters and graduates can climb Pike’s Peak over 14,000 feet. It is said that a young person in good health can scale the peak from the trailhead in about 8 hours.
The first thing anyone should do is visit Pike’s Peak. Named after a historic legend who discovered it, the peak is more than 14,000 feet high. Unless you’re a tri-athlete, take it easy when you visit. Oxygen is for sale a an “oxygen bar” where queasy and uneasy people can sit and take a “breather.” There’s a little gift shop at the top where they sell awesome plain donuts and way-too-sweet hot chocolate. Both are must-haves. Hikers can hike up the trailhead that starts in Manitou Springs and most who do take the train back down, or have friends pick them up as the hike takes all day. The Cog Railroad will take visitors up and down, but plan on spending about fifty bucks! You can pay about 5 bucks per person and drive your car up.
Eleven Mile Reservoir is a popular camping, fishing and picnic spot with breathtaking scenery. Cave of the Winds is a must-see as are the Seven Falls. Nature’s wonderland, Colorado also has some of America’s best white water rafting in the Arkansas River. Beginner rapids (level 3) are further upstream while more experienced or adventurous rafters can experience levels 4 and 5 downstream in the gorge.
Cave of the Winds, as the name suggests is an attraction that offers underworld cave exploration with different tour packages. Interactive kids’ programs make it fun for the whole family! There’s also laser light shows, caving tips and very interesting history. It’s quite the hobby!
Seven Falls known as the “grandest mile of scenery in Colorado” is just minutes away from Colorado Springs. For under $10 per person the whole family can enjoy a beautiful day away from the everyday grind. Not for the feint-hearted, the 224-stair climb is a spectacular view from almost a thousand feet up there! The stairs, by the way, were built in 1881.
Of course if you’re going to stay a while, whether it’s winter http://breckenridge.snow.com/winterhome.asp or summer http://breckenridge.snow.com/summerhome.asp there’s always Breckenridge. Skiing, hiking, rafting, biking – you name it – you do it! Make sure you pack your piggy-bank, though. Breckenridge and its neighbors know they’ve got a good thing going and it can be very expensive. Worth every penny, but be prepared.
The cost of living in Colorado Springs is appropriate to the pay scale. Jobs not requiring an education (office or store clerks and laborers) may make 15-20,000/yr. Executives in high-end fields can make up to 70,000.
Real estate is ridiculously low! A 2-bedroom/2-bath house or condo can be found for as low as 130,000!! For 230,000 homeowners can live in luxurious tri-level newly constructed homes in gated communities. Apartments start at 450/month for a one-bedroom. In nicer areas apartments may be 500-700. What a steal! (Incidentally, Coloradans are big on pets – so bring your dog, too!)
So much more can be said about Colorado, but to experience the best of it while on vacation, check out some of the websites provided below. The beauty here is so big and majestic; it’s unlikely that mankind can destroy this one!
