Colorado Springs neighborhoods (Fountain, Woodland Park, Manitou Springs: high crime, homes, safe area)

[Gayle41]

My family and I will be moving to the Colorado Springs area later this year. Are there certain areas that are considered high crime areas? Are there areas that would be considered more desirable. I am not talking about a wealthy areas, just pleasant neighborhoods. It would be greatly appreciated if I could hear from people who live in the metro area. Thanks so much for any replies received.

[MtnLion512]

Most of the crime seems to be confined to the Southeast/South Central areas...but I don't know that for sure. I lived for many years in the Northeast and Southwest, both of which are very safe...west side neighborhoods have more character and are closer to the mountains, whereas east of Powers and Briargate area is suburban sprawl. West side is also more expensive. You can find affordable neighborhoods in Old Colo City, Mountain Shadows, Briargate, and Powers north of Carefree that are safe.

[otowi]

Depending on where you will work, don't forget to consider areas outside of the city like Widefield/Security and Fountain, Manitou, Woodland Park, Monument, Falcon, Palmer Lake, etc.

[lalahartma]

Yes, plus there are awesome little neighborhoods scattered all over. I keep discovering new ones.

[Carrera32]

We just moved to the Old North End and love it. Eclectic mix of historic homes mixed in with mid-century moderns, a few in-fill new consruction and a lot of renovated properties. It's roughly located adjacent to Colorado College and north to the hospital area, bordered on the west by Monument Valley Park and to the east by Wahsatch (borders aren't exact, but are basically the area we looked at and eventually purchased in). Generally quiet streets (except the North South arteries (Nevada, Cascade, and to a lesser degree Weber and Wahsatch). Lots of mature trees, wide streets, etc. and very convenient to downtown. Can be pricey (location, location, location) but if you shop carefully and are willing to do some renovation, small bungalows and ranchers can be found for a fairly reasonable price (you didn't mention your budget, so "reasonable" is in the eyes of the beholder). Recent prices range from mid-100's (small fixer upper bungalows) to more than a million (drive through the area; you can't miss them). Active home owners association (voluntary) with on-line and printed newsletters. Very safe area.

If you're looking for cookie cutter suburb life, this isn't it. There are plenty of them around to the north and particularly to the east. That wasn't what we were looking for this around (been there, done that). We wanted more of an urban environment in a well-established older neighborhood, walkable, close to a college and parks and to other services (example: my doctor is located one block away, adjacent to the hospital; can't get more convenient than that. As my wife says: When the big one hits, you can walk to the ER). We got exactly what we wanted. If this environment appeals to you, check it out.

[ColoradoKirk]

Some pleasant neighborhoods/areas in town are Briargate and Rockrimmon up north, Old Colorado City and Pleasant Valley on the West side, and anything near Colorado College in the downtown area.

Also, check out nearby Mountain Towns. Manitou Springs, Cascade, Green Mountain Falls and Woodland Park are all beautiful places to live within a few minutes drive from Colorado Springs.

Good luck with moving!