Living in Manitou Springs (Colorado Springs, Boulder: townhouse, buying, price)

[Minz]

I moved to The Springs last February from TX...and have never looked back. I'm considering buying a place in Manitou Springs...or one of the other nearby mountain towns...but am leaning towards Manitou. I love the the older homes and it seems to be an open-minded, charming, art-sie type community. Can anyone give me feedback about Manitou Springs...like what it's like to live there, the "vibe" or reputation of the town...any positive or negative input will be greatly appreciated.

BTW...thank you to everyone over the past year who gave me great advice and insight which inspired me to move here. My four kitties and I moved here without knowing a soul and we feel blessed that we are making Colorado my home.

[Charles]

I don't live there but I visit often.

Vibe: Excellent.

Pretty, refined, and soulful.

I take my kids to the MAT for plays. Nice park across the street.

MAT Home

[ChihuahuaMom]

I live in Texas now but I grew up in the Springs and lived in Manitou for several years. It was a wonderfully liberal, open community. It isn't perfect, there are a few pockets of extreme right-wingers, so just be aware. (I don't mean the evangelical type but the Ruby Ridge type.)

If I could move back to Manitou tomorrow I'd be on a plane!

[pirate girl]

I visited there for the first time this summer and fell in love with the area. I know living there is different but it seemed so charming, open and friendly. And I had a great vibe there- must be all that red rock!

[Minz]

Originally Posted by ChihuahuaMom

I live in Texas now but I grew up in the Springs and lived in Manitou for several years. It was a wonderfully liberal, open community. It isn't perfect, there are a few pockets of extreme right-wingers, so just be aware. (I don't mean the evangelical type but the Ruby Ridge type.)

If I could move back to Manitou tomorrow I'd be on a plane!

Thank you Chihuahuamom and pirate girl! Your comments have given me good insight and are leading me closer to wanting to live there!!

[Minz]

[quote=Charles;1321895]

Pretty, refined, and soulful.


I love that description Charles. Many thanks!

[ilovemychacos]

hmmm I'm a right winger and live in Manitou...but I don't think political view has anything to do with having great neighbors! I love manitou and don't care what side of the political spectrum people there are on.... Manitou is gorgeous, the people are delightful, it's really like a little mountain dream town!

[Wisteria]

I'm curious about grocery stores, walkability around town, and how close to Garden of the Gods (can one drive to it without using the highway, but side roads -- I hate highways)?

I lived in Boulder but it is too pricey now, and seems to have become very mallified -- chain stores abound, strip malls, just not the Boulder I originally loved.

Old Colorado City is an option, but I'm wondering how Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs differ or are alike? I'm not keen on the Christian thing, so I'd prefer to be in an area where it is not as prevalent. I think it's funny that people think of Manitou Springs as a bunch of devil worshippers! I prefer free thinkers and more artsy types of people.

When I went through Manitou Springs this summer, I couldn't quite get a handle on it, so I'm wondering what it is like to live there? There is so much on this board about Colorado Springs, and I realize Manitou Springs is much smaller, but I want to try to get a feel for living there. Thanks for any feedback.

[Jubi]

I've been researching the Colorado Springs area for about 6 months now. I keep coming back to Manitou Springs. I like it for several reasons: the artistic, more liberal community, the mountain setting, the feeling that you're outside the city rather than right on top of it (but still near it), the quaint shops etc. My only concern is that I will be able to find a townhouse there in my budget when I am looking to move. So, I have also been looking in the surrounding areas also, mainly Rockrimmon, where there are more places available in my price range (around 150K). I plan on staying in Manitou when I look for a place next Spring. I'll just have to wait and see how it goes!

[janetjanetbobanet]

Originally Posted by Wisteria

I'm curious about grocery stores, walkability around town, and how close to Garden of the Gods (can one drive to it without using the highway, but side roads -- I hate highways)?
Old Colorado City is an option, but I'm wondering how Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs differ or are alike? I'm not keen on the Christian thing, so I'd prefer to be in an area where it is not as prevalent. I think it's funny that people think of Manitou Springs as a bunch of devil worshippers! I prefer free thinkers and more artsy types of people.
When I went through Manitou Springs this summer, I couldn't quite get a handle on it, so I'm wondering what it is like to live there? There is so much on this board about Colorado Springs, and I realize Manitou Springs is much smaller, but I want to try to get a feel for living there. Thanks for any feedback.

There's a Safeway just outside of Manitou as you are heading into Old Colorado City, might be a little far to walk depending on where you chose to live, but definitely in the area. King Soopers at 19th and Uintah isn't all that far away by car, either. Garden of the Gods is accessible without using the highway and is only minutes away.
Manitou seems quite walkable, and I haven't noticed any devil worshiper types running around. I don't live in Manitou myself, but I am just on the other side of the Red Rock Canyon area from it and it's a five minute trip for me. Old Colorado City also looks like a nice area to live, I go to the post office there every day and like the area.