Moving to the CS area from West Virginia within 45 days- Help with location, schools and stuff! (Colorado Springs: to rent)

[Threerun]

My family and I will be relocating to the CS area in rather short order, as I received 2 job offers recently (one in CS and the other in Canon City). Both offers are pretty much the same, but my wife prefers the CS area over Canon City, mainly due to the Cotter uranium mill issues in Canon.

We have 2 kids ages 8 and 6 so location and schools are foremost on our minds. We currently live on 5 or so acres and we'd like to try and relocate to an area in or close to CS with a little 'elbow room' (so to speak).

Weather really is not much of issue with us, I know how to manage in pretty nasty stuff on fairly mountainous / hilly terrain.

North by Northeast or due West of the city center seems to be where we're finding most of the homes we like, but we don't know anything about the schools. If the districts are anything like the schools are around here, I'd assume the majority are just fine, sans maybe one or two 'bad' spots.

We sure could use some local insight on these matters, and any help would be greatly appreciated. We're looking forward to the move!

Threerun from 'the other mountain state'

[vfrpilot]

Threerun-
The general consensus is that Districts 12, 20, & 38 are desireable. 12 is on the west side toward Cheyenne Mountain, and 20 is on the north end of COS. 38 is north of 20 in Monument.
If you haven't already, check the 'sticky post'- Why choose Colorado Springs. Mike and others has compiled almost everything you need to know about COS.
If you want to be on acreage and still be close in, try looking at the area north of Academy Blvd and west of Woodmen. I think it's called Falcon Estates. It's in District 20 also. There is some nice areas with large lots east of 83 along Old Ranch Road. Also check out the area along Roller Coaster Rd north of Northgate Rd. Everything along Rollercoaster north into Monument will have acreage and lots of trees. There are many more areas to look.
The surplus of homes on the market is quite high right now. You might find what your looking for without having to rent and move twice.
Good Luck