Relocating to Colorado Springs from Atl, GA (Manitou Springs, Penrose: rental, to buy)

[IzildaVenter]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 25 year old female, relocating to Colorado Springs from Atlanta, GA in two weeks. I'm panicking as I just shipped my two horses out there to Norris Penrose Equestrian Center today, reality is hitting!!

I have a job lined up but nothing is set in stone yet, which is making me very nervous moving out there without anything in black and white, but I'm moving due to personal family issues and a need for breaking away and cutting ties. Thank goodness I have a friend that already resides there and I'll be living with her temporarily until I can get on my feet.

I have a question, I have a small dog, a Jack Russel coming out with me and need to know if there are a lot of dog parks or open areas that allows dogs?

Another question, I have a 97 Grand Jeep Cherokee that is only 2 WD and a V6, with a lot of miles on it, is it worth trying to bring it out there (keep in mind I have horses) or would you suggest getting something that is 4x4 and a V8 at least for driving and or handling the snow / ice and trailers?

I'm looking at relocating to Manitou Springs, which I heard is absolutely beautifull and I can hardly wait to get there and get settled in!

Looking forward to everyone's suggestions!

"Z"

[Charles]

What is your housing price range or monthly rental budget?
What line of work are you in?
Where do you expect to work?
Kids?

[bashep]

You know it is hard to say about your truck. You can get around here w/ it being 2WD and the nice thing is that if you decide to buy a bigger truck, you have it for trade-in. Plus you have a car to commute to work with until you figure out what yoru budget its. Manitou is pretty, but Old Colorado City is neat aswell. I think once you get out here and get a feel for the town, you will decide where you want to live. It will all just work out... bashep

[BamaUser]

There is actually a dog park (part of Bear Creek Park) within walking distance to the Penrose Equestrian center. I too have a Jack Russell that I used to take to the park. She would practice jumping some of the horse jumps in Bear Creek Park also. Regarding the Jeep, it would probably be fine for basic transport and you could always throw on snow tires and some weight in the back for winter. Not sure how well the 6-cylinder would do pulling a horse trailer at 6,100 feet above sea-level. I've pulled small U-haul trailers with our jeep but I am sure they were not nearly as heavy as what you would be pulling.