Quick question about Colorado Springs area vs. Pueblo area. (Security-Widefield: rental, house)

[cdove72]

Mor and more it looks like just living and working in COS is the correct move. We are now looking up rentals, and I am beginning a job search now. The sooner I can get over there, the happier I think I'll be. Thank you for all the comments. I used to do commutes when I worked for a beer distributor out of Winchester, and my route would usually work out to the Loudoun/Fairfax County border. The more I think about it, the more I remember how much I hated that. A few last questions, through my research and looking at some crime maps, it does look like crime is fairly low outside of the downtown area. Is that a safe bet? Also, I have a two year old, so in the next couple years schooling will be a concern, anyone familiar with the better school districts, or a place I could go to check that out? I look forward to coming to the COS area, starting a new life, away from the NoVa rat race, thank you all again.

[otowi]

All the school districts are good, but if people pick one to avoid, it is usually Harrison School District 2. Also you probably would do well to avoid choosing an elementary school that feeds into Mitchell High School in D11. If you choose to live in a place that avoid the above, you should also end up avoiding the neighborhoods that if someone had to pick one to avoid, one of these would be it.

[lurtsman]

Originally Posted by lalahartma

I don't think Pueblo is any drier than COS and it certainly can be warmer in the summer, but often it is colder in the winter. Just something to keep in mind.

Is Pueblo really colder in winter? The historical averages are showing highs from 47 to 51 for the coldest three months. Colorado Springs shows historical average highs from 42 to 44 for those same months.

[lalahartma]

It's more that often the cold air settles in the lower altitude. So when it gets very cold, Pueblo is colder. But during the day Pueblo is warmer somewhat.

[otowi]

I have noticed that lately the early morning (before sunrise) temperature cited on the radio is often colder in Pueblo than in Colorado Springs presumably for the reason mentioned by lalahartma, but Pueblo quickly catches up during the day and usually ends up warmer there. People notice the latter particularly in dog days of summer. I think most data measurements like daytime high, average temp, etc., are going to show Pueblo as a little warmer overall.

[emagineer]

Pueblo is slightly warmer in the winter, much warmer in the summer. I would not commute from there, the I-25 corridor is pain during work hours. I would look west of I-25. There are also 3 or 4 small towns/areas in El Paso conty which are great on their own and melt into CS. Whatever specifics your wife likes about Pueblo could probably be found nearby CS. If she likes plains and desert, go east outside of the city. But the weather gets tough there. As for crime, check the statistics of areas within to lead you. The suggestions of schools above is a very good one.

[otowi]

Most of the time the I-25 commute is one of the nicest in town, IMHO - unless you get up to Woodmen and further north. I travel it daily and it is almost always extremely smooth with no lights, few accidents, relatively clear roads - much less hassle than alternative routes. But coming from Pueblo is pretty far - probably 40+ miles, and for pure distance I wouldn't prefer it - however, it still could be a bit nicer most days than some of the busy cross-town commutes around Woodmen, Briargate, Interquest, etc., especially when construction and limited plowing is factored in.

[Moman1]

We moved here in 2012 from the Manassas VA area. We had many of the same concerns you do (COL, schools, crime, etc). We settled out east of town (Falcon). There is a better sense of community out there, the crime is low, D-49 is a decent school district, and it's very peaceful out here. But, you'd have to commute into town everyday (10 miles, low traffic) as there aren't many jobs out here.

Good luck!

Kevin

[cdove72]

Thanks again for all the answers, have been applying for jobs in the Colorado Springs area, and even have an interview for one. One question that popped up that I hadnt considered is altitude....Winchester, VA my hometown is only a couple hundred feet above sea level. COS is definitely higher, anything I should be aware of before I move to COS pertaining to altitude adjustment??

[LadyDonna]

The two towns are very different! Colorado Springs has a huge military community with Fort Carson Army base, Peterson Air Force base, and the Air Force Academy. It also has many religious institutions such as "Focus on the Family" and "The Navigators" to name a few. The Olympic training center and headquarters is also in Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs has Pikes Peak mountain and Garden of the Gods rock formations which are huge tourist attractions. Now, Pueblo has a different feel to the community with a large hispanic population that brings great food and cultural events to the area. The state fair is also in Pueblo. If you like fishing and boating Pueblo has a large lake. Pueblo also has a nice river walk that brings tourist to the area. So both towns are nice. It just depends on what you are looking for in a community.