Looking for a walkable/bikable community within COS or surrounding areas (Colorado Springs: new home, neighborhood)

[BestBudDog]

There is a strong possibility that my husband and I may be relocating to the Colorado Springs area by the end of the year. We previously lived in Longmont and loved it - super dog friendly, hiking near by, community events, breweries and small, locally owned restaurants. Are there any similar communities in the Springs? I'm also finding myself getting discouraged reading about the uber conservative environment as well. While I try to be open minded, my views definitely lean more toward the liberal side of things. Any advice or guidance locals can offer would be much appreciated. Thanks much!

[otowi]

You might fine the city bike lane map useful - the city actually has a master plan for bicycling and is one of the better cities for bicycling. Olympic Training Center bicyclists are always out and about riding all over our roads. http://coloradosprings.maps.arcgis.c...0f2a7732c686e6

If you're more interested in mountain biking, the premier local organization is Medicine Wheel and they have lots of information on biking trails - Medicine Wheel – Mountain Bike Trail Advocates for the Pikes Peak Region

Colorado Springs is consistently ranked one of the most dog friendly places in the country and there is tons of hiking here - much of far closer than in Longmont, and there are also lots of local breweries. Some people say we don't have the best small local restaurant scene. I think those places do exist here but they're not in one little area - they're dispersed all over town within a mix of tons of chains, so it is an adventure to seek them out over time.

As for walkability, that means for the most part to avoid newer construction and suburbia, but there are pockets of it in many places. You might love Fountain/Widefield/Security, Colorado for walkability and small town feel. You might love Woodland Park or Manitou Springs (beware of tourist season in Manitou and know that the Incline is closed right now and traffic is different when it is open). Old Colorado City and the downtown Colorado Springs areas should be looked at, including Ivywild, the Old North End, Skyway and several other places. Look at the neighborhood around the Lincoln school, too.

If you are concerned about conservativeness, then apparently it is stronger on the northeast side of the city. Think more central and west, generally speaking. I have lived here for 40+ years but in the south and I honestly barely notice it except for fiscal libertarianism and that has at the moment tamed down quite a bit. Other people seem to have a different experience, but most of those who say that seem to in the NE part of the city, although even there some don't notice it.

[wilberry]

shooks run trail ....500 block of Columbia st . love this neighborhood , big expensive new homes where the new money lives, old little homes , trees , parks, one little shopping area where the Dog tooth coffee company used to be , maybe not Ideal but a good mix of old and new Colorado....