what zip codes should i stay away from (Colorado Springs, Center: where to stay, real estate)

[lazavedo]

Hi,
My daughter and I are planning to move to COS by next spring. We are looking to buy a house, she will be starting high school. Can anyone tell me not just wheres a good place to live but also where to stay away from. Zip codes help with my search for a home.

Thanks,
Laura

[otowi]

There are no truly bad parts of town. However, most people would suggest Harrison School District 2 not be at the top of your list. I would be reluctant to describe that in zip codes because parts of some of those zips are really nice.

[Userdavey]

Colorado Springs has pockets of nice neighborhoods. Each ZIP code will have many different income levels etc. Best thing is to focus on the school districts. Harrison district 2 should be avoided if you want less crime etc. Cheyenne 12 and Academy 20 are tip top. My kids go to Rampart HS in Academy 20 and it is a great school.

On Realtor.com look at the features of each property and usually the last line tells what school district the property is in.

The school district boundaries do not have much to do with the ZIP code boundaries.

You will pay more for district 12 and district 20. District 11 is huge and is generally acceptable.

[PamelaOrr]

Here are three great sites for school research. Your real estate agent can set up a property watch for specific school districts to help you in your home search. Good Luck. Its a wonderful place!


For information about schools in the area:

1. Great Schools GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community
2. National Center for Education Statistics National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Home Page, a part of the U.S. Department of Education
3. School Matters SchoolMatters - Home (http://www.schoolmatters.com/ - broken link)
4. Colorado Department of Education Colorado Department of Education Home Page

[MMichelle]

Wow, I have to agree with Userdavey! I've lived in Colorado Springs for 29 years - there really isn't a "bad" zip code.

20 years ago I would have avoided school dist. 2 - but today, I live there! The whole SE area of town has seen the most improvement and has had a good deal of new construction. I contribute that to the improvement of the schoold dist. and the new airport which is much further away than the "old" airport.

Colorado Springs is a unique city - there will be areas you will like more than others - it will be your personal choice. You will find no "slums" as you would in other citys of the same size.

Your options for housing will vary as much as school dists. You could consider a small school dist - like 12 or 14 (both excellent) or one of the larger ones like 20 or 11. Houses could range from a historic victorian to mid-century or new construction - high density or on a large lot.