Colorado Springs summer (home, live, gardening)

[knrstz]

My wife and I are considering a move to Colorado Springs. Initially we considered Portland. Although the summers sound amazing, I don't know that we could handle the constant percipitation of the winter. Peronally, I love the lush beauty of Oregon. My question is, does it stay green in Colorado in the summer? I've lived in Kansas and Oklahoma my whole life and am very familiar with summer droughts and extreme heat. I assume Colorado gets some of that from time to time. I understand Colorado gets significantly less rainfall than OKC or Wichita, but more than areas in New Mexico. How would you describe Colorado's greenery? Thanks in advance.

[otowi]

If you water, you'll have green. And many of the native plants are suited well to our relatively dry climate and are green in summer as well. But, in particularly hot years, if water restrictions are imposed, you may see some burned-up lawns.

[gcst4evr]

CS is one of the most beautiful places in the US; you can't go wrong, but...that is just my opinion.

[Katiana]

Some summers are greener than others. Often, the vegetation goes brown by July 1 or so.

[Vision67]

Sometimes we do get a wet springtime. It was like that last year. We had lots of wildflowers in the parks and the hills were very green. However, the climate here is usually on the dry side, so you can't count on it.

If you really want green, Portland would be a better bet. However, I would find that level of cloudiness to be depressing. Colorado Springs is a much sunnnier place.

[Katea]

Totally agree with the above post. Last year was amazingly green and beautiful because of all the rain. The previous couple of summers were not so green. CO Springs is considered a semi-arid climate. In general, not very green and definitely not lush. But the beautiful mountains make up for it! If you have never visited, schedule a trip and see for yourself...you just might love it!

[lalahartma]

When potential Ohio relocation prospects visited 04-06, they all complained about how brown CoS was in the summer. And it usually is. Last summer was unusual, quite rainy. Typically summers are short and hot, with scattered 'monsoon' rains.

[teresawj]

Having lived in Seattle for 9 years before moving to Co. Springs 6 months ago, I definitely know how it is to spend 6-9 months out of the year without good sunshine, and thus a Vitamin D deficiency. I've been to Portland a few times and like Seattle, it's beautiful and lush, and gardening is a lot easier there to boot. If you're vulnerable to getting SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which I was, then you may want to consider a move here. Personally, I like the general progressiveness, scenery, and culture of Portland but the supposed 300 days of sunshine here sure beats the overcast days.

[knrstz]

I visited Publeo this summer and while I was out there it seemed to have a light afternoon thunderstorm daily. Is this typical or just the weather pattern it happened to be in when I visited?

[gcst4evr]

Haven't been there for a while, but in the Springs "light," is an understatement. I once got caught in a hail storm while riding home from work and had welts!

But to answer your question: yes, typically (from what I can remember) afternoon thunderstorms in the summer...with the most magnificent lightning and loudest thunder I have ever experienced.