neo hippie areas that are safe and affordable in or near colorado springs (Woodland Park: rentals)

[herecomesunshine]

Seeking a safe, alternative place (i am a neo-hippie, eco conscious & vegetarian) young single woman looking to meet similar folk that is also low in crime rate where i'll end up moving to--either in or near colorado springs, need some help though please as to specific neighborhoods or areas that i should jot down for myself to remember! i've had manitou springs recomended to me by a few people but the housing costs are very high, a little too high for my current budget.As both a single woman and young graduate student, I need to find a part of Colorado Springs or nearby that is both affordable (I only work part time now until I get my masters so money is obviously a tight issue) and friendly, specifically to alternative people like me. Being that i am a single gal I really don't want to have to be worrying about feeling uncomfortable walking by myself in the daytime/early evening in the place i would be living in..thus can anyone please tell me a bit about any particular area(s) that an artistic single woman kind of tight on money should check out? In commenting; if you want to keep your response quite brief that’s swell too, just please at least let me know a name for the area you think might be a best fit for someone like me (for example, East hill, west hill, etc.) Thanks

[otowi]

Try Old Colorado City.

[Maynerd]

Manitou Springs.

[Terytee]

There are also places in downtown CO Springs that would also work for you. I have a coworker who's grown sons live in a big Victorian houses off Cascade Ave near the college. Some of the big Victorian houses are used as rentals, where each room has a renter. There are like 6 room mates in the house. My friends' sons are not neo-hippies per say, but I think they're big into the "EMO" crowd.

There are small rental cottages that I think you could find that downtown....prolly with a room mate or two. Hit up craigslists in the rooms/shared section.

[SheridanL]

Green Mountain Falls....Woodland Park....Manitou Springs...

[mtngigi]

Manitou Springs is and will be recommended by a lot of folks (me included) because it really does fit all your requirements to a T. There are places here (and in Colorado Springs) that are expensive, but there are also some reasonable rentals available - you just have to know where to look. It's an old/young hippie-dippy town with lots of artists and cool little shops. Close to the mountains. And it's a great town for walking around in or riding a bike.