Relocating: Powers? Peyton (Falcon North)? Fountain Valley? (Meridian: sales, hair salon)

[PhDMommy15]

My family is relocating to CO Springs, and we're in the process of finding a house to rent. I will be taking a position at Colorado College, while I finish my dissertation. There are a number of good options--in terms of houses, but I was wondering if any of you could tell me a little bit about these areas that we don't know a lot about. We've been to the city twice to visit, and we fell in love with Briargate, but it doesn't look like we'll be able to locate in that area. We know it's far out--in relation to CC, BUT it does have a lot of things we like to do in terms of eating, cinema, activities, etc. Anywho, these are the areas:

Powers
Peyton (Falcon North)
Fountain Valley

Basically, we'd like to know if there's anything to do in these areas other than live. We're thinking that's not the case with Fountain, but wanted to know what you all thought. At the end of the day, we're going to move where necessary--in terms of cost and size of the house and what not. However, if we could know more about the particular areas, that would be tremendously helpful!

Thanks!

[otowi]

Security/Widefield/Fountain has great park and rec systems. We have wonderful public libraries and swimming pools while people in the Springs are scrambling to find open swimming pools in the recession. We have restaurants, but not tons. We have all the essential shopping so that you'd never have to leave if you didn't want to, most likely. We drive 15 minutes into town to go to Tinseltown or Carmike 10 for the movies. We have wonderful trails for walking and nice parks that are even being watered - fishing too! Fireworks are legal (except Fountain) here. We have parades, farmers markets, craft fairs, bingo, concerts in Pi Ute Park, and lots of other stuff seasonally. So, I'd say there are some things to do here, but I guess it is a matter of perspective.

[PhDMommy15]

Thanks for your response! We're not really put-off by driving, so I think we'll be fine no matter which area we end up living in; however, your response has been SO helpful! Thank you again! =)

[Falconlady]

Falcon North has a lot to offer, too. The best is lower taxes (no city property or sales tax). We have three shopping centers, one anchored by Wal-Mart and another by Safeway grocery. They have the usual array of hair salons, dentist office, eye doctor etc. We have trails, golf course, farmers market, holiday celebrations etc. The two main neighborhoods are Woodmen Hills (the largest) and Meridian Ranch. Woodmen has two rec centers and offers sports activities, two pools, fitness classes and other recreational events. Meridian has one outdoor pool and one rec center offering many of the same classes. Both are covenant protected with a wide range of restrictions. Ask your realtor about them. The drive from Falcon to CC would take you about 25 minutes. I used to work across the street from CC. Another benefit is you'll get more house / property for the money out here. Many properties are on 1/2 acre lots and more, so you get a rural feel with urban amenities.