Moving Montana to Colorado Springs: Some questions for CO Springs residents

[MtnLion512]

Originally Posted by otowi

My home is about 900 square feet and in the coldest winter months, gas runs about $100-120, but only $20-30 in summer, electricity about 40 most months, water/sewer about 30 unless you water a lot. Depending on who your providers are and the energy efficiency of your appliances and place, rates may vary quite a bit. Registration is a lot more than $20, I'm afraid to say. It depends on the value of your car. If your car is worth, say, $12000, I would expect more than $200 once a year. Cable/Internet for most folks runs $100-150, but if you need it to be less, there are ways to economize.
Nearly all the schools are good. IMHO, there are four high schools in town I'd particularly advise against for your son: Sierra, Harrison, Mitchell, Wasson. If you happen to find a home in those areas, though, if you can find transportation for your son he can choice in to any school with room. Does he have particular interests? That might help me make a recommendation re: schools.

Good to know, I bought my vehicle for $1200 so maybe that's why it was so much cheaper

[lurtsman]

Dang wag! I wish I could do that, but I struggle with keeping older cars running. By struggle with, I mean.... It just doesn't happen for me.

[bp26_mf11]

Thanks for the feedback. We will definitely be looking into the transition assistance program and be visiting some of the areas you wrote about. Is the Evans Hospital located by Fort Carson?
Hope you are having a great holiday season.
Thanks!

Originally Posted by greenfarmgirl

1. Fort Carson, the Army post, is located in Colorado Springs. They have a Transition Assistance Program on post that would be more than happy to help your boyfriend find part time work. If you Google "Fort Carson TAP," the information about it should come up. Finding part time work should be easy.

The Evans Hospital on post also has a Physical Therapy department. Some of the PT assistants are soldiers. Other's are civilians. I had very good experience with them as a patient.

2. Colorado Springs is like any large town/city. There are good areas and there are bad pockets. Don't lease a place until you have seen it in person. Drive around the neighborhood at different times of the day to see whether you like it or not. If you find a place you are very interested in, contact the police department for crime statistics in that neighborhood. I think it is on their website.

3. I'm currently living southeast of Fort Carson which is towards the south end of Colorado Springs. We don't get as much snow as the northern part of town. Either way, the snow melts very quickly here. The temperatures are about 5-10 degrees warmer in the summer on this end of the county than towards the northern end.

4. The area to the west, such as Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs, is definately the closest to the most outdoor recreational activities. I've lived here about a year and a half. There are so many places to hike, jog, and bike that I haven't gotten anywhere close to trying each place out.

Good luck.

[otowi]

Evans is on Fort Carson.

[McMellyMell]

I have lived in Colorado Springs for over 13 years and I highly recommend the Northwest part of town as far as being away from the crime. Stay away from the central area of town, its the WORST. (streets names: Fountain, Chelton, Galley, Pikes Peak, Murray, Airport, Jetwing, Astrozon, just to name a few!) The actual city of Fountain is not bad at all if you live in the valley. Widefield/Security is questionable anymore. The Northwest part of the springs gets hit the worst with snow, but you get the beauty of the foothills of the mountains, lots of wildlife, walking trails and all around NICE, established area. There are sections of the West side of the springs that are nice too. I would say for the most part, anything south of Union & Academy is iffy. (if you are going to be close to Academy blvd.) Oh and stay FAR away from B St. (over by Ft. Carson) Its a homicide waiting to happen. Good luck to you, your boyfriend, and your pup!

[greenfarmgirl]

Lurtsman, I'm sorry that I got busy with Christmas stuff and didn't get back on here sooner. Yes, you do have to have the military experience to take advantage of Fort Carson's TAP.

Lchimook, I've still got Texas registration plates on my vehicle, but I heard that it cost over $200 for registration here - backing up what Otowi said. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to find a place to rent that will accomodate all of your pets. A private owner, that loves cats, would probably be your best option.

[greenfarmgirl]

bf26_mll, You are welcome. Evans Hospital is on Fort Carson towards the southern end of the post.