A little confused about the south side of Colorado Springs...can you clear this up? (Fountain: school, car)

[Bullitt007]

You also might want to consider the east side of town...North of Platte (Hwy24)...Springs Ranch, Stetson Hills, Indigo Ranch, etc. More and more diversity there as growth continues.

[CS-Urbanist]

Originally Posted by captainrm83

Almost everyone said it shouldn't be a problem for us or our daughter to live in Colorado Springs. From what I understand, the city is growing North and the military base is closer to the south end. I was recommended to stay farther from the south end because the crime is higher, but then recommended to search that area because it is more diverse.

So, which is it? People are relating minorities to crime and that's why I should stay away from the south side? Is crime a lot worse on the south end? What if I don't live on the south side; will we not blend in as well and be the talk of the block?

We would prefer something in the city, not in the suburbs. We are very much used to having conveniences and would like to keep this. Our goal is to find a place where we blend in. We have lived in predominantly white neighborhoods and we have lived in predominantly black neighborhoods. We are really just looking for something that can offer both because the more diversity is the more we feel at ease (including any culture or race, really) and think our daughter will feel at ease (we would like her to embrace both of her cultures).

Any type of experience you want to share relating to these issues would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I understand your frustration... I have the same frustration. It is true that in general terms crime as well as diversity are greater toward the City as well as in the southern part of the City. What people do not always understand about crime is that crime is no longer immobile. No matter what part of the City, your chances of being mugged, raped or shot are the same... Having said this, generally lower income areas experience greater amounts of crime. For one thing, there are greater densities there so actual crime counts are going to be higher but that does not necessarily mean that per capita it will be higher. In any City, you are going to find fantastic neighborhoods in the midst of a lot of crime. The one I like to refer to is the area in Kansas City around the Country Club Plaza. There is a lot of crime near there, yet property is very sought out there. In fact it is arguably the greatest part of the City housing people at one time like George Brett when he was playing ball with the Royals.

Bottom line, I would suggest you look at the neighborhood mentioned before (Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City, in and near downtown, near Patty Jewett Golf Course). If you are looking for something new and close to downtown, I do recommend Spring Creek. It meets the needs of my family and still to this day I would not live anywhere else in the City. BTW, I have never had any sort of crime happen to me or any of my property in the neighborhood in the 3 years I have lived here. And that is with parking one of my cars on the street with a custom CD player in it the entire time. (However, I can tell you that I have heard some gunshots in the summer time -- maybe 2-3 a year, but when that happens the entire neighborhood is out looking around). They always come from the other side of Circle (not a recommended area).

[reginhild]

You will be welcomed with open arms no matter where you choose to live in Colorado Springs. The only experience you may have with not being welcomed is a few long time natives who don't like seeing the city change so much with lots of influx from other States...and I only see their complaints online.

The concerns of people living here and moving here tend to run along the lines of lowest/lower crime area and best schools area...other considerations are not common.

P.S.: My family and the people I know have not experienced any crime against us in the almost 3 years here so far. The only crime that has had any "effect" on us was teen vandalism of a nearby park (stolen park structure and marker on slides).

[captainrm83]

Originally Posted by CS-Urbanist

Bottom line, I would suggest you look at the neighborhood mentioned before (Manitou Springs, Old Colorado City, in and near downtown, near Patty Jewett Golf Course). If you are looking for something new and close to downtown, I do recommend Spring Creek. It meets the needs of my family and still to this day I would not live anywhere else in the City. BTW, I have never had any sort of crime happen to me or any of my property in the neighborhood in the 3 years I have lived here. And that is with parking one of my cars on the street with a custom CD player in it the entire time. (However, I can tell you that I have heard some gunshots in the summer time -- maybe 2-3 a year, but when that happens the entire neighborhood is out looking around). They always come from the other side of Circle (not a recommended area).

What do you like the most about Spring Creek? What do you like the least? And what is the zip code in that area?

[cs2go]

Any type of experience you want to share relating to these issues would be greatly appreciate it.


Maybe you should look into Florida.

[reginhild]

Do not go to Louisiana! It was the worst place for racial problems/segregation/racism that I have lived (Worse than Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Virginia, New York, California, Arizona, New Jersey, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Missouri, Colorado...)

...and Colorado Springs is the place with the least problems!

[MMichelle]

You might check out the Villages at Sand Creek - very nice single family homes - nice schools
Sand Creek Elementary - Main Page
The development is located just off of Powers Blvd. Not too far from the bases and shopping. From Powers and Airport RD - go west on Airport to Sand Creek DR.

Of course that's only one area. Colorado Springs is spead out - the best thing to do is to drive the town!
Best wishes!

[CS-Urbanist]

Originally Posted by captainrm83

What do you like the most about Spring Creek? What do you like the least? And what is the zip code in that area?

Like:
1. Conveniences of walking to the grocery store, subway and liquor store.
2. Neighbors and neighborhood events are great and very friendly
3. Variety of architecture, prices, typologies, etc.
4. The fact that the garages are in the alleys (I hate seeing homes where the garage is the prominant feature of the home).
5. Location (8 minutes to downtown/ 5 minutes to World Arena area)
6. Emphasis on the front porch close to the sidewalk makes it very friendly.

Dis-Like:
1. Overall School District could be better... When my kids get out of the K-8 in the neighborhood, I will have to find somewhere else for high school.
2. Adjacent crime across Circle. Fortunately it stays over there. We have a pretty good neighborhood watch here.

[colorado kelly]

I think that the West side of Colorado Springs is fun and an area for you to consider when you are here. In terms of crime I think that you can just about find it anywhere ~ when you find a house or area call or stop by the police dept. and have them give you statistics for that area. Colorado Springs has Ft. Carson on the South side but we also have multiple military areas on North (Air Force Academy), East (Peterson Field). Your best research after this stage is to come visit and hang out in different areas to discover what you are looking for and definitely what you are not.

[jplmr]

This post thread is great! The responses are just what I was looking for. We have found a place to stay in Fountain and I started getting a little nervous. I thought Fountain was considered the SE where the crime was. Also I was worried and still am naturally about how my son will do in school since he is inter racial. After reading this I am a little more at ease, that my car wont be stolen and my children can play outside! My husband is clearing now so we will be there soon!!!!!!!