Do Not Move Here - 7/29/2007

Wished I had stayed in California- it was cheaper and safer..............

[Comment on this Posting]

CS has Things to Hate and Things to Love - 7/19/2007

I moved here in 1999 from a Midwest town with a population around 100,000. Despite having a strong professional background and advanced degrees I have not yet found a professional, decent-paying job and it's been 8 years now. Unless you work in the defense industry, are in the upper echelon of the military, or bring a pile of cash in from elsewhere, don’t expect to live too high up the food chain. Given my experience thus far some may see this review as sour grapes. However, it does reflect what many others who live here have mentioned to me. In the late 1990s the town boasted of being “Silicone Mountain” as the tech/software industry was the latest craze and decent-paying jobs grew around those industries. However, the dot.com game imploded around 2002 and much like the high winds we get here it pretty much blew the “Silicone” right out of the “Mountain” leaving a few small impotent dunes in its wake. The boom and bust metaphor of a western mining camp still haunts this town. Without an infusion of federal tax money (3 military bases and the Air Force Academy) this place would dry up pronto. Colorado Springs is filled with middle-aged, retired, military folks who get a pension. Plus, there are a lot of spouses of active duty military personnel. So, these folks have health insurance and the retired already have a base income, allowing many employers to pay less and no benefits. Local leaders deny this accusation, but I’ve worked with and around so many retired military folks who acknowledge the situation that it's not easily dismissed. No offense to our current or retired military, they earned it. But it does affect things here. I know this is a common complain in most cities, but the people here truly cannot drive. I’m not sure if it’s the altitude or the attitude of the people who live here, but rudeness, tailgating, cutting people off, jockeying for position, indecision, driving aimlessly brain dead while talking on the cell phone and inconsiderate drivers are the norm. When I travel away from here I can always tell when I am getting close to Colorado Springs again because people start pulling out right in front of me and all of the above attributes become more and more prevalent in more and more drivers. If you’re politically attuned and extreme religious right wing nuts drive you nuts, don’t even consider moving here. Emotionally driven right wing ideology overrides all logic, reason and common sense in this place. You can ignore it, acc

[Comment on this Posting]

Considering UCCS for sons to attend college... - 7/11/2007

I have read every posting on Colorado Springs site. It is hard for me to believe it is so bad. Originally from Albuquerque, I have a little experience with crime, jobs or lack of, high cost of living and housing. My sons love this city as do we their parents. Almost moved to the Springs 4 years ago. I would love any information I can get on the University and surviving the Springs as a student would be greatly appreciated. We currently live in Amarillo, Texas(not by choice, but by job). Colorado Springs seem to be a dream to us. Please email any information. Denise Norris denisenorris64@yahoo.com

[Comment on this Posting]

Re: Franks record straight - 6/13/2007

You hit the nail on the head! I moved with my family as a military child to COS. It was still freezing in May. I remembered that school was out and the trees haven't bloomed yet, due to the cold. The weather finally started to warm up in June. With the warmth came the stupid thunderstorms every single day! Along came the tornado warnings and hail storms. My car was total loss from one of the storms. After graduating college, the only opportunities that were available are call centers after call centers. Some of us did get lucky and found jobs at Hewlett Packard, Atmel, Intel, etc. Guess what???? THEY ARE ALL LAID OFF now. Half the people I knew left COS. There's no opportunities whatsoever unless you know someone in the good ol' boy network. Yes, its a nice place to visit, so is Disneyland. But overall, unless you are connected to the military, which the entire town caters to, your stuck in some menial work. Finally, the crime is pretty bad. I've seen more shootings and stabbing, hit and runs then anywhere else I've been over the years. (I've been to numerous cities with so called higher crime rates). The only reason why the crime statistics aren't higher is because they factor in all the cookie cutter homes from the north side. I can assure you if you excluded everything north of Woodmen Road from the crime statistics, you've have some serious issues. Finally, for all the high income hoopla and state income tax, I don't understand the infastructure issues. The roads are pathetic, and every other cars windshield proves it. The roads need serious work! Bottom line is, yes its nice, but only for certain folks. Otherwise, its better to visit (in August/September).

[Comment on this Posting]

Setting the story straight... - 6/12/2007

I have lived in Colorado Springs with my wife and son for 3 years now. Everything I heard before coming here has turned out to be absolutely false. 1) There are NO professional opportunities for anyone outside the military. For someone like me with a MS in finance and an undergraduate chemical engineering degree one would think I would be able to easily find professional opportunities…WRONG, no such opportunities exist unless you have a military background or want to press lattes at Starbucks or drive a sanitation truck. 2) Climate, they will try to sell you on 280 days of sunshine. Give me a break; it rains between 2-5 PM nearly every afternoon in the summer (June-September). Winter starts in October with the first snow and it continues to snow on and off until mid-May. If you are from the West Coast like me you will find these 7 months of intermittent snow intolerable. 3) Crime, homelessness and drugs are the norm. Just drive down south Nevada Avenue or the downtown area at night. 4) My advice to young people here is to go somewhere else to get an education and start a career where there is economic vitality and get out of this withering town. If you are thinking of moving here you are most likely better off where you are. DO NOT move here without a promising career first. For someone like myself moving here was the single worst decision I have made in 40 years.

[Comment on this Posting]

Summers aren't so great - 6/4/2007

I have lived here on and off for 35 years and the summers here are often depressing. Clouds roll in about noon and darkness sets in. Sometime it rains and other times we just get clouds. The temperature drops about 10 to 15 degrees during the afternoon. In addition to this typical pattern, it rare that we don't have wind. Every time I put my umbrella up the wind whips up and I have to take it down. True every summer is not like this but it still is the norm. I won't even go into snow falling at times in June and September. If you are here long enough you will witness it yourself.

[Comment on this Posting]

Don't Come Here - 6/4/2007

We have in in the Springs for nine years and now can't get out. This is year number two for trying to sell our home. There are very few really well paying jobs in this city. Intel is pulling out in August and others may follow. Our educational system can't compete with schools back east. Thirty percent of high schools grads in the State of Colorado must seek remedial help before taking regular college classes. My son has adopted the low acheiving attitude which is prevelent in so many young people in this city. Violent crime is up 31 percent in the city. Meth and Pot are everywhere contributing to the crime problem. Our son the victim of a violent home invasion in the Rockrimmon area. People think of the Springs as this very Christian Area. True that people of faith here are very active in their Churches but most people in this city are NOT in church on Sunday mornings. If I knew what I know now, I never would have come to the Springs. Major mistake trying to raise our two sons here.

[Comment on this Posting]

Don't Come to the Springs - 6/4/2007

I have lived here nine years, and now can't get out. We are now in our second year of trying to sell our home. Intel is pulling out and others may follow. The possibility of getting a well paying job here is low. Our educational system can't compete with the educational quality back east. Thirty percent of high school grads in the state of Colorado have to have remedial help before going onto regular college credit classes. Crime here is huge. Violent crime is up 31 percent is this city. Our son adopted the low achieving attitude that is prevelent in many young people is this city. Meth and Pot are everywhere ( contributing to the crime problem). The media thinks this is a very Christian Area which is NOT true. The people who do attend Church are more active in their faith but the city is not a "Christian City". I wouldn't say people here are overly friendly. We have a big homeless population. ---never would have raised my two children here if I knew what I know now.

[Comment on this Posting]

I have lived here most of my life. - 6/3/2007

Lived in colorado springs most of my life.Been here since '86.The city has changed so much and not for the better.Since this is a military town everything is based on the military.If you don't make at least $40k a year you can not survive in this town.And now we have a democrat back in the mansion so we will see.The state is not all conservative as people think just because of Focus on the family otherwise people would not be voting for democaratic governments and same sex marriage beneifits.The jobs don't cut it anymore for a person to raise a family unless you are high up on the management table or have been relocated by chance and making real good money.As for the speeders?HAHAHA,I have no idea what they are talking about.You drive anywhere in this town and if you do not go fast enough you will get ran over.The speed limit does not exist.People will just pay the fine and do it all over again.They don't care.

[Comment on this Posting]

A Lot of ex-Californians in Colorado Springs - 6/3/2007

Having been here in Colorado Springs for nearly a year our family loves it. People like the poster named "Stephanie" who whine about The Focus on the Family group ruining Co. Springs are just fools. Stephanie needs to live in San Francisco or Boulder. The Westboro Baptist Church, to get facts straight, is not here in Co. Springs but is based in KANSAS, which is not in CO. Springs. We have noticed that people who move here from the BIG CITY have some problems with not having the variety of restaraunts, entertainment, social groups etc. that are used to but if you can get over that (like maybe doing something outdoors), this really is an awesome place to live. Lots of green here (nothing like L.A.) However the altitude is definately worth noting. The price of housing is slowly creeping up here but is still relatively reasonable compared to California, where we were looking at $600K fixer-uppers in a not-so-good part of town. All in all its been a great move for us to get out of California and land here in Co. Springs. As long as your not one of these types of folks who gets their undies in a bunch over their political views, you can have a nice life here.

[Comment on this Posting]

Colo Spgs TOO EXPENSIVE ? - 6/3/2007

...having lived in Rochester, NY where prop taxes on modest '70s trilevel were $6K a year AND Dayton, OH where prop taxes on modest '60s bilevel were $2500 a year (AND BOTH STATE TAXES VERY VERY HIGH and OHIO STATE COLLEGE COSTS EXTREMELY HIGH), we find Colorado Springs (1996 ranch style $900 a year) a very reasonable place to live... People from here who've been no where else have no means of comparison.... BUT THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE W I T H A V I E W where ever you go !!!!!!

[Comment on this Posting]

Focus on the Family... - 5/31/2007

As many know, Focus on the Family is an active religious group in Colorado Springs. If you're considering moving here, be prepared for this group shoving their beliefs down your throat, telling you not to watch Spongebob Squarepants because Spongebob and Patrick are promoting homosexuality (the movie Happy Feet, too) for an example. Just like abortion, divorce, and pre-marital sex is wrong, according to their followers. If you don't agree with their views, you may be very unhappy here. There have been many incidents involving Focus on the Family. Also, being in an active military area, many followers of the Westboro Baptist Church (you know, one of the largest hate groups around) prey on soldiers and their families. In this part of the state, diversity is scarce and discrimination is a factor that always prevails.

[Comment on this Posting]

No Humidity - 5/27/2007

There is low humidity in this semi-arid climate. It is wonderful

[Comment on this Posting]

Nice to visit--not to live!!! - 5/22/2007

We moved here about 6 months ago from TX for my husband's job. We vacationed here several times over the yrs. (always in August). We thought it'd be a nice place to live--WRONG! I think we were wowed by the beauty of the mountains. It is now the 22nd of May, and it's still cold outside (supposed to be 10 degrees colder tomorrow). We had 4" of snow 2 wks ago. Forget the cute sundresses and sandals. Spring here means long sleeves and pants even up in the daytime. The wind blows a lot. There have been only a few days so far this yr where one can wear shorts and short sleeves outside. It's cloudy here most of the time. Very little sunshine compared to TX. The temp drops quickly around 5pm daily. The schools completely shut-down when it snows. So unless you have a backup plan(someone to watch your kids), working parents have to take that time off work unexpectedly when it snows. School shutting down doesn't mean work shuts down. Don't come unless you like looong winters!! The cost of housing is outrageous. The average house is $223k. Houses in good school districts are $350k +. We can afford to buy a house here, but decided not to b/c we hope to leave in 2 yrs or so. That's as long as we can take it. I'm so glad we decided to rent 1st. So now we can leave w/o trying to sell a house in a city we don't like. Houses sit on the market a long time, even in the "good" neighborhoods. The people here are somewhat nice (but not overly so). If you're expecting smiles and someone making light conversation--don't. No one goes out of their way. Think long and hard about moving here!!!

[Comment on this Posting]

Only good if you're rich. - 3/16/2007

I've lived in Colorado Springs most of my life. Over the years it has become too expensive to live here. There are no good jobs. If you want a job, you have to work minimum wage. The cost of living is outrageous compared to the jobs available. The average cost of a decent house is $200,000 so you have to work at least two jobs to be able to buy a house. The military doesn't help because the soldiers work, too so you have to fight them for jobs even though they make decent money from being in the military and they get plenty of discounts in town! All in all this is only a good place to live if you have the money. Otherwise, go somewhere else!!

[Comment on this Posting]

Not the place for me - 3/16/2007

I moved to COS from Northern CA due to a job relocation. I was obligated to live there a year, and after the year was up, I left in a hurry. Was not interested in buying a house, so lived in a apartment complex. I lived in the Powers Inn area, which is a newer part of the city, with new apartments, homes and francise stores and restaurants aplenty. No character to speak of. Very boring place to me. The constant change in weather, hail and thunderstorms that come out of nowhere and really dry weather are something to deal with. Snow was not much of a problem the year I was there (2005-2006). I also felt very isolated there. Like living on an island. This is a military town with Air Force bases, Army Bases, plus, and the bored young people that come with it that have nothing better to do than get drunk and cause drama. Usually in the middle of the night. There were numberous times when we had to call the police to break up fight, arguments, and disturbances. Crime also seems to be a large problem for such a small town. The only part of my CO experience I enjoyed was the beautiful area known as Garden of the Gods.. Nice place to walk/hike, although not too large. It should speak volumes that I took a paycut of $5k just to leave town..

[Comment on this Posting]

Colorado Springs not what is used to be - 2/24/2007

Lived in COS since 1991. Today, it feels like an entire different town, more bad than good. For the good: A lot of family oriented options available. (Seven Falls, picnic at Garden of the Gods, stroll through Old Colorado city, Manitou springs, or downtown COS, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, numerous parks throughout the city, a lot of activites such as Festival of Lights Parade, Balloon Classic, October Fest, etc.) People are laid back, good schools (depending on what part of town), a lot of VA facilities (if your retired), decent weather (The humidity often falls in single digits and literally cracks your skin, hands, furniture, car paint, etc). The summer thunderstorms, tornado watches and hail storms can be annoying. (I've had two cars totaled out from hail storms and replaced my roof on my house(house was two years old), after several hail storms). The bad, traffic and infastructure. I do not know any metro area with half a million people that doesnt have a bypass around its city. COS is now finally widening the interstate through the city, which is about 20 years behind schedule. Constant traffic and red traffic lights. The timing of the lights is out of control. Drivers tend to daydream while driving, not using turn signals, taking time accelerating, everyone goes 5-10 miles under the posted speed limits because COS is rated as one of the highest speed trap cities in the U.S. Employment outlook remains weak. Jobs are very competitive due to retirees competing for them. (Pay is not consistent with Cost of living)(5 military installations in COS) Housing prices are higher than the average jobs pay. I've met numerous families that work two to three jobs in order to sustain a decent quality of life. You have to pay more in order to remain in a good school district. (D20, D12, D49). COS is starting to have some big city problems, (robbery's, home invasions, 2 police officers killed in 2006, entire complex burnt down last month due to arson (2 dead), etc. Gangs are coming back, and according to the FBI, crime has increased 31 percent in COS last year. Today the police commander announced a task force designed to focus on the drugs and gangs that are causing problems. The city is transforming as we speak. It's disheartening!

[Comment on this Posting]

Colorado Springs Improves Traffic - 2/5/2007

With the Interstate 25 COSMIX project and major East-West Corridor Improvements, Colorado Springs Traffic will be much improved in the next 2 years.

[Comment on this Posting]

Answer to high housing. - 1/28/2007

I lived in the Springs for 3 yrs and yes, the housing is very high. The average is over $200,000 , but you can find some for $160,00 and up. Mostly the new built homes are 2 story. If you come from a state with low altitude, you will have a hard adjustment getting used to the high altitude and lack of humidity here. Some people it takes a year to get used to. Utilities all combined run about$100 in the summer if you don't have a/c and approx a little over $200 in the winter.

[Comment on this Posting]

Why We Chose Colorado Springs - 1/27/2007

Here’s how we decided to move to Colorado Springs from the Wash, DC metro area. We wanted out of the DC area, which is unlivable due to traffic and high prices. We wanted away from summer heat & humidity, hurricanes, bugs, tornadoes, earthquakes, crime, traffic, poverty, high prices. We wanted a basement for hobbies. We looked on realtor.com to see what's available in what price ranges in which cities. We also relied on our travels to much of the country. Been to Florida several times for vacation and ruled it out due to bugs, heat, humidity, hurricanes. Prices are high, few homes have basements. Greenery looks nice, but Florida's a swamp, so we nixed the entire South. Been to Scottsdale-Phoenix. Saw Del Webb's Sun City Grand in Surprise, AZ. Saw Wickenburg, Gold Canyon and Apache Jct, AZ. Very nice homes, but way too hot. Del Webb homes are nice, but no basements. Just too hot. Been to Las Vegas. Houses were affordable 5 years ago, but that changed. LV is growing fast and is a one-industry town. A lot of folks who move to LV stay 3-5 years and move again – too boring. Crime is moderate or higher. Same heat issue as Phoenix. We'll visit every few years, that's it. Visited Albuquerque, NM. Some interesting houses for reasonable money, but crime is high. Development is spotty, i.e., a group of nice homes in a spot but very nearby is a pocket of ugliness. Traffic was awful. Not as hot as LV or Phoenix, but a brown desert. Been to California. Ruled it out due to very high home prices, crowded cities, earthquakes, mudslides, high taxes, etc. Been to Austin and San Antonio, TX. Too plain, hot, humid. Real estate tax is high ($8k on a $300k house) and makes up for lack of state income tax. Then there is Colorado. The first $20k of each of our pensions is exempt from CO income tax, nor are property taxes that high. The whole Front Range is attractively priced, Denver being higher. Colorado Springs is far enough away from Denver to have it’s own identity. On the north end where we are, across from the USAF Academy, everything is new, nothing spotty, no pockets of poverty. Entire state is beautiful. Very nice homes here for $300-$500k, they'd be twice that in Fairfax County, VA, or most of the NE, FL, & CA. The Springs has a lot of Federal money, USAF Academy, Peterson AFB, Fort Carson, NORAD, Homeland Security, Cheyenne Mountain, not to mention the Federal contractors and high-tech biz here. Lots of good clean money coming in and

[Comment on this Posting]