Central Colorado Springs covers the area south of Constitution Ave, north of Pikes Peak Ave, west of Academy Blvd, and east of El Paso Street. Popular and active parts of the city are within a short drive from any part of Central Springs. It’s an area that’s starting to awaken, with more businesses moving in and neighborhoods being developed. This means there could be some diamonds in the rough for people looking to buy and add sweat equity to a home.
– Central Colorado Springs: Affordable Living with Downtown Charm –
– NEWEST HOMES FOR SALE IN CENTRAL COLORADO SPRINGS –
– Central Colorado Springs Neighborhoods –
Central Colorado Springs offers residents choices ranging from high-end, large historic homes in the Old North End to less opulent, smaller homes in the romantic Patty Jewett Neighborhood with its wide roads lined with huge 100-year-old trees. As you venture further north and east, homes were mainly built from the 1960s to the 1980s when Colorado Springs experienced a new wave of expansion. This changes the characteristics of each neighborhood, making it especially worth exploring and discovering.
Traffic tends to get congested in Central Colorado Springs, but the neighborhoods remain quiet and affordable. Depending on your home’s location, the commute to work may not be impacted by the lack of major thoroughfares big enough to handle larger traffic volumes during rush hour. The central location allows you to get almost anywhere within 20 to 25 minutes.
- Location -
- HISTORY -
The area is not as glamorous as Downtown Colorado Springs. In an early but strong post-World War 2 expansion, many of these central neighborhoods were planned and constructed. Homes were built to accommodate employees and their families needed to develop Colorado Springs and to provide housing for returning WW2 veterans.
The city continued to expand east, and businesses migrated to Academy Boulevard, making it one of the busiest streets in Colorado Springs. This made Central Colorado Springs conveniently located for downtown activities in the west and modern shopping on Academy in the east. Strip malls were built and buzzed with activity in the 70s and 80s. Once Academy Blvd’s glorious days were waning, as businesses migrated further east to new suburbia, Central Colorado Springs became somewhat forgotten. Only in recent years has it been slowly rediscovered and parts of it revitalized.
- AFFORDABLE HOUSING -
If you’re looking for more affordable housing options and fewer McMansions, this is definitely an area to explore. Of course, you should do your research, as you would wherever you decide to purchase a home.
For those seeking affordable rent, there are plenty of multi-family unit options in Central Colorado Springs. Homes on the western edge spill into the older, more sought-after homes of Downtown. The closer you get to downtown, the more expensive the homes will be, especially west of Union. On the northern edge, the houses around Patty Jewett Golf Course make up lovely neighborhoods, with prices moving into the $500s and up.
- DEMOGRAPHICS (as of 2021) -
- Population: Approximately 29,624
- Owner-occupied homes: 68.39%
- Renter-occupied homes: 31.61%
- Employment: 8.59% self-employed, 77.34% work for private companies, 14.05% work for government agencies
- Average household income: $70,108
- Median household income: $63,587
- SCHOOLS -
This area is part of Colorado Springs’ School District 11, which offers:
- Free preschool and free full-day Kindergarten
- Strong English as a second language program
- Progressive alternative school program, including popular charter schools
- MILITARY COMMUTE -
As the name suggests, this location is central, which means it’s conveniently close to military bases.
- 25 minutes to US Air Force Academy
- 15 minutes to the main gate of Peterson Air Force Base
- 22 minutes to Fort Carson
- General Real Estate Information -
Homes in this area were built during a time of economic upswing and expansion. In the 70s, homes became larger, and builders got creative with floor plans to fit more living space on regular lots. Split-level homes, such as bi-levels and tri-levels, became popular. This era also saw the rise of 2-car garages as a new luxury, and stone accents in the form of red brick became trendy.
If you’re looking for neighborhoods without homeowner associations, Central Colorado Springs is an excellent option, as most neighborhoods built in the 2000s are subject to HOAs.
- AMENITIES AND PLACES -
Despite feeling like the middle child, there are still several points of interest within the borders. This area features the Olympic Training Center, which attracts visitors year-round. What a privilege it is to have our nation’s top athletes training in the heart of our city!
PATTY JEWETT GOLF COURSE
One of the oldest golf courses west of the Mississippi is the Patty Jewett Golf Course. It was built in 1898 and is owned by the city. Whether you want to play nine rounds, 18 rounds, hit a few balls, or dine with a view in the clubhouse, this is a beautiful place to enjoy the afternoon.
PARKS
The city prides itself in having many green spaces and parks for its residents. Summertime provides an explosion of green through deciduous trees and parks to recreate. Many are small neighborhood parks with a small playground and soccer fields. There are too many to mention, but here is a list of regional, neighborhood and community parks to locate one closest to you.
MEMORIAL PARK
Soldiers Memorial at Memorial park
There are always activities at the biggest park in the city. Kayak, stand-up paddle or fish on Prospect Lake, or have a picnic with an incredible view of the Peak. Here, you can spend a day at the skateboarding park, or recreation center, or enjoy a moment of reflection at the memorials. At the entrance, it is easy to drive by the odd tower without a thought. On second glance, one notices what a beautiful monument this is to the fallen soldiers of our beloved nation. Smaller monuments circle the tall tower and if you are there at the right time, the chimes from the tower play memorable songs of war. It is a moving experience. The biggest event is the Labor Day Lift Off with dozens of hot air balloons and live music and events, from sunset lift off and dusk lift off in the setting sun with the mountains as a glorious backdrop.
Also, on the far side of the park, take the time to read the names of the firefighters from across the United States and Canada who have fallen in the line of duty. Every summer, the families of lost firefighters make the pilgrimage to pay respects to those who gave their lives to save others.
STARGAZER’S THEATRE
Looking where you can take in a night of nostalgic music, comedy or arts? Stargazers Theatre brings in fabulous talent from all over the nation. Among many concerts, the theater also hosts the famous 3-day Banff Film Festival in early March – get your tickets early as it will sell out quickly.
- SHOPPING AND DINING -
Within Central Colorado Springs, you’ll find many small businesses in strip malls. The Chapel Hills Mall is available for shopping, though traffic has moved east to the Powers corridor. Home Depot, Target, and Walmart remain steady, and new specialized businesses are moving into formerly abandoned commercial zones.
For independent dining options and quality shopping, Downtown is your best bet. Chain restaurants and fast food are readily available along Academy Blvd.
Whether you’re looking for affordable housing, a central location, or investment opportunities, Central Colorado Springs offers a unique blend of affordability, convenience, and potential for growth.
Whatever your needs or motivations are for purchasing, let’s take a look to see if this is the right area of town for you. Read more articles on Colorado Springs Neighborhoods, click the links below: