Colorado Springs, COBest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024

Colorado gets all four seasons (and sometimes it seems like they all hit on the same day). The average highs and lows are 82°F and 55°F (summer) and 44°F and 18°F (winter).

The average annual snowfall in Colorado Springs is 59 inches.

The average annual rainfall in Colorado Springs is roughly 19 inches.

Colorado Springs averages 243 sunny days a year.

Hike or bike roughly 13 miles to the summit of Pikes Peak, which towers over the region at 14,115 feet and inspired the lyrics of “America the Beautiful.” When you reach the top, reward yourself with one of the summit’s world-famous (and super proprietary) high-altitude donuts. Or, spend some time at the lesser-known Seven Bridges Trail in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. Sometimes overlooked by Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods,  Seven Bridges Trail is considered a hidden gem. It includes a moderately challenging hike complete with beautiful scenery and — as you might guess by the name — seven charming wooden bridges.

If Colorado had an official state postcard, the picturesque Garden of the Gods would be a solid contender. Visitors can take in the beauty of the region’s iconic red rock formations against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. This city park offers free admission and provides various hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and plenty of breathtaking views, all of which make it a hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.

Get an up-close view of a collection of waterfalls at The Broadmoor Seven Falls. Afterward, snack on “bubble waffle” ice cream sundaes sold from a food truck.

Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center (plus the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum), so keep your eyes peeled as you walk around town — you never know when you’ll run into one of the nation’s top athletes!

Locals often shop at Old Colorado City, a popular historic district boasting an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries and specialty shops. You can find all manner of locally owned businesses selling everything from unique gifts and handmade crafts to clothing and home goods.

Dogs are welcome at tons of restaurants and brewery patios around Colorado Springs. But there’s even a hybrid restaurant/dog park called Pub Dog, where dogs can hang out with you indoors as you eat (and they even have their own 3,000-square-foot off-leash area to romp and play).

The Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts is a premier venue for live music and performing arts in Colorado Springs. Located downtown, the center hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, Broadway shows and ballet performances.

Head to the Principal’s Office for “Detention Hour” deals, including $7 signature cocktails like the “Teacher’s Pet” – a gin and strawberry drink – and other cocktails that earn an A for creativity.

Colorado Springs is known for its diverse economy, and some of the largest industries in the area are defense and aerospace, technology and cybersecurity, and tourism and hospitality. For example, the United States Department of Defense is one of the largest employers in the city due to the large number of military and air force bases there. Also, The Broadmoor, a luxury resort, is a key employer in the city and brings in thousands of tourists every year.

In 2024, the sales tax rate in Colorado Springs is 8.2%.

Yes, Colorado has a state income tax.

Colorado Springs is the largest city in Southern Colorado, and several major providers serve the city, including UC Health, which operates UCHealth Memorial Hospital, a high-performing facility in nearly a dozen procedures and conditions.

Several colleges and universities are located in Colorado Springs, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and Pikes Peak Community College.