Buying a Home Near Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, or the U.S. Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs has several major military installations, and where you work can have a significant effect on where you choose to live. Military families moving to the area may be assigned to Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, or the United States Air Force Academy. These installations are spread across the region, so a home that works well for one assignment may create a much longer commute for another.
Before choosing a neighborhood, it helps to understand where your installation is located, how you will get to work, and what kind of housing is available in the surrounding area.
Where are the military installations?
The four major installations have different locations around Colorado Springs.
Fort Carson is southwest of Colorado Springs, near Fountain and Security-Widefield. Some military families look at homes in southwest Colorado Springs, Fountain, Security-Widefield, and other areas with access to the installation.
Peterson Space Force Base is on the east side of Colorado Springs, near the airport. Nearby housing options include parts of eastern and central Colorado Springs, as well as communities farther north and south.
Schriever Space Force Base is east of the main Colorado Springs urban area. The drive involves traveling east from the city, and commute times can vary considerably depending on where you live and the route you take.
The United States Air Force Academy is north of Colorado Springs, along the I-25 corridor. Families assigned there may consider northern Colorado Springs, Monument, and other areas with access to the north side of the city.
These are general geographic comparisons, not recommendations based on a guaranteed commute time. Gate access, traffic, construction, weather, and your actual duty location can all affect the drive.
How should you compare neighborhoods?
Start with your likely daily routine rather than choosing a home based only on its appearance or price.
Consider these questions:
- How far is the home from your assigned installation?
- Will you use I-25, Powers Boulevard, Highway 24, or another major road?
- Does your work schedule require you to arrive during peak traffic?
- Will other family members need to commute to work or school?
- Do you need access to childcare, medical services, or other military family resources?
- Will you have one vehicle or more than one?
If possible, check the commute during the hours you expect to travel. A route that takes 20 minutes in the middle of the day may take considerably longer during a weekday morning. Also remember that military installations have specific gates and access procedures. The distance from a home to the installation boundary is not necessarily the same as the drive to the gate you will use.
What types of homes are available?
The Colorado Springs area has a mix of housing options, including:
- Single-family homes in established neighborhoods
- Newer construction in developing communities
- Townhomes and condominiums
- Homes with larger lots outside the city
- Homes in planned communities with homeowners associations
- Rental properties and military housing options
Your budget, household size, expected assignment length, and plans after your next PCS will affect which options make sense. Some families prefer a home with enough space to accommodate children, pets, and visiting relatives. Others prioritize a shorter commute, lower maintenance, or a home that may be easier to rent or sell when orders change. There is no single type of property that works for every military family.
Should you buy, rent, or use military housing?
Buying is not automatically the right decision for every PCS move. If you expect to remain in Colorado Springs for several years, buying may be worth considering. You would have the opportunity to build equity over time, although the costs of purchasing and selling a home can make a short ownership period more expensive.
Renting may provide more flexibility if your assignment is short, your reporting date is approaching, or you are unfamiliar with the area.
Military housing is another option. Availability, eligibility, and application procedures vary by installation and household circumstances. Check directly with the appropriate housing office before making a decision.
What if you are buying before arriving?
Buying from another state is possible, but it requires more planning. You may need to evaluate homes remotely, coordinate inspections, review documents electronically, and arrange closing while you are still at your current duty station.
Before making an offer, discuss your timeline with your lender and real estate agent. Make sure you understand how long financing and closing are expected to take, and how the contract handles possession and any delays. You should also consider whether you want to make a purchase before seeing the property in person. Some buyers are comfortable with a virtual process. Others prefer to rent temporarily and look at homes after arriving.
Neither approach is inherently better. The important thing is understanding the trade-offs.
Planning your move to Colorado Springs
A military move involves more than finding a house near a base. You are also making decisions about commute time, schools, housing costs, financing, and how long you may remain in the area.
I help military buyers compare neighborhoods and housing options throughout Colorado Springs and El Paso County. I can also help you evaluate the practical differences between living near Fort Carson, Peterson, Schriever, and the Air Force Academy.
If you are receiving orders to Colorado Springs, you can start by asking questions and getting familiar with the area before deciding whether to buy.
Visit KevinJamesBond.com to learn more or schedule a conversation.
Installation locations and general housing information are based on publicly available military installation resources. Commute times and housing availability change and should be checked for your specific assignment and travel schedule.
