Why Colorado Springs is America's #1 Relocation Destination

Colorado Springs isn’t just growing — it’s booming. Year after year, this stunning city at the base of Pikes Peak ranks among America’s top relocation destinations, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down in 2026.

At iHaul iMove, we’ve had a front-row seat to this migration wave. With 17+ years of experience and 700+ 5-star reviews, we’ve helped thousands of families from across the country make Colorado Springs their new home. Here’s why so many people are choosing this city.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Colorado Springs has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the Mountain West for over a decade. The metro area now exceeds 750,000 residents, and population growth continues to outpace the national average.

Key statistics driving the trend:

• Population growth consistently outpacing Colorado and national averages
• Job growth in defense, technology, aerospace, and healthcare
• In-migration from high-cost states like California, Texas, and the Northeast
• Military presence with five installations bringing steady relocation demand
• Tourism growth with Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Olympic City USA status

Quality of Life: Why People Move Here

Outdoor Recreation Paradise

Colorado Springs is consistently named one of the best cities for outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. Within a 30-minute drive, residents can access:

• Garden of the Gods — A free, world-class park with stunning red rock formations
• Pikes Peak — America’s Mountain at 14,115 feet
• Cheyenne Mountain State Park — Hiking and wildlife viewing
• North Cheyenne Canyon Park — Waterfalls and trails
• 300+ miles of urban trails for biking, running, and walking

300+ Days of Sunshine

Unlike the Pacific Northwest or upper Midwest, Colorado Springs enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually. Even winter days are frequently sunny, with snow typically melting within 24-48 hours on the lower elevations.

Space and Breathing Room

Compared to Denver’s increasingly dense urban core, Colorado Springs offers more space — larger lots, less traffic, and a pace of life that balances urban amenities with a small-town feel.

Economic Drivers Fueling Growth

Defense and Aerospace

Colorado Springs is the epicenter of America’s military space operations. The city hosts:

• United States Space Force headquarters
• NORAD/Cheyenne Mountain complex
• Fort Carson Army installation
• Peterson and Schriever Space Force Bases
• The United States Air Force Academy

Major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and L3Harris have significant operations here, creating high-paying jobs and steady demand for housing.

Technology and Innovation

Beyond defense, Colorado Springs has a growing tech sector. Cybersecurity firms, data centers, and startups are choosing the city for its talent pipeline, lower operating costs, and quality of life that attracts top employees. Amazon’s expanding presence and the city’s growing innovation corridor are driving additional growth.

Healthcare and Education

UCHealth, Centura Health, and the rapidly growing Colorado Springs campus of the University of Colorado are major employers, providing stable job opportunities and world-class medical care.

Cost of Living: The Denver Alternative

One of the biggest draws for relocators is value. Colorado Springs delivers a Front Range lifestyle at a fraction of Denver’s cost:

• Housing — Median home prices are notably lower than Denver’s
• Commute — Shorter average commute times and less traffic congestion
• No state income tax surprises — Colorado’s flat income tax rate is the same statewide
• Daily expenses — Groceries, dining, and entertainment are generally more affordable

For families relocating from California, the savings are even more dramatic. Many California transplants find they can buy a larger home with a bigger yard for significantly less than what they sold their California property for.

Best Neighborhoods for New Residents

For Families

Briargate and Northgate offer top-rated Academy District 20 schools, parks, and family-friendly amenities. Newer developments like Flying Horse provide resort-style living.

For Young Professionals

Downtown Colorado Springs delivers walkability, breweries, restaurants, and a growing arts scene. Old Colorado City offers historic charm with a bohemian vibe.

For Military Families

Fountain and Security-Widefield provide proximity to Fort Carson with affordable housing options. The Air Force Academy area serves USAFA families well.

For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Manitou Springs and Woodland Park put you at the doorstep of mountain trails, while Black Forest offers acreage and privacy surrounded by ponderosa pines.

Challenges to Know About

We believe in honesty, so here are a few things to be aware of:

• Altitude adjustment — At 6,035 feet, you’ll need time to acclimate. Drink plenty of water and take it easy the first week.
• Dry climate — Invest in humidifiers, moisturizer, and lip balm. The low humidity takes some getting used to.
• Growth-related traffic — The I-25 corridor is getting busier as the city grows, particularly during rush hour.
• Housing competition — Popular neighborhoods can be competitive, so work with a knowledgeable realtor.

The Olympic City USA Factor

Colorado Springs is home to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Training Center and over 20 national governing bodies for Olympic sports. This designation as Olympic City USA brings world-class athletic facilities, events, and a fitness-focused culture that permeates the community.

Ready to Make Colorado Springs Home?

Whether you’re relocating from California, Texas, the Midwest, or anywhere else in the country, iHaul iMove is here to make your transition seamless. We handle local moves, long-distance relocations, packing, and everything in between.

Call us at 719-357-5865 or request your free estimate today. Welcome to Colorado Springs — you’re going to love it here.

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iHaul iMove has been helping families relocate to Colorado Springs for over 17 years. Browse our service areas or read more about moving to Colorado Springs.