Colorado Springs sits in one of the best outdoor recreation corridors in the country, and military families stationed here have access to weekend adventures that most people drive hours to experience. Whether you're looking for something the whole family can do or a more serious physical challenge, the region delivers. Here are five weekend adventures worth putting on your list during your tour.

1. Hike the Manitou Incline and Explore Manitou Springs

The Manitou Incline is the most iconic physical challenge in Colorado Springs — nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain in under a mile via steep railroad tie steps. It draws active duty soldiers, veterans, and civilians of every fitness level and has become a genuine community institution. Pair it with…

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One of the most common questions military buyers ask when shopping near Fort Carson is whether they should use their VA loan benefit or go conventional. The answer depends on your specific situation — your savings, your disability rating, whether this is your first time using the benefit, and what your long-term plan is for the property. Here's a straight breakdown so you can make the right call for your family.

For Most Fort Carson Buyers the VA Loan Wins Clearly

For most active duty and veteran buyers purchasing a primary residence near Fort Carson with little to nothing saved for a down payment, the VA loan is the clear choice. A conventional buyer putting just 3% down on a $450,000 home is looking at over $13,500 out of pocket before closing…

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The VA loan is one of the most powerful financial tools available to anyone who has ever worn a uniform — but it doesn't run on autopilot. Military buyers across Colorado Springs, from Fort Carson families navigating a PCS to Space Force members at Peterson and Schriever buying their first home, make the same handful of avoidable mistakes every single PCS season. In a market where homes near the installations regularly see multiple offers, one misstep can mean losing a home you loved to a buyer who simply came more prepared. Here are the four mistakes worth knowing before you ever make an offer.

Mistake 1: Not Getting Pre-Approved Before You Start Looking

Showing up to tour homes without a pre-approval letter is the real estate equivalent of showing…

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The 2026 housing market in Colorado Springs looks nothing like the frenzied seller's market of 2021 and 2022 — and for most buyers, that's good news. Inventory is climbing, homes are sitting longer before going under contract, and buyers finally have real negotiating power again. For military families PCS'ing into Colorado Springs, the timing is genuinely favorable. For sellers, the rules have changed and strategy matters more than ever. Here's what's actually happening in the local market right now.

More Inventory Than Buyers Have Seen in Years

Active listings in Colorado Springs have increased significantly year over year, giving buyers more options than at any point since before the pandemic. Homes are averaging 50 to 60 days on market depending…

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If you're PCS'ing to Fort Carson, choosing where to live is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make — and it's one that looks different depending on your pay grade, family size, school priorities, and how much commute time you're willing to trade for space or price. Colorado Springs has a lot of options, and the right one for your family isn't always the one that sounds most familiar. Here's how the main cities and neighborhoods near Fort Carson actually compare.

Fountain — Best for Short Commute and Value

Fountain sits directly south of Fort Carson and offers one of the shortest commutes to most base gates — typically 10 to 20 minutes depending on which gate you're using and what time of day. It's the most geographically logical choice…

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Relocating to or from a military base usually means making fast decisions — and a lot of the time you're doing it without ever stepping foot in the home. Whether you're PCS'ing to Colorado Springs or leaving the area, the process can feel overwhelming when you're trying to coordinate everything from out of state. The reality is, this has become the norm for military families, and with the right approach and the right person on the ground, you can still make a smart, confident move.

How I Help Remote Buyers

I've worked with a lot of buyers over the past several years who weren't able to visit in person before closing. Instead of relying on listing photos or guessing what a home looks like, I walk properties myself and send detailed video walkthroughs…

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Colorado Springs home prices have climbed considerably over the past several years, and for military families working within BAH budgets, that pressure has started pushing housing searches outside the city limits. The good news is that some of the best value in the region isn't in Colorado Springs proper — it's in the smaller towns surrounding it, many of which offer more land, newer construction, lower prices, and commute times to the bases that are more manageable than you'd expect. Here's a look at the towns worth knowing about.

Monument — Best for Air Force Academy and Peterson Families

Monument sits about 15 miles north of Colorado Springs on I-25 and has become one of the most popular alternatives to the city for Air Force Academy and Peterson…

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