Have you decided to move to Colorado Springs?

There are some important pieces of information that would have made your initial move much easier if you had known them beforehand.

First, you need to start by choosing a neighborhood. Colorado Springs has significant differences in atmosphere, amenities, and housing prices depending on whether you are in the north, south, east, or west. The Academy District 20 school district in the north is popular among families who prioritize education, as it has many excellent schools. Areas like Briargate, Northgate, and Flying Horse fall into this category. In contrast, neighborhoods near Old Colorado City or Manitou Springs are popular with younger crowds due to their artistic vibe and abundance of independent restaurants and cafes.

It's also important to understand the housing market. The real estate market in Colorado Springs has seen significant price increases in recent years. Demand from military families and the influx of people moving from other areas due to remote work have contributed to rising prices. If you plan to buy a home, getting a mortgage pre-approval in advance can give you an advantage in this competitive market. If you're considering renting, check the market conditions on sites like Zillow and Apartments.com first.

Getting your driver's license and vehicle registration sorted out is an administrative task that needs to be handled quickly after your move. You must switch to a Colorado driver's license and register your vehicle in Colorado within 90 days of moving. Check the Colorado DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) website for required documents and appointment procedures. You'll need proof of residency (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.), a valid ID, and your existing driver's license.

Setting up utilities and services should also be done in the first week after moving. Colorado Springs Utilities primarily handles electricity and gas, and you can apply for moving services on their website. Internet services are provided by companies like Xfinity (Comcast), Lumen, and Quantum Fiber, depending on the area. It's a good idea to compare available internet service providers and plans for your new address before moving.

Familiarize yourself with the healthcare system as well. Major healthcare facilities in Colorado Springs include UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, and Children Hospital Colorado Southern Campus. It's important to establish a primary care physician as soon as possible after your move. When looking for a new doctor, make sure to find one that is in-network with your insurance plan to minimize out-of-pocket costs. If you need affordable healthcare, consider utilizing sliding scale clinics like Peak Vista Community Health Centers.

Families with children should prepare for school registration alongside their move. Colorado Springs has several school districts, and the district and school will be determined by your residential address. Check the school district for your new address in advance and prepare the necessary documents (immunization records, previous school transcripts, proof of residency, etc.) for registration on the district's website. Popular charter schools or magnet schools may operate on a lottery basis, so it's wise to look into them before your move.

Community involvement is key to enriching your life in a new city. By obtaining a library card from the Pikes Peak Library District, you can access books, e-books, movies, and music streaming services for free. Connect with local religious organizations, Korean community groups, and hobby clubs to make new connections. You can also find various meetups in the Colorado Springs area on Meetup.com. This city may feel unfamiliar at first, but once you start participating in the community, you'll realize it's a much warmer and welcoming place than you might have expected. Welcome to your new home.