Colorado Springs is ranked the nation’s “Most Desirable Place to Live” by U.S. News & World Report for a second straight year.

Whether you’re a fun-in-the-sun type of person, have a need to speed down snowy slopes, or have to roar down some rapids, The Springs has something for you. Not only will you probably love your time in Colorado, but you’ll do things you might never have done before, see things you’ve never seen before, and like many retirees before you, you might not want to leave.

What makes Fort Carson such a sought-after duty station? Is it the climate, the various neighborhoods, or the good mix of people?

The answer is all of the above.

They have a saying there: “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 15 minutes. It’ll change.”

One day you’ll look out your window, see blue skies, and say to yourself, “Today’s a good day to wear my shorts and cute flip flops.”

So out you’ll go, running your errands, conquering your day, and then, there it is. The view of snow-covered cars, drooping trees, and fluffy sidewalks. Now your legs are blue, your eyeballs are frozen, and your car is seven rows back.

Welcome to Colorado!

As a military member you’ll have access to all that The Springs has to offer but at a discounted rate. After you settle in, one of your first stops needs be MWR. Whether you choose to go stag, sneak away as a couple, hang with friends, or spend quality time with your family, you’re guaranteed to have an adventure (backpacking, hiking, and climbs—Oh, my!).

You name it, they’ve got it.

Do you like to camp, but don’t own the pricey gear? No problem. MWR will rent it out to you.

Have you always wanted to go rafting, but don’t know where to start? They’ve got that covered, too.

For every activity they host, they’ll also provide experienced staff to help and mentor you along the way. There are even RVs available upon reservation.

It doesn’t get any better than that, folks! And while this may be one of the best ways to experience this new place you’ll call home…that just covers the scenery.

Easter at the USO

Stop by the USO and sign up for their annual Valentine’s Day dance and Easter Egg Hunt, pick up the Family magazine to hit up local events, and become a member of your new library to get first dibs on all things kids.

And for those of you who have a family member enrolled in EFMP, even better. You’ll have the unique opportunity to take your family on some of these excursions—for free. My children and I went canoeing down a river through this program. It forced us out of our comfort zones and into the world.

Now, if you aren’t the outdoorsy type, don’t fret. Manitou Springs, the outlets at Castle Rock, The Broadmoor Hotel, and the Broadmoor World Arena all have something just for you. And for those of you who want to take a pretty picture of some gorgeous sights, everything mentioned on this blog post will guarantee you exactly that.

So if you want hike, go to The Garden of The Gods.

If you want to buy a neat souvenir, stop by The Seven Falls.

If you want to see the city from up top, walk up The Incline for a view like no other.

There’s something for everyone here. You just have to be willing to step outside of your home to experience it.

Want to discover Colorado Springs on the cheap? We’ve got you covered! For information related to Fort Carson, the installation closest to Colorado Springs, check out our Post With the Most,