So You Wanna Live in Colorado Springs, Eh? A Totally Serious (Not Really) Guide
Colorado Springs, also lovingly referred to as "The Springs" by locals (because, you know, originality is overrated) is a city that straddles the line between outdoorsy paradise and metropolis-lite. Intrigued? Confused? Let's unpack this beautiful mountain town, shall we?
The Great Outdoors: Your Backyard Playground
Hiking, Biking, and Basically Anything With a "-ing" at the End
Strap on your hiking boots, folks, because Colorado Springs is where nature decided to throw a technicolor tantrum. Pikes Peak, a mountain so famous it inspired a cheesy anthem, is your backyard playground. Garden of the Gods, with its red rock formations that look like they belong on Mars, is begging to be explored. Feeling fancy? Take a gondola ride up Manitou Mountain and pretend you're royalty surveying your domain (except your domain is full of chipmunks and daring tourists).
Warning: You might develop a crippling addiction to fresh air and sunshine.
What's It Like Living In Colorado Springs |
The City Life: Faux Pas and Fun Facts
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Technically a City, But Don't Expect Cabs and Crowds
Sure, there's a downtown area, complete with museums, breweries, and that delightful feeling of anonymity that comes with being surrounded by strangers. But hold your horses, New Yorker. This city life is more like a friendly neighbor waving hello than a rude pedestrian shoving you out of the way. Traffic jams? More like a chance to chat with your fellow driver about the weather (which, by the way, is usually pretty darn fantastic).
Important Colorado Springs Fact #1: Here, saying "Namaste" is a greeting, not just a yoga thing.
Important Colorado Springs Fact #2: You will most definitely see someone wearing a fanny pack unironically.
The Food Scene: From Mountain Comfort to Fancy Pants
Feeding Your Inner Foodie (and Craft Beer Enthusiast)
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Colorado Springs offers a smorgasbord of deliciousness, from hearty breakfasts to fuel your outdoor adventures to farm-to-table creations that would make even the snobbiest food critic blush. Don't forget the craft beer scene, which is booming faster than you can say "apr�s-ski."
Pro Tip: Pair your locally-brewed IPA with a plate of Rocky Mountain oysters if you're feeling adventurous (just don't Google it first).
Living Here: The Nitty Gritty
Finding an Abode (That Doesn't Cost an Arm and a Leg)
The housing market can be a bit...competitive, but there's a good variety of options, from cozy downtown lofts to suburban McMansions nestled against the foothills. Bonus: You won't need a telescope to see the Milky Way at night because of the minimal light pollution. Just saying.
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
Becoming a Local: Speaking the Lingo
- Fourteener: A mountain peak over 14,000 feet tall. Locals love to climb them, then brag about it.
- Spring Fling: A magical time of year when the snow melts, and everyone remembers what sunshine feels like.
- Trail Mix: Not just a snack, but a way of life.
How To Colorado Springs
FAQs for the Aspiring Local
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1. How to Hike Like a Pro: Layers are your friend. Don't underestimate the power of sunscreen. Hydration is key (and by hydration, we mean water, not beer...although beer is pretty key after the hike).
2. How to Spot Wildlife: Be quiet, look out for scat (animal droppings), and remember, bears are not cuddly.
3. How to Navigate Winter: Invest in a good pair of snow boots. Four-wheel drive is a plus. Embrace the fact that you'll look like a Michelin Man bundled up, but hey, at least you'll be warm.
4. How to Find the Best Craft Beer: Explore! There are breweries popping up everywhere. Don't be afraid to ask the bartender for recommendations.
5. How to Become a True Local: Learn to appreciate the beauty of nature, don't complain about the ever-changing weather, and, most importantly, be prepared to say "Namaste" with a smile.
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