What are the best areas in which to live off-post around Fort Carson?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 21:11:07 -0400

PCSing to Fort Carson in August. Anyone stationed there or has been, recommend me what areas to live in off post?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2017 9:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 21:20:34 -0400

Rockrimmon or GTFO, stay away from fountain, sure it's close but it sucks

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 12 at 2017 9:27 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 21:27:13 -0400

I had a really nice apartment at the West end of Garden of the Gods Road. I liked it a lot out there. Plus I could be to GOTG in five minutes whenever I felt like hiking the trails.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2017 10:08 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 22:08:30 -0400

Recon Manitou Springs. It has an eclectic vibe to it. Puts you close to hiking trails, 4x4 areas, and great restaurants.

Response by SPC Johnney Abbott made Jun 12 at 2017 10:11 PM

SPC Johnney Abbott — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 22:11:23 -0400

Last time I was there was in 93. I don't really remember most areas. I do remember it's a nice place though.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 8:15 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 08:15:36 -0400

There are a lot of good areas and a lot of bad areas. When I was moving here I was told a general rule of thumb is stay away from the downtown area and the area just north of base. SSG Bozo's suggestion of Rockrimmon is a good one but stay close to I-25 or HWY 115 for quick access to post. Garden of the Gods area is pretty nice though traffic can build up on the trip home. I live in Fountain, but a lot of areas in Fountain I wouldn't live in. If looking in Fountain, look in the Mesa Ridge PKWY corridor east of Fountain Mesa Road. If you are looking to rent, get on AHRN.com and if you would like, I can put you in contact with my property manager. He's retired military and is great to work with. Another area to look, though more expensive is up north near the Air Force Academy. Hope this helps.

Response by SFC Mark Beazley made Jun 13 at 2017 9:28 AM

SFC Mark Beazley — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 09:28:35 -0400

One often overlooked area is Midway Ranch, south of Fort Carson. If you need to rent or buy an entire house, it is relatively inexpensive, most properties are on 5 acres, and it's only about 15 min to post on I-25 with little traffic.

The downside, it's mostly high plains desert, so there are great views, but not much green in them. Also, If you are an insomniac, you might be kept awake whenever the tanks or artillery are doing their qualification tables.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 9:54 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 09:54:07 -0400

Head to North Colorado Springs. Its like a 25-45 minute drive depending on how far north but the quality of homes is better. There are some nice areas in fountain while being close to the base may be convenient but there is a bigger homeless population and a lot of low income housing areas. Be prepared though Colorado as a whole is getting over crowded due to people moving here for the legalized marijuana. So the cost of properties is getting out of control. So you can easily use all of your BAH on just rent. Good luck and welcome. Fort Carson is the second best post I have been stationed at.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 2:10 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 14:10:34 -0400

Following due to I am also heading to Fort Carson towards the end of the year

Response by SSG(P) Timme Jones made Jun 13 at 2017 10:03 PM

SSG(P) Timme Jones — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 22:03:01 -0400

I am currently stationed at Carson, so far the best area I would say is Fountain

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2017 10:09 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 22:09:18 -0400

I liked living right outside gate 3 I rented a house right outside the gate and it was a really nice neighborhood also there's a grocery store right next to it. It didn't take long to get into post in the morning either cause there's so many options for gates.

Response by SSG Michael Hale made Jun 16 at 2017 11:34 AM

SSG Michael Hale — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 11:34:47 -0400

I lived in Widefield, it is growing a great deal

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2017 12:27 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jun 2017 12:27:29 -0400

The best areas to live on the economy are Austin Bluff, Garden of the Gods and Briargate. Additionally, briargate has the best schools in COS. If you need a good real estates agent give Susan Koutantos a call, she was my real estate agent and she was awesome. She always takes good care of military personnel and their families and her realtor always offers some sort of military incentive. Give her a call at [login to see]