WELCOME TO COLORADO SPRINGS

"Where the skies are blue, the mountains are green, and the financial statements are always black," is one apt description of El Paso County and the Colorado Springs metropolitan area. Little wonder that Money magazine selected Colorado Springs as the top "big city" in which to live. This east-central county is about twice the size of the state of Rhode Island, covering nearly 2,200 square miles of scenic beauty. Cradled at the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs draws newcomers to a truly attractive cityscape and natural environment and uninterrupted views of the Front Range of the Rockies. The peerless scenery once inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the poem "America the Beautiful" is not lost on today's relocating residents. The western portion of El Paso County is extremely mountainous, and the eastern part is prairie land where dairy cows and beef cattle are the main source of ranchers' income. Contrasting with this rural setting, the vibrant city of Colorado Springs introduces everything from nightlife and regional shopping to important institutions of higher education.

The military plays a strong role in the Colorado Springs urban environment as well as in the regional economy, and the sight of men in military uniforms is a common one. Imagine the powerful presence of several select federal installations including the US Army's Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, Schreiver Air Force Base, and the internationally celebrated US Air Force Academy. No doubt, Colorado Springs' undeniable popularity as a fast-growing urban center in Colorado is evident around every turn, from a healthy and growing economy to expanding attractions and some of the most breathtaking scenery for outdoor sports in the entire world.