EL PASO COUNTY

County Offices
27 East Vermijo Avenue
Colorado Springs 719-520-7276
www.elpasoco.com

Chamber of Commerce
354 Manitou Avenue
Manitou Springs 719-685-5089
https://manitousprings.org/services/el-paso-county

“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 side of the state of Rhode Island, covering nearly 2,200 square miles of scenic beauty. The western portion 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.

Services
State-of-the-art healthcare is anchored in part by the Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, a quality health system that provides a wide variety of primary care, secondary care, acute care, tertiary care, and outpatient services to residents of the region. The 300-bed Penrose Hospital offers comprehensive care with an emphasis on elective and outpatient care. From its establishment in 1890 as a tuberculosis sanatorium, the hospital has evolved into a major health treatment and referral center. Penrose Community Hospital specializes in short-stay and outpatient medical-surgical services with strong orientation to maternal-child care. The center offers a family-centered birthing center with a Level II neonatal intensive care unit, a pediatric unit, 24-hour emergency service, after-hours care, a new surgery center, a breast diagnosis center, and rehabilitation services. The other driving force behind the enviable quality of healthcare is the Memorial Health System, growing from a small 1904 hospital into a world-class health system. The mission of the system is embodied in its newest hospital, bringing together advanced technology and compassionate care in a dynamic new healing environment.

Quality public and private schools are available in El Paso County, providing a full spectrum of outstanding choices in everything from tot education to post-graduate programs. To make a college education accessible and convenient to everyone, Pikes Peak Community College operates three full-service campuses in Colorado Springs. The Centennial Campus, the Downtown Studio Campus, and the Rampart Range Campus seamlessly provide convenient educational services to all quadrants of the city and beyond. Another choice in career institutes is Everest College, specializing in hands-on training in progressive, fast-growing industries. For those who desire four-year degrees as well as graduate programs but prefer a focused atmosphere, Colorado Technical University offers a progressive, support learning environment. Colorado College is a famously pioneering private institution with a national reputation, but the spectacular regimen of the United States Air Force Academy is likely to capture more imaginations. The acclaimed state research university with its main campus in Boulder maintains the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, bringing CU’s unmistakable professionalism and verve to the regional collegiate scene.

Lifestyle
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. Local and regional governments work synergistically to provide neighborhood, city, and regional parks and trails. El Paso County welcomes residents and visitors to 85 miles of trails, a wedding gazebo, an archery range, and tennis courts, to name just a few of the recreational facilities. Newcomers will discover a complete range of housing choices, from exclusive enclaves that command panoramic views to charming homes nestled in attractive neighborhoods and shaded by mature greenery. New construction, luxury townhomes, golf communities, and contemporary subdivisions are just a few of the choices that climb the area’s major and minor elevations.

Nature lovers will find a paradise in two world-class nature centers. The Bear Creek Nature Center was the first of its kind in Colorado and was destroyed by arson in 2000. Today, the rebuild is larger and more celebrated than before. Fountain Creek Nature Center provides the second premier haven for naturalists. Colorado’s legacy bright sunshine and low humidity ensure four distinct and spectacular seasons at an elevation above 6,000 feet. At the same time, the internationally famous playground of the Rocky Mountains lies just beyond the back door. Skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, or ice fishing are all available within a two-hour drive. Golf, fishing, rafting, horseback riding, touring, hiking, mountain biking, camping are among the warm-weather pastimes. For those who desire a rarified view, the Manitou and Peaks Railway will take you to the top of Pikes Peak at an elevation of 14,110 feet.

Other attractions include the Cave of the Winds—a colorful journey beneath the Earth—and Miramont Castle, Manitou Cliff Dwellings and Museum, the breathtaking Garden of the Gods with its visitor’s center and nature center. Colorado Springs has long been favored by those who visit Colorado, combining the slower pace of the friendly Western Slope of the state with the high-energy of Denver—the “sophisticated cowboy.” Wonderful zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, premier recreational sites, acclaimed museums, and first-rate cultural enrichment make Colorado Springs a popular choice for newcomers to the Eastern Slope.

Colorado Springs
Municipal Offices
719-385-2489
https://coloradosprings.gov

Chamber of Commerce
719-685-5089
http://manitousprings.org/el-paso-county

Just east of towering Pikes Peak, the city of Colorado Springs sprawls over a wide variety of terrain in a kaleidoscope of natural beauty. The elevation of 6,100 gives the area a “mountain home” feeling in spite of the bustling urban environment. A full range of outdoor sports and adventures are available close to home in city, county, state, and national parks. Colorado Springs serves as the county seat but also the vibrant metropolitan core of El Paso County. Through decades as a popular tourist destination, Colorado Springs has developed a long list of exciting amenities and attractions that keep the energy of this attractive city fully alive. Equestrian and rodeo sports, world-class golfing, the United State Olympic Training Center, the Pikes Peak Center, the World Arena Ice Hall, and a collection of collegiate campuses are just a few of the advantages claimed by residents of the always beautiful, always popular city of Colorado Springs.

Fountain
Municipal Offices
719-322-2000
www.fountaincolorado.org

Chamber of Commerce
719-685-5089
http://manitousprings.org/el-paso-county

Situated along the rugged Rocky Mountain Range at the base of Pikes Peak, the community of Fountain lies along highway 85, approximately 13 miles from the bright city lights of Colorado Springs. Fountain was originally named for the nearby creek bearing the same name, offering country pleasures in a beautiful climate that boasts more than 250 days of sunshine annually. Covering 14 square miles, this mid-sized community has developed an independent and diverse economy. Service industries from health and education to retail trade blend with manufacturing and supportive positions for the military services. Nearby public and private colleges, a regional hospital and specialized healthcare, a lively cultural community, and nationally acclaimed attractions like the Garden of the Gods and the World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame will never be far from home for a Fountain resident.

Manitou Springs, Green Mountain Falls
Manitou Springs Offices
719-685-5481
www.manitouspringsgov.com
Green Mountain Falls Offices
719-684-9414
https://greenmountainfalls.colorado.gov

Chamber of Commerce
719-685-5089
www.manitousprings.org

Just four miles west of Colorado Springs, beautiful Manitou Springs nestles at the base of Pikes Peak—America’s most famous mountain. Rich in Native American culture, this area is steeped in the colorful past of westward expansion. Modern Manitou Springs has transformed into a charming art community where artists display their works in galleries and downtown stores. The summer shopping season, drawing throngs of visitors, is one of the mainstays of the economy. The legacy of an active cultural community began as early as the mid 1800s, when many painters, photographers, crafts people, and writers were drawn to Manitou Springs. Several world-class nationally famous historic restaurants and many popular eateries add to the quality of life. Charming and appealing accommodations are also common, since the summer population more than doubles. Miles of scenic hiking trails appeal to naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts. The unincorporated community of Green Mountain Falls provides a rustic, country setting with spectacular views in close proximity to urban amenities.


Palmer Lake, Monument, Woodmoor
Palmer Lake Offices
719-481-2953
https://www.townofpalmerlake.com
Monument Offices
719-481-2954
www.townofmonument.org

Chamber of Commerce
719-520-7276
http://manitousprings.org/el-paso-county

The two towns of Palmer Lake and Monument share a similar page of history: Both remained largely as open ranch and farmland until the Air Force Academy was opened in 1958. Woodmoor near Monument was originally planned to be a bedroom community for the staff of the Air Academy and other military retirees. From the Monument-Woodmoor area to the south, the land was able to preserve its colorful ranching heritage until the suburban sprawl of Colorado Springs drove new-home construction in a boom that began in the 1980s. The lion’s share of growth and development along this section of the Interstate 25 corridor has occurred since 1990, providing a contemporary and attractive setting with a rural flavor. Today’s crowing crop of lovely homes adds an appealing overlay to the region’s wilder pioneering days.