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Air Force Academy

Colorado Springs, CO

The United States Air Force Academy is the premier institution for commissioning Air Force and Space Force officers, sitting at the base of the Rocky Mountains north of Colorado Springs. The installation offers world-class athletic facilities, stunning mountain scenery, and easy access to outdoor recreation including skiing, hiking, and climbing. Colorado Springs is a military-heavy metro with a low cost of living and excellent schools.

Neighborhood near Air Force Academy

Local neighborhood · Colorado Springs, CO

Neighborhoods Near Air Force Academy

Popular communities where military families stationed at Air Force Academy choose to live.

Briargate

15–20 min to North Gate

A large master-planned community in north Colorado Springs with excellent schools, parks, and retail. Popular with Academy families who want suburban convenience.

Family-friendlySuburbanNew construction

Monument

10–15 min to North Gate

A small-town community just north of the Academy with a historic downtown, trails, and a tight-knit feel. Quieter and more rural than Colorado Springs proper.

Family-friendlyRuralRetiree-friendly

Flying Horse

20–25 min to North Gate

An upscale planned community with a Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course, luxury homes, and mountain views. A top choice for senior officers.

SuburbanGolf communityGated community

Schools & Education

Academy School District 20

D-20 is consistently ranked among Colorado's top school districts, serving north Colorado Springs and Monument. Families near the Academy benefit from high-performing neighborhood schools and strong extracurricular programs.

  • Pine Creek High School and Liberty High School are top-rated secondary schools
  • District-wide gifted and talented programs and robust STEM offerings
  • High graduation rates and strong college placement statistics

Things to Do Near Colorado Springs

Local favorites for dining, outdoor adventures, and entertainment in the Colorado Springs area.

Garden of the Gods Park
Outdoors

Iconic red-rock formations with free hiking trails, rock climbing, and stunning views of Pikes Peak. A must-see natural landmark minutes from the base.

Pikes Peak Summit
Outdoors

Drive or take the cog railway to the 14,115-ft summit for panoramic views of the Front Range. A bucket-list experience for every family stationed here.

The Broadmoor
Attraction

A historic five-star resort offering fine dining, spa services, and the famous Seven Falls attraction nearby. Great for special occasions.

Edelweiss Restaurant
Dining

A beloved German restaurant in Colorado Springs serving schnitzel, spaetzle, and imported beers in an authentic Bavarian setting since 1975.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Outdoors

Over 20 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails with wildlife viewing and overnight camping near the foot of Cheyenne Mountain.

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
Entertainment

A combined art museum and performing arts theater on the Colorado College campus hosting Broadway touring shows, concerts, and rotating galleries.

Housing & Cost of Living

Median Home Price
$380,000–$580,000
Typical Rent
$1,700–$2,400/mo

Colorado Springs has seen significant appreciation since 2020. North-side neighborhoods near D-20 schools command a premium. The market remains competitive but more affordable than Denver.

Popular neighborhoods to consider:

BriargateMonumentFlying Horse

PCS Tips for Air Force Academy

  1. Contact the installation housing office early — wait lists can be long.
  2. Check BAH rates at the official DoD BAH calculator before setting your home budget.
  3. Get VA pre-approved before your PCS orders — it helps you move fast in competitive markets.
  4. Military-friendly real estate markets near bases can move quickly — be ready to act.

VA Home Loans

Buying near Air Force Academy?

Heroes Home Network specializes in VA loans for military members PCSing to Colorado Springs, CO. $0 down, fast closings.

Get Pre-Approved (719) 259-2246

Other Air Force Installations

Altus AFB

Altus, OK·Air Force

Altus AFB is home to the 97th Air Mobility Wing and serves as the Air Force's primary training base for heavy airlift and tanker aircraft, including the C-17 and KC-135. The small city of Altus offers affordable housing and a tight-knit community feel common to rural Oklahoma. Outdoor recreation opportunities include Lake Altus-Lugert nearby for fishing, boating, and camping.

Arnold AFB

Tullahoma, TN·Air Force

Arnold AFB is the nation's largest complex of flight simulation test facilities, home to the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) which tests aerospace systems for all military branches and NASA. Located in Middle Tennessee near Tullahoma, the installation is surrounded by the scenic hills of the Cumberland Plateau. The area offers affordable housing, a moderate climate, and proximity to Nashville about 70 miles to the north.

Barksdale AFB

Bossier City, LA·Air Force

Barksdale AFB is the home of Air Force Global Strike Command and the 2nd Bomb Wing, operating the B-52H Stratofortress in support of the nation's nuclear triad. Located adjacent to Bossier City and just across the Red River from Shreveport, the base offers access to a vibrant metropolitan area with excellent dining, entertainment, and affordable housing. The region's mild winters, rich culture, and proximity to both Texas and Arkansas make it a popular assignment.