Colorado Springs attracts people from all over the country for its mountain views, outdoor access, and strong sense of community. For many, moving to Colorado Springs is tied to military service. With several major installations throughout the area, military life plays a meaningful role in how the city functions.
Whether you’re preparing for a permanent change of station (PCS) or considering a long-term move, understanding how military housing works in Colorado Springs can make the transition smoother and help you choose the right fit for your assignment and lifestyle.
Major Colorado Springs Military Bases
On-Base vs. Off-Base Military Housing in Colorado Springs, CO
Military housing in Colorado Springs generally falls into two categories: on-base and off-base housing. Each option offers different advantages depending on assignment length, commute preferences, and lifestyle goals.
On-Base Housing
- Located directly on installations such as Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base.
- Typically includes utilities and maintenance services.
- Proximity to duty stations.
- May involve waitlists depending on rank and availability.
Off-Base Housing
- Located throughout north, east, and south Colorado Springs, offering convenient access to major installations.
- Greater variety of neighborhoods, home sizes, and school districts compared to on-base housing.
- Flexibility to use Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) toward rent or homeownership.
- Access to resale properties and new construction communities.
- More control over long-term housing decisions, especially for families planning to stay beyond a single assignment.
For many military families, the decision comes down to commute distance, lifestyle preferences, and whether the assignment is short-term or long-term.
New Construction Homes Near Colorado Springs Military Bases
For military families planning a PCS move or a longer-term relocation, new construction homes offer modern layouts, energy efficiency, and lower early-maintenance costs. With installations spread across the city, many newer communities are positioned within practical commuting distance of major bases.
Communities built by Vantage Homes are located within these key commuting zones, offering military families flexible off-base living.
Best New Home Communities for Military Families
VA Loan Basics for Military Buyers
Many service members relocating to Colorado Springs use VA loans to purchase homes, making them an important part of understanding military housing in the area.
- Eligibility: Available to qualified active-duty service members, veterans, and certain surviving spouses.
- No down payment requirement: Eligible buyers can finance 100% of the home’s value.
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI): Helps lower monthly payments compared to many conventional loans.
- Competitive interest rates: Often more favorable than traditional financing options.
- VA funding fee: A one-time fee that may be financed into the loan (varies based on usage and service history).
- Can be used for new construction or resale homes: Includes eligible homes built by Vantage Homes.
Understanding how VA loans work can help military families evaluate whether buying a home during a PCS move makes financial sense, particularly for longer assignments.
Find Your Home in Colorado Springs with Vantage Homes
For military families moving to Colorado Springs, finding the right home is an important part of a smooth transition. Vantage Homes builds new and semi-custom homes in communities located near major military installations, offering modern layouts, energy-efficient design, and convenient access across north, east, and south Colorado Springs.
Explore available communities and connect with our team to get started.
Military Life in Colorado Springs: At a Glance
- Colorado Springs is home to major installations, including Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, U.S. Air Force Academy, and Cheyenne Mountain Space Station.
- Military housing options include both on-base and off-base living.
- Off-base housing offers greater neighborhood variety and long-term flexibility.
- VA loans allow eligible service members to purchase homes with no down payment or PMI.
- New construction communities, including those built by Vantage Homes, are located near key military commute zones.
- Colorado Springs remains one of the most established military communities in the United States.