The Ultimate PCS Guide to Fort Carson, Colorado

I. Introduction & Area Overview

Introduction Welcome to "The Mountain Post!" Fort Carson is the home of the 4th Infantry Division, the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and other key units, with a primary mission of maintaining peak readiness for global operations. Located at the foot of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, a posting to Fort Carson is as much a lifestyle as it is an assignment. The culture here is defined by a love for the outdoors, physical fitness, and spectacular scenery, all centered around the patriotic city of Colorado Springs.

Location & Climate Fort Carson is situated immediately south of Colorado Springs, a sprawling city of nearly half a million people. Denver is approximately 70 miles north on I-25, and Pueblo is 40 miles south.

The climate is high-altitude semi-arid, which comes with unique characteristics:

• Altitude: The base sits at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet. The air is thin, dry, and the sun is intense. Proper acclimation is key.
• Seasons: You will experience four distinct seasons. Summers are warm, dry, and sunny, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are cold, with snow, but the powerful sun often melts it within a day or two. Fall is crisp and clear, while spring can be unpredictable.
• Sunshine: The region boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it easy to get outside year-round.

Local Vibe & Culture Colorado Springs is arguably one of the most military-friendly cities in the nation. In addition to Fort Carson, it is home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Peterson Space Force Base, and Schriever Space Force Base. The military is a deeply integrated and respected part of the community. The local culture is a blend of Western independence, outdoor athleticism, and a strong conservative presence. The cost of living is higher than the national average, fueled by a booming and very competitive housing market.

II. On-Base Housing & Amenities

On-Post Housing

• Provider: Housing is privatized and managed by Balfour Beatty Communities.
• Reputation & Condition: Fort Carson has a large inventory of on-post housing villages, with quality ranging from older, smaller homes to spacious, modern new builds. The community feel within the housing areas is often cited as a major positive. As with any large installation, experiences can vary greatly by neighborhood.
• Waitlist Times: During the peak summer PCS season, waitlists can be extensive. Applying as early as possible is crucial. Off-season moves may see shorter wait times. Always check with the housing office for the most current information for your rank and family size.

Amenities & Services

• Commissary & Exchange: Fort Carson features a very large, modern main Exchange and a well-stocked Commissary, both centrally located.
• Healthcare: Evans Army Community Hospital provides on-post medical care. While it offers a range of services, securing appointments for specialty care can sometimes involve long waits.
• MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation): The MWR program is world-class and heavily focused on the outdoors. Highlights include the Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club, a top-tier Outdoor Recreation program for ski/snowboard trips and equipment rental, multiple fitness centers, and horseback riding at the Fort Carson Stables.
• Spouse Support: The Army Community Service (ACS) offers excellent resources for spouse employment, relocation assistance, and family support.

III. Local Housing Market & Popular Neighborhoods (Off-Base)

Housing Market Overview The Colorado Springs housing market is extremely competitive and expensive. Home prices and rental costs have risen dramatically in recent years, and BAH is often stretched thin. A typical 3-bedroom rental will likely cost between $2,200 and $3,000+ per month. The for-sale market moves at a blistering pace, often with multiple offers on desirable homes.

Popular Neighborhoods for Military Families

1. Fountain:
   • Character: Located directly south of the installation, this is the quintessential military suburb. It's very popular with Fort Carson families due to its affordability and proximity.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to most gates.
   • Price Point: Moderate (one of the more affordable options).
   • Proximity: Excellent access to base. Has its own growing set of shops and restaurants.
2. Security-Widefield:
   • Character: Similar to Fountain, this area just east of Fort Carson is a hub for military families, offering a suburban feel and slightly older, more established neighborhoods.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes.
   • Price Point: Moderate.
   • Proximity: Very convenient for base access, close to the Colorado Springs Airport.
3. Powers Corridor (East Colorado Springs):
   • Character: A massive retail and residential corridor known for newer homes, endless shopping (Costco, Target, etc.), and restaurants.
   • Commute: 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
   • Price Point: Moderate to High.
   • Proximity: Unmatched for retail and dining convenience.
4. Stetson Hills / Briargate (North Colorado Springs):
   • Character: Known for highly-rated schools (Academy District 20), master-planned communities, and beautiful parks. A top choice for families prioritizing school districts.
   • Commute: 35-50 minutes (can be a long drive).
   • Price Point: High.

IV. Schools & Childcare

On-Post Schools A major benefit of Fort Carson is its on-post DoDEA schools, which serve students from Pre-K through 8th grade. These schools are highly sought after by families living on post. High school students (grades 9-12) living on post attend schools in the Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8.

Off-Post Schools

• Primary Districts: Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 serves the areas immediately surrounding the base and has a very high concentration of military children. It is generally well-regarded. Further north, Academy School District 20 is considered one of the best in the state but comes with a longer commute and higher housing costs.
• School Ratings: Data can be found on the Colorado Department of Education website.

Childcare

• On-Post: Multiple Child Development Centers (CDCs) are available on post. As with most major bases, waitlists are very long, especially for infants. Register immediately at MilitaryChildCare.com upon receiving orders.
• Off-Base: Colorado Springs has many private childcare options, but they are costly. The state also has a rating system (Colorado Shines) to help parents evaluate providers.

V. Things to Do, Pro-Tips & Weekend Trips

Local Must-Dos

1. Explore Garden of the Gods: A free city park with iconic red rock formations and easy hiking trails. A must-see.
2. Ascend Pikes Peak: Drive the scenic highway or take the Cog Railway to the 14,115-foot summit of "America's Mountain."
3. Hike the Manitou Incline: For fitness fanatics, this grueling 2,744-step climb is a bucket-list challenge.
4. Visit the U.S. Air Force Academy: Tour the stunning campus and the iconic Cadet Chapel.
5. Spend a Day at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: America's only mountain zoo offers incredible animal exhibits and city views.
6. Stroll through Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs: These charming historic districts at the foot of Pikes Peak are full of unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Insider Info & Pro-Tips

• Acclimatize! The altitude is no joke. For the first 1-2 weeks, drink significantly more water than usual, take it easy on physical activity, and be mindful of alcohol consumption.
• Sunscreen is Not Optional: At 6,000 feet, the sun's UV rays are much stronger. Use sunscreen year-round, even on cloudy days.
• Beware of Hail: Severe hailstorms are common in the spring and summer and can cause major damage to cars and roofs. Covered parking is a huge plus.
• Embrace the "Brown": Colorado is semi-arid. Do not expect lush green lawns like on the East Coast. The beauty here is rugged and mountainous.

Weekend Trips

1. Denver, CO (1 - 1.5 hours): Catch a professional sports game (Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, Avalanche), visit world-class museums, or see a concert at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
2. Breckenridge, Vail, & Keystone (2 - 3 hours): Experience some of the world's best ski resorts in the winter. In the summer, these mountain towns are hubs for hiking, mountain biking, and festivals.
3. Rocky Mountain National Park (2.5 - 3 hours): Drive the breathtaking Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in North America), see herds of elk, and hike in the pristine alpine wilderness.
4. Great Sand Dunes National Park (2.5 hours): Go sandboarding or sledding down the tallest sand dunes in North America for a truly unique adventure.