Moving to United States Air Force Academy
The Air Force Academy, in the foothills north of Colorado Springs at about 7,258 feet, trains future Air Force and Space Force officers. Permanent-party families live in a campus-like community with mountain views, a strong cadet-driven culture and access to some of Colorado's best outdoor recreation.
| Branch | Air Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Colorado Springs, CO |
| Airports | Colorado Springs Airport (COS); Denver International (DEN) is roughly 1 to 1.5 hours north |
| Climate | High-altitude, sunny and dry with snowy winters; mountain-pass closures can affect travel from the west. |
| Cost of living | Above average; local rent averages about $2,000 a month and home prices about $440,000, per one base guide. |
| On-base housing | Hunt Military Communities (privatized; homes allocated by rank and position) |
| Medical care | 10th Medical Group clinic |
| Family support center | Military & Family Readiness Center (719-333-3444) |
Where families live
On-base family housing
Seven family housing communities mainly for cadre, faculty and permanent-party staff, allocated by rank and position.
Northgate / Briargate
Suburban north Colorado Springs with newer homes, shopping and schools close to the Academy's north gate.
Monument
Small-town feel along the I-25 corridor with higher prices and good access to the mountains.
Black Forest
Wooded, rural lots north-east of the city for families wanting space.
Central Colorado Springs
Older neighborhoods close to downtown and Garden of the Gods.
Schools
Academy School District 20 serves families living on the installation, with Air Academy High School and Douglass Valley Elementary on campus. Monument-area families are zoned to Lewis-Palmer District 38. Colorado's school-choice rules allow applications outside your zone, so work with the School Liaison Office.
- Academy School District 20 — Serves the Academy and northern Colorado Springs; new pre-K-8 school under construction on Academy grounds.
- Lewis-Palmer School District 38 — Serves Monument and Palmer Lake area.
On the installation: Air Academy High School, Douglass Valley Elementary School
USAFA School Liaison Office (719-337-6790)
Things to do near United States Air Force Academy
- Cadet Chapel and Visitor CentermuseumIconic spired chapel and visitor exhibits on cadet life.
- Falcon football and Academy athleticssportsDivision I Falcon teams play on campus.
- Garden of the GodsoutdoorsRed rock park with free trails near downtown.
- Pikes PeakoutdoorsFourteener reachable by highway or cog railway.
- Cheyenne Mountain ZoofamilyMountain zoo with popular giraffe feeding.
- Rampart ReservoiroutdoorsMountain reservoir for hiking, biking and fishing.
- Denverday-tripMajor city with sports, dining and museums about an hour north.
Realtors & local services
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- Holly Quinn & AssociatesColorado SpringsSays it specializes in military relocation and offers virtual tours and BAH guidance.
Movers, storage, pets & more
- UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Colorado Springsmoving & storageColorado Springs
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Local programs & support
- USAFA Military & Family Readiness CenterArrival support, spouse employment resources and community programs for Academy families.
PCS tips for United States Air Force Academy
- Housing on the Academy goes mainly to cadre and permanent party by rank and position, so contact Hunt and the Housing Assistance office early.
- At roughly 7,258 feet, drink plenty of water and avoid overexertion in your first weeks.
- Winter travel from the west can be hazardous; check cotrip.org before driving in.
- Childcare may not be available on arrival, so apply early through the CDC and militarychildcare.com.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Mountain West
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.