Moving to Fort Carson
Fort Carson sits at the foot of the Rocky Mountains just south of Colorado Springs and is home to the 4th Infantry Division. Families get sunny weather, easy access to hiking and skiing, and a competitive housing market that has grown pricier in recent years.
| Branch | Army |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Colorado Springs, CO |
| Airports | Colorado Springs Airport (COS); Denver International (DEN) about 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Climate | Semi-arid and sunny with about 245 sunny days a year; cold winters with spring snow, warm summers with afternoon storms, at about 6,000 feet elevation. |
| Cost of living | Moderate to above average; Colorado Springs median home prices ran about $450K in 2024. |
| On-base housing | Balfour Beatty Communities (Fort Carson Family Homes, 16 neighborhoods) |
| Medical care | Evans Army Community Hospital |
| Family support center | Army Community Service |
Where families live
Fountain
Closest city to the gates, with relatively affordable homes and a suburban feel.
Widefield / Security
Suburban areas just north of Fountain with many military families.
Colorado Springs (Powers / Briargate)
Newer subdivisions and shopping; competitive for buyers and renters.
Manitou Springs
Historic mountain town with walkable shops; limited inventory.
Monument / Woodland Park
Higher-priced mountain-adjacent communities north and west of the city.
Schools
On-post students attend Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 elementary and middle schools, and high schoolers go to Fountain-Fort Carson High School. Colorado is a choice state, so families may enroll outside their assigned zone if space allows. Ask the School Liaison Officer about options.
- Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 — Serves on-post housing and Fountain.
On the installation: Abrams Elementary, Patriot Elementary, Mountainside Elementary, Weikel Elementary, Carson Middle School
School Liaison Officer (Fort Carson Child and Youth Services / School Support Services)
Things to do near Fort Carson
- Garden of the GodsoutdoorsFree red-rock park with trails and views of Pikes Peak.
- Manitou InclineoutdoorsA steep stair-style hike up the side of Pikes Peak.
- Cheyenne Mountain ZoofamilyMountainside zoo known for its giraffe feeding.
- Seven FallsoutdoorsA tiered waterfall in a box canyon.
- U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training CentermuseumTours of the training facility and museum.
- Fort Carson Outdoor Recreation ComplexfamilyOn-post adventure programs, equipment rentals and shooting complex.
- Pikes Peak Center and Colorado Springs Fine Arts CentermuseumPerforming arts and art museum in Colorado Springs.
- Denver and Red Rocks Amphitheatreday-tripConcerts and city attractions about an hour to 90 minutes north.
Realtors & local services
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Tell us your report date, budget and whether you're buying or renting. We'll connect you with an agent who works with military families here.
Get matchedReal estate offices
- Pink RealtyColorado Springs, COListed in a Fort Carson area guide for military families.
- Skyline Properties, Inc.Colorado Springs, COLocal brokerage listed in the same guide.
- Platinum Group RealtorsColorado Springs, COLocal brokerage listed in the same guide.
Movers, storage, pets & more
- Fort Carson Family Homes (Balfour Beatty Communities)property managementFort Carson
- Fort Carson Child and Youth ServiceschildcareFort Carson
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at Fort Carson? Claim or add a listing.
PCS tips for Fort Carson
- Learn safe winter driving and consider all-wheel drive or good all-weather tires; spring snow is common.
- Give yourself time to adjust to altitude of around 6,000 feet and drink extra water.
- Check that off-post homes have air conditioning or a swamp cooler, and consider a sump pump for basements.
- Road construction and limited public transit make commute planning important.
- Ask about school choice in Colorado early, since open seats vary by campus.
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.