Moving to Peterson Space Force Base & Schriever Space Force Base
Peterson SFB on the east side of Colorado Springs shares a runway with the city airport and is a hub for Space Force and joint commands, while Schriever SFB sits farther east on the plains and supports satellite operations. Families get mountain scenery, abundant sunshine and a big military community, along with a competitive housing market.
| Branch | Space Force |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Colorado Springs, CO |
| Formerly known as | Peterson Air Force Base, Schriever Air Force Base |
| Airports | Colorado Springs Airport (COS), which shares the Peterson runway; Denver International (DEN) is about an hour north |
| Climate | Dry, sunny and four-season at roughly 6,000 feet; snowy winters and hail-prone summer afternoons. |
| Cost of living | Above average for the region; Space Force growth has tightened housing and driven up prices. |
| On-base housing | Tierra Vista Communities (privatized housing at Peterson and Schriever) |
| Medical care | Peterson clinic (21st Medical Group); inpatient care at Evans Army Community Hospital, Fort Carson |
| Family support center | Peterson Airman & Family Readiness Center |
Where families live
Colorado Springs east side
Closest city area to Peterson with a range of homes and generally more affordable options.
Fountain
South of the city, popular with military families for newer, more affordable homes.
Security-Widefield
Established southern neighborhoods with comparatively budget-friendly housing.
Falcon / Peyton
Growing eastern communities with newer builds and more space, suiting Schriever families.
Monument
Northern small-town feel with higher prices, often chosen for schools and mountain views.
Schools
There is no DoDEA school in the area, so families rely on public districts. Peterson families commonly use Colorado Springs District 11, with base transportation to McAuliffe Elementary, Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy and Mitchell High School; Schriever is in Ellicott District 22. Colorado's choice enrollment lets you apply outside your assigned zone if space is available, so talk to the School Liaison Office early.
- Colorado Springs School District 11 — Serves central Colorado Springs and Peterson-area schools.
- Falcon School District 49 — Growing district on the east side, near Schriever.
- Ellicott School District 22 — District serving the Schriever area.
Peterson School Liaison Office (through the Airman & Family Readiness Center)
Things to do near Peterson Space Force Base & Schriever Space Force Base
- Garden of the GodsoutdoorsFree public park with towering red rock formations and trails.
- Pikes PeakoutdoorsSummit by the Pikes Peak Highway or the Cog Railway for big views.
- Cheyenne Mountain ZoofamilyMountainside zoo known for its giraffe feeding.
- Manitou Springs and the Manitou InclineoutdoorsQuirky mountain town and a famously steep hiking route.
- Olympic & Paralympic MuseummuseumMuseum in downtown Colorado Springs dedicated to Team USA athletes.
- Seven FallsoutdoorsBox-canyon waterfall system in South Cheyenne Canyon.
- Denverday-tripBig-city attractions about an hour north.
Realtors & local services
Want a realtor who knows Peterson Space Force Base & Schriever Space Force Base?
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
- Holly Quinn & AssociatesColorado SpringsBrokerage that says it specializes in military relocation and publishes guides for Peterson, Schriever and Fort Carson families.
Movers, storage, pets & more
- UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Colorado Springsmoving & storageColorado Springs
Listings come from public sources and are not endorsed or vetted. Own a business that serves families at Peterson Space Force Base & Schriever Space Force Base? Claim or add a listing.
Local programs & support
- Colorado Choice EnrollmentStatewide policy letting families apply to schools outside their assigned zone if space allows.
PCS tips for Peterson Space Force Base & Schriever Space Force Base
- Allow time to adjust to altitude of about 6,000 feet and expect afternoon hail in July and August.
- A personal vehicle is essential; public transit between bases is limited and Schriever is farther east.
- Apply early for childcare because spots fill quickly.
- On-base housing is limited, so contact the housing office as soon as you have orders and research off-base prices against BAH.
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.
Sources
- https://www.housing.af.mil/Home/Installations/Peterson-SFB/
- https://taskandpurpose.com/military-life/moving-to-colorado-springs/
- https://honestmos.com/base/peterson-sfb
- https://hollyquinn.com/business/relocating-to-colorado-springs-guide-for-military-families/
- https://unitsstorage.com/colorado-springs/?p=4070
- https://www.d11.org