Newcomer's guide to Colorado Springs?

What do newcomers need to know to settle in and enjoy Colorado Springs? Car registration, pet laws, city services, more...

Lived in Colorado Springs for 30 years would like to move back when economy comes out of the "tanK" Need and want to work, am in my early 60's always wondering about the economy there.

Charles Perry

Well, depending from where you are coming, you may want to check to see if you can adapt readily to a high-altitude environment. Colorado Springs' altitude is approximately 6000' and that means some heavy breathing for the first two weeks or so while you acclimatize.

Politically, Colorado Springs is heavily conservative. There are a number of Christian organizations here, such as Focus on the Family, Navigators, and Compassion International. Additionally, Colorado and Colorado Springs have some of the strictest anti-taxation laws you'll find anywhere in the US. TABOR requires voter approval on any measure to raise any tax or exceed a certain percentage of spending.

Car registration is becoming a tense issue in COS because Denver, at the behest of Governor Ritter, about doubled the costs of registration and, to the angst of many here in COS, added a heavy fine for people who choose not to renew their vehicular registrations. Watch for that, particularly if you have leisure vehicles.

Pet laws seem to be pretty loose; just don't have any weird critters in the city and you'll be okay.

City services seem to be on the downward tick. The city has been trying to make up budget shortfalls lately. Parks and Rec have already lost their funding for now, so unless the activity is self-funding, don't expect a lot there. Police and Fire seem to remain stable. There are a couple new hospital branches to cover the growth up north. Ambulatory is contracted. Utilities have been creeping up, particularly with water.

Overall, the Springs has weathered well during the economic downturn. Jobs here aren't plenteous, but there are still a few out there.

That's my 2¢ anyway...lol