Colorado Springs is Colorado’s second-largest city, and one of its most beautiful. Home to Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain, and plenty of Rocky Mountain beauty, it is a city that is not short on incredible scenery. Beyond its beautiful vistas, however, it is a city with much to offer – and a city with a growing and thriving LGBTQ community that would make a wonderful place to call home.
A Look at Colorado Springs’s History
Before its official founding, the area that is now Colorado Springs was once a central part of the American Frontier. Old Colorado City, which was built in 1858 during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush, was the first official settlement in the region. Shortly thereafter, in 1869, General William Jackson Palmer, a Civil War hero initially from Pennsylvania, made his first visit to the area. When he did so, he fell in love with the area, and a year later, founded the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad there, and purchased the land to create Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs began to grow and has grown steadily since that time, helped in no small part by its sunny conditions and generally dry and mild climate. The city grew to become a resort town and vacation destination for many, and eventually, a city with a strong military presence after Fort Carson was established there in the 1940s, followed shortly thereafter by the United States Air Force Academy. Today, the city remains a vacation destination and a thriving community full of opportunity that has never lost its small-town feel. It is a diverse and welcoming mountain city, one that many are proud to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Colorado Springs
Read more fun facts about Colorado Springs here.
Colorado Springs LGBTQ Community
Colorado Springs is a city with a growing and thriving LGBTQ community – one which is fortunately supported and encouraged by a variety of community resources. Some of those include:
PFLAG Colorado Springs is the Colorado Springs chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the United States, and for many years, it has played an essential role in providing education, advocacy, support, networking opportunities, and resources to LGBTQ communities across the country. Monthly meetings and other community-building events and resources are regularly offered.
The Colorado Springs Queer Collective
The Colorado Springs Queer Collective is a local community-based organization dedicated to fostering community leadership, education, and empowerment. Its mission is to address inequality, invest in the local economy, and to celebrate the creative contributions of queer and trans people.
What’s the Weather Like in Colorado Springs?
At an altitude of 6,035 feet, the climate in Colorado Springs is typically warm in the summer, and fairly dry year-round. Colorado Springs receives an average of only 18 inches of rain per year, which is significantly less than the national average of 38 inches. What it lacks in rainfall it makes up in snow, however – an average of 57 inches per year in fact. Spring and fall are typically the most mild and pleasant seasons, with spring bringing beautiful mountain wildflowers, and fall bringing crisp breezes and brightly colored leaves. Residents of Colorado Springs can definitely experience the beauty of all four distinct seasons!
Can’t Miss Colorado Springs Events
Colorado Springs PrideFest is the second-largest pride event in the State of Colorado, and it’s one event that you won’t want to miss. Concerts, parties, parades, networking events, family-friendly activities, and more are offered, as the city celebrates all that the LGBTQ community adds to it year-round.
The Best Neighborhoods in Colorado Springs
Unlike some of the biggest cities in the country which often tend to have one or two neighborhoods that are traditionally considered “gayborhoods,” Colorado Springs doesn’t have one particular area that is generally considered the “gay” neighborhood. Not to worry – this certainly doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of wonderful neighborhoods in Colorado Springs to choose from. If there were to be one neighborhood, in particular, that tends to be slightly more popular with the LGBTQ community, however, it would be the Briargate neighborhood. The Briargate neighborhood is an upscale neighborhood, that although on the smaller side, is walkable, friendly, and offers plenty to see and do. The median list price of homes currently for sale in Briargate is $415,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts
The Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts is the city's entertainment and cultural center and has achieved international acclaim for its design and excellent acoustical features. Test out those features yourself by taking in a show (or several) soon. A wide variety of performances are offered to suit everyone's taste, and everyone is certain to find something they can enjoy.
Old Colorado City Historic District
The Old Colorado City Historic District is a beautiful and historic downtown area full of shops, restaurants, and green spaces for visitors to enjoy. With its walkability, unique history, and so much to see and do, it's a great place to spend a beautiful Colorado Springs day.
Parks and Recreation
One of the most popular visitor attractions in the Colorado Springs area is the Garden of the Gods. This unique and stunningly beautiful area is characterized by red sandstone formations which were thought to be sacred by the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Ute tribes. This registered national landmark draws thousands of visitors each year, who enjoy its beautiful views and spectacular scenery, including snow-capped Pikes Peak in the background.
Red Rock Canyon is quintessential Colorado Springs. Characterized by a series of canyons and ridges that are sculpted from the stunning red rock that the area is known for, this is one outdoor stop that you won’t want to miss. Whether you enjoy hiking, rock climbing, biking, or taking in a concert at the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre, this park truly offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Nightlife in Colorado Springs
Club Q is a very popular and lively LGBTQ nightspot in Colorado Springs. Known for its excellent drag shows, karaoke, talented DJs, and strong drinks, it’s a great place to dance the night away.
Adam’s Apple Lounge is known for its friendly bartenders, strong drinks, and welcoming crowds. It’s a great place to relax with old friends, and meet new ones.
Contact a Colorado Springs Realtor Today
If you’re ready to make the move to Colorado Springs, there’s no day like today to get started. The most important first step toward enjoying all that Colorado Springs has to offer is to find the perfect home in a neighborhood that you love. To begin the next new and exciting chapter of your adventures, contact a Colorado Springs gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
