Living in the Colorado Springs Area
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| What was
your reason for coming back? • I was assigned to Peterson AFB when I retired at the 20 year point of my AF career. Nancy was doing well in her real estate business. When I retired, she not only allowed me to work with her in her real estate career field, but let me talk her into forming our own real estate company. Vince and Nancy Rusinak • While I was teaching at Texas Tech I was looking at vacation homes in the mountains of New Mexico. During that time I was in Colorado Spring for our 40th reunion and had an epiphany. These mountains are better. We bought a vacation home in COS and every time we visited did not want to leave. So when I retired in 2009 we simply moved to the vacation home. Mike Parkinson • Wanted to retire in a college town, we already owned 5 acres near USAFA, our daughter Katie was a USAFA cadet, and in a 30-year AF career, after grad school at UCLA we'd never again been assigned west of the Mississippi River. Wanted to exploer the West...so we followed our kid to college! Bill Eckert • I retired from USAF out of Lowry AFB in Denver. We stayed there for 15 years total before moving to COS in 1999 to open our Irish Pub - Jack Quinn's. Military presence in COS was big reason for opening JQ in the Springs - also connection to AFA and '68 classmates (2 of whom are partners in JQ) Bill Sasz • We came back for an assignment to AFA. David K. Allen Sharon wanted to move here (from Whiteman AFB) and I wanted to live in the DC area. So, we compromised. Hartsel Beckett • We were living at the beach in Southern California when I retired in 1998. I told Debbie it was her time to choose where we'd live, since she'd followed me and the paycheck around the world. She flew to Colorado Springs, looked around the area with Tony Marietta, USAFA 70, found the lot where we built our house, and the rest is history. Carl A Janssen Jr • After I had served my commitment to the Air Force, I was asked to join a new group of physicians in Colorado Springs, My wife was originally from Denver, so this put us close to family and the Air Force would assign me to the Academy in a reserve position. At the time to make this decision, the AF was going thru a RIF and were not willing to negotiate my next assignment. My only other offer at the time was in Wisc. Brrr! Phil Schmidt • We were living in Indiana and I was working a second career as a professor at Purdue University. All our children and grandchildren were living in the West (two families in Colorado and one in California). So I decided to retire a second time at the end of 2010, and we moved to Colorado Springs to be closer to family. Dale Oderman • We were living in Texas but did not intend to go into retirement there. After vacationing in Colorado for many years, we thought this is where we would like to end up. I wrangled a Boeing executive position in the Springs in 2000, Kathy sold her real estate company in Texas, and we made the move. Dick Covey • Received assignment as Aviation Science instructor at the Academy. Bob Sallee • We had lived in Denver for a long time and then spent 4 years in Idaho working on a company project. When it came time to return to Colorado, Denver had grown too big and congested but Colorado Springs seemed just the right size. Besides, USAFA and the other military facilities were appealing and the political, social climate was more to our liking. Just the right "small", ""big" town we were looking for. Rockne Buraglio |
| Why did we stay? • We had "quite a bit" invested in our new business. Our primary business clientele were people who were affiliated in some way with the military…to include Academy graduates. We continued to stay in touch with the military community and become very involved in the civilian community, something that was hard to do while on active duty. Vince and Nancy Rusinak • The close connection with classmates who live here and the opportunities for volunteering at the Academy. Mike Parkinson Weather--we can walk our dog 2-3 miles on the mountainsides almost every day (even at 20 degrees, the sun is warm and often we take our coats off). Classmates. A great second career for another 10 years here. A house we had built and love, on forested land looking at Pike's Peak and part of • USAFA. Great show in the sky at sunset. Bill Eckert • The business has been going strong for 20 years - no reason to leave. Love the sunshine, low humidity, close proximity to the mountains, great mountain views and sunsets. Access to military bases for shopping and medical was also a big factor. Bill Sasz • The AFA tour was out last active duty assignment. By that time we had kids in school and found the area a good place to raise our family. David K. Allen • We both found rewarding work, lived in a newly constructed house, and our oldest son (with our first granddaughter) lived in south Denver. It was also easier to "stay put", rather than continue to move AF-style. In addition, we established roots in a local church, our work places, and our neighborhood. Hartsel Beckett • Debbie says she's coming out of this house feet first, so it appears we'll be here for the duration. Carl A Janssen Jr • Our practice grew beyond my wildest expectations and our kids were happy in school.Phil Schmidt • We like living in the Springs for a variety of reasons, and of course, our children still live in the West. We do not intend to move again. Dale Oderman • We love the mountain west - Colorado, in particular. In retirement, we find Colorado Springs offers so much of what we want and need. Dick Covey • Our son was an infant, my wife was working on her masters degree, and the blue sky was irresistible. Bob Sallee • The reasons we opted for Colorado Springs all materialized...good size city (but not too big), easy access to a big city (Denver), great military facilities which we had never used before. Rockne Buraglio |
| What are the advantages
to living in the Pikes Peak Area? • It is a beautiful area in which to live. My eyes are always drawn to the mountain backdrop: I never get tired of looking at it. In our younger days, we really enjoyed all of the seasons: today it is annoying to be out in the cold for any length of time. We especially like the low humidity, lack of bugs, and abundance of sunshine. Being two hours behind the Eastern Time Zone is a plus when it comes to watching late night television, especially sporting events. Those who are retired have access to two very large commissaries and base exchanges: the Academy has both but are a bit smaller. Those who didn't retire have two Sam's Clubs and two Costco's within the City of Colorado Springs. Housing prices are still reasonable and residential property taxes are relatively low. But there is a state income tax of 4.63%, but not all military retired pay is taxed. Vince and Nancy Rusinak • Physically, the area is great. Just driving down a street seeing Pike Peak in front of you is inspiring. I often look at the view from my deck and just cannot believe I live here. The frequent class dinners and other social events are great AND Colorado Springs has a collection of the best restaurants I know of. Mike Parkinson • Low humidity. Mild winters. Cool summer evenings. Trails to walk everywhere. Small-town feel, with big-city Denver only an hour away. Superb local World Affairs Council speakers/lunches/dinners. Low taxes. Reasonable cost of living. Good health care options. Bill Eckert • Low taxes, affordable housing and utilities, light traffic, availability of good medical care and only a short drive to Denver if you need a "big city fix." Bill Sasz • The weather is very nice in the spring, summer and fall. Winters are palatable if you can pick and choose travel days. The area is conservative and very pro military. There is plenty of support opportunities for shopping, medical services, etc. Overall we don't know of an area we would prefer year round. David K. Allen • It is a fairly conservative area, totally surrounded by mostly liberal ideology (Denver, Boulder, Pueblo). The huge military presence feels like home. Climate is great, although the winters seem to be taking their toll--maybe an age-thing. Big-city living is here or nearby. Traveling Broadway shows are routine here and in Denver. Hartsel Beckett • We've been here almost 20 years. If you have to live somewhere, this is a fine place to do it. We have wonderful friends here, both classmates and others. I've had the opportunity to get involved in many programs at the Academy, and we've sponsored many cadets. With kids and grandkids on both coasts, that has been an opportunity to keep in touch with great young people, and we now have sponsor kids and their kids scattered all over the world. Like any city of its size, the Colorado Springs area offers everything we need for sustaining a very comfortable life and enjoying ourselves. We thought about living in the mountains, but decided to live on the front range. I'm glad we did. We are close to the things we do frequently, and we can drive into the mountains any time we like to do what we do there. Carl A Janssen Jr • I can only mimic Vince's comments. I enjoy playing golf and since being here, we have been able to play every month, or go skiing in the A.M. and return for 9 holes in the P.M. Phil Schmidt • We like the climate here - very low humidity with very few bugs. The summers are temperate and the winters are not that cold. The sky is blue about 300 days a year. There is lots to do year-round, both indoors and outdoors. We still enjoy skiing even at our age, and there is no better skiing than in Colorado. You can be outside a lot - walking, biking, sightseeing, etc. We like being close to a lot of our classmates; we have quarterly dinners out at a local restaurant and a variety of other events, so you can keep in touch with classmates. We have lots of visitors from other places because of the draw of Colorado attractions. If you can't find something in the Springs area, you can usually find it in Denver (just an hour drive). There is a military support network if you are retired (commissary, BX, pharmacy, golf course, etc). Shopping is good here. We have made a lot of friends through our local church. If you like to do volunteer work, there is no end of possibilities. Dale Oderman • The mountains. Garden of the Gods. Cheyenne Canon Park. Clear mountain air and sunshine most every morning. Not needing screen doors to deal with bugs. Four distinct seasons, including a reasonably mild, although distinctly real, winter. Outstanding golf courses. Comparatively affordable housing, even in the very tight current market. Low property tax rates. Accessible military bases with services/facilities for those who choose to use them. Conservative, patriotic political base. Easily accessible medical marijuana for those that need it. NO retail marijuana sales in Colorado Springs or El Paso County (Manitou Springs has a couple of retail shops). A 11-12 hour drive to the greater Phoenix area for those who need to escape during the winter (or a short hop from COS to PHX on Frontier's daily flight). In certain years, AF football! Always, the Academy and its Colorado graduate community. A relatively new VA medical facility in Colorado Springs. Dick Covey • Mecca for outdoor recreation, central US location, community has high regard for the military, Colorado Springs has a small town feel. Bob Sallee • The weather--generally, not too hot, not too cold. It's a western region with very little hustle and bustle to put up with. Rockne Buraglio |
| What are the disadvantages
to living in the Pikes Peak Area? • The cold winters are starting to get to us a bit. It's quite a long way to the oceans, if you like going there, but not far from the warm Arizona winters. The altitude can be a negative for those with respiratory issues. Vince and Nancy Rusinak • Frankly, I've not found one. Some may be concerned about the weather but since my wife and I are retired if the weather is bad we simply sit home and watch the fireplace. Mike Parkinson • Low humidity aggravates dry skin. Far from daughter living on east coast. Far from cruise ship ports. Bill Eckert • Cold temps in winter - but we escape to our Florida condo for warm ups during the coldest months. Bill Sasz • Winter weather can be a problem if you need to commute every day. Not much of a problem for retirees. General aviation flying can be challenging with the density altitude and winds. David K. Allen • Very few disadvantages, other than big-city living mentioned earlier. Hartsel Beckett • I'm a southern boy, so I'm OK if I never see ice and snow again. That said, the winters here are mild. I taught as a volunteer at the Academy for 12 semesters. I only stayed home due to weather once. We have an all wheel drive SUV with all weather tires, and road conditions haven't been an issue. The altitude can be an issue for anyone with respiratory problems. Debbie's dad was on full oxygen here, and he had the same oxygen reading when he visited us at the coast with no supplemental oxygen. Carl A Janssen Jr • Now that I've stopped skiing, the winters are a little cool, but Az is a short drive to spend a week or two when weather here is too cold. The growth to the Northeast makes it more difficult to get around as there are few good east-west arteries. Increasing homeless problem related to the legalization off MJ. Phil Schmidt • I can't think of a whole lot of disadvantages in comparison to other places we have lived. If you really like greenery, this is probably not the place to live. We do not get that much snow (and when we do, it does not stay around long), but if you don't like snow at all, this is not the place for you. Dale Oderman • Winter. We have a second home in Scottsdale and spend the winter and early spring there. Colorado's flat income tax with a limited exclusion for retirement income ($24000). Colorado's liberal leaning politics driven by Denver and Boulder. Limited non-stop international flights from DIA. An ever increasing homeless population. Dick Covey • Few disadvantages, although the legalization of marijuana has created more drug availability and use in schools, drawn black market suppliers for neighboring states. Bob Sallee • The dryness can bring fire concerns that have caused major issues the last few years. Rockne Buraglio |
| Intangibles. • There are over 4000 Academy Graduates living in Colorado and more than half live in the Pikes Peak Area. There are over 30 classmates who choose to live in the Pikes Peak Area: we get together every quarter with our spouses to share lies. It is a very conservative area politically. It is a relatively safe area in which to live. The traffic is not bad compared to larger cities. Vince and Nancy Rusinak • Many good friends right here. Low humidity means dishes & clothes dry fast--no mildew issues. Little traffic. Easy parking in town. Lots of sports and volunteer opportunities at USAFA and nearby. With the year-round good weather and mountain sports nearby, you often see Colorado Springs in lists of the most healthy/fit cities in the country. Bill Eckert • Colorado Springs growth is exciting to watch. Loads of new housing options and restaurants. Shops at Briargate provides good shopping with a small town feel. New hospitals recently built and in progress. Having AFA just across the interstate from our house gives us convenience for military benefits, AFA football and other sports and driving onto the base always gives me a sense of security and renews my connection to my military career. Bill Sasz • The low humidity, high number of clear sunshiny days and mountain views are a pleasure. David K. Allen We continue to enjoy our view of Pikes Peak and the front range over the water in the lake where we built our house. We've never taken the natural beauty of this place for granted. Carl A Janssen Jr • Good schools, good medical care, easy to get around for a city of our size. Phil Schmidt • There are a lot of housing choices. We decided we wanted to live in a condo in order to just lock the door and travel, but there are quite a number of options. The housing market here though is seller-friendly right now. Homes don't stay on the market long, and you can't really bargain much about the asking price. Nice views will cost a little more, but why be so close to the mountains and not be able to see them from your home. Dale Oderman • We live on Cheyenne Mountain above Fort Carson. Reveille, Retreat, and Taps are all played over the loud speakers on post, and we get to hear the sounds roll up the mountain to our deck. Dick Covey • 300 days of sunshine a year, 20 minute drive to some of the most remote and scenic areas. World class orchestra and quality fine arts venues. Great university and top rated hospitals. Bob Sallee • USAFA classmates and the ease of getting together; also, the wealth of help and experience they provide. Rockne Buraglio |
| Cost of Living.
• If you are retired, it is relative inexpensive to live in this region. You have the military installations to obtain reduced priced tickets to many events and activities. Vince and Nancy Rusinak • Housing here is more expensive than it was in Texas but when I compare it to some other places I've lived I find it about average. I have also noticed that while Colorado does have a state income tax that between real estate taxes and automobile registration I actually pay lower taxes in Colorado than I did in Texas. Mike Parkinson • Low taxes and the potholes to prove it. Bill Eckert • Relatively low. Bill Sasz • Relatively good cost of living. Having a selection of base commissaries and BXs helps. David K. Allen • Average Hartsel Beckett • Property taxes are relatively low. State income tax gives you a partial deduction on any military retirement. Utility costs are reasonable. Carl A Janssen Jr • The cost of living is very low for the amenities available in the area. Cost of housing and taxes very low. Phil Schmidt • The COL is generally low here compared to living on the East or West Coast. Due to the nature of the military community around here, almost all the big stores and restaurants have some kind of military discount to attract customers. If they don't have a military discount, they frequently have a senior discount. We have just gotten used to asking for discounts at every place we go. There is also a large state income tax deduction for seniors, and after you live in your home for 10 years, there is a reduction of property tax as well. Dale Oderman • Affordable housing, low property tax, access to military bases help offset state income tax. Dick Covey • Colorado Springs has been in line or below the national average for cost of living. The apartment market is an exception. Bob Sallee • Fixed, low income tax rates; special pension considerations; special tax reductions for long term home owners. Rockne Buraglio |
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