Colorado Springs Student Renting: An Insider's Look at Top Colleges and Student Neighborhoods

If your perfect college experience involves a blend of breathtaking mountain views and vibrant city living, then Colorado Springs, CO, might be the right choice for you. The Springs offers more than its share of higher learning institutions, like the University of Colorado and Pikes Peak Community College. I’m a big fan of this city. To me, it offers the perfect relaxing atmosphere for school. You’ll find some impressive living opportunities around these schools, too.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Colorado Springs

If you are going to the mountains of Colorado Springs to attend school, there are student apartments and exciting neighborhoods near the best campuses.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is located in the northeastern part of the city. As a student at UCCS, you have the most beautiful views of Pikes Peak, the mountain that inspired the song “America the Beautiful.” UCCS is also known for its modern facilities, such as the 92,000-square-foot ENT Center for the Arts. Surrounding this immense campus are neighborhoods with a little something for everyone.

Cragmoor

The stunning neighborhood of Cragmoor on the north side of the city, adjacent to the university campus, serves as a hub for students. There are also two purposes. Living there puts you within walking or biking distance to class. You’ll find one of the largest student housing complexes in the heart of this neighborhood. Cragmoor offers easy access to major shopping centers, such as University Village Colorado, featuring both retail and dining options.

Palmer Park

Palmer Park is ideal for students who require ample green space and breathtaking views. It is home to the 730-acre regional park with the same name. There you’ll find more than 25 miles of biking, hiking, and horseback riding trails. There is even a dog park. Palmer Park is just five to 10 minutes from the UCCS campus, which makes it a manageable commute.

Garden Ranch

If suburban life is more your thing, then consider one of Colorado Springs' hottest neighborhoods—Garden Ranch. This area is conveniently located near the campus, offering easy commutes to class and providing access to one of The Springs' most critical shopping areas, the Powers Corridor. You could walk to class in just minutes.

Briargate

The master-planned community of Briargate is an option for students with families. Located in the northern part of the city, Briargate is renowned for its strong school system, Academy District 20, and family-friendly green spaces, including the John Venezia Community Park. This is a 30-acre park with a ranch-themed playground accessible for kids with disabilities, and a splash pad.

Colorado Technical University (CTU)

Colorado Technical University offers career-focused students a blended education. It is one of the schools of choice for military families in the area, as well. The flexibility of the programs at CTU makes it a practical choice not only for undergraduates but also for graduate students. The program's focus is primarily on business, management, technology, and healthcare.

Westside

The Westside neighborhood of Colorado Springs sits just five miles from the CTU campus, so you could walk or bike to class. It consists of some of the most well-known areas in this city, including Old Colorado City and the Garden of the Gods. If you live in the Westside neighborhood, you are at the foot of Pikes Peak with one of the best views in the country.

Rockrimmon

In the northwest part of the city, nestled in the foothills of the mountains, is the neighborhood of Rockrimmon. Known for its picturesque views and close proximity to CTU, Rockrimmon provides a variety of housing options, making it a prime choice for students. The neighborhood has a college-town feel with plenty of outdoor recreation and other amenities.

Pleasant Valley

On the west side of Colorado Springs, not far from CTU, is the quiet residential neighborhood of Pleasant Valley. The neighborhood derives its name from the relaxed atmosphere it provides to its residents and a strong sense of community. It is also a short commute, only about 10 minutes, making it convenient for students who want a residential atmosphere without the long drive to on-campus classes.

Knob Hill

Knob Hill sits just under five miles from CTU and is a hub of creativity. The neighborhood is a favorite among artists and is rich in culture, featuring an abundance of street art. It also boasts a thriving music scene. You’ll find Knob Hill near the Citadel Mall, one of the most well-known shopping centers in The Springs. That gives you access not just to shopping, but also to dining and entertainment.

Northgate

For students seeking a residential area that offers numerous outdoor recreational activities, consider Northgate. This neighborhood is just 20 minutes from campus and provides easy access to some of Colorado Springs' best hiking and biking trails. That makes it conveniently located near the campus for in-person classes, allowing you to walk or bike to class.

Colorado College

Colorado College is a private liberal arts school that has built its reputation around a Block Plan academic schedule. Students there get an immersive learning experience that focuses on a single subject. This allows for small class sizes and extensive hands-on learning, along with all the beauty and recreation that Colorado Springs has to offer. There are numerous living environments near Colorado College to suit every student's needs and preferences.

Downtown

Colorado College is just a few blocks from the downtown area of The Springs. That means students who choose this neighborhood as their home get the best of all worlds. Downtown Colorado Springs offers urban living, along with a wealth of amenities and cultural attractions. Walk a few blocks in one direction and enjoy a five-star meal. Go the other direction and see live music or entertainment.

Old North End

Old North End is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the city. Known for its late 19th-century architecture, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Students can find housing options of all budgets in the Old North End, along with numerous green spaces for walking and biking. There is a strong sense of community in this area, which has led to the development of thriving local businesses. Old North End also provides easy access to the school. It sits directly adjacent to the campus.

Westside

The Westside of Colorado Springs encompasses some of the most well-known areas in the city, including Old Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. It consists of a variety of specialty restaurants and art galleries that cater to tourists. Students who decide to call the Westside home will also find themselves near the campus with easy access to classes and living at the foot of Pikes Peak.

Pikes Peak Community College - Centennial Campus

Pikes Peak Community College is a prominent public institution with several campuses in the Springs area, including Centennial, Downtown, and Rampart. The school primarily offers associate degrees and certifications in a diverse range of industries. It can serve as a stepping stone to a four-year college or a training ground for entry-level jobs in healthcare, the culinary arts, and cybersecurity.

The Centennial Campus sits on the southern side of Colorado Springs. This places it near a mix of residential and commercial neighborhoods. It is also near the Fort Carson Army post.

Broadmoor

The close proximity of the Broadmoor neighborhood to the Pikes Peak Community College Centennial campus makes it a practical choice for students. It is also one of the more affordable housing areas in the city, so it is perfect for individuals working towards a degree or certificate. Along with budget-friendly housing options, students will enjoy a wide variety of amenities, like easy access to Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Broadmoor also offers a range of public transportation options for students who need to commute downtown for work after classes.

Southborough

The Southborough neighborhood in Colorado Springs is near the airport and just a few miles from the Centennial campus. It is also close to major employers in the area, like the Peterson Space Force base. Residents enjoy the community feel of this neighborhood and a pleasant environment. It is primarily residential, with wide streets and lots of views of the Colorado mountains. It is a good choice for students commuting to college for classes. There is both public transportation and access to major roads.

Spring Creek

Spring Creek is just minutes outside the downtown area. That places it near the east side of the campus. Being that close to downtown means students have access to the urban amenities available there, such as shopping, entertainment, and dining. Spring Creek also offers entry to one of the city's major green spaces: Memorial Park. It features sports, fitness trails, and numerous events. This is a good area for students with families as well. There is affordable housing on tree-lined streets, and nearby public schools.

Stratton Meadows

The suburban neighborhood of Stratton Meadows sits in the southwest area of Colorado Springs. This makes it a very convenient choice for students at Pikes Peak State College Centennial Campus. It is just minutes by car from the school. This area is home to numerous apartment complexes and townhouses, making it prime real estate for students seeking this type of housing. There is easy access to shopping, with three major shopping centers nearby. It also offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including Stratton Open Space, which features miles of walking trails and diverse wildlife habitats.

Skyway

Sitting at the base of the Cheyenne Mountain is the quaint neighborhood called Skyway. It gets its name from the panoramic views and open spaces. This area is a bit more upscale than most in Colorado Springs, thanks to its mountain foothills setting. It does offer an easy drive to the Centennial campus, though. There is quick access to several major roads, including Highway 115 and I-25. Skyway is also known for its excellent public school system, which makes it a draw for families. It is the right choice for students who want a scenic view and open space and can afford to pay a little more for housing.