Written by Patrick Glastonbury
Colorado Springs has recently been ranked as the fifth best place to live in America, and its downtown area was separately ranked the ninth best in the country.
The U.S. News and World Report’s list of the best U.S. cities to live in placed Colorado Springs at number five out of the 100 metropolitan areas analyzed. A similar list, compiled by Livability.com, ranked Colorado Springs’ downtown at ninth in its compilation of the 10 best downtowns in the U.S.
The U.S. News list evaluated areas based on a multi-dimensional metric, considering job markets, quality of life, value, desirability, and net migration. Using a slightly different methodology, Livability.com referenced the city’s vacancy rate, projected population growth, affordability, number of parks and arts-related businesses, and population density, among other criteria.
Colorado Springs’ livability and status as a city has been a polarizing issue, with most either charmed or bored by Colorado’s second largest city. While the allure of Pikes Peak and the outdoors is appealing to most, some want more than just a picturesque setting.
Susan Ashley, a History professor from Portland, Ore., was incredulous at such a high ranking. For her, the best part of the Springs is the city’s location in “the shadow of a mountain.” While the natural beauty of Colorado Springs is alluring, it still does not compare to the vibrancy of her hometown. “Portland is a fantastic city,” she said, noting its unique position between mountains and ocean.
If Ashley could change one thing about the Springs, it would be the demographics. She said that she wished there were more young people around to create a more dynamic atmosphere in Colorado Springs. Claire Vernon, a junior from Baltimore, Md., had different reasons for appreciating Colorado Springs.
“The people here are really friendly and passionate about what they do,” she said. The native Baltimorean also appreciates the cultural scene of the town, and likes that not everything is easily accessible. While Vernon values the good people in town, she worries about those who are intolerant: “People are hella xenophobic sometimes.”
Despite her overall appreciation for Colorado Springs, Vernon, an avid athlete, wishes there were more sporting opportunities over the weekends. “I wish there was more dollar bowling on Sundays,” she said. She also misses the waterside views of her hometown, and wishes there were more places to study or hang out by the water.
Whether it’s bowling or nature, Colorado Springs has more to offer than most realize. The consensus on campus is that the high ranking awarded to Colorado Springs by the U.S. News and Livability.com lists surprised many. Nevertheless, everyone was able to settle on something that they appreciated about Colorado Springs.