What Should You Know Before Moving to Monument, CO?

The short answer: Monument sits about 20 minutes north of Colorado Springs at roughly 7,000 feet, on the Palmer Divide. That means more snow and wind than town, quick access to I-25 and the foothills, and a mix of newer subdivisions and older, pine-covered neighborhoods. Before you move, get to know the neighborhoods, the water district that serves the home, the commute over Monument Hill, and how the weather here differs from Colorado Springs.

By Brennan Wolff, Broker, Realtor®

I grew up just east of Monument, and I still think it's one of the best places on the Front Range to call home. But I also see people move here expecting "Colorado Springs, just a little north," and it's not quite that. Here's what I tell anyone relocating or moving up to the Tri-Lakes area.

Where is Monument, and what's it close to?

Monument is at the north end of El Paso County, along I-25 between Colorado Springs and Denver. Together with Palmer Lake and Woodmoor, it makes up what locals call the Tri-Lakes area.

• North Colorado Springs is about 15 to 20 minutes south.
• The Air Force Academy borders the area to the south.
• Downtown Colorado Springs is about 30 minutes away.
• The Denver Tech Center is roughly an hour north, depending on traffic and weather.

What is the weather like in Monument compared to Colorado Springs?

This is the part that surprises people most. Monument sits on the Palmer Divide, a ridge that runs east from the mountains and sits noticeably higher than Colorado Springs. It often catches more snow, stronger wind and colder nights.

It's common to leave north Colorado Springs in light flurries and hit real snow by the time you reach Monument. Summers are a little cooler, which many people love. Plan for good tires, and drive the commute in bad weather before you commit to a home.

What are the different neighborhoods in Monument like?

Monument isn't one market. It's really two, and they look and feel different.

• Newer subdivisions like Jackson Creek, Sanctuary Pointe and Forest Lakes offer newer homes, HOA-maintained common areas and, in some cases, trails and views of the Front Range.
• Established, wooded areas like Woodmoor have larger lots, tall ponderosa pines and a wide range of home ages and styles.
• Acreage on the edges, around Kings Deer and Bent Tree and Higby Road, offers more land and more room between neighbors, often with private wells and septic systems.

The Tri-Lakes area guide breaks these down in more detail.

What should you know about water in Monument?

Water service in the Tri-Lakes area comes from several different local water districts, and some homes on larger lots run on private wells. Much of the area has historically relied on groundwater from the Denver Basin aquifers.

When you're looking at a home, ask which district serves it, what the rates are and whether there are any outdoor watering rules. For homes on wells, review the well permit, since it controls what the water can be used for.

Which school district serves Monument?

Most of Monument is served by Lewis-Palmer School District 38, though some areas near the edges fall into other districts. School boundaries can change, so always verify the assigned schools for a specific address directly with the district.

What's the commute like from Monument?

I-25 is Monument's main artery, and the stretch over Monument Hill is the one to watch in winter storms. The highway between Monument and Castle Rock was widened in recent years, which helped, but snow can still slow things down on the Divide.

If you'll commute south into Colorado Springs, you'll be driving away from the worst of it. If you'll commute north toward Denver, drive it during rush hour and on a snowy morning before you buy.

What do people love about living in Monument?

• Outdoor access. The Santa Fe Trail runs right through town, and Mount Herman, Palmer Lake and Pike National Forest are close by.
• A real downtown. Historic downtown Monument has locally owned shops and restaurants, and the town's Fourth of July celebration is a local tradition.
• Space and views. Depending on the neighborhood, you can find big lots, mature trees or wide views of the mountains, with the foothills right out the back door.

Frequently asked questions

Is Monument part of Colorado Springs? No. Monument is its own town in El Paso County, about 20 minutes north of Colorado Springs. Many homes outside town limits have Monument mailing addresses but are in unincorporated El Paso County.

Does Monument get a lot of snow? More than Colorado Springs, because of its elevation on the Palmer Divide. Most storms clear within a day or two, but plan for winter driving.

What's the difference between Monument and Woodmoor? Woodmoor is an established, wooded community just east of I-25 with a Monument address. It's one of several distinct neighborhoods within the greater Monument area.

Is Monument a good place to buy a home? That depends on what you're looking for. If you want more space, trees and a smaller-town feel within easy reach of Colorado Springs, it's worth a close look.

Thinking about a move to Monument?

Whether you're relocating from out of state or moving up from across town, I'm happy to show you around and help you narrow down which part of Monument fits how you want to live. Start with the Buyer's Guide, or reach out to me directly.