US Air Force Academy Housing

In Colorado's high desert, the Air Force Academy has the Rocky Mountains to its west, with Pikes Peak as a prominent landmark in the skyline.

"The Springs," as Colorado Springs is often called, consistently ranks high for quality-of-life factors. Military families and civilian transplants from across the country are flocking to Colorado Springs to take advantage of idyllic settings and near perfect weather. The majority of military stationed in the Springs are thrilled to live in Colorado’s second largest city, with glowing reviews of the city’s amenities and neighborhoods being typical. This duty station in Colorado is the perfect opportunity to break away from your norms and try something different. Whether it's rock climbing or learning to love craft brews, a new adventure awaits.

Outdoor adventures, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and a growing economy are just the beginning of a long list of positive features in the Colorado Springs area. The convenience of city life and small town camaraderie intermingle to form a well-rounded community. For these reasons, growing pains are emerging. Recent trends in relocation and the lack of housing have pushed the local markets to higher price points. Inadequate public transportation and the inconveniences of continued road and housing construction are also contentious issues.  

Travel both in and out of Colorado is a perk for those stationed at the US Air Force Academy. All-season adventures await: skiing, hiking, biking, climbing—you name it, there’s a group who wants to adventure with you. Because of Colorado’s central location, military families take advantage of traveling to attractions in states near and far. For a quick getaway, Denver, the largest city in Colorado, has a drive time from Colorado Springs of 1.5 to 2 hours.

USAF Academy Housing

Unless you're a dorm-dwelling cadet, military family housing might be your best option. The Air Force Academy Family Housing is administered by Hunt Military Communities, featuring two distinct communities in Colorado Springs that offer different floor plans and amenities. Visit the Air Force Academy site above for images and floor plans. For off-base housing options near the USAF Academy, see the house hunting information below.

Air Force Academy Housing Contact Info: 

 

Office: (719) 982-4800

Leasing Phone: (833) 499-5579

Maintenance Requests: (719) 867-9688

After Hours Maintenance: (719) 867-9675 opt 1

Property Contact Email: afacontact@huntcompanies.com

 

Address:

Air Force Academy Family Housing

4609 W Bighorn Dr

USAF Academy, CO 80840

When stationed at the USAF Academy, you’ll find that Briargate and Northgate are closest. Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs are next up and the rest fall in either downtown or south of the city, which makes for an extended commute. 

Base Search

• Homes for sale and houses for rent near the US Air Force Academy: U.S. Air Force Academy Homes 

City Search

• Colorado Springs: Homes for Sale, Houses for Rent
• Monument: Homes for Sale, Houses for Rent
• Peyton Homes

Colorado Springs house hunting tips:  

1. If an air-conditioned home is a priority, double check that your for sale or rent home options are outfitted with AC. Some homes come equipped with swamp coolers or no AC system at all. 
2. Many Colorado homes have basements and the area regularly has bursts of intense rains that cause flooding. If your home does not have a sump pump, it likely is a wise future investment.

U.S. Air Force Academy BAH Information 

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S.-based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing. 

The U.S. Air Force Academy is near Colorado Springs with many options to buy or rent. Some sample U.S. Air Force Academy BAH rates for zip code 80840: 

 

• E-1 with dependents: $2,160
• E-1 without dependents: $1,692
• E-9 with dependents: $2,613
• E-9 without dependents: $2,361
• O-1 with dependents: $2,355
• O-1 without dependents: $1,977
• O-6 with dependents: $2,898
• O-6 without dependents: $2,547

Area Weather & Climate

If you appreciate four distinct seasons without extremes, Colorado Springs is the perfect destination. You’ll need every season’s best gear and multiple pairs of quality sunglasses. Don’t forget sunscreen! The area experiences nearly 250 days of sunshine per year. And if you’ve never lived at a high altitude, it may take some time for you to adjust to the elevation. While cold during the fall and winter seasons, the city is temperate compared to other areas of the state, resulting in less snow and warmer temperatures. Spring snow is common and provides moisture for glorious blooms. Warm days fill the summer, but relief comes from low humidity and quickly dropping temperatures at night.

Road travel can be hazardous and challenging in the winter months, especially from the west, due to inclement weather and closures of mountain passes. Call the Colorado State Patrol at (303) 639-1111 or access Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) website for more information. If possible and/or necessary, detour around the mountains.

USAF Academy Area School Info

There are no base schools for children of military families at the USAFA. If you're stationed at the U. S. Air Force Academy, public school students will attend Academy District 20 schools. There are more than ten public school systems in the Colorado Springs area. It’s important to become familiar with Colorado’s school choice policy, which equates to an open enrollment. 

 

USAFA Area School Districts

 

Families may choose between assigned neighborhood schools, or “choice in” to another school inside or outside of the district if there is availability. Note that although you may attend a different school than your neighborhood is zoned for, it's up to you to provide transportation in most cases. Other area school districts include Manitou Springs, Widefield District 3, Cheyenne Mountain District 12, Falcon District 49,  Harrison District 2, and Colorado Springs District 11.  

 

Use the Colorado Springs school finder tool to search for schools near your address: Colorado Springs School Finder. 

 

Families looking for charter, private, and homeschooling education also have access to plenty of choices, including faith and non-faith based schools and groups. Refer to the School Choice Handbook provided by the School Liaison Officer to find more details about all of the public, private, and home schooling options on or near Peterson SFB.

 

• Connect with the USAFA School Liaison Office
• Private School Review for Colorado Springs Schools
• Colorado Homeschool Support Info
• Colorado Department of Education Homeschool Resources

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Support for Military & Families

One of the first stops military families should make is the Airman USAF Academy Force Support Squadron. You’ll find access to many of the common resources service members and their dependents need, including info about childcare, youth center, recreation , fitness, and continued education.  

For military spouses, top employers in the area include Lockheed Martin, Progressive, Microchip Technologies, Fort Carson, USAF Academy, and the school districts.

Nearby colleges include:

• University of Colorado Springs
• Colorado College
• Pikes Peak State College
• Pima Medical Institute - Colorado Springs

There are so many ways to volunteer! Check out the Airman and Readiness center, American Red Cross, Cadet Sponsorship Office, Silver Key-Meals on Wheels, High Point Therapeutic Riding Center, and many more. Spouses may want to connect with the Academy Spouses’ Club.

Things to Do Near the Air Force Academy

Garden of the Gods: Visit Colorado Springs' paradise in one magical stop. This registered National Natural Landmark boasts 300-foot sandstone formations, set against Pikes Peak's snow-capped summit and vivid blue skies.

 

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: The perfect outing for the whole family, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo lets the kids explore the animal kingdom and even interact with it from time to time. Watch for opportunities to feed the giraffes and pet the goats! Check for military discounts on membership.

 

The Broadmoor Seven Falls: Enjoy “The Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado” as you make your way into Seven Falls where the water cascades 181 feet down between the Hercules Pillars, a 900-foot frame for this Colorado natural wonder. And to make this outing even more unforgettable, take the steep 224-stair climb to the top where you’ll access several trails above this phenomenon. Want a sneak peek? Check out the Broadmoor’s Seven Falls live stream.

 

Pikes Peak Highway: Setting your sights on the incredible beauty of Colorado has never been easier with this 19-mile long winding road. It takes you to the summit of Pikes Peak and offers breathtaking views of the lakes, mountains, and wildlife. The trek takes about two to three hours round-trip. 

 

The Broadmoor: Iconic resort offering award-winning restaurants and lounges. 

 

The Perk Downtown: One of Colorado Springs’ oldest coffee shops. Serving up locally roasted coffee, fine tea, and savory food options.

 

Play Street Museum: Children can enjoy interactive nature exhibits and educational games.

 

Streetcar520: This building's original purpose was to house and service the streetcars that used to run on Tejon Street. Great brunch menu and the more standard lunch and dinner fare. 

More Area Info