US Air Force Academy Housing

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US Air Force Academy

U.S. Air Force Academy Relocation Information

 

Welcome to the U.S. Air Force Academy!

The United States Air Force Academy or USAFA, is an accredited college for the undergraduate education of commissioned officers for the United States Air Force. The Academy's mission is to develop leaders of character, motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our nation.

VisitUSAFA

View of the Cadets Chapel at the Air Force Academy

 

Located in Colorado Springs at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, there are  approximately 1,750 active duty, 4,000 cadets, and 1,875 civilians at the Academy. The 10th Air Base Wing includes more than 3,000 military, civilian, and contract personnel who conduct all base-level support activities, including law enforcement and force protection, civil engineering, communications, logistics, military and civilian personnel, financial management, services and the clinic, for a military community of about 25,000 people.

 

Base staff/units include staff that educates and trains cadets, the 10th Air Base Wing, AF Cyberworx, Association of Graduates, and Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation. Much of the Academy is set up like most other Air Force bases, particularly the 10th Air Base Wing, but the superintendent, commandant, dean of faculty,  and cadet wing are set up in a manner resembling a civilian university. 

 

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Image via Defense Media

 

The convenience of city life and small town camaraderie intermingle to form a well-rounded community. Outdoor adventures abound, while the nightlife is far from dull. And if you’re being assigned to the USAFA with your family, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly outings!

 

The USAFA is one of the largest tourist attractions in Colorado, known for its iconic Cadet Chapel. The Air Force Academy is the youngest of the U.S. service academies and graduated its first class in 1959. 

 

Moving to the USAF Academy? Download your free guide to the area below!

 

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Frequently Asked Questions About the United States Air Force Academy

 

1) Can you visit the Air Force Academy?

 

The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs is open to visitors, including chapel tours. Visit the United States Air Force Academy Visitors Center for the most updated information. 

 

2) What is the altitude in Colorado Springs?

 

Colorado Springs is at a higher elevation than you may be accustomed to, with an altitude of nearly 7,000 feet above sea level. Newcomers from lower elevations may experience minor altitude sickness initially. It’s advised that you drink plenty of water and do not overexert yourself in the first couple of weeks after arrival.

 

3) Is Colorado Springs an expensive area to live? 

 

According to Best Places, the overall cost of living index for Colorado Springs is 105, which is 5 points above the national average of 100. "The Springs" is an above average cost of living area, with housing prices above the national average. 

 

4) In what county is the USAFA located? 

 

The Air Force Academy and Colorado Springs are located in El Paso county, Colorado. 

 

 

5) What is the zip code for the U.S. Air Force Academy?

 

The zip code for the U.S. Air Force Academy is 80840. Other nearby zip codes include 80132, 80918, 80819, 80908, and 80920.  

 

6) What is the BAH for the U.S. Air Force Academy? 


BAH for the U.S. Air Force Academy ranges from $2,079 for E-1 to $2,556 for E-9 with dependents, and from $2,286 for O-1 to $2,814 for O-7 with dependents. See the housing section for more info.

 

7) What other military installations are near the Air Force Academy?

 

Colorado Springs is home to several military installations belonging to multiple branches. Peterson SFB is centrally located and has two Air Force bases as its neighbors. Schriever SFB lies to the east and Cheyenne Mountain Air Station to the west. The Army’s Fort Carson is located south of Peterson AFB.

Military installations near the U.S. Air Force Academy: 

Co_Springs_Bases

 

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Base Location and Information

Official Site: United States Air Force Academy

USAFA_base_map

USAFA base map via nps.gov

The Air Force Academy is situated in the “high desert” region of Colorado, and is bordered on the west by the Rocky Mountains, with the legendary Pikes Peak a prominent feature of the skyline.

Year after year, Colorado Springs (“The Springs”) earns top billing on lists touting high marks for quality of life factors. Military families as well as civilian transplants from across the country are flocking to Colorado Springs to take advantage of idyllic settings and near perfect weather. 

 

Colorado Springs

View of Colorado Springs. Image from Canva.

 

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, 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.

 

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Garden of the Gods, image via Garden of the Gods Visitor Center. Image from Canva.

 

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 at about 1.5 to 2 hours.

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Arrival Lodging

 

Arrival lodging at the Air Force Academy is provided by Air Force Inns Rampart Lodge.

 

USAFA Lodging Contact Info

 

Reservations

 

Lodging Address

 

3130 Academy Dr.

USAF Academy, Colorado, 80840-5000

 

USAF Academy Housing

USAFA_housing

Image via Air Force Academy Housing

If you're not a cadet housed in a dorm, you may be looking at living in military family housing. 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 AF Academy Housing 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

USAF Academy Off-Base Housing

 View homes for sale and houses for rent near USAF Academy - US Air Force Academy Homes

 

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Image from Canva

In Colorado Springs, a few of the more popular (and competitive) neighborhoods include Downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, Broadmoor Bluffs, Briargate, Northgate, Fountain, and Powers.

 

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 make for an extended commute. 

 

Base Search

City Search

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 invoke flooding. If your home does not have a sump pump, it likely is a wise future investment.

 

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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: $2,079
  • E-1 without dependents: $1,638
  • E-9 with dependents: $2,556
  • E-9 without dependents: $2,292
  • O-1 with dependents: $2,286
  • O-1 without dependents: $1,878
  • O-7 with dependents: $2,814
  • O-7 without dependents: $2,535

 

Area Weather & Climate

 

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Image via Air Force Academy Housing

 

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 fall and winter, 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.  Colorado Trip also has timely travel information. If possible and/or necessary, detour around the mountains.

 

USAF Academy Area School Info

 

USAFA Schools

Image via Academy District 20

 

 

There are no base schools for children of military families at the USAFA.  If residing on the U. S. Air Force Academy, public school students will attend Academy District 20 schools.

 

There are more than 10 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 districts

USAFA Area School Districts

 

Families may choose between assigned neighborhood schools, or “choice in” to another school inside or outside of 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.

 

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Support for Military & Families

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Image from Canva

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 servicemembers 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 2, 3, 8, 11, 20 and 49.

 

Nearby colleges include:

 

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. It’s a registered National Natural Landmark where you can view 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of the snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant 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! Bonus: Military members get $25 off any membership level.

 

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 breath-taking 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 explore the great outdoors through interactive exhibits and educational play space. Kid-themed activities where children can pretend and imagine endless adventures in a tree house and campsite.

 

Streetcar520: This building was originally built to store and maintain the streetcars that once traveled Tejon Street. Great brunch menu as well as the more standard lunch and dinner fare. 


See more ideas for things to do in Colorado Springs!

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More Area Info

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Base Address:

2354 Fairchild Drive, Suite 6L-155
USAF Academy , 80840-6240

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