Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Colorado Springs
June 29, 2025
Our U-PACK all packed up and ready to be picked up from Long Island, New York
Moving to Colorado Springs has been one of the most beautiful and unexpected chapters of my life… but let me tell you, I was not prepared for a lot of it.
If you’re thinking about moving here (or just visiting), here are the things I really wish someone told me beforehand.
1. The sun here is no joke
I thought I understood sunscreen. I did not.
Because of the altitude, the UV exposure here is strong. Like, “you were outside for 20 minutes and now you’re burnt” strong.
Even in the winter. Even when it’s cloudy. Even when there’s snow reflecting the sun back at you.
What I learned the hard way:
Sunscreen is an everyday thing here
Your skin will thank you later
Reapplying is not optional
2. You are going to be dehydrated
No one prepared me for how DRY it is.
Between the altitude and the climate, your body is constantly trying to adjust. Headaches, dry skin, fatigue… all very real in the beginning.
My survival tips:
Carry a water bottle everywhere
Electrolytes are your best friend
Lotion, lip balm, all of it! Stock up!
3. Altitude is not just a fun fact
I used to hear “high altitude” and think, cool mountains.
No. Your body feels it.
Even simple things like walking uphill or going up a flight of stairs can feel way more intense than expected when you first get here.
What helped me adjust:
Taking it slow the first few weeks
Not pushing myself too hard right away
Accepting that being out of breath is part of the process
4. The weather has a personality of its own
When people say the weather here is unpredictable… they mean it.
It can be sunny, then snow, then sunny again. All in the same day!
I’ve fully stepped outside in a cute outfit thinking it’s spring, only to be personally attacked by snow an hour later.
What this means for your life:
You will use your entire wardrobe year-round
Layers are everything
Checking the weather once is not enough
I carry an umbrella in my work backpack everyday just in case!
5. Gas is… different here?
This one surprised me the most.
Because of the elevation, the “regular” gas here is a lower octane than what you might be used to at sea level. And that’s normal.
So if you see 85 instead of 87 and panic a little… same. But you’re okay.
My car doesn’t run well on 85 so gas isn’t necessarily cheaper for me either since I have to get 87 (mid-grade in CO) for my car’s engine type.
6. People are genuinely nice… and it threw me off
I’m used to faster-paced environments, so coming here felt like a shift.
People smile at you. They say hi. They hold doors. They make conversation.
At first, I was like… wait… what’s the catch?
But honestly, it’s just the culture here. And it’s something I’ve really grown to appreciate.
Literally on day 1, I walked into Petco to buy a fish tank and a customer and I had a 15 minute conversation. We talked about my move and the fish we keep.
There are definitely some people who don’t fall under this and more often than not, they are also a transplant like me.
7. Your wardrobe will be confused year-round
I thought I was packing for seasons.
Colorado said: “No ❤️”
You’ll need:
Winter jackets
Light layers
Summer clothes
Boots
Sneakers
And somehow… all at the same time.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Colorado Springs has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way.
It’s beautiful, it’s different, and it teaches you how to adapt quickly. Whether that’s to the altitude, the weather, or just a new pace of life.
And honestly? Even with all the surprises… I wouldn’t trade it.
If you’re thinking about moving here…
What’s something you’re curious about? Or if you already live here, what would YOU add to this list?