Best Colorado Springs Neighborhoods for Fall Colors: Where Autumn Really Shows Off

There’s something about fall in Colorado Springs that makes you want to grab a coffee, roll the windows down, and take the long way home.

The mornings get crisp, Pikes Peak starts hinting that winter is coming, and suddenly neighborhoods that you drive through all year look completely different. Mature trees turn shades of yellow, orange and red, leaves cover the sidewalks, and some of our historic homes look like they belong in a fall movie.

Colorado Springs may be famous for its mountain views, but you don’t necessarily have to head into the mountains to find beautiful fall colors.

If you’re thinking about moving to Colorado Springs — or you already live here and just want a good excuse for a fall drive — here are some of my favorite Colorado Springs neighborhoods to experience during fall.

🍁 1. Old North End

If I had to pick a Colorado Springs neighborhood that was practically made for fall, Old North End would be near the top of the list.

Located just north of Downtown Colorado Springs, this historic neighborhood is known for its beautiful older homes, wide streets and mature trees. Visit Colorado Springs describes the Old North End’s streets as wide and shady, with Victorian homes, Craftsman bungalows and landscaped medians. (Visit Colorado Springs)

Now picture all of that in October.

The mature trees create gorgeous stretches of fall color, and the historic architecture makes the whole neighborhood feel especially cozy this time of year.

Take a drive along: North Cascade Avenue, North Tejon Street and Wood Avenue.

Real estate vibe: Historic homes, beautiful architecture, established landscaping and easy access to downtown.

If you’re someone who says, “I want a house with character,” this is definitely an area you’ll want to explore when looking at homes in Colorado Springs.

🍂 2. Patty Jewett

Just east of Old North End is another neighborhood that absolutely shines in autumn: Patty Jewett.

This is one of those areas that can make you forget you’re in the middle of a growing city.

The neighborhood surrounds the historic Patty Jewett Golf Course and features older homes tucked beneath large, established trees. The area is actually described as having a mature urban forest, which helps explain why it’s such a pretty place to explore when the leaves begin changing. (Visit Colorado Springs)

I love Patty Jewett because it feels relaxed and residential while still being incredibly convenient to downtown.

Real estate vibe: Bungalows, historic homes, mature landscaping and an established neighborhood atmosphere.

For buyers who love the charm of older Colorado Springs but want something a little different from Old North End, Patty Jewett is worth adding to the list.

🍁 3. The Broadmoor & Old Broadmoor

Fall in the Broadmoor area is pretty spectacular.

You have mountain views, established landscaping, beautiful homes and plenty of mature trees — and when those leaves start changing, the whole area takes on a completely different look.

There’s actually data behind this one. A Colorado Springs urban tree-canopy assessment found Old Broadmoor had about 50% tree canopy, one of the highest percentages among the city’s neighborhoods. (Colorado Springs Mayor’s Office)

That makes this area especially fun to explore in October.

The Broadmoor area also puts you close to some of Colorado Springs’ most recognizable scenery and outdoor recreation, including North Cheyenne Cañon. (Zillow)

Take a drive around: Lake Avenue and the residential streets surrounding The Broadmoor.

Real estate vibe: Historic estates, luxury properties, larger lots and some seriously beautiful landscaping.

Even if you’re not house hunting here, it’s worth a fall drive.

🍂 4. Old Colorado City & the Westside

Fall and Old Colorado City just seem to belong together.

Historic homes + tree-lined residential streets + mountain views + cool October weather?

Yes, please.

Old Colorado City is one of Colorado Springs’ historic areas, and you’ll find plenty of Craftsman and bungalow-style homes mixed among the shops, restaurants and galleries around Colorado Avenue. (Zillow)

Instead of only driving Colorado Avenue, wander through some of the residential streets surrounding it. That’s where you really start seeing the combination of older homes, mature trees and westside character.

And you’re only minutes from Red Rock Canyon Open Space and Garden of the Gods.

Real estate vibe: Historic bungalows, quirky architecture, older homes and lots of westside personality.

If your dream Colorado lifestyle includes hiking in the morning, grabbing coffee from a local shop afterward and living somewhere that doesn’t feel cookie-cutter, the westside deserves a look.

🍁 5. Pleasant Valley

Pleasant Valley sometimes gets overlooked when people talk about Colorado Springs neighborhoods, but its location makes it a beautiful place to explore in fall.

It’s tucked right next to Garden of the Gods, so you get an incredible combination of neighborhood trees, mountain views and those famous red rock formations nearby. (Redfin)

That’s what makes fall in this part of town so distinctly Colorado.

Instead of just orange and yellow leaves, you can get golden foliage against red rock, blue Colorado skies and Pikes Peak in the background.

Not bad for a trip to the grocery store.

Real estate vibe: Established homes, quieter residential streets and fantastic access to outdoor recreation.

🍂 6. Skyway

If you’re looking for a neighborhood where fall colors come with a serious mountain backdrop, put Skyway on your list.

Upper Skyway recorded roughly 49% tree canopy in the city’s urban tree-canopy assessment — among the highest levels in Colorado Springs. (Colorado Springs Mayor’s Office)

Because you’re also tucked up against the southwest side of the city, the scenery can be gorgeous.

This is one of those neighborhoods where you can feel close to nature without being far removed from everything Colorado Springs has to offer.

Real estate vibe: Established homes, hillside properties, mountain views and quick access to southwest Colorado Springs outdoor recreation.

🍁 7. Shooks Run

Here’s one that might not immediately come to mind.

Shooks Run is close to downtown and gives you that established, older-neighborhood feel that I personally love during fall.

Even more interesting: the city’s tree-canopy assessment found Middle Shooks Run had approximately 43% tree canopy, making it another particularly tree-covered part of Colorado Springs. (Colorado Springs Mayor’s Office)

Add the older homes and central location, and it makes a great area for a crisp October walk or drive.

Real estate vibe: Older homes, central location, established trees and easy access to downtown.

🏡 Why Fall Is Actually a Great Time to Explore Colorado Springs Neighborhoods

Here’s a little real estate tip:

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Colorado Springs, don’t just tour houses.

Tour neighborhoods.

And fall is a fantastic time to do it.

Drive around on a Saturday morning. Walk the neighborhood. Look at the parks. Notice the landscaping. See where people are walking their dogs. Check out the nearby coffee shops, trails and restaurants.

Because you’re not only buying bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage.

You’re buying the lifestyle around the house, too.

And that’s especially important when you’re relocating to Colorado Springs and trying to figure out which part of town actually feels like you.

🍂 When Do Fall Colors Peak in Colorado Springs?

This is Colorado, so Mother Nature doesn’t exactly consult our calendars.

Fall color timing can change from year to year depending on elevation, temperatures, weather and other conditions. In the Colorado Springs area, you’ll often start seeing fall color developing in September and continuing into October, with timing varying substantially by location and elevation.

And, of course, one good Colorado windstorm can change the scenery pretty quickly!

My advice?

When the colors look good, go.

Don’t wait for next weekend.

❤️ One of the Best Parts About Living in Colorado Springs

This is one of the reasons I love Colorado Springs.

You don’t always have to plan some huge mountain adventure to experience Colorado.

Sometimes it’s right outside your front door.

You can walk beneath huge trees in Old North End, look toward Pikes Peak from Patty Jewett, explore the historic streets around Old Colorado City or head toward the Broadmoor and southwest side of town — all without leaving Colorado Springs.

And if you’re thinking about making Colorado Springs home, I’d love to help you figure out which neighborhood fits your lifestyle, budget and wish list.

I’m Shannon Price, Realtor® with Pulse Real Estate Group, and I help buyers navigate the Colorado Springs real estate market — from finding the right neighborhood to getting the keys to their new Colorado home.

Thinking about moving to Colorado Springs? Let’s talk. I’d be happy to help you start exploring neighborhoods and homes that fit what you’re looking for.