If your next PCS orders bring you to the Front Range, Military Relocation to Monument, Colorado is a smart move for service members and their families. Monument sits between Denver and Colorado Springs in the scenic Tri-Lakes area (Monument, Palmer Lake, and Woodmoor), offering quick access to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station. With highly regarded schools, clean mountain air, and neighborhoods that fit a wide range of budgets and lifestyles, it’s no surprise that Monument is a top pick for military families.
As a local real estate professional with Alan Arata | Keller Williams Clients Choice Realty, I help active-duty personnel, veterans, and government civilians navigate every step of a PCS—whether you’re buying sight-unseen, selling on a tight timeline, or weighing rent-versus-buy decisions. Use this guide as your starting point and reach out when you’re ready for a personalized plan.
Why Monument, Colorado Works for Military Relocation
Monument’s sweet spot is lifestyle and location. You get a quieter, small-town feel with boutique shops, hometown events, and immediate access to the outdoors—yet daily commutes to regional bases stay manageable. Key advantages for military relocation include:
- Central access to multiple bases. If you’re not sure where your spouse will be assigned next, living in Monument keeps options open.
- Top-rated public schools in Lewis-Palmer District 38, plus charter choices. This stability matters during frequent moves.
- Diverse housing options: new construction, established neighborhoods with tall pines, townhomes, and acreage properties for RVs and gear.
- Outdoor amenities out your back door: Mount Herman, the Santa Fe Regional Trail, Monument and Palmer Lakes, and Pike National Forest.
Locals love downtown Monument for its farmer’s market, parades, and community festivals, while Monument Marketplace and Jackson Creek Parkway deliver everyday conveniences like groceries, big-box shopping, and dining. You’ll also find craft coffee, Pikes Peak Brewing Company, and family favorites like La Casa Fiesta and Back East Bar & Grill.
Commuting to Bases from Monument
Knowing realistic drive times helps you choose the right neighborhood. Commutes vary with weather and time of day, but these are common ranges:
- U.S. Air Force Academy (North Gate): about 10–20 minutes
- Peterson Space Force Base: about 30–40 minutes
- Schriever Space Force Base: about 40–50 minutes
- Fort Carson: about 35–50 minutes
- Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station: about 35–45 minutes
- Denver Tech Center: about 45–60 minutes (helpful for dual-military or civilian contractors)
Tip: Monument Hill can see more snow and wind than the base of the hill in Colorado Springs. The roads are well-maintained, but a vehicle with good tires (and a snow brush) makes winter commuting easier. South-facing driveways are a small but meaningful perk for snow melt.
Best Neighborhoods for Military Families in Monument
One of the strengths of Monument, Colorado for Military Relocation is the range of neighborhoods that fit different needs—walkable, pine-covered, brand new, or close to schools. Here are local standouts:
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Jackson Creek: Master-planned area close to shopping, restaurants, and I-25. Mostly single-family homes and townhomes with parks and sidewalks. Served by Lewis-Palmer District 38. Many homes here are in the Triview Metropolitan District, which affects property taxes—talk with me about how this fits your monthly budget.
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Sanctuary Pointe: A newer, upscale community nestled in the trees with trails and beautiful mountain views. Popular with families for its newer construction and quick access to Highway 83 and I-25. New builds and resales are both available, and many homes offer modern energy efficiencies.
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Forest Lakes: Newer development west of I-25 with mountain scenery, lake access, and trail systems. Ideal for those who want a “nature-forward” feel while staying close to Monument’s amenities.
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Woodmoor: Established, wooded neighborhood known for large lots and community feel. Woodmoor Public Safety patrols the area; it’s a nice reassurance for families, especially during deployments. Expect HOA covenants for property standards and many homes surrounded by tall pines.
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Bent Tree and Kings Deer: Larger lots, mature trees, and a “Colorado ranch” vibe with room for toys and trailers. Kings Deer also features a golf course community layout. These areas feel more rural while still offering reasonable commute times.
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Promontory Pointe, Village Center, and Misty Acres: Additional Monument-area options with a mix of newer and established homes, parks, and neighborhood trails.
Nearby Gleneagle and Palmer Lake also appeal to military families: Gleneagle offers quick access to the Air Force Academy and amenities, while Palmer Lake has a charming small-town atmosphere with trailheads and lakefront events.
Schools and Youth Programs in Lewis-Palmer District 38
Military families often choose Monument for school stability. Lewis-Palmer District 38 serves the area with strong academics, competitive athletics, and arts programs. Notable options include:
- Elementary: Bear Creek, Prairie Winds, and Kilmer
- Middle: Lewis-Palmer Middle School
- High: Lewis-Palmer High School and Palmer Ridge High School
- Charter: Monument Academy (K–12, with a newer high school campus)
Extracurriculars range from robotics and theater to soccer, lacrosse, and track. Many families cite D38’s academics and community involvement as a key reason they stay in Monument through multiple assignments.
Renting vs. Buying During a PCS to Monument
Every PCS is different, and the right move depends on your timeline, BAH, and career plans. Here’s how I help clients evaluate:
I’ll provide current market data, likely days on market by neighborhood, and a pricing strategy that aligns with your BAH and goals. If you plan to convert your home into a rental when you PCS out, I can also advise on rental comps and property management options.
VA Loans, BAH, Taxes, and Budgeting at Altitude
Colorado is VA-friendly, and Monument has many VA-savvy lenders who understand PCS timelines. When we talk budget, we’ll look at:
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VA loan basics: Leverage your entitlement for 0% down options and competitive rates. We’ll coordinate with lenders who can honor tight deadlines and obtain appraisal waivers when appropriate.
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BAH alignment: We’ll analyze a monthly payment that fits your BAH while considering property taxes, metro district assessments (common in areas like Jackson Creek, Sanctuary Pointe, and Forest Lakes), HOA dues, and insurance.
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Insurance: Hail is part of life on the Front Range. I’ll discuss the value of Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, roof age considerations, and how that can influence premiums.
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Radon and inspections: Elevated radon is common along the Front Range. We’ll test during inspection and negotiate mitigation if needed.
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Firewise practices: In the pine-covered areas, wildfire mitigation and defensible space matter. I’ll help you understand HOA rules and local resources for mitigation.
Step-by-Step PCS Timeline for Military Relocation to Monument
You can buy confidently from out of state. Here’s a proven blueprint I use with military clients:
- 90–60 days out:
- Strategy call to define needs, commute, school preferences, pets, budget, and timing.
- Get pre-approved with a VA-experienced lender.
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I set up a custom MLS search and share video market updates so you understand pricing and competition.
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60–30 days out:
- Virtual neighborhood tours: I’ll drive you through Jackson Creek, Woodmoor, Sanctuary Pointe, Forest Lakes, and more—live on video.
- Shortlist homes; I conduct detailed video walk-throughs covering traffic noise, sun exposure, storage, and any deferred maintenance.
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Write an offer with PCS-friendly terms (possession dates, seller credits for rate buydown, and repair allowances when appropriate).
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30–0 days out:
- Coordinate inspections, appraisal, and title.
- Remote closing or in-person signing when you arrive.
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Utilities and services checklist provided; I’ll introduce you to trusted local pros for movers, painters, cleaners, and fence or landscaping work.
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Arrival week:
- Key handoff, final walk-through, and a quick orientation on trash days, school enrollment steps, and local must-knows (like Monument Hill weather and best grocery routes during snow).
Daily Life: Weather, Outdoors, Utilities, and Healthcare
Life in Monument balances convenience with fresh mountain air. A few practical notes:
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Elevation and climate: Monument sits near 7,000 feet. Hydration, sunscreen, and a home humidifier help. Expect sunshine year-round, with periodic snow from late fall to spring.
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Outdoor access:
- Mount Herman for hiking and mountain biking
- Santa Fe Regional Trail for running, biking, and strollers
- Monument Lake and Palmer Lake for picnics, paddleboarding, and winter activities
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Fox Run Regional Park (nearby) for playgrounds and forested trails
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Shopping and dining:
- Everyday needs: King Soopers and Safeway in Monument; major shopping a few minutes south along Baptist Road and Jackson Creek Parkway.
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Local favorites: Pikes Peak Brewing Company, La Casa Fiesta, Bistro on 2nd, and Back East Bar & Grill.
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Utilities:
- Electricity is commonly served by Mountain View Electric Association in outlying areas and Colorado Springs Utilities or similar providers closer in; natural gas service is typically Black Hills Energy in much of Monument.
- Water varies by neighborhood (Town of Monument, Triview Metropolitan District, Woodmoor Water), and some rural-style properties have well and septic. I’ll clarify the specifics for any home you consider.
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Internet options include major cable/fiber providers, with coverage varying by neighborhood; I can verify speeds and providers during your home search.
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Healthcare:
- Monument has urgent care and family clinics; major hospitals and specialty care are 15–30 minutes south in northern Colorado Springs. Many facilities are familiar with TRICARE plans.
New Construction vs. Resale Homes
New construction is abundant in Monument, and it can be a great fit for Military Relocation because builders often accommodate flexible timelines:
Resale homes in Woodmoor, Bent Tree, and Jackson Creek often offer larger lots, mature trees, and established community amenities. We’ll balance inspection findings with your timeline and budget to keep your PCS on track.
How Alan Arata | Keller Williams Clients Choice Realty Helps Military Families
Military Relocation demands speed, clarity, and local know-how. Here’s what you can expect when you work with me:
- PCS-smart planning: I align your search with gate access, shift schedules, and school calendars, and I build offers that respect your report-by date.
- Detailed virtual touring: From foundation to roof, I narrate each feature and flag concerns in real time so you can decide with confidence from anywhere in the world.
- VA-focused negotiations: I anticipate VA appraisal and inspection standards and structure contracts that protect you while moving the deal forward.
- Trusted network: VA-savvy lenders, inspectors familiar with radon and stucco, insurance pros who understand hail and wildfire, movers, cleaners, and contractors.
- Post-closing support: From setting up utilities to finding a fence installer for the dog, I stay in your corner long after closing.
Keller Williams Clients Choice Realty provides robust market intelligence, transaction coordination, and technology that make remote buying seamless and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Military Relocation to Monument, Colorado
- Is Monument a good fit if I don’t know my exact base yet?
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Yes. Monument’s central position keeps commutes reasonable to the Air Force Academy, Peterson, Schriever, Fort Carson, and Cheyenne Mountain, which is ideal for changing assignments.
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Can I buy a home in Monument sight-unseen?
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Absolutely. I routinely help military clients purchase remotely through live video tours, thorough inspection reviews, and digital signings. You’ll feel like you walked every inch yourself.
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What should I look for in a Monument home given the climate?
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Consider south-facing driveways, quality roofing (Class 4 shingles reduce hail risk), radon mitigation systems, and energy-efficient windows and HVAC. I’ll help you evaluate each item.
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How do metro districts affect my payment?
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Some neighborhoods have metro district assessments that increase property taxes. I’ll show you the total monthly cost across options so you can compare apples-to-apples with your BAH.
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Are there good rental options if I need flexibility?
- Yes. Townhomes and single-family rentals come up regularly, especially near Jackson Creek and along the I-25 corridor. I can secure options quickly and conduct virtual showings.
Your Next Step
Military Relocation to Monument, Colorado doesn’t have to be stressful. With a clear plan, local market insight, and a PCS-savvy real estate partner, you can land in the right home, on time, and within budget. Whether you’re arriving next month or just received soft orders, reach out to Alan Arata at Alan Arata | Keller Williams Clients Choice Realty to map out your move. I’m ready to guide you through neighborhoods, schools, commute considerations, VA financing, inspections, and everything in between—so you can focus on your mission and your family.
