Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog

New construction in Colorado Springs looks very different depending on which side of town you’re on. Buyers often ask, “Should I build on the east side or the west side?” and the honest answer is: it depends on what you value most.

From lot sizes and views to commute times and long-term character, east side and west side new construction offer two very different lifestyles. Understanding those differences helps buyers make decisions they won’t regret five years down the road.

East Side New Construction: Space, Scale, and Master-Planned Living

The east side of Colorado Springs is where most large-scale new construction is happening. This side of town offers expansive master-planned communities with newer infrastructure, wider roads, and neighborhoods designed around growth.

Popular areas include Banning Lewis Ranch, Cordera, Wolf Ranch, and Flying Horse, all known for newer schools, trail systems, and community amenities.

Many homes here are built by well-established local and regional builders like Classic Homes, Vantage Homes, and Campbell Homes, offering a wide range of floor plans, finishes, and price points.

Why buyers choose east side builds

• Modern layouts with open floor plans and larger garages
• Energy-efficient construction and newer systems
• Community amenities like pools, parks, and recreation centers
• Easier access to Powers Boulevard, Marksheffel Road, and military bases

Things to weigh carefully

• Smaller lots and homes built closer together
• HOAs are almost always mandatory
• Landscaping is newer with fewer mature trees
• Longer drives to downtown and west side trail systems

East side construction is ideal for buyers who value predictability, convenience, and newer infrastructure.

West Side New Construction: Scarcity, Location, and Character

New construction on the west side is much more limited. Between the foothills, established neighborhoods, and protected open space, available land is scarce. As a result, west side new construction is usually infill development, custom homes, or small builder projects rather than large subdivisions.

Many west side builds are near places like Old Colorado City, Garden of the Gods, and Red Rock Canyon Open Space.

Why buyers seek out west side builds

• Proximity to trails, open space, and mountain views
• Shorter drives to downtown and west side amenities
• More architectural variety and custom design options
• Often more privacy and unique lot placement

Local custom builders and smaller firms tend to dominate west side construction, focusing on one-off or limited projects rather than volume building.

Challenges to expect

• Higher price points due to land scarcity
• Very limited inventory and longer wait times
• More complex build considerations due to terrain and zoning
• Fewer community amenities compared to east side master plans

West side new construction appeals to buyers who prioritize location and lifestyle over size and scale.

HOA Differences Between East and West

HOAs are a major difference between the two sides.

East side communities typically have structured HOAs with detailed design guidelines, amenity maintenance, and long-term planning. These HOAs often work with local landscaping and maintenance companies, including businesses like Phelan Gardens and Rick’s Garden Center, to keep common areas consistent and water-wise.

On the west side, HOAs may be smaller, less restrictive, or sometimes nonexistent. When they do exist, they’re often focused on shared access roads or limited maintenance rather than amenities.

Commute and Daily Lifestyle

East side residents often enjoy easier commutes to Peterson Space Force Base and Schriever Space Force Base, along with quicker access to big-box shopping and newer commercial development.

West side residents benefit from closer proximity to downtown, historic districts, and trail systems, but eastbound commutes during peak hours can take longer.

Lifestyle matters here just as much as the house itself.

Long-Term Value Considerations

Both sides can perform well long term, but for different reasons.

East side homes tend to attract future buyers looking for newer systems, modern layouts, and community amenities. West side homes often hold value because of location scarcity, mountain proximity, and limited new inventory.

Neither option is universally better. They simply appeal to different buyer priorities.

Infrastructure and Growth Patterns

East side infrastructure is designed for expansion, with newer roads, utilities, and planned development. Buyers should consider how future growth may impact traffic and density.

West side infrastructure is older and more established. While that adds charm, it can also mean narrower roads and fewer large-scale improvements over time.

Which Side Fits You Best?

East side new construction may be a great fit if you want:

• More home for the price
• Newer systems and minimal maintenance
• Planned neighborhoods with amenities
• Easier access to major roadways and bases

West side new construction may be better if you want:

• Trail access and mountain proximity
• Established surroundings and character
• Unique or custom home designs
• Close access to downtown and west side lifestyle

Final Thoughts

New construction on the east side and west side of Colorado Springs serves very different buyers. One focuses on growth, efficiency, and scale. The other focuses on location, scarcity, and lifestyle.

The best choice isn’t about which side is better. It’s about which side aligns with how you live today and how you plan to live in the future.

In Colorado Springs, both options can be excellent investments when expectations, location, and lifestyle are aligned.