Black Forest, Colorado Real Estate and Information
Black Forest spreads across more than 127 square miles of heavily wooded forestland and wide-open grassland a few short miles east of Interstate 25 in El Paso County. Black Forest real estate primarily consists of large lots, most of which are five acres or more, with rustic, ranch, and rural surroundings. Many sub areas were designed for families who enjoy acreage, large lots with privacy, and horse property.
Although Black Forest is several miles east of the Rocky Mountains, its elevation is more than 7,000 feet above sea level. Some sections of the area provide spectacular views of the Front Range and Pikes Peak.
Resting comfortably in the cool shade of the Ponderosa Pine trees about 20 miles northeast of downtown Colorado Springs, Black Forest, Colorado, is an officially unincorporated community with a population just over 13,100. A proposal to incorporate as a city was defeated in 2006. Black Forest is named such for the high density of Ponderosa Pines located in a generally small area.
Black Forest Neighborhoods
- Abert Estates/Ridge
- Antlers Ridge Estates
- Black Forest Estates/Reserve
- Cathedral Pines
- Cherry Creek Springs
- Elk Creek Ranches
- Elk Horn Estates
- Pine Cone Acres/Ranch/Estates
- Ponderosa Pines
- Wildwood Ranch Estates/Village
Shopping and Dining
The geographical and commercial center of Black Forest is at the crossroads of Black Forest and Shoup roads. Here, or in the very near vicinity, you will find a couple of churches, a country store, a gas station, the community center, and the volunteer fire station.
Local food favorites include R&R Coffee Café and Firehouse on the Run. The northern suburban edge of Colorado Springs is only a few short miles away for relatively quick shopping trips and casual dinner dates. Some of the closest retail, restaurant, and entertainment destinations for Black Forest residents include:
Chapel Hills Mall – 1.2 million square foot shopping center containing more than 100 shops and eateries, a 15-screen movie theater complex, and six department stores. Specialty stores include Build-A-Bear, Color Me Mine, Dick’s Sporting Goods and more.
The Promenade Shops at Briargate is an open-air shopping center, featuring Brighton Collectibles, the Apple store, Bath & Body Works and LV Nails and Spa; restaurants include Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, PF Chang’s, Ted’s Montana Grill, Bird Dog BBQ, and Biaggi’s Ristorante.
Parks and Recreation
El Paso County is home to more than just Pikes Peak. Here you have access to more than 7,000 acres of parkland, a myriad of outdoor recreation facilities, more than 100 miles of trails, and more than 1,000 cultural and nature programs and facilities for people of all ages and interests.
Some of the specific things to do and see in the Black Forest area and El Paso County include but are not limited to the following:
- Pikes Peak
- Garden of the Gods
- Air Force Academy
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park
- Olympic Training Center
- Pike National Forest
- Balloon Classic Colorado
- Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Horses and horseback riding are relatively commonplace out here in Black Forest. You and your equine companion are welcome at numerous El Paso County parks and recreational areas, including Bear Creek Regional Park, Palmer Lake Regional Recreation Area, Fox Run Regional Park, and Black Forest Regional Park.
Living
The pristine, mostly undeveloped countryside in and around Black Forest belies the fact that it’s located in the most populous county in the state, El Paso, with about 622,263 residents. It is located less than 20 miles from downtown Colorado Springs, with a population of more than 416,000. According to city-data.com, Black Forest real estate consists of mostly owner-occupied homes, with the median price at about $350,000.
Black Forest and El Paso County’s comparatively mild climate – with annual averages of 15 inches of rain, 35 inches of snow, very low humidity and 250 days of sunshine – is no doubt one of its main attractions for folks looking to relocate from the harsher climates in the Midwest and Northeast.
Schools, Health, Transportation
Black Forest’s K-12 public education needs are served by Colorado Springs’ Academy School District 20 and Lewis-Palmer District 38. There are 22 elementary, 8 middle and 7 high schools in Academy School District 20. District 38 has five elementary schools, one middle school and two high schools serving over 5,800 students.
Among the various health care centers, hospitals and medical facilities near Black Forest, Memorial Health North is the closest hospital with these three conveniently nearby:
- Centura Health-Penrose St. Francis Health Services (about 14 miles away)
- Memorial Hospital Central (about 14 miles away)
- Pikes Peak Regional Hospital (about 28 miles away)
El Paso County is accessible by the Colorado Springs Airport, which plays host to eight airlines and more than 100 flights a day. The major ground thoroughfares are I-25 and U.S. Highway 24. Mass transit options include Mountain Metropolitan Transit, and Greyhound Bus Lines.
Sell or Buy Your Home
Looking to buy or sell your home in the Black Forest Colorado area? Please contact us. Or for your convenience, take a look at available houses for sale now:
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