Moving from Oklahoma City, OK, to Colorado Springs, CO

Relocating from the plains to the mountains in bordering states

Oklahoma isn’t known for mountain ranges you might think of when Colorado comes to mind, although the state does have some differences in terrain outside of the Great Plains. Bordering state Colorado has deserts, mesas, mountains and plains to enjoy as you adjust to your new city. 

When relocating nearly 600 miles from Oklahoma City to Colorado Springs, you will want to plan for living at a higher elevation. The capital city of Oklahoma is just under 1,200 ft in elevation, while Colorado Springs is just over 6,000 ft.  

Keep reading to learn what else to expect when moving from the “Sooner State” to the “Centennial State.” 

Pikes Peak or Bust: The History of Colorado Springs

Colorado achieved statehood 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed, hence its nickname.  

During the late 1850s, the area around what is now the city of Colorado Springs was the site of the Colorado Gold Rush (then called the Pikes Peak’s Gold Rush). Prospectors often used the phrase “Pikes Peak or Bust,” referring to the mountain.  

You can learn more about the Gold Rush history by visiting the Western Museum of Mining & Industry or exploring the nearby mining towns of Cripple Creek and Victor. 

Modern city life

Colorado Springs is a vibrant city of around 479,000 people and 755,000 in the metro, a bit smaller than Oklahoma City (roughly 681,000 in the city, 1.4 million in the metro).  

Colorado Springs has a healthy job market with average salaries and the unemployment rate right at national averages. 

Major employers in Colorado Springs include Lockheed Martin, the U.S. Olympic Committee and many military contractors because of the city's Air Force, Army and Space Force bases. There are also employment opportunities with local school districts and higher educational institutions Colorado College, the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs and Pikes Peak Community College. 

Anticipate less rain and more snow

With its location in the mountains, it’s no surprise that Colorado Springs gets snow in the winter, approximately 57 inches annually, compared to only 6 in Oklahoma City. The average low in January is 17 in Colorado Springs, about 10 degrees colder than your previous hometown.  

Colorado Springs averages around 18 inches of rain per year, half the amount Oklahoma City experiences. 

Summers are milder in Colorado, and you can expect a couple of extra weeks of sunny days in your new city, perfect for enjoying the parks and trails. The average July high temperature stays in the mid-80s, cooler than the mid-90s you experienced in OKC. 

Move to Colorado with U-Pack

U-Pack® has nationwide service centers and more than 25 years of long-distance moving experience. We have locations near Oklahoma City and Colorado Springs ready to help with your move. We’re a DIY service where you handle packing, loading, and unloading, and then take care of the driving. Get a free online quote today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.