Ask Jeff & Lane · Neighborhoods · 2026

Which Areas in El Paso County Are Popular with Military Families? (2026 Guide)

By Jeff and Lane Morrell · October 2026

The Morrell Group | eXp Realty

Short Answer

Fort Carson families gravitate south and east toward Fountain, Widefield, Security, Lorson Ranch, and Stetson Hills for approachable prices and shorter gate commutes. Peterson and Schriever families spread across the east side of the city, and Academy-area families look north toward Gleneagle, Monument, and the Academy District 20 communities. The 2026 road improvements made more of the city realistic for every installation.

Around Fort Carson

Security, Widefield, and Fountain are closest to the South Gate, and Lorson Ranch and Stetson Hills offer newer homes within a reasonable commute (our VA loan guide, October 2026). The MAMSIP project, a $161 million investment completed in 2026, improved I-25 and Charter Oak Ranch Road so these commutes are faster and more predictable (our August 2026 post).

Around Peterson and Schriever

Families at these installations often look east: Springs Ranch, Stetson Hills, Cimarron Hills, and the new construction near Flying Horse East and Peyton (our 2026 posts). Upgraded South Academy and Highway 94 corridors mean more neighborhoods are realistically within commuting range than a few years ago.

Around the Air Force Academy and north

Gleneagle, Monument, and the D20 communities like Briargate and Northgate draw steady military and PCS buyers near the Academy (our October 2026 D20 post). These areas tend to carry higher prices with strong schools.

The loan side of the move

VA loans allow zero down with no private mortgage insurance, and the 2026 VA loan limit for El Paso County is $832,750 for a single-family home on partial entitlement (our VA loan guide, October 2026). With roughly four months of inventory this fall, military buyers have real choices.

Jeff & Lane's Advice

We have done this move dozens of times with service members, and we know the gate times, the neighborhoods, and the loan process cold. Your report date is the clock that matters, so we build the plan around it. You are in great hands.

Here when you're ready, Jeff & Lane Morrell

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