Colorado offers a wide array of home options to fit every situation and budget. Take our quick survey below to find out exactly what is the best solution for your family.

Why Peterson Space Force Base is a great place to live
Peterson Space Force Base (SFB), located adjacent to Colorado Springs, offers a unique blend of military excellence, community engagement, and access to the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. As a hub for various military operations, including the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command, Peterson SFB provides a dynamic environment for service members and their families.
The base boasts a range of amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents. The Hub Community Center serves as a focal point for dining and social activities, featuring the Colorado Pizza & Sports Grill and hosting events like the monthly LEGO competition. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness center, offering personal training, group classes, and intramural sports. For outdoor recreation, the base's program offers guided trips for activities such as whitewater rafting, hiking, and rock climbing, as well as equipment rentals for camping and skiing.
Families residing on base have access to various educational options through nearby school districts, including Colorado Springs School District 11, Falcon School District 49, and Harrison School District 2. These districts offer a range of programs to support the educational needs of military children.
The surrounding Colorado Springs area complements base life with a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Residents can explore local restaurants, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, and participate in community events, all within a short drive from the base.
Most Peterson families buy with a VA loan: $0 down, no monthly mortgage insurance, and your BAH counts as income. I'm a retired Navy Captain and independent broker in downtown Colorado Springs. I shop dozens of lenders, and I can get you pre-approved off your PCS orders before you arrive.
BAH is the Colorado Springs rate that covers Peterson and Schriever SFB. Neighborhood prices below are median sold prices over the six months ending November 2026 (Resideline) and change monthly.
$0 down, no PMI, and BAH counts as income. Veterans with full entitlement have no loan limit. Disabled veterans are exempt from the funding fee. See my VA loan page.
Your orders can serve as proof of income, so you can be pre-approved and under contract before you report. VA expects you to move in within a reasonable time, usually 60 days, and a spouse can occupy if you're deployed.
VA only requires you to live in the home when you buy. When you PCS, you can rent it out and may still have entitlement left for your next VA purchase. Check yours with my VA entitlement calculator.
If rates drop after you buy, a VA streamline refinance can lower your payment with no appraisal in most cases, even if you've already moved and rented the home out. See my VA IRRRL page.
Already own a home with any type of loan? A VA cash-out refinance can replace it, drop mortgage insurance and pull out equity, up to 90% of the home's value with most lenders.
Much of east Colorado Springs is still being built. A VA one-time close construction loan covers building from the ground up, and a VA renovation loan rolls repairs into the mortgage.
Banning Lewis Ranch, Lorson Ranch and many newer east-side neighborhoods have metro district taxes on top of regular property tax. They raise your monthly payment, so I include them in your numbers before you write an offer.
Colorado Springs gets a lot of hail. VA appraisers look at roof condition, and a worn roof can hold up closing. Ask the seller for the roof's age and any insurance claims early.
Peterson shares its runways with Colorado Springs Airport. Some neighborhoods sit under approach paths, so tour a home at different times of day before you commit.
Start your pre-approval when you get orders, not when you arrive. That gives you time to tour, often virtually, and close on a date that lines up with your report date and household goods delivery.
Answers to the questions Peterson and Schriever families ask most. Figures are current for 2026.
Yes. Your PCS orders can serve as proof of employment and income, so you can get pre-approved and close before you arrive. VA requires that you intend to move in within a reasonable time, usually 60 days. If you're deployed, your spouse can satisfy the occupancy requirement.
Your BAH counts as income, and because it's tax-free many lenders can count it at a higher, grossed-up amount. In 2026, BAH with dependents in Colorado Springs is $2,358 a month for an E-5 and $2,595 for an O-3. Your full budget depends on base pay, debts and credit. Try my affordability calculator, or call me for a real pre-approval.
Cimarron Hills (80915) sits right next to the base. Stetson Hills (80922), northeast Colorado Springs (80923), Banning Lewis Ranch (80927) and Lorson Ranch (80925) are all about 10 to 15 minutes away. Falcon and Peyton (80831) are farther out but popular with families who also work at Schriever SFB.
Not if you receive VA disability compensation, or if you're an active duty Purple Heart recipient. Otherwise the fee is 2.15% of the loan on your first VA purchase with less than 5% down, and 3.3% on later use. It can be rolled into the loan, and putting 5% or more down lowers it.
Yes. VA only requires you to live in the home when you buy it. Many Peterson families rent the house out after a PCS. You may still have enough entitlement left for a second VA purchase at your next duty station. Check yours with my VA entitlement calculator.
No, not if you have full entitlement. If you have a VA loan still open on another home, your remaining entitlement is based on the 2026 conforming limit of $832,750, and you may need a down payment above that amount. I'll run the numbers with you.
Yes. Metro district taxes are common in newer east-side neighborhoods like Banning Lewis Ranch and Lorson Ranch. They don't stop a VA loan, but they raise your monthly payment and count in your debt-to-income ratio, so I include them in your numbers up front.
Yes. Schriever uses the same Colorado Springs BAH rate as Peterson, and the same VA rules apply. Many Schriever families buy in Falcon, Peyton or Banning Lewis Ranch to shorten the drive east on Highway 94.
Peak Seven Mortgage LLC, Company NMLS #1712479. Vic Malone, NMLS #1084279. 102 S. Tejon Street, Suite 1100, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Equal Housing Opportunity. This information is general education, not a commitment to lend. Loan limits, fees and program rules reflect 2026 figures and can change; all loans are subject to credit, income and property approval. Last reviewed November 2026.
Peterson SFB Schools
Multiple School District Options: Families at Peterson SFB can choose from several nearby school districts, including Colorado Springs School District 11, Falcon School District 49, and Harrison School District 2, each offering diverse educational programs.
Transportation Services: District 11 provides bus transportation for students residing on base to schools such as Christa McAuliffe Elementary, Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy, Mann and North Middle Schools, and Mitchell High School.
Choice Enrollment: Colorado's open enrollment policy allows families to apply for schools outside their designated districts, providing flexibility to select programs that best fit their children's needs.
Support for Military Families: Schools serving Peterson SFB are experienced in addressing the unique challenges faced by military children, offering programs and resources to support transitions and deployments.
Specialized Programs: Many schools in the area offer specialized programs, including STEM-focused curricula, arts integration, and advanced placement courses, catering to a wide range of student interests and academic goals.
Community Engagement: The schools maintain strong partnerships with the military community, involving service members in educational activities and fostering a supportive environment for students.

Peterson SFB Lifestyle
Dining at The Hub: The Hub Community Center features the Colorado Pizza & Sports Grill, offering a variety of menu options and a casual dining atmosphere.
Fitness and Recreation: The base's fitness center provides modern equipment, group fitness classes, and personal training services, promoting a healthy lifestyle among residents.
Outdoor Recreation Programs: Residents can participate in organized outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, hiking, and rock climbing, with equipment rentals available for personal adventures.
Community Events: The Hub hosts various events, including themed buffets and social gatherings, fostering a sense of community among base residents.
Proximity to Colorado Springs: The base's location offers easy access to the amenities of Colorado Springs, including shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Family-Friendly Housing: On-base housing options include family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds, splash parks, and community centers, creating a comfortable living environment for families.

Vic Malone
CAPT, USN (ret)

NMLS # 1084279
102 S Tejon Street, # 1100
Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903
Call: 719-304-4900
Mon-Fri: 8am-7pm
Sat-Sun: 11am-4pm