Monument, CO

Breath taking views of green pastures and Rocky Mountain foothills abound as one drives west on 105 and passes through the picturesque town of Monument, Colorado, heading towards one of the best kept secrets in the Tri Lakes area. Red Rock and Forest View are two adjoining neighborhoods that allow owners to experience Colorado in a natural setting entwined amongst the natural rock formations unique to this area. Lots typically run 1.5 to 2 acres although there is one site up to 40 acres which is another attractive feature for those desiring something other than manicured planned communities.

Distinctive to this area is a vast array of homes ranging from a simple ranch built in the 70s up to the elegant modern luxury home designed utilizing energy efficiency and green as its core. The views are unmatched from the unique red rock formations to the foothills of the Rockies; to the expansive views of the city below; all the way east to Black Forest. Commuting to Denver or to Colorado Springs is not a challenge and the ability to enjoy a country drive on the way home is a very attractive feature to the neighborhood.

For more information on the unique properties available in this amazing neighborhood and other distinctive areas of Tri Lakes, feel free to contact Lorraine Sayer ABR, CDPE.

Monument Colorado's real estate market is no different than any other market across the country. Prices have been challenged in the last few years and good buys are pleantiful.

As a resident of the area for almost 10 years, I am a huge fan of the area. Lewis Palmer School District in among the top rated districts in the state.

There are two golf courses in the area: Kings Deer and Woodmoor Country Club.

Once known as a truck stop, Monument Colorado has come into it's own in recent years and now has Home Depot, Kohls, Walmart and more. A more rural community, the Town of Palmer Lake is just around the corner and features one of the best 4th of July Fireworks shows in the country.

Monument and Palmer Lake together are known as the "Tri-Lakes" area and has spectacular views of Pikes Peak and the front range mountains, the US Air Force Academy and city lights from Colorado Springs. Also there is easy access to the mountains via Mount Herman Road which is great for camping, hiking or afternoon jaunts.

To find out more about local real estate, including searching for homes, determining local home prices and finding a homes value, visit www.ZColorado.com or call Williams HomeSellers at 719-646-2634

Part of the folklore of the Wild West revolves around the introduction of the rail system connecting the civilized cities of the east bringing necessities to the barren and rustic western states. Today the railway is not the main transport system here in Colorado Springs, yet it is still a valuable resource for moving large quantities of merchandise such as coal and military vehicles.

On a lazy afternoon when trying to find something interesting and affordable to do around the Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak area, why not take a drive up to Palmer Lake and see if the afternoon coal train from Denver is headed your way. Palmer Lake is nestled against the foothills and right through the center of this small community weaves the tracks. Not many places allow one to get up close and personal with the trains and the park in town allows kids to experience the sights and sounds from a safe distance.

Just north of town is a great place to pull off the road and get an up close view as the engine peeks from around the bend. The conductor will thrill any child with a blast of his whistle and wave as he goes by. The smaller 2 track system allows for a more interactive adventure and the background scenery of the foothills adds a magical appeal only experienced here in the west.

One of the joys of helping people relocate to our area is providing a list of various activities that they might enjoy and might not know are available, especially those looking for the affordable interesting adventures around the Pikes Peak region. In the near future I'll introduce one of the areas best kept secrets for mountain biking and hiking that is just a short jaunt from Palmer Lake, with no entrance fee, easy parking, and easy trails.