Military families stationed at Peterson Space Force Base or Fort Carson face a common challenge: finding a home that balances community amenities, quality schools, and reasonable commute times. Colorado Springs' newest master-planned community, Percheron, addresses these needs with a thoughtfully designed neighborhood along East Woodmen Road that combines modern housing, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly features.
This comprehensive guide explores what makes Percheron an attractive option for active duty service members, veterans, and their families considering a PCS move to Colorado Springs in 2025 and beyond.
What Makes Percheron Different?
Percheron isn't simply another housing development—it's a master-planned community designed around lifestyle and connectivity. According to the City of Colorado Springs Planning Department, master-planned communities like Percheron must meet specific criteria for infrastructure, green space, and community amenities that benefit residents long-term.
The community spans approximately 1,300 acres in northeast Colorado Springs, strategically positioned to offer both suburban convenience and access to the city's natural beauty. Development began in 2023, with the first residents moving in during 2024.
Key Features:
- Multiple Home Builders: Percheron partners with several nationally recognized builders, offering diverse floor plans and price points to accommodate military families at different career stages
- Integrated Amenities: The community design includes shopping, dining, and recreational spaces within walking distance of residential areas
- Educational Access: Homes fall within the highly-rated Academy School District 20 (D-20), not D-49 as originally planned—an important distinction for families prioritizing education quality
- Trail Connectivity: Over 10 miles of planned walking and biking trails will eventually connect to the Woodmen Regional Trail system and broader Pikes Peak region trail network
Community Amenities: Built for Active Military Families
Percheron's amenity package reflects the needs of modern military families who value both community connection and outdoor recreation.
Regional Sports Complex
The centerpiece of Percheron's recreational offerings is a planned 125-acre regional sports complex that will serve both residents and the broader Colorado Springs community. While specific facilities are still being finalized as of October 2025, similar complexes typically include:
- Multi-purpose athletic fields for soccer, lacrosse, and football
- Baseball and softball diamonds
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Playground areas for younger children
- Pavilions for family gatherings and unit events
This type of facility is particularly valuable for military families who often use sports and recreation to build community connections after a PCS move.
Trail Systems and Open Space
According to Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, the city maintains over 200 miles of trails throughout the region. Percheron's planned trail network will integrate with existing systems, including:
- Woodmen Regional Trail: A major east-west trail corridor that connects multiple neighborhoods
- Internal Community Trails: Planned paths throughout Percheron for walking, jogging, and biking
- Open Space Preservation: The community design dedicates significant acreage to parks and natural areas, maintaining the Front Range views that make Colorado Springs attractive to newcomers
For military families who value outdoor recreation—whether for physical fitness requirements or simply enjoying Colorado's natural beauty—these connected trail systems provide immediate access to active lifestyles.
Schools: Academy School District 20
An important clarification: Percheron homes fall within Academy School District 20 (D-20), not District 49 as initially planned during early development phases. This distinction matters significantly for military families prioritizing education quality.
According to GreatSchools.org, a nonprofit providing school ratings based on test scores, student progress, and equity metrics, Academy School District 20 consistently ranks among Colorado's top-performing districts. The Colorado Department of Education rates D-20 schools highly for academic achievement, with several schools earning distinction status.
For military families, strong schools provide continuity when children may change schools multiple times during a military career. D-20's reputation and performance metrics make it a draw for service members prioritizing educational stability.
Nearby D-20 Schools Include:
- Elementary: Air Academy Elementary, Cotton Elementary
- Middle: Air Academy Middle School, Pine Creek Middle School
- High: Air Academy High School, Pine Creek High School
Location: Strategic Access for Military Commuters
Percheron's location along East Woodmen Road provides military families with balanced access to both Peterson Space Force Base and Fort Carson, though commute times vary significantly between the two installations.
Distance and Commute Considerations
- Peterson Space Force Base: Approximately 12-15 miles southeast via Powers Boulevard and North Carefree Circle, with typical drive times of 20-25 minutes during non-peak hours
- Fort Carson: Approximately 25-30 miles south via Powers Boulevard and Interstate 25, with drive times ranging from 35-45 minutes depending on traffic and gate entry points
- Schriever Space Force Base: Approximately 30 miles east via Woodmen Road and Highway 94, roughly 35-40 minutes
According to the Defense Travel Management Office, service members should consider commute distance when calculating Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) budgets, as longer commutes increase fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.
Local Amenities and Shopping
Percheron's proximity to Powers Boulevard—one of Colorado Springs' major commercial corridors—provides convenient access to:
- Grocery stores (Safeway, King Soopers, Walmart)
- Retail centers (Powers Marketplace, Shops at Briargate)
- Restaurants ranging from fast-casual to sit-down dining
- Medical facilities including urgent care and pharmacies
- Banking and essential services
This commercial access means military families can handle everyday errands without extended drives, saving time during busy PCS transitions or deployment preparations.
Visual Suggestion: Interactive-style map showing 5-minute, 10-minute, and 15-minute drive radius from Percheron to key amenities and military installations.
Home Options: What to Expect in Percheron
As of October 2025, Percheron features multiple builders offering diverse home styles and price points. While specific inventory changes frequently, military families can generally expect:
Builder Options
Percheron partners with established builders known for quality construction and military-friendly sales processes, including:
- Oakwood Homes: Known for energy-efficient designs and flexible floor plans
- Richmond American Homes: Offers customization options and military incentives
- Century Communities: Features quick move-in options valuable for short-notice PCS orders
Each builder maintains model homes and sales centers within Percheron, allowing military families to compare options in one location.
Price Ranges and Floor Plans
As of late 2025, new construction homes in Percheron typically range from the mid-$400,000s to $600,000s+, depending on size, finishes, and lot selection. This pricing aligns with Colorado Springs' overall market, which according to Zillow, has seen steady appreciation due to continued military presence and civilian population growth.
Common Floor Plans:
- 1,800-2,200 sq ft: Entry-level homes often with no or unfinished basements, typically 3-4 bedrooms
- 2,200-2,800 sq ft: Mid-range homes with more space throughout, usually 4-5 bedrooms, often with finished basements
- 2,800+ sq ft: Larger homes with luxury touches throughout, 5+ bedrooms with premium finishes
VA Loan Advantages in New Construction
Military families using VA Loans in Percheron benefit from several advantages when purchasing new construction. According to VA.gov, VA Loans require no down payment for eligible service members and veterans, which can save $15,000-$30,000 upfront on a $500,000 home compared to conventional financing requiring 3-5% down.
Additional VA Loan Benefits:
- No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Conventional loans require PMI when down payments fall below 20%, adding $100-$300 monthly. VA Loans eliminate this cost
- Builder Incentives: Many Percheron builders offer attractive low interest rates or closing cost assistance for military buyers
- New Construction Advantages: VA Loans work seamlessly with new builds, and the VA appraisal process includes a thorough property inspection protecting buyers from construction defects
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes that VA Loans typically offer competitive interest rates compared to conventional options, potentially saving thousands over the loan term. For military families interested in understanding all their VA Loan benefits, our comprehensive guide covers essential VA Loan advantages for 2025.
Colorado Springs Military Community: Why Location Matters
Colorado Springs hosts one of the largest military populations in the United States, with over 45,000 active duty service members and their families according to the Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation. This substantial military presence creates a unique community dynamic that benefits newcomers.
