10/19/2025
Percheron Master-Planned Community: Your Guide to Colorado Springs' Newest Neighborhood Near Peterson SFB and Fort Carson
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.
Military-Friendly Culture
Unlike some civilian-dominated cities, Colorado Springs understands military life. Local businesses offer military discounts, schools have experience with frequent student transitions, and community organizations actively support service members and their families.
Percheron's location within this military-aware community means:
Neighbors Who Understand: High likelihood of military neighbors who relate to deployment cycles, PCS moves, and base life
School Experience: D-20 schools serve significant military populations and have protocols for supporting students during family separations
Community Resources: Easy access to Military OneSource partner organizations and local veteran service groups
Weather and Lifestyle Considerations
Military families moving from different climates should understand Colorado Springs' unique weather patterns:
Sunny Days: Colorado Springs averages over 300 days of sunshine annually, significantly more than many PCS locations
Four Seasons: Distinct seasons with cold winters (snow possible October-April) and mild summers (temps typically 80s-90s°F)
Low Humidity: Dry climate requires adjustment for families from humid regions, including increased water intake and skin care
Altitude: At approximately 6,035 feet elevation, some families experience temporary altitude adjustment symptoms
The National Weather Service provides detailed climate data for families planning their move.
Making Your Decision: Is Percheron Right for Your Military Family?
When evaluating Percheron for your PCS move or post-military transition, consider these factors:
Percheron Works Well For:
Peterson SFB Families: Shorter commute times make daily life more manageable, especially during winter weather
Families Prioritizing Schools: D-20's strong reputation provides educational stability during military career transitions
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Trail access and Front Range proximity support active lifestyles and physical fitness requirements
First-Time Buyers: Entry-level pricing and VA Loan benefits make homeownership achievable for junior service members
Growing Families: Diverse floor plans accommodate families at different life stages
Consider Alternatives If:
Fort Carson Daily Commuters: The 35-45 minute commute may become burdensome over a typical 3-year assignment, especially with Colorado's winter weather. Communities closer to Fort Carson might better serve daily commuters
Immediate Move-In Needed: New construction timelines typically run 6-12 months, which may not align with short-notice PCS orders requiring immediate housing
Budget Constraints: Percheron's pricing reflects new construction premiums. Established neighborhoods may offer better value for cost-conscious families
Timeline and Availability: Planning Your Purchase
New construction purchases require different timelines than existing homes—an important consideration for military families with specific report dates.
Typical New Construction Timeline:
Model Home Visits and Lot Selection: 1-2 weeks
Contract and Design Selections: 2-4 weeks
Construction Period: 6-12 months depending on builder and floor plan
Final Walk-Through and Closing: 1-2 weeks
Military-Specific Considerations:
For service members with PCS orders, timing is critical. According to Military OneSource, most PCS moves provide 30-90 days notice, which doesn't align with new construction timelines. Understanding your PCS entitlements and benefits can help you plan accordingly.
Options for Military Buyers:
Quick Move-In Homes: Some builders maintain nearly-completed inventory homes with 30-60 day closings
Future Orders: Service members with advance notice (6-12 months) can time construction completion with PCS arrival
Rental Bridge: Families can rent temporarily while construction completes, though this requires financial qualification for both rent and mortgage
Alternative Market: Consider existing homes if new construction timing doesn't match orders
Working with VeteranPCS: Your Local Military Real Estate Experts
Navigating Colorado Springs' real estate market, understanding VA Loan nuances, and coordinating new construction purchases during a PCS move requires specialized expertise. VeteranPCS connects military families with agents who understand both the local market and military life.
How VeteranPCS Agents Help:
Military-Specific Knowledge: Understanding of PCS timelines, BAH calculations, and military life realities
Builder Relationships: Established connections with Percheron builders can facilitate smoother transactions and potential military incentives
VA Loan Expertise: Coordination with VA-experienced lenders who understand military financing unique requirements, including strategies like VA loan assumptions
Local Market Intelligence: Current knowledge of Percheron inventory, pricing trends, and neighborhood development progress
Remote Support: Assistance for families house-hunting before arriving in Colorado Springs, including virtual tours and video walk-throughs
Beyond Percheron: Exploring All Options
While Percheron offers excellent features for many military families, VeteranPCS agents can also introduce you to alternative neighborhoods that might better fit your specific needs:
Closer to Fort Carson: Fountain, Security-Widefield, or south Colorado Springs neighborhoods
Established Communities: Briargate, Northgate, or other developed areas with mature landscaping and amenities
Different Price Points: Options across Colorado Springs' diverse price spectrum
Ready to explore Percheron or other Colorado Springs neighborhoods?
Connect with a VeteranPCS agent today who understands military moves and can guide you through every step of finding your perfect home near Peterson SFB or Fort Carson!
Frequently Asked Questions About Percheron
Q: Does Percheron have a Homeowners Association (HOA)?
Yes, like most master-planned communities, Percheron has an HOA that maintains common areas, trails, and community amenities. Monthly fees typically range from $50-$100 but confirm current rates with your VeteranPCS agent, as they can vary by neighborhood section.
Q: Can I use my VA Loan to buy in Percheron?
Absolutely. All builders in Percheron work with VA Loan buyers regularly. Many offer additional incentives for military purchasers, including closing cost assistance or upgrades.
Q: What if I receive PCS orders before my home is built?
This is a common concern for military buyers. Options include: selling the contract before construction completes, converting to a rental property (if financially feasible), or purchasing a quick move-in home instead. Your VeteranPCS agent can help evaluate these scenarios based on your specific situation.
Q: Are there military families already living in Percheron?
Yes, given Colorado Springs' substantial military population and Percheron's proximity to Peterson SFB, many military families have already chosen the community. This creates a built-in support network for newcomers.
Q: What utilities serve Percheron?
Percheron receives services from Colorado Springs Utilities (electricity, water, natural gas) and has access to multiple internet service providers including fiber optic options—important for military families needing reliable connectivity for remote work or distance learning.
Q: How do I stay organized during my PCS move to Percheron?
Consider creating a comprehensive PCS binder to keep all your important documents, contracts, and moving information in one place. This is especially helpful when coordinating new construction timelines with your PCS dates.
Final Thoughts: Your Colorado Springs Home Awaits
Percheron represents Colorado Springs' evolution as a military community—combining modern amenities, outdoor recreation access, and quality schools with the Front Range beauty that makes Colorado special. For military families evaluating their next PCS move or considering putting down permanent roots in the Pikes Peak region, this master-planned community deserves serious consideration.
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer using your VA Loan for the first time, a growing family needing more space, or a service member approaching retirement and planning your forever home, Percheron's diverse options and strategic location offer compelling advantages.
The key to a successful home purchase—especially during a PCS move—is working with professionals who understand both the local market and military life's unique demands. VeteranPCS bridges that gap, connecting you with agents and lenders who've helped countless military families navigate Colorado Springs real estate.
Found this guide helpful? Share it with your military network to help fellow service members learn about Colorado Springs' newest community! And when you're ready to visit Percheron or explore other neighborhoods, VeteranPCS is here to support your journey home.
