It’s no secret that Colorado Springs is a hot spot among those looking to move to a place where there’s no shortage of outdoor recreation. This reality was highlighted by a recent post made on the city’s Reddit board, with a user of the platform noting they were new to town, asking locals if there’s “anything I should know?”

As someone who has lived in Colorado Springs for more than a decade at this point, I found a lot of the comments pretty insightful. Here’s a look at a few of my favorite topics that were discussed.

1. There are wild temperature swings. “50 in the morning, 85 in the afternoon,” as one Redditor put it. “Dress for both.” This couldn’t be more true – not only is Colorado known for a big drop in temperature that takes place nearly every night, incoming Colorado Springsians should also be on the look-out for side effects of that weather – snow, hail, rain, wildfire risk, etc.
2. Don’t think a ‘red light’ means it’s time to go. Colorado Springsians have a tendency to run red lights. Obviously, that’s not legal, but either way, it happens quite frequently. When your light turns green, check to make sure a reckless driver isn’t about to t-bone you first. And beware of reckless drivers in general, too.
3. Drink a lot of water. With the summer heat, the high elevation, and the general dryness of the area, it’s easy to get dehydrated in Colorado Springs. Especially if you’re doing something active. Always make sure you’ve got plenty of water and that you’re actually drinking it. Don’t skimp on the electrolytes, too – water alone isn’t enough.
4. Beware of construction. “Cone zone. It’s your life now,” wrote one Redditor – and unfortunately, that seems to be very accurate. The big temperature swings and the wild weather that the state gets seems to be hard on roads around the city. Couple that with the city trying to catch up with rapid growth that’s taken place in recent years and its a recipe for constant construction.
5. Your body will dry out. Adding to the risk of dehydration, your body will take time to adjust to the drier climate, as well. “Chapstick and lotion. All day, every day,” wrote one Redditor. This one is painfully true. If you don’t stay on top of it, expect a split to form in your lower lip. Oh, and you’ll probably get some nose bleeds – at least, at first.
6. Don’t hike with speakers. Yep. Plain and simple. Not only does this annoy other hikers – perhaps moreso than anything else you could do on the trail – it also scares away wildlife. Don’t be that person.
7. Beware of property crime – unfortunately, it can be notably high in some parts of the city. Don’t leave your bike outside (and don’t think a lock will prevent the theft of a bike that’s sitting out for days). Utilize a home security system and be aware of suspicious behavior.
8. The sun shines a bit brighter here. Thanks to the high elevation of Colorado Springs and the ample sunny days, sunblock is essential.
9. You might struggle with breathing for a bit. Another side effect of the high elevation is that there’s less oxygen in the air. It can take some people a few weeks or more to properly acclimate. Hold off on strenuous activities until your body is ready for the challenge. Also, be warned that booze tends to hit harder here.
10. “Slow the life down and appreciate everything,” wrote one Redditor, and I couldn’t have said it better myself. Colorado Springs is one of the most beautiful cities in the country thanks to a stretching mountainscape and stunning sunsets. Take time to enjoy the many parks around the city and beyond and take in the fresh air and good views.

What else would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments.

Find the full Reddit post here.