Dining
Notable
- Bistro on 2nd (upscale New American)
- Black Forest Foods Cafe & Delicatessen
- Goat Patch Brewing Company (taproom + food trucks)
- La Rosa Southwestern Dining
Farmers Market
Monument Farmers Market (summer Saturdays, Limbach Park)
Monument
I-25's gateway town between Denver and the Springs — top schools, Pikes Peak views, and Tri-Lakes charm
Monument's median home price is $593K–$694K as of 2026, placing it at a notable premium over Fountain ($400K) and Peyton ($500K) — a difference buyers pay primarily for Lewis-Palmer District 38, rated A by Niche and ranked #5 Best School District in Colorado. Both Lewis-Palmer HS and Palmer Ridge HS carry A grades. Off-peak commutes run 20–25 minutes to Colorado Springs and 50–60 minutes to Denver via I-25. At 10,400 residents with a median household income of $129K, Monument sits at the top of the Tri-Lakes corridor — Pikes Peak views, the New Santa Fe Regional Trail, and a growing downtown.
Community Snapshot
At a Glance
Parks & Outdoors
New Santa Fe Regional Trail — 15+ miles paved, connects Monument to Palmer Lake and Colorado Springs
Monument Lake / Palmer Lake — scenic reservoir with fishing and picnic areas
Fox Run Regional Park — 416 acres, forested trails, playground, disc golf
Limbaugh Canyon — short hike to overlook Palmer Lake and the Rampart Range
Pike National Forest access — 15 min west
Housing Market
Market Snapshot
Life Here
Lifestyle & Culture
Arts & Culture
Events
- Palmer Lake star lighting (holiday tradition visible from I-25)
- Monument Farmers Market
- Tri-Lakes 4th of July Celebration
- Art Hop — downtown gallery walks
Pets
Dog Parks
Fox Run Dog Park (5 fenced acres inside Fox Run Regional Park — separate small/large dog areas, bag dispensers, benches, shade)
Trails
- New Santa Fe Regional Trail (15+ mi, leashed)
- Fox Run Regional Park (417 acres, leashed on trails)
- Limbaugh Canyon
- Pike National Forest (15 min)
Vets
- Monument Veterinary Clinic (Dr. Erin DeTurck)
- Woodmoor Veterinary Hospital & Pet Lodge
- Banfield Pet Hospital (inside PetSmart, Jackson Creek Pkwy)
- Mountain Lake Family Vet
- VCA Front Range Animal Hospital
Pet Stores
- PetSmart (Jackson Creek Pkwy)
- local pet supply shops
Education
Schools & Childcare
A
Lewis-Palmer School District 38
#5 Best School District in Colorado (Niche 2026)
- Lewis-Palmer HS
- Palmer Ridge HS
- 6,405 students district-wide
- Average teacher salary competitive with Jeffco/Cherry Creek
Early Childhood
- Daycare Centers
- 9+ preschool/daycare programs in Monument area
- Pre-K Availability
- Lewis-Palmer SD 38 Preschool & Early Childhood Programs (social, emotional, cognitive development focus); Palmer Lake Early Childhood Center
- Avg Monthly Cost
- $919/mo full-time average; preschool avg $891/mo
Summer Camps
Tri-Lakes YMCA programs; private camps in the Tri-Lakes area
Getting Around
Commute & Transit
Colorado Springs (downtown)
20–25 min
Rush hour: 30–40 min
I-25 south
Denver (downtown)
50–60 min
Rush hour: 70–90 min
I-25 north — long but doable for hybrid workers
DIA
65–75 min
I-25 to E-470
No direct transit — Car-dependent. Nearest transit is Mountain Metro (Colorado Springs).
Similar Communities
Communities in the same region, same county, or a similar price tier as Monument.
Common Questions
FAQ — Monument
What are the school ratings in Monument?
Monument is served by Lewis-Palmer School District 38, rated A by Niche and ranked #5 Best School District in Colorado (2026). Lewis-Palmer High School and Palmer Ridge High School both carry A grades. The district enrolls 6,405 students and is the primary draw for people relocating to the Tri-Lakes area. LP38 consistently ranks in Colorado’s top 5. Verify enrollment eligibility by address — district boundaries can be complex.
How long is the commute from Monument to Denver or Colorado Springs?
Monument sits at the midpoint of I-25, approximately 50 miles south of Denver and 20 miles north of Colorado Springs. Off-peak drive time to downtown Colorado Springs is 20–25 minutes (30–40 min rush hour). Denver is 50–60 minutes off-peak and 70–90 minutes during rush hour. DIA is 65–75 minutes via I-25 to E-470. There is no direct transit — the area is car-dependent.
What is the median home price in Monument?
As of 2026, the median home price in Monument ranges from $593K (Redfin, February 2026) to $694K (Zillow median sale). Realtor.com lists $792K. Prices vary widely by neighborhood. Year-over-year price change is +0.4% (Redfin), indicating a stable market. Median household income in Monument is $128,816.
What outdoor recreation is available in Monument?
The New Santa Fe Regional Trail offers 15+ miles of paved multi-use trail connecting Monument to Palmer Lake and Colorado Springs. Fox Run Regional Park provides 416 forested acres with trails, a playground, and disc golf. Monument and Palmer Lakes offer scenic fishing and picnic areas. Limbaugh Canyon features a short hike to an overlook of Palmer Lake and the Rampart Range. Pike National Forest access is 15 minutes west.
What are the crime statistics in Monument?
Monument reports minimal violent crime incidents, per Monument Police Department and El Paso County Sheriff data. Crime statistics for small communities can fluctuate year to year due to low population. Law enforcement coverage includes El Paso County Sheriff and Monument Police Department, serving approximately 10,400 residents.
What is the cost of living in Monument?
Monument’s cost of living is approximately 6% below the national average according to ERI data. Median property tax is roughly $4,035 per year. Sales tax combines El Paso County, Monument town, and state rates. Median household income is $128,816 with a median age of approximately 38.
What dining options are available in Monument?
Monument’s growing downtown offers a range of dining options: • Bistro on 2nd — upscale New American cuisine • Black Forest Foods Cafe & Delicatessen • Goat Patch Brewing Company — community taproom with food trucks • La Rosa Southwestern Dining The Monument Farmers Market runs on summer Saturdays at Limbach Park.
What healthcare facilities are near Monument?
UCHealth Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs is approximately 20 minutes south. Denver’s hospital network is about 60 minutes north on I-25. The US Air Force Academy, located nearby, also has medical facilities for eligible personnel.