​Living in big surroundings: Forest Lakes near the Air Force Academy offers a new view of life in Colorado. 
By Mark Samuelson, Denver Post Real Estate

If you’re not finding the scenery around Denver that you were hoping would be part of your next move, Colorado Springs’ builder Classic Homes has a treat waiting for you today, 45 minutes south down I-25, just north of the U.S. Air Force Academy. 

Classic is only two years into development of Forest Lakes – its nearly one-thousand-acre community wrapping two lakes along scenic Beaver Creek near Monument – but, the lakeside setting and the Pike National Forest backdrop are bringing rapid sales, including Denver buyers. “We love the north side of Colorado Springs,” one homebuyer told me, planning to commute to Park Meadows.
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Classic literally roared through 79 homes beside Bristlecone Lake, where there’s a lakeside park with a dock for non-powered watercraft and a pretty amphitheater that’s attracting hundreds for the summer concerts (you’re invited 6 p.m. July 27 for Indy Rock group HeresToFightin, and Aug. 10 for Phat Horn Doctors). 

Meanwhile, you can tour Classic’s ranch and 2-story model homes today in a neighborhood wrapping 14-acre Pinon Lake – but once again, homes are disappearing very rapidly. Classic had 160 home sites here when it opened in 2016; but is now down to 25 in the first release – including four homes for fall move-in from $453,729; two set for October, a 2-story and a 4-bedroom/3-bath ranch. Classic will open another group of 42 home sites near Pinon Lake later this year and pricing is expected to start in the mid to upper $300s – way, way below new single-family home prices in typical Denver communities now. They also have big plans to open a spectacular new area in the west valley adjacent to the National Forest. 

Classic’s ranch plans are hugely popular – accounting for 70% of sales here. “It seems like everyone is looking for main level living,” says Karin Martin, who along with Lisa Minder and Craig Esterle will show you the homes. “Some are telling us they want less landscaping, and more time to travel with their kids and grandkids. Growing families like our ranch plans, too.”
She’s seeing buyers coming from as far as Golden, considering moving here for this setting. “Denver buyers tell us about the high prices and the bidding wars, and that they’re not finding the quality of life they like.” That buyer is going to be wowed by the surroundings here – 450 acres of the thousand acres dedicated as open space, opening to Pike National Forest. 

I should also mention there are three remaining home sites near the 65-acre Bristlecone Lake, where custom builders are rapidly absorbing the lots. You’ll have the opportunity to see two of these homes in the Colorado Springs Parade of Homes starting August. 

Forest Lakes is a perfect distance west of I-25 – far enough to be very quiet, but easily accessible. Take I-25 south past C-470, continue 36 miles to Exit 158/Baptist Road, then head west two miles, angling right on Forest Lakes Drive to the models. 

Click here to read the full article as published in Mark Samuelson's Denver Post article.