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Black Forest, CO

Frequently asked questions

Black Forest, CO

Black Forest is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP) located in and governed by El Paso County, Colorado, United States. The CDP is a part of the Colorado Springs, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population of the Black Forest CDP was 15,097 in the United States Census 2020. Both the Colorado Springs post office (Zip Code 80908) and the Elbert post office (Zip Code 80106) serve the area.

The Black Forest is named for a dense stand of Ponderosa Pine in the area. In 2006, residents voted against a proposal to incorporate as a city.

The history of the Black Forest area is closely paralleled by that of a larger area traditionally known as the "Pineries". The area originally extended from Divide, Colorado (now known as the town of Monument, Colorado), through the present planning area and east along the Platte-Arkansas Divide to a point where the Ponderosa Pines thinned out. Altogether the Pineries encompassed a 1,000 square mile area. Although the origin of the name is not clear, that portion of the Pineries north of Colorado Springs became known as the "Black Forest" around the turn of the century.

Arrowheads and charcoal pits provide evidence that the planning area was occupied by Native Americans at least 800 years ago. The first known inhabitants were the Ute and Comanche Indians. The dense Ponderosa Pines provided them with protection, fuel, and timber for lodgepoles. These tribes were displaced by the Kiowas around 1800. Almost 40 years later, the Arapahoe and Cheyenne tribes joined forces to drive out the Kiowas and become the last Native Americans to inhabit the area.

Several towns and settlements dotted the planning area at one time or another during its history. The largest and most long-lived of these was the Town of Eastonville. Eastonville (actually located just to the east of the planning area) was begun in the early 1880s as a stop on the Colorado and Southern Railway. Its population peaked at about 400 in 1910 and was already in decline when the railroad ceased operations in 1935. Today only a few remnants of the once thriving townsite remain.

While Black Forest is not an incorporated town, it is well known by that name. At first, the name was more informal but became "more official" with the opening of the Black Forest School (now named Edith Wolford Elementary) in 1923.

Black Forest prioritizes health and wellness, offering residents access to healthcare services and recreational activities. University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora is known for its comprehensive medical services and research. BoulderCentre for Orthopedics & Spine offers physical therapy services to address musculoskeletal issues and sports injuries. Vitality Physical Therapy provides personalized physical therapy programs for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain management. SpineOne offers physical therapy as part of its comprehensive approach to treating spine-related conditions. Denver Health Physical Therapy Clinic provides physical therapy services for patients with various medical needs. Massage Envy offers a range of massage therapies including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and prenatal massage.
 

Top Sites in the Black Forest, CO: Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, Pikes Peak - America's Mountain, and Red Rock Canyon Open Space.
 

Population: 14,437 (2022). Elevation: 7,575′. Area code: 719. Area: 100.698 sq mi (260.807 km2). ZIP Code: Colorado Springs 80908 and Elbert 80106.
 

FAQs

Why is the Black Forest called the Black Forest in Colorado?

The Black Forest is named for the high density of Ponderosa Pines located in the area. There is evidence that the Black Forest area was occupied by Native Americans at least 800 years ago; the dense Ponderosa Pines provided them with protection, fuel, and timber. When American pioneers began to settle the region in the late 1850s, the Black Forest became an important center of activity, primarily as a source of scarce timber.

Is Black Forest, CO a suburb of Colorado Springs?

Black Forest is a suburb of Colorado Springs with a population of 14,437. Black Forest is in El Paso County and is one of the best places to live in Colorado. Living in Black Forest offers residents a rural feel and most residents own their homes.

What is the cost of living in Black Forest, CO?

Black Forest, CO is known for its affordable cost of living. The median household income in Black Forest is around $82,800, one of the highest in Colorado and significantly higher than the national average. Property taxes are one of the lowest in the state and the cost of food, transportation, and utilities are all below average. Although housing prices have been increasing, they are still quite reasonable compared to other parts of Colorado. This makes Black Forest an attractive option for those looking for a great place to live without breaking the bank.

Sources

El Paso County

Wikipedia

We Are Black Forest

Niche

Best Places

University of Colorado Hospital

BoulderCentre for Orthopedics & Spine

Vitality Physical Therapy

SpineOne

Denver Health Physical Therapy Clinic

Massage Envy

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park 

Pikes Peak - America's Mountain 

Red Rock Canyon Open Space

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.