Comparing Briargate with Flying Horse, Flying Horse North and Black Forest? Heather Lay explains how each fits buyers who want land, newer homes or golf.
Quick answer: Briargate is a large master-planned area on the north side of Colorado Springs, planned starting in 1978 and built out over several decades, so it offers homes from many different eras. If you want a golf community, look at Flying Horse. If you want acreage with golf, look at Flying Horse North. If you want land in a wooded setting, look at Black Forest communities such as Cathedral Pines. In every case, HOA dues, metro district charges, and taxes are set by the specific address, so read the documents for the home itself.
Briargate comes up in almost every conversation about the north side of Colorado Springs. It's big, it's well established, and it covers a wide range of homes. But depending on what you want, more land, newer construction, or a golf course, a nearby community may be a better fit. Here's a plain look at Briargate and a few alternatives.
Briargate at a glance
Location
Briargate sits roughly between Interstate 25 and Powers Boulevard, from Woodmen Road north to Old Ranch Road. Its newest residential phase, Cordera, extends beyond Powers.
A bit of history
Developers Lew Christensen and John Venezia began planning Briargate in 1978, working with Urban Land Institute guidelines. The area was annexed to the City of Colorado Springs in 1982, and La Plata Communities has been its master developer since 1995.
What's in the master plan
The Briargate master plan was designed to include homes, parks and open space, school sites, retail centers, and the Briargate Business Campus. La Plata lists Pine Creek, North Fork at Briargate, and Cordera as part of the Briargate master plan.
Home styles and eras
Because building has continued from the late 1970s into recent years, Briargate offers homes from several decades, from early neighborhoods to newer construction. La Plata notes that Pine Creek required builders to follow design guidelines with distinct architectural styles, including Prairie, Craftsman, European Cottage, and Spanish Eclectic.
Lots, HOAs, and metro districts
Lot sizes, HOA dues, and metro district levies vary by neighborhood and by address, so there's no single "Briargate" number. For any home, check: - The property tax bill on the El Paso County Treasurer's website. - The HOA documents and current dues. - The Colorado Department of Local Affairs special district map.
How nearby communities compare
If you want golf and a club setting: Flying Horse
Flying Horse is north of Briargate, east of I-25. The Club at Flying Horse opened in 2005 with a championship course designed by Tom Weiskopf. Club membership is separate from owning a home, so if golf is part of your plan, ask about membership options and costs along with the home itself. Learn more on the Flying Horse community page.
If you want acreage plus golf: Flying Horse North
Flying Horse North is in unincorporated El Paso County, between State Highway 83 and Black Forest Road. Its county planning documents describe a golf-focused community of single-family homes on individual lots, centered on an 18-hole course. Classic Homes notes that the course was designed by Phil Smith and that golf operations are managed by The Club at Flying Horse.
The name is shared with Flying Horse, but the HOA, club, and tax arrangements aren't the same, so read the documents for each property. See the Flying Horse North community page.
If you want land in a wooded setting: Cathedral Pines
Cathedral Pines is in Black Forest, northeast of Colorado Springs. Buyers who want more land than a typical city lot often look in the Black Forest area. Lot size, water and septic, and HOA rules vary from property to property, so confirm each one on the listing and in the documents. Visit the Cathedral Pines community page.
More options north of the city
- High Forest Ranch, in Black Forest.
- King's Deer, in Monument.
- Forest Lakes and Bent Tree, also worth a look.
Browse all of Heather's communities.
How to choose
Start with how you want to live
Do you want a neighborhood close to shopping and services, or more space and quiet? A golf course outside your door, or acreage and trees? Your answer narrows the list fast.
Drive it yourself
Spend time in each area at different times of day. Drive your real commute routes and visit the places you'd go every week.
Compare full monthly costs
Look at the mortgage, the full property tax bill, HOA dues, utilities, and insurance for each specific home, not just the price.
Read the documents
Covenants, HOA rules, club terms, and metro district disclosures can differ a lot between communities, and even within them.
Questions to ask for any of these areas
- What does my real weekday commute look like from this address?
- What are the current HOA dues, metro district levy, and total tax bill?
- For golf communities: is club membership included, optional, or separate?
- For acreage: is the home on a well and septic, and what do the covenants allow?
- Which school serves this address? Confirm directly with the school district.
Not sure which setting fits you? Talk with Heather about what you're looking for, and she'll help you compare homes in her north-side communities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Briargate in Colorado Springs?
On the north side, roughly between I-25 and Powers Boulevard, from Woodmen Road north to Old Ranch Road.
When was Briargate built?
Planning began in 1978 and building continued over several decades, so homes range from older to newer construction.
Does Briargate have an HOA or metro district?
It depends on the neighborhood and address. Check the tax bill and HOA documents for the specific home.
Which north-side communities have golf?
Flying Horse and Flying Horse North both have golf courses. Membership terms are separate from home ownership.
Where can I find more land near Colorado Springs?
Many buyers look in Black Forest communities such as Cathedral Pines and High Forest Ranch, or in Monument areas such as King's Deer.
