Black Forest, Colorado: Where the Pines Whisper and Community Thrives

As featured on American Dream TV with Monica Breckenridge

Just northeast of Colorado Springs, there’s a place where towering Ponderosa pines stretch toward the sky, homes are thoughtfully tucked into the landscape, and neighbors still wave as they pass by. It’s quiet without being remote, peaceful without feeling disconnected. This is Black Forest, Colorado and once you experience it, it’s easy to understand why so many people choose to call it home.

In her recent segment on American Dream TV, Monica Breckenridge takes viewers on a journey through this remarkable community, highlighting not only its scenic beauty, but the lifestyle, history, and deep sense of belonging that make Black Forest one of the most sought-after places to live in the Pikes Peak region.

A Forest That Gave a Community Its Name

Black Forest didn’t get its name by accident. Long before modern development, this area stood out because of its dense stands of dark, towering Ponderosa pine trees. Early settlers referred to the land simply as “the Black Forest,” a nod to the shadowed canopy that blanketed the rolling hills.

That natural identity never faded and thankfully, it never needed to.

Even today, the forest remains central to daily life here. Homes are built around the trees, not instead of them. Wildlife is a common sight. And the rhythm of the seasons, snow-covered branches in winter, bright green needles in spring, golden sunlight filtering through the pines in fall, shapes the experience of living in Black Forest.

A Place Steeped in History

Before Black Forest became a residential haven, it was home to Native American tribes including the Ute, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Comanche, who traveled through and lived off the land. In the late 1800s, settlers arrived, drawn by timber and open space, using the forest to support the growth of nearby communities.

One of the area’s most treasured historic landmarks, the J.G. Evans Barn, built in 1885, still stands today as a reminder of Black Forest’s agricultural roots and pioneer past.

What makes this history special isn’t just that it exists, it’s that the community continues to honor it. Black Forest values where it came from, and that respect for the past influences how residents protect and care for the land today.

Strength, Resilience, and a Community That Came Together

Black Forest’s story isn’t without hardship. In 2013, the Black Forest Fire forever changed the community, becoming one of the most destructive wildfires in Colorado history. Homes were lost. Landscapes were altered. Lives were deeply impacted.

But what followed is one of the most defining aspects of Black Forest’s character.

Neighbors supported neighbors. Volunteers showed up. Organizations formed to help rebuild, replant, and strengthen wildfire preparedness for the future. The forest and the community slowly healed together.

Today, that resilience is part of Black Forest’s identity. It’s a place where people genuinely look out for one another, where community means more than just proximity, and where pride runs deep.

Where Nature Isn’t a Weekend Activity, It’s Everyday Life

Living in Black Forest means being immersed in nature, not visiting it occasionally.

Miles of trails wind through the area, inviting residents to walk, hike, bike, or ride horses right outside their front doors. Black Forest Regional Park offers expansive open space, scenic overlooks, playgrounds, and picnic areas, all framed by stunning views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range.

Nearby, Fox Run Regional Park adds even more opportunities, with lakes, wooded paths, and dog-friendly spaces that locals love year-round.

Here, nature isn’t something you schedule. It’s simply part of your day, morning walks under the pines, afternoon bike rides, quiet evenings watching deer move through the trees.

A Community That Still Feels Like a Community

Despite its size, Black Forest maintains a small-town feel that’s increasingly rare. People know each other. They show up. They celebrate together.

One of the most beloved traditions is Black Forest Festival Weekend, an annual event that brings the community together with pancake breakfasts, a parade, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. It’s a weekend that perfectly captures the heart of Black Forest, relaxed, welcoming, and full of local pride.

Beyond festivals, residents stay connected through community clubs, volunteer groups, art and music gatherings, and local events that encourage face-to-face interaction in a world that often feels rushed and disconnected.

Homes Designed for Space, Privacy, and Possibility

One of the most defining features of Black Forest is its approach to housing.

There are no townhomes or condos here. Instead, Black Forest is known for single-family homes on large lots, often starting at one acre and extending to 5, 10, or even 20 acres. This means space for gardens, workshops, horses, kids to roam, or simply the luxury of privacy.

Architecturally, the area offers incredible variety. You’ll find:

• Rustic cabins tucked into the trees
  
  

• Custom ranch-style homes
  
  

• Modern farmhouses
  
  

• Expansive luxury estates
  
  

Each property feels unique, reflecting the individuality of its owners and the land itself.

For many buyers, Black Forest represents the opportunity to live without compromise, to have space without sacrificing quality, and tranquility without losing access to modern comforts.

Ideal for Families, Remote Workers, and Outdoor Enthusiasts

Black Forest attracts a wide range of residents, but they tend to share similar values: connection to nature, a slower pace, and a strong sense of home.

Families appreciate the highly regarded school districts, including Academy District 20 and Lewis-Palmer District 38, as well as the safe, open environment for raising children.

Remote workers are drawn to the quiet, spacious properties that make working from home more enjoyable with inspiring views replacing office walls.

Equestrian enthusiasts love the horse-friendly zoning and trail access, while outdoor lovers of all kinds appreciate having hiking, biking, and wildlife right outside their door.

Rural Feel, City Convenience

One of Black Forest’s greatest strengths is its balance.

While it feels worlds away from the hustle of city life, downtown Colorado Springs is just about 20 minutes away. Shopping, dining, healthcare, entertainment, and major employment centers are all easily accessible.

Nearby Northgate provides everyday conveniences, while quick access to major roadways makes commuting or weekend getaways simple.

It’s the best of both worlds, peaceful living with modern accessibility.

Why People Fall in Love With Black Forest

Ask residents why they chose Black Forest, and you’ll hear similar themes again and again:

Space to breathe.
Nature at your doorstep.
A true sense of community.
Privacy without isolation.
A place that feels like home.

Black Forest isn’t flashy. It doesn’t try to be trendy. And that’s exactly why people love it.

A Lifestyle, Not Just a Location

Monica Breckenridge’s American Dream TV segment beautifully captures what makes Black Forest special not just its scenery, but its soul. This is a place where people intentionally choose a different pace of life, one rooted in nature, community, and authenticity.

Black Forest offers something increasingly rare: the chance to live fully present. To wake up to quiet mornings. To know your neighbors. To watch the seasons change from your own piece of Colorado land.

For those looking to move, plant roots, and truly feel at home Black Forest, Colorado isn’t just a destination. It’s a dream realized.