Local Real Estate Practices: Real estate agents in the state of Colorado have been given the limited ability to practice law. In other words, they can complete the real estate contracts for you as prescribed by the State of Colorado. The use of an attorney is suggested, but not mandatory.

Home inspections: Home inspections are encouraged and a clause in the sale contract does provide provisions for an inspection. Your agent may supply you with the names of inspection companies or please check the phone book for listings as the responsibility for hiring the inspection company is that of the buyer. Additional inspections might include those for radon gases. Again, this is not mandatory, but many corporations require employees moving into the area to have this inspection done.

Title insurance: Title insurance is provided by the seller to the buyer. However, if you are financing your purchase, you will also be required to supply the lender with a mortgagee title policy at minimal cost.

Utilities: The city-owned utility company (Colorado Springs Utilites) provides gas, electric, water and sewer services within the city limits. Deposits are not usually required for residential service. Call (719) 448-4800. Outside of Colorado Springs, Intermountain Rural Electric services most of Teller & Park Counties, (719) 687-9277; Mountain View Electric services most of rural El Paso county to the north, (719) 495-2283; People's Natural Gas-Energyone for the most rural areas north, west and south, 800-303-0752.

Phone Service: QWest Communications provide basic service to new residents, 800-244-1111. Customers may also choose from a variety of long-distance carriers.

Cable TV: Comcast is the primary cable provider in the city, 800-266-2278. Alternatives are American Telecasting, 888-492-6888; Charter Communications, (719) 576-7404; DirecTVision, (719) 477-1700; Starview Communications, (719) 591-6571.

Garbage Disposal: Trash service is a private enterprise with a cost of about $15 per month for two containers or bags. Check the yellow pages for a list of providers.

Driver's License & Vehicle Requirements: State law requires that a person complete application and pay the fee for a Colorado driver's license within 30 days of residency. A written exam is required for first time applicants and those seeking to renew a revoked or expired license.

Most vehicles (with some exceptions) must pass an emission test. Proof of passing the emissions test is required at time of vehicle registration. The average fee is about $10.00 for an emission test. Anyone with out-of-state plates but working, attending college or in the military for at least 90 days in this area must also pass an emissions test.

State law requires auto owners carry bodily injury, liability, property damage, personal injury and uninsured motorist liability insurance. Proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle at all times.

Vehicles must be registered before you've completed 45 days of residency and plates must be displayed. The fee is based on a vehicle's age, weight and taxable value. The owner must have verification of the vehicle ID number (VIN) available at the emissions stations, Police Department or the Motor Vehicle office at 200 S. Cascade in downtown Colorado Springs, (719) 520-6240.

Pets: El Paso County law requires that dogs be licensed. Proof of a rabies vaccination is required. Licenses can be purchased at the Humane Society. Cats do not need a license.

There is a leash law for dogs when off the owner's property. Unusual animals may also require a permit or meet special zoning or covenant restrictions. For more information, call the Humane Society at (719) 473-1741.

Airlines: Colorado Springs has a newly expanded airport (719-550-1900) that services several major airlines, plus military and general aviation needs. Car rental service, taxis and ground transportation is available at the airport.

Bus Service: Buses run in Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Security, Widefield, Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force Base. Call the City of Colorado Springs Transit for details.

Greyhound/Trailways provides several buses daily leaving Colorado Springs and connecting to other cities by way of Denver or Pueblo.

Voter Registration: New residents may register to vote immediately, but must complete 32 days of residency before voting. Registration is available at Motor Vehicle offices or call (719) 520-6225 for further information or go to theEl Paso County website.

Altitude: At more than 6,000 feet above sea level elevation, special precautions need to be taken upon your arrival. The air is thinner, so you'll need more time to acclimate before undertaking strenuous activities. It takes approximately two weeks for your body to generate the additional oxygen-carrying red blood cells needed at this altitude. Since you'll be closer to the sun, sunglasses and sun block are recommended year-round. Contact lens wearers may need a new prescription as the eye does change shape with altitude and your old prescription could cause eye damage if not changed.

Cooking methods also change with altitude. Water boils at a lower temperature so cooking with liquids may take longer than at sea level. Adjustments will be necessary for cakes and other items.

Medical Facilities: Colorado Springs is fortunate enough to have four outstanding hospitals, plus two military hospitals and a military clinic. You'll find quality care whether you're having a baby, receiving cancer treatments or need emergency medical service.

In addition, there are walk-in clinics located throughout the city, a new surgical clinic, complete ambulance services, public health and specialists for almost every need.

Here are links to two major hospitals in Colorado Springs: Memorial Hospital and Penrose St. Francis Hospital.