Monument, Colorado, is at the base of Pike's Peak, just north of Colorado Springs. Realtors say the beauty of the location coupled with low unemployment make Monument a great place to live and work.

"Surrounded by beautiful landscape at the base of Pikes Peak," says Realtor Jason Daniels , "Monument has low unemployment rates, as well as plenty of outdoor activities right in town. Monument is a forested community conveniently located north of Colorado Springs."

He explains, "Recent sales in Monument have followed the Colorado Springs market. The Colorado Springs market has been stabilizing due to the recent return of troops to the military installations in town. Several companies such as Intel have also provided great news for the local economy with thousands of new jobs over the next several years. Regardless of what you may read in the daily press this is a great time to buy, and quite possibly sell. Interest rates, while fluctuating, are still at record lows."

"The real question is with these interest rates, are you in the home you really want? There has never been a better time to move up. The softening of the market has created a number of opportunities for the astute buyer. True, prices are leveling out and in some areas declining slightly, but not dramatically. For the first time in years there is room to negotiate and reach a win-win for all of the parties involved."

"For those thinking of moving up," Daniels advises, "the market couldn't be better -- low interest rates and the opportunity to find a great home at a reasonable price. There are more homes on the market in the Colorado Springs area than at any time in recent history. A seller may get less for the house they are selling, but should be able to make up more than the difference in the price of the home they are purchasing. At the very least, this is a great time to take a serious look at the numbers; buyers and sellers may both be surprised at how good this market really is."

Says Realtor Jean Wheaton , "Monument is a wonderful area with a mountain feel. The Tri-Lakes area has custom and semi-custom homes, some with spectacular views of the mountains, giving a feeling of being worlds away. Conveniently located off the I-25 corridor, these homes are a haven for people working in Colorado Springs, or Denver. Homes in these areas are generally in the $300K and up price range and are selling well."

"The market for these homes has greatly improved, as the economy here for higher-paying positions is growing, and many people are relocating here from the West and East coasts to improve their quality of life, and to find more affordable housing. Homes that are priced fairly, sell in a reasonable amount of time, and close to their asking price. Homes in the lower price ranges are selling quickly with some getting multiple offers, homes priced over $500k are also seeing a shorter time on the market than they experienced in the past 6 months."

She advises, "This market is improving for sellers here as sites with homes on larger lots, with trees and/or views, in convenient locations with award-winning schools are becoming harder to find. It remains a great time to buy here as interest rates are still low and appreciation rates have not soared yet, as they have in California and the east coast. The recent news of 7 to 10 thousand troops moving to the Colorado Springs area is sure to boost the local economy and the related defense contracting positions as well as many other military service-related jobs. All in all it is a great time to relocate to this spectacular area!"

Adds Realtor Kay Burgess , "Monument is part of the "Tri-Lakes" area, the three lakes' names being Palmer, Woodmoor and Monument. It has an elevation of 6,960 feet above sea level. The air is thinner at that altitude, so prepare for it. Bring lots of water to drink. High and in between Denver and Colorado Springs, it has rolling hills and views of the Peak. It sits adjacent to the Pike National Forest and close to the United States Airforce Academy."

"Historic downtown Monument has cozy places to shop, a folk art gallery, a Victorian tea house and plenty of restaurants to choose from. It has a trail that bikers, hikers and horseback riders will enjoy. With a population in El Paso County catching up to Denver, the average home for the first quarter of 2005 sold for at least 92 percent of the asking price, according to the Pike Peak Association of Realtors report."