Cost of Living is Higher in Longmont (Denver, Fort Collins: apartments, for rent)

[sillygal]

Hi, looking for apartments online and see that housing and apartments are more expensive in Longmont, can anyone tell me why this is? I would think since Fort Collins is a college town, it would be more expensive than Longmont. Also, it seems like the affordable housing in Longmont is mainly modular homes. Is this a retirement community? is this why the cost of living seems higher?

Also, I am looking at rents in the $400 range and lower, since I can live in a room or a studio for awhile. Until I find better housing and noticed that Loveland, Fort Collins, CS, and Denver has some affordable places like this, am I taking a chance being an older single female in these places? I am not someone who scares easily/I can take care of myself. Just want some peace and quiet. In a fairly decent neighborhood!

Thanks

[concoulor3]

Longmont is more expensive due to it's proximity to Boulder, well maintained city and progressive planning. I have managed apartments in all the towns you are looking at and prices truely reflect location. College towns will fluctuate. End of August and January are the best times to get good deals on apartments - due to the sag which occurs becuase all students have moved (esp FC & BLDR) and landlords want to just get vacancy down. If you are planning on getting an apartment for $400 - anywhere in Front Range, in a nicer neighborhood - used better get a roommate or plan on an effiency.

Thats life in Front Range Colorado.

[sillygal]

concolour3......Hi, thank you so much for answering my questions about Longmont, I had a hard time trying to figure it out.......!! I should have known, I didn't even think about how close it was to Boulder.

Also this makes sense about August, and January.

I have seen many properties in CS, Ft.Collins, Denver, and Loveland for $425 and less.....are these mostly unsuitable for an older single female as myself? Are there other places that have affordable rents that I would feel comfortable in? Like other suburbs of Denver?

My worst nightmare would be coming all the way out there to find I am in the middle of a crime infested area, but then again it is only temporary. I guess that is what moving is all about........."challenges we face" LOL.

Thank You for the information!!!!

[concoulor3]

Our 1 bd in Loveland rents for $525 and is in what I would call a working class, divorcee type environment. If you find a manager that keeps up the property, you'll be fine. I don't know very much about Denver area. The closer you move to Denver, the higher risk of crime. I guess my recommendation would be to find a price point that is "in the middle" becuase price is very much based on location, location, location, the other price point would be age of building. What I mean is find an area that you are interested in, look for prices above and below - in that area and see if $400 range is in the middle.

Fort Collins is beautiful, but you'll spend more for rent than Loveland. I would say between Long, FC & Love...FC is the nicest and has a great downtown area, followed by Long and then Loveland. Loveland, however, is a huge retirement community and has a very strong artsy influence. But to be honest, we are looking to move from Loveland. Never felt like we assimilated. But we are a young family and have offices in Boulder with a longer commute. But plenty of people live hear and like Loveland. Of the three towns, Loveland is the most politically conservative followed by Long and then FC.

Good Luck