Respectable Family Leaving Gray Skies & Need Short Term Rental (until decide what/where to purchase) - Any Suggestions? (Colorado Springs: apartment)

[ohiosgreat]

Hello.....Our family has decided to leave the gray skies of Ohio for the Sun of the Colorado Springs area. Were looking for some insight as to what are options are.

*We would like to find something simple to rent for a short term while we find the right area for us to purchase a home in. Were running into difficulty finding a short term lease that isn't a crazy amount.

We are a very simple family -- have only what we need -- and aren't looking for anything special . . just something that would allow us to stay in the area while we locate what were looking for. (Nothing large)
We have considered purchasing an rv to bring out and stay in that while we look....but not sure if that is really the best thing or not.

*We have four children which are home schooled and range in age from 8-13. Is home schooling acceptable in the area or looked down on and picked on by "government?"

*Also wondering what parts of cs we should stay away from. Are there areas that are just "unsafe" or not really family friendly?

*We do what most people consider "side jobs" such as handyman work, painting, cleaning, moving help, wood/tile flooring, etc. Is this area a decent area to work in . . . . are there any areas which would be better, what is the average hourly rate for such things?

Any insight and comments to our questions will be much appreciated.
Thank You - - - -

[Userdavey]

I can tell you that most landlords don't want a lease to expire in the winter. So if you can get the lease to expire between June and September, you might have some luck.

[vfrpilot]

I'm not sure what a 'crazy amount' is, but when we were looking to rent a home a few years ago, we found a few that were willing to rent with a 6 month lease for no more than a 1yr lease. For a nice family environment in a good school district, look in the north end of town. I think District 20 also has home-school options where your kids can take advantage of sports and music. 6 Months will give you an idea of different areas, weather patterns, access to stuff, and pricing info. There is lots of info on C-D and on the internet.
I'm not sure about handy-man type work without being liscensed and bonded though. It must go on, but am not sure about the legalities. I'm sure someone else will know more.

[ryanek9freak]

I left Ohio (snow belt, yuck) for Colorado Springs 5 years ago and I've never been happier. Ohio is so depressing and flat. You've made a good decision.

[mtngigi]

Unless you actually want to own an RV, you can rent one. It's difficult to find short-term leases. Another option would be to look into those long-term extended-stay hotels. We have several in the Pikes Peak region.

[ryanek9freak]

Originally Posted by mtngigi

Unless you actually want to own an RV, you can rent one. It's difficult to find short-term leases. Another option would be to look into those long-term extended-stay hotels. We have several in the Pikes Peak region.

Yea, and most of them are cheaper than an actual apartment! And you have the added benefit of having your room cleaned every day.

I lived in one for almost a month after I got back from Iraq and I was waiting for a certain apartment to open up. I loved it, had a bar downstairs, so no DUI's, free breakfast every morning, free maid service. I kinda wish I woulda just stayed there.