Colorado Springs or Golden? (Denver: rentals, find a job, living)

[believe007]

I'm hoping I can get some info on the pros & cons of each place, preferably from people who are pretty familiar with these areas.
I've gotten a little bit of info from friends & family who have lived there, but weren't renting.
So as far as rentals, what's the going rate in either place for a 1 bedroom or studio?
Also is either place do-able without a car?
I'm looking to go green, eventually & ditch this gas guzzler....is it possible in either place?

[StarrySkiesAbove]

As far as going car less I can't comment on Golden but it would be difficult in the Springs. The city is quite spread out and public transport is not very good. I think rent and cost of living overall will be higher in Golden. Both places are great for outdoor recreation and mountain access. Although with out a car it would be tough to get up to the mountains. Golden might be better for that as Denver and the surrounding area have public busses that will take you to the ski towns up I-70.

[coloradoalimony]

Depending on exactly where you work, and exactly where you lived, you could get by without a car in Golden. Light rail goes to Denver, but it is not a fun journey to get to the light rail from most parts of Golden, and light rail dumps you at Union Station in Denver, which means another 15-20 minutes to most places you would work. If you time budget 15 minutes to get to the light rail station in Golden, 45 minutes to get to Union Station, and 15 minutes to get to work from Union Station, that is 1:15 each way.

A decent 1 bedroom in Golden is $800-1000/mo. Housing is tight there. Look at the south end of town if you are considering riding the light rail to Denver. If you are working out in the suburbs, a car is a necessity. Buses are spotty and infrequent, and in fact, RTD cut a lot of bus service when they opened the light rail.

In the unlikely event you could find a job around downtown Golden, the town itself is very walkable.

[believe007]

Thanks for the responses, this is really helpful.
So the prices are comparable to where I'm at currently- I can work with that.
As far as getting rid of the car, I wouldn't do that until I am familiar with the public transportation system there.
I'm surprised that Golden is walk-able (but very glad)
Any other ideas or input is greatly appreciated

[MountainK]

For information about bus and light rail service in Golden, check out RTD. Golden is on the "W" (west) light rail line. Golden also has a call and ride bus: Community Call-n-Ride Bus | City of Golden, Colorado

[beezle1]

Colorado Springs would be very difficult without a car. Public transportation is not very good here.

[believe007]

Thanks for the info.
Talking with a friend yesterday, he said he prefers Colorado Springs....
called it "Heaven"

[flyingcat2k]

I called it the fourth circle of hell. I'd recommend Golden. There is far better beer in Golden and I'm not talking about Coors.

[believe007]

Originally Posted by flyingcat2k

I called it the fourth circle of hell. I'd recommend Golden. There is far better beer in Golden and I'm not talking about Coors.

Major points for Golden

[smdensbcs]

Originally Posted by flyingcat2k

There is far better beer in Golden and I'm not talking about Coors.

FAR better? I guess Colorado Springs just has Bristol, Phantom Canyon, and Trinity, with 6-8 other local craft brewers trying to break into the game. Golden must have one serious beer scene (other than the Coors factory).

I've lived in both cities (Springs and Golden), and while both are nice, I'll take the west-side of Colorado Springs all day every day.