CS compared to Denver for apartments (Colorado Springs, Lakewood: rentals, neighborhood, live in)

[carnelian]

How does Colo. Springs compare to the Denver area for 1-2 bedroom apartments? Having researched extensively and visited the Denver area (including suburbs) the prices for what I need (at least 750 sq. feet) are not really very affordable for me in the long run. And there's much competition for them. About $970 is the limit per month that I could afford over say 11 year period without working. (I am a senior, retired, no kids.) I am not choosy about the neighborhood or town. Preferably not a very congested area. Preferably a real brick exterior, and not a community of identical wood frame buildings.

I live in the midwest which makes moving and planning very challenging for me. And I have not been
to CS since the 80"s on vacation.

My reason for moving is the mountains, the climate and to pursue my hobby. Arizona and N.M. are too hot for me.

What say you?

[lovecrowds]

Have you considered maybe in older, quieter western suburb of Denver.

Wheat Ridge and Arvada will have apartments in that price range and have a large percentage of retirees compared to other parts of metro Denver.

Wheat Ridge has close proximity to central Denver but is one of the quietest suburbs. Southern Arvada is like that also.

Active Adult Center | Wheat Ridge, CO - Official Website

You might like Englewood also, it has units in your price range and there is alot of retail but it isn't as quiet as Wheat Ridge or Arvada.

Colorado Springs certainly has the weather you are looking for, but it has really changed since you were here last and I would certainly visit first before moving.

Have you considered Grand Junction: It is affordable, quiet, no congested with little population growth, has alot of amenities for it's size.

The one thing though about Grand Junction is it is sort of isolated from a large city.

[Kar54]

I read a comparison of "average rents" just the other day. It stated that a one-bedroom apartment in Denver is going for around $1200/month and in the Springs it's around $800.

For the price, COS looks like a good choice. We are around the national average for rent, while Denver is around 120%.

Down here, you're still close enough to Denver when you want to visit and won't have to deal with the constant traffic and higher prices.

[JohnCurtisEstes]

You would have to be very desperate to want to rent a place down here and then work in Denver.

The commute would wreck your sanity and we really do not need more people on I-25 between here and Denver.


Best of luck but I would try and get a place in Parker or much closer to Denver (or your sanity may take a beating).

[carnelian]

Thanks. I am not working so there's no commute--except for pleasure or things to do.
I tried looking at rentals in Wheatridge, Arvada, Lakewood--all nice quiet suburbs but the rents are about the same. And too much competition.
I hate the traffic too!

Will look at Parker and Castle Rock. Iwish I lived much closer so the trip would be easier for me.