Where in Colorado Springs? (apartments, rental, low crime)

[snavedj]

My wife and I are moving to Colorado Springs as soon as our house in IL sells, but we're not sure where in CS to go (central, north, west, etc...). A little about us and what we're looking for:
*We're both 27 years old
*Two daughters, 2 yrs and the other 7mnths
*I'm looking for a job, but planning on really looking and getting one when we get out there.
*Going to rent for a little while so we can really learn the area before we buy.
*We live so far from everything now, so we'd love to find an apartment where we can walk to pretty much everything.
*Parks are a must for the kids.
*Low crime and family friendly.
*Lots of family activities is a must!

If anyone has any suggestions on where in CS we should look, we'd really appreciate it. Or if you have any suggestions for our move, that'd be great too.

Thank you.

[bashep]

Hey there-

Well, in Colorado Springs... I wouldn't say you can walk everywhere. Alot depends on what you guys like to do. Also, you can probably find a house to rent for the same price as an apartment, depending on your price range. Which will also factor in what area you will live in. What career field are you in? How many bedrooms are you look for? Do you have any pets? We would love to help you, just need a few more answers... bashep

[COflower]

Walking? Hehehe. Not a good posibility around here. I think we must have the worst public transportation but then again we are a big city that is mostly suburbs.

Anyhow, I would look in the Briargate area. Good schools (District 20), good neighborhoods if you like suburbanization, good parks and decent people.

[snavedj]

I guess I left out some important info, huh? Well, we're looking for at least 3 bedrooms, one bath is fine, living room, dining room...the typical stuff. We're open to renting either a house or an apartment, but no more than $900 a month with some utilities preferably. I know we won't be able to walk everywhere, but we'd at least like to be within a few miles of a grocery store, pharmacy, etc... We have to budget 1/2 hour commutes when we run our errands where we live now...so a 5 minute drive would be heaven. As far as my line of work goes, I'm in law enforcement, but looking for a total change. I used to work retail and believe it or not, I loved it. I'd like to check into REI; what's the market like for that place?

We like to do simple things like go for walks, ride our bikes, go out for ice-cream and coffee, go out to dinner every now and then, take the kids to the park or museums or zoo. We're not into big theme parks or large sporting events...more outdoorsy stuff that's cheap and fun. We don't have any pets and don't plan on getting any either.

I hope this helps...

Thanks for the questions, let me know if you have any more. This is a big help.

[ceadda]

Originally Posted by bashep

Also, you can probably find a house to rent for the same price as an apartment, depending on your price range.

That being said, Briargate has some great apartments with access to the Briargate trails system. You could do well there. I had some friends who lived in an apartment up there for a couple of years and really loved it.

Most neighborhoods in Colorado Springs have neighborhood parks, so you should be able to get to a park without too much trouble.

I just did a quick search and found 114 rental properties that met your criteria. I would look for something in the East or Briargate areas. I found 12 that were listed there right now that met your criteria. Some houses, some townhomes, some duplexes.

You should not have trouble reaching stores with any of those criteria.

Don't know if they are hiring at REI, but there is a new Dicks Sporting Goods going into the Chapel Hills Mall (which is on the north side).

[sskkc]

"one bath is fine,"

This part caught my eye and gave me a chuckle... obviously, neither of your children were potty training at the time you wrote that.

Two daughters, one bathroom... you slay me!!