Which towns are safer etc (Denver, Colorado Springs: low income, rental, house)

[MistyScott]

We are a family of 4, relocating to Colorado. I lived there as a child, but dont remember areas etc. We are looking for a place that would be close to a bigger city where jobs are easier to find, any jobs. Not picky. We need a place that is safe for our kids, good schools, lower gang activity etc. We are looking to pay around 800 monthly for a place. Plus utilities etc. I know this seems like a "wish". A view of the mountains would be a plus. Any suggestions?

[Mike from back east]

Denver / Boulder / Golden is the big dog for jobs but very hard to do on 800/month. COLO SPGS has some jobs and a bit cheaper. Pueblo is cheapest and probably least jobs. Fort Collins is question mark. Use padmapper.com to check rental prices in any of those areas.

[MistyScott]

Thank you!

[Idunn]

The Front Range: look between Pueblo to the south and Fort Collins to the north. Where decent employment is found is where you end up. The entire area is relatively safe, although with the caveat there are always questionable neighborhoods.

If you could double your projected rent it would provide a lot more options, and make home selection a lot easier. At $800 and close to it, much more of a challenge. The non PC answer is that low income neighborhoods, and respective rents, represent low class people, increased crime, and all the many problems associated with poverty. Colorado may not have any true ghettos, but obviously one's chances of a happy home are better where every house in the greater neighborhood is valued at $500,000 plus. So some creativity may be in order, and even in a less desirable area choosing a place which is otherwise fine. Location in this is vital, in consideration of who and what surrounds one, or may be easily passing through on thoroughfares, etc. Even one side of the street of the other can make a difference sometimes.

As for the view, you may not remember but most anywhere along the Front Range offers a fairly good view of the Rocky Mountains just to the west. Obviously some exact spots may not be as advantageous, others with superlative panoramic views. Pueblo is the only place somewhat challenged in this, as south of Colorado Springs the mountains swing back well to the west, instead of directly on Pueblo's doorstep.