Denver
Established in the mid-1800s as a mining town during the Gold Rush, Denver embraces its Western heritage along with a forward-thinking mindset. Larimer Square is a testament to Denver’s balance of old and new, boasting rows of creative restaurants, independent shops, and vibrant nightlife spots in Victorian-era buildings downtown. Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is renowned for its great outdoor adventures. Residents enjoy more than 5,000 acres of parks, trails, golf courses, and playgrounds as well as convenience to Red Rocks Park and Cherry Creek State Park. Denver is proximate to world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities just outside the city too. City center skyrises provide incredible views of the mountains to the west, while spacious suburbs with single-family rentals make for the perfect place to set down roots. Cultural amenities abound in Denver, including the Denver Botanic Gardens, Union Station, Ogden Theatre, Denver Zoo, Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Denver is also home to five major sports teams—the NFL’s Denver Broncos, MLB’s Colorado Rockies, NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, and MLS’s Colorado Rapids.
Colorado Springs
Nestled at the base of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is best known for its sweeping mountain vistas and exceptional opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city’s proximity to incredible peaks and vast, scenic expanses makes it feel more at one with the stunning nature around it, more so than Denver. Colorado Springs is home to the famous Garden of the Gods, a picturesque park containing towering sandstone rock formations and numerous amenities. The city offers plenty of additional attractions to suit every interest. From the Old Colorado City Historic District (for history buffs) to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (for art aficionados) and everything in between. Many residents congregate in the quaint downtown area to enjoy a wide variety of restaurants in well-preserved historic buildings. Regardless of your rental situation — apartment or condo — Colorado Springs will delight you with an incredible landscape and buzzing year-round attractions. The easily accessible I-25 connects Colorado Springs to Denver and nearby skiing destinations in about an hour’s drive.
Arvada
Located in the Front Range Urban Corridor, Arvada spans Jefferson and Adams counties, offering residents a comfortable suburban setting just 7 miles northwest of downtown Denver. Home to 124,402 residents, the city features housing options ranging from historic properties in Olde Town to contemporary apartment communities throughout the area. Current rental data shows one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,684, while two-bedroom units typically rent for $1,908. The rental market has seen modest rate decreases across most unit types over the past year. Arvada's history as the site of the first Rocky Mountain gold discovery is preserved in the Olde Town district, which features local shops and restaurants in restored historic buildings. The city maintains extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, including the Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge and a network of bike paths that earned recognition as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community. The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities hosts performances and art exhibitions throughout the year. Transportation options include the RTD G-line commuter rail connecting to Denver and Boulder, while students attend schools within the Jefferson County School District R-1. The area preserves its historic character while offering modern conveniences, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a suburban location with easy access to city amenities.
