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.
Aurora
Living in Aurora, Colorado combines suburban comfort with convenient access to both city amenities and outdoor adventures. Located just east of Denver, Aurora features more than 100 parks and 6,000 acres of open space perfect for recreation. Residents can tee off at any of the city's six public golf courses or explore natural areas like the Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch. The Aurora and Quincy Reservoirs offer opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. Current rent trends show one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,430 monthly, representing a 4.9% decrease from the previous year, while two-bedroom units average $1,851, down 5% year-over-year. Aurora's neighborhoods range from the developing City Center district to established communities like Aurora Highlands and Mission Viejo. The Anschutz Medical Campus serves as a major regional healthcare center, housing both the University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital. Shopping destinations include the Town Center at Aurora and Southlands mall, while the Stanley Marketplace, set in a renovated aviation manufacturing building, houses local shops and eateries. Along East Colfax Avenue, the Aurora Cultural Arts District features the historic Aurora Fox Theatre & Arts Center and The People's Building, which showcases performing arts throughout the year. The city's rich history dates to the 1880s when it was established as Fletcher, named after Denver businessman Donald Fletcher. After Fletcher departed during the Silver Crash of 1893, residents renamed the settlement Aurora in 1907.
