The flexibility of renting gives newcomers
the opportunity to get the lay of the land,
settle into new jobs, meet neighbors and find
their favorite breakfast spot before locking in
a home of their own. Of course, for some
people, renting continues to be an attractive
option even after settling in. When you’ve
found the perfect apartment, sometimes
you love it so much you don’t want to leave.
Finding a place that truly feels like your
home is challenging, but with a little bit
of help and knowledge, transplants to the
Denver metro region have some pretty good
odds of doing just that.
THE APARTMENT MARKET IN
METRO DENVER
The metro Denver area is seeing growth as
people from throughout the United States
are moving here to take advantage of excellent job opportunities, amazing recreational
options and a robust housing market. A
national Pew Survey in 2009 found Denver
ranked the number one place where Americans from across the United States would like
to live. And in 2013, Colorado ranked among
the top 10 states for employment growth,
with 42,000 new jobs added in metro Denver
alone. Denver’s employment growth rate is
well above the national average. The three
sectors of the economy that added the most
jobs—professional and business services,
education and health services and natural
resources and construction—are all expected
to continue to grow throughout 2015, likely
attracting even more people to the region.
Denver newcomers will discover a wealth of
rent and lease selections, with amenities and
special features to meet the needs of every lifestyle. The seven-county metro area boasts nearly
300,000 apartment units at complexes across
the area, including a number of new luxury
apartments with every amenity imaginable.
In addition to apartments for rent, newcomers
will find a variety of condominiums, townhouses, lofts, high-rises and single-family
homes for rent or lease. Living spaces run
the gamut, from furnished and unfurnished
apartments, to efficiencies to units with
three or more bedrooms. All are available
across the region. Amenities are common at
many complexes, including: fitness centers,
tennis courts, volleyball courts, basketball
courts, video rental centers, spas, Jacuzzis,
swimming pools, on-site laundry facilities, limited-access gates, lush landscaping,
covered parking or garages, clubhouses, business centers and playgrounds.
AMENI TIES TO MAKE YOU
FEEL AT HOME
Most metro Denver apartment complexes
come with several standard features, which
almost always include stoves and refrigerators. Other features offered by rental
companies may include basic cable service,
dishwashers, microwaves, icemakers, washer/
dryer connections, multiple telephone lines,
high-speed Internet access, alarm systems,
fireplaces, patios or balconies, extra storage
space and architectural accents.
Higher-end properties may provide special
amenities such as fitness classes, a convenience store, concierges, maid service,
shuttle service, valet trash pickup and bay
windows. Some apartment complexes
distribute monthly newsletters to keep residents abreast of apartment news and host
events such as holiday parties, breakfast
service or contests to encourage a community environment and give residents an
opportunity to get to know their neighbors.
More space and luxury is usually found at
condominiums and townhouses, which may
be leased or purchased.
LOFT LIVING
Downtown Denver has plenty of lofts and
high-rises. These homes can be purchased
or leased and can offer a number of special
amenities in addition to those offered
at apartments. Amenities might include
magnificent views, a variety of spacious
floor plans, cafés, restaurants, concierges,
maid and room service, game rooms,
grocery or convenience stores, dry cleaners,
heated pools and decks, day spas and
covered parking. Exciting interior features
may include hardwood floors, exposed
architectural elements, ceilings up to 16 feet
and large windows. Need more information?
Please refer to our “Urban Living” article in
this section.
Single-family homes are also available for
rent in the Denver area, although they are
Highlands neighborhood. Photo courtesy of VISIT DENVER
Downtown Denver. Photo courtesy of VISIT DENVER