Colorado Springs Apartments and Rentals

Colorado Springs, CO, has a terrific selection of apartments and rentals from which to choose if you are making the move to this city at the foot of Pikes Peak. The peak is one of the most famous mountains in the Rocky Mountains. Located about 65 miles from Denver, the state's capital known as Mile High City, Colorado Springs, too, stands one mile above sea level.

The first inhabitants of the Colorado Springs area were the Ute, Cheyenne, Kiowa and Arapahoe Indians. Summers saw the tribes gather at their sacred grounds in the area now known as the Garden of the Gods park. It was a former Civil War General from Pennsylvania named William Jackson Palmer that saw potential in the area as a town site when he arrived in 1870. Soon after, he founded the city of Colorado Springs along with the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. He planned to make the town a resort destination. His 67-room castle, called Glen Eyrie, still stands in town today and is open to the public. Following the discovery of gold in nearby Cripple Creek in the 1890s, Colorado Springs was the leading mining exchange center in the world. It also earned itself the nickname "the city of millionaires." Following the gold rush, tourism, particularly health tourism, drove the economy. Early visitors, especially those suffering from tuberculosis, were drawn by recuperative properties of the mild climate and dry conditions.

Those climate conditions are still attracting people today. The city of Colorado Springs now has a population of more than 415,000, with about 645,000 in the metro area. A big economic driver these days is the military, which has multiple installations in the area.

Climate, green spaces, cultural amenities and school performance have earned Colorado Springs high marks. Forbes magazine named the city to its 2011 list of the Best Retirement Places. BusinessWeek also named it to its 2011 list of the Best Places to Live. And according to the U.S. News & World Report, it's No. 5 on the list of 10 Best Cities to be a Pet.

Some of the popular neighborhoods in Colorado Springs include: Spring Creek, Briargate, Northwest, Powers and Mesa.

The U.S. Military plays a vital role in the Colorado Springs economy. Other important sectors include high-tech firms, tourism and a growing service sector. The military moved into Colorado Springs during World War II and its presence has only grown since then. Among the military installations in and around Colorado Springs are: Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, the United States Air Force Academy, Schriever Air Force Base and Cheyenne Mountain Air Station, home of the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Needless to say, many military families and military veterans make their home in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs is not lacking when it comes to higher education. Two schools founded in 1874 continue to educate today: Colorado College and the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. The University of Colorado maintains a thriving campus in the city.

The Colorado Springs cost of living is about 3 percent below the national average, which means your dollar will go a little further here. Affordable one bedroom apartments are available with rents starting at about $400 to $475 a month. Two bedroom apartments at similar low-rise complexes go for about $550 to $650. The city also offers its share of luxurious rentals, many with the latest amenities, upscale appliances and views. One bedrooms in such complexes cost $900 to $1,350 monthly, with two bedrooms starting at $1,180 and going up to $1,450. Your rental choices also include condos, townhomes and single-family homes.

The natural beauty of Colorado, Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains is a main attraction for people living in this city. Numerous residents are drawn by that beauty, as are many tourists every year. Other outdoor spaces of note are the Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, North Cheyenne Canon Park, Helen Hunt Falls Visitor's Center, the Starsmore Discovery Center and the Cave of the Winds.

And, that's not all. The city boasts 85 miles of on-street bike lanes and 118 miles of bicycle trails and another 61 miles of mountain bike trails. If getting around on your own two feet is preferred, you will enjoy the 105 miles of the urban trail and the 160 miles of park hiking trails. This city takes its outdoors seriously!

Colorado Springs also boasts many cultural attractions, including historic sites, museums and performing arts venues. There's also the unusual like the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center and the U.S. Olympic Training Center, the headquarters for the U.S. Olympic Committee. There's something for every member of the family in Colorado Springs!

Reflecting the city's location, its western heritage and wonderful weather, Colorado Springs hosts some fun and unique events during the year. Among them are the Pikes Peak Rodeo and Parade as part of Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Days, the Colorado Balloon Classic is the largest hot air balloon festival in the Rocky Mountain Region, the Microbrewer's Exposition is held in September and features brewers from all over the state along with bands and other entertainment and the Festival of Lights Parade in early December is a local favorite that also includes cultural and artistic programs, performances and more.

If you are looking to rent in Colorado Springs, CO, use Rent.com®(R) to search for rental properties.