The small Southern town of Denver is located in the western North Carolina county of Lincoln. Denver is a quiet, laid-back town even though it has undergone development in the past few years. Sitting on the west side of Lake Norman, Denver is a prime location for families who want to be close to recreation and nearby city amenities in Charlotte and Hickory - both 26 miles from the center of town.

According to Best Places, Denver has experienced a 20 percent population increase since 2000, and currently more than 2,300 people call Denver home. Those looking for Denver apartments for rent will enjoy this growing community in the Tar Heel State.

The first settlers came to the area in the late 1740s, and they settled along the banks of the Catawba River near shoals that made it easy to cross. There were several battles fought on these grounds during the Revolutionary War, such as the Battle of Cowan's Ford.

Today, Denver serves as a popular destination spot because it hugs Lake Norman. However, the community is also a hub for manufacturing, and some of the top employers include The Timken Company, RSI Home Products, Blum, McMurray Fabrics, Actavis, UTC, and Robert Bosch Tool Corp.

People looking at Denver apartments will enjoy the low cost of living, which is three percent lower than the national average. However, Walkscore.com rates Denver as a fairly car-dependent community with only a few amenities within walking distance, and the average commute time is around 32 minutes. People moving to the area will likely want to have access to a vehicle.

The biggest attraction in Denver is Lake Norman, and many residents and visitors spend their summers enjoying the recreation along the shoreline. Residents are also only a short drive from Charlotte, where they can find dining, entertainment, sports, and recreation amenities.

To find your next rental apartment or house in Denver, take a look at our listings on Rent.com®.