If you scour the internet, you’ll probably see some discouraging news on renting in Denver. But take a closer look, and you’ll see that renting is really the best option. A September 2013 article on The Good Life Denver website says that the average rent is higher than ever, while vacancy rates are at a 13-year low. Sounds depressing, right?
If you look more closely, you’ll see that buying a home is a lot harder. Prices are high, and the average mortgage will cost you more than one of those so-called high-priced rentals. In fact, the Zillow Rent Index is up 8.3 percent, and as the site goes on to point out, it takes an average of 2.6 years before buying makes more sense than staying in a rental situation. So upon closer inspection, renting is the way to go when relocating to Denver.
If you are relocating from another state or county and have never been to Denver, it makes even more sense. Renting allows you to get a feel for the city before you’ve committed to an area. Maybe the area you’ve moved to doesn’t suit your lifestyle – that’s okay, because you’re a renter! You can search for a new place in a more desirable area while you finish out your lease. That’s not as easy when you’ve purchased a home! Prior to your move, call us to get a completely free moving estimate, and take a look at these tips.
Tips To Find An Apartment In Denver
So you’ve decided to move to Denver, and plan to rent. Great! Here are some tips to help you decide where to start.
- How’s the neighborhood? Oftentimes this is the most important thing. People will pay more for a place in a good neighborhood. Determine what type of neighborhood suits your lifestyle. Are you fresh out of college and looking for something close to the nightlife? Are you an avid outdoorsman and looking for something closer to the mountains? Are you newlyweds looking for a place to start a family? Maybe you are an empty nester and looking to downsize. Each of these situations has its own idea on the “perfect” neighborhood. Analyze what’s important to you and the things you want (and don’t want) in a neighborhood.
- What’s your budget? This is the second most important thing, and can be difficult for some people. They have an idea of the perfect neighborhood, but find out that renting in such a neighborhood is more than they are able to afford. Chances are if you want to be closer to either the mountains or the city, you’re going to pay more. Something else to consider is that while that brand new apartment might seem pricey, you’re getting all new appliances and like-new flooring, so it can be worth the extra money. Determine your maximum budget, and search until you find something that works.
- Location, location, location. How far do you want to be away from work? Do you want to commute in your own vehicle? If you find an area you really like, such as downtown, but cringe at the thought of the bumper-to-bumper traffic each day, consider finding a place near one of Denver’s light rail stations. Then someone else can get you to work, and all you need to do is walk a short distance!
- Parking. Be sure you determine whether the apartment features off-street parking. Some people might not mind, but most do, especially those who live in the heart of the city and arrive home to find no parking in front of their own home!
- Furry Friends. If you’re a pet lover, you’ll want to be sure your pet is allowed. Find out if there are any breeds that aren’t allowed, or if there are weight limits. Is there ample room outside to let your pet get some exercise? If not, don’t worry – Denver features many dog parks, so just find an apartment near one of them. What if you don’t have a pet? These policies could be equally important to you. Of course, you might consider getting a pet at some point in the future. However, there’s another case where these rules are good to know. Sometimes even the greatest dogs will bark in the middle of the night when they hear a strange sound, or maybe you’re allergic to cats. Either way, it might be best to find a place that doesn’t allow pets at all.
- What amenities are offered? Sometimes, it might save you money to find a place that is a little more expensive but offers amenities that reduce your monthly expenses, such as workout facilities or Wi-Fi included.
- The terms of the lease. You’ve found the perfect place, and now it’s time to sit down and sign the lease. But don’t just sign it without first reviewing the terms! Many do this, and it comes back to haunt them later. Is it month-to-month, six months, or twelve? See if different options are offered, especially if you aren’t quite sure if this is the right place for you. If this is the case, a shorter term is probably better.
No matter which neighborhood you choose, know that Exodus Moving and Storage will be there to make the moving process go more smoothly, taking other stressful things off your plate entirely. You have enough to worry about – let us worry about the moving process! Call Exodus Moving and Storage today for a moving estimate and other information about your upcoming move – at Exodus Moving and Storage, we’ve got your move covered!