Are you thinking about moving to northern Colorado? The state is beautiful, and the northern part of Colorado offers amazing views that simply cannot be found anywhere else in the world. There are also many job opportunities and welcoming communities here. If you're preparing to make the move, one of the first things you need to work out is your housing. There are many great properties for rent here. Before you begin looking at them, however, you need to know what you're looking for in these rentals in northern Colorado. Do you want an apartment, a condo, a townhome, or a house? All options are available, but which one is right for you?
When people think of renting, most think of apartments first. An apartment does have several benefits, but there are some downsides, too. You'll find some great apartments in northern Colorado, including properties in Fort Collins, Windsor, Greeley, and the other cities in northern Colorado.
If you're not certain if an apartment is right for you, it's always best to look at the pros and cons. For many, the biggest reason for renting an apartment is that there is no maintenance to deal with. You don't have to handle any yard maintenance, and if something goes wrong, you simply call the apartment manager and they coordinate repairs.
Apartments may also include one or two utilities in their rent. Most often, they include garbage, water, or internet service, but do keep in mind that this is not always true. You may even be able to find an apartment that offers all bills paid, although the rent is likely to be substantially higher to cover utility costs.
Security is also a reason some people seek out apartments. Many large complexes, especially newer ones, are gated or have on-site around the clock security. The available amenities such as pools or on-site gyms are also nice bonuses.
There are some downsides to apartments, of course. First, since you don't truly own the space, you are often limited in what you can do. You may not be able to repaint, put in new flooring, change the countertops, or do any other remodeling without the express permission of the apartment owner. You may also find it difficult to find an apartment that meets all of your needs, especially if you are a family of four or five. While three and four-bedroom apartments do exist, they are not as readily available as one and two-bedroom options.
Condos are very similar to apartments in some ways, and you are likely to find some of the same pros and cons with them. However, some key differences between the two can make one much more appealing. Like apartments, condos are often built in multi-unit buildings, so you will have neighbors on both sides and potentially above and below you. If you're thinking about living in a condo, take many of the pros and cons of apartment living and add the following:
Unlike apartments, condos in northern Colorado are typically purchased instead of rented. This means you do own your home, so you can remodel it as you like. You can even rent out your condo or sell it if you later decide to move. You may find condos for rent in northern Colorado. This can be the ideal situation if you want a rental but are also looking for an upscale place to live. You work out your rent and other issues with the condo owner, so they may be willing to negotiate more than an apartment management company would be.
While you will be responsible for interior maintenance, again you do not typically have to worry about yardwork or maintaining any community spaces. That responsibility falls to the condo association, which is similar to a neighborhood HOA.
Speaking of community spaces, condos often have more high-end amenities and luxuries than standard apartments do. Your condo complex may include a pool, gym, lounge, restaurant, rooftop hangout space, and more. Some even have retail facilities on the first floor so you can do your shopping without leaving the building.
On the downside, because you typically do buy condos, you do need to qualify for a mortgage or have a good amount of cash on hand. You will also have to pay for any repairs or maintenance done inside the condo, which can add up over the years.
You will need to pay dues to the condo association regularly, too. This association may have some control over the building, which means you may have to get their approval to do anything to your exterior door, windows, or other parts of the condo that others can see.
If you're thinking about renting a condo, remember that you are renting directly from the individual owner. You want to make certain you have everything in writing and understand how the law protects you as a tenant. These individual owners may not have much experience as landlords, so working with them will be a little different than working with a professional property management company.
A townhome is something of a middle ground between an apartment/condo and a stand-alone house. Townhomes are connected to each other, so you will share walls on at least one side, most likely two. However, there are typically no units above or below you. You may also get some private outdoor space with a townhome. If you're thinking about buying a home in northern Colorado and want more than an apartment has to offer, a townhome can be a nice option.
There are some townhomes for rent, of course. Like renting a condo, the townhome owner will be your landlord. Again, you may be able to negotiate some points of the lease with the owner. Renting a townhome may give you more space than an apartment or condo, so it's a good option for larger families or those who want to have several roommates.
Since you will own your townhome, you're free to remodel and decorate it however you want. You can also do anything you want to the yard and exterior of your townhome unless you have an HOA that specifically prevents you from doing so. Owning a townhome is the same as owning a house, though you are a little limited in that you do have other homes connected on each side.
If you want a yard but don't want too much outdoor space to maintain, a townhome can be ideal. They do have yards, but they are often smaller than what you would get with a stand-alone house. This gives you the green space you want while still making it easy to maintain.
Like buying a condo, purchasing a townhome typically requires you to take out a mortgage. You may also have to deal with noise from your neighbors since you will share walls with them. If you're renting a condo, again keep in mind that you are likely renting from an individual, not a management company. Your landlord may not be as knowledgeable or as experienced in renting a property as a company would be.
Owning a home gives you ultimate freedom over the style and decoration of the property. You can remodel and repaint whenever you want. You also likely have a good-sized yard to enjoy. If you're renting a house, you won't have quite as much freedom. You may be allowed to paint, but you won't get to remodel. However, you will likely have more space than you would find in an apartment or a condo. You also won't share any walls with others, so you don't have to worry about being as quiet.
The biggest downside to owning a house, of course, is the maintenance. You have to handle everything. The costs can quickly add up, especially if you have issues with the plumbing or need a new roof. You also have to budget for things such as homeowner's insurance and property taxes.
If you're renting, you won't have to worry about all of that. However, you may find that the cost of renting a home is higher, especially if it's a larger property. Depending on the property, you may find that renting a house doesn't offer you as much security as renting an apartment, condo, or even a townhome.
If you're not in a gated community, for example, you may need to talk to the landlord about installing a security system if one isn't already installed. Houses also likely do not have access to amenities like pools, though those in an HOA may have a community center that you can use.
The biggest downside to owning a house, of course, is the maintenance. You have to handle everything. The costs can quickly add up, especially if you have issues with the plumbing or need a new roof. You also have to budget for things such as homeowner's insurance and property taxes.
If you're renting, you won't have to worry about all of that. However, you may find that the cost of renting a home is higher, especially if it's a larger property. Depending on the property, you may find that renting a house doesn't offer you as much security as renting an apartment, condo, or even a townhome.
If you're not in a gated community, for example, you may need to talk to the landlord about installing a security system if one isn't already installed. Houses also likely do not have access to amenities like pools, though those in an HOA may have a community center that you can use.
If you're ready to move to northern Colorado, it's time to consider what the right housing option is. Rent or own, apartment or home, condo or townhouse, there's no right or wrong answer. Instead, look at each option and determine how it best fits your lifestyle, needs, and budget. The one that best meets these factors is likely the right housing choice for you.
Our team is here to help you find your next home. Feel free to call and schedule a showing or start your search right here.
