And, as the Star of Bethlehem
Declared the Saviors birth -
May this - the Star of Castle Rock
Shine forth for Peace on Earth. (Helen Lowrie Marshall, "The Star of Castle Rock")
Located 30 miles south of Downtown Denver and 40 miles north of Colorado Spring, Castle Rock, CO is home to approximately 49,000 people. Interestingly, this town was named after a castle tower-shaped butte located prominently at the center of the town. The area used to be the territory of Native Americans, but rumors of gold changed the course of its history with so many people drawn to this area in hot pursuit of riches. With a history thats as interesting as its name, this town currently boasts of a thriving community enjoying one of the best landscapes that nature offers, as well as the convenience of city living.With the Rocky Mountains a few miles in the west, this 31.6 square mile town is perfectly nestled with towering and majestic mountains as backdrops. Additionally, the climate is typical of arid Colorado. One good thing is that the area is just a wee bit away from the extreme winter storms of the mountains and heat of the plains. It's no wonder that Native Americans found it the perfect place for hunting. Nothing much has changedmodern-day game and opportunities beckon here in Castle Rock. If youre ensnared by such an opportunity, it's time to snag your own territory here!
The Essentials of Finding an Apartment in Castle Rock
Landlords are certainly entitled to some quirks. Although as a renter, youd do well hope your landlord doesnt get too quirky. However, there are some essentials that youd better be in the know about. Here they are:
Country roads cant take you home
Well, that is, if you dont have a car. Since public transportation in this side of Colorado is nearly non-existent, youd need your own car to meander through town and look for a suitable home. Of course, once you're settled in town, carpooling is also one viable option to get to and from work. But until then, you're left to fend for yourself in terms of transportation.
This may look country, but rents still not free
Let not the acres of open space fool you into thinking that this is the middle of nowhere, and therefore that rentals cheap. While not at the same heart-breaking level as major metropolis, rents here are not cheap either.
You gotta choose among several housing options
This town believes in diversity so much that even real estate properties range from studio type flats to large single family homes; from brick houses to modern contemporary homes; and from old buildings that look straight out from the pages of history books to freshly-painted abodes. Youve got all that in the mix here, so you better have a clear preference to narrow down your choices.
Competition can be a little tough so...
Better get moving if you're scheduled to move in a month or two. A 3 percent vacancy rate doesn't give you much room to sit around and mull over different housing options--before you know it, another renter would have snapped it up before you can get around to starting the rental application process. Sorry to break it to you--the law of supply and demand is not stacked in your favor here.
Meet Castle Rocks Different Neighborhoods
So youre quite clear on what your ideal home would be. But have you given thought to which neighborhood suits your lifestyle best? Most often comfort comes from being with your own crowd and keeping similar company. Thus, to nudge you into making the right decision, heres an overview of the different communities in Castle Rock as well as their relative cost of living.
Town Center**: Are you on a solo flight? You might want to take a look at studio type flats in this area. The neighborhood is close to every convenience imaginable. But the flip side is that its devoid of the calm and solace of other neighborhoods in Castle Rock. You are right in the middle of the flurry of activities of this town, after all. $**
The Meadows**: This neighborhood offers the enviable combination of untouched open space and the convenience of downtown living. Youll find the natural landscape irresistible and families with school-aged children have the choice of top schools in Colorado. The best of both worlds is right here in this neighborhood. $$$$**
Monte Vista Estates**: If youre working from the comfort of your own home, youll find a lot of things in common with your neighbors should you choose to live in this neighborhood. With mostly 4 or 5 bedroom apartments in this area, theres surely a lot of room for a home office. $$$$**
N Crowfeet/Knobcone Dr**: Highly-educated married couples dominate this community. Thus, amenities and activities within this neighborhood are geared towards this demographic. If youre in the same segment, youll plenty to chit-chat with your next door neighbor over an afternoon barbecue party. $**
Castle Pines Village**: If compelling rock formations, spectacular view of the Rocky Mountains, an abundance of Colorado flora and wildlife, and Jack Nicklaus signature golf country clubs sound like home to you, you shouldnt be anywhere else. This gated community is where nature meets city; any outdoorsy person would bask in the landscape of this area. $**
Orsa**: This neighborhood has the atmosphere that draws families with school-aged children. The sense of community is quite palpable as well. Kids playing and families socializing are the common scene youll find in this area. Heck, even pets feel that sense of belonging here. $$$$$**
Keene Ranch**: Located at the foothills west and south of the Denver Metro Area, this neighborhood is elevated enough to offer an excellent view of beautiful sunrises and sunsets, twinkling lights of the metropolis, open spaces teeming with life in various forms, and the majestic mountains. Of course, words arent enough. Youd have to visit the place and give it a chance to take your breath away. The disadvantage in living in this area? Paradise can be a bit too far where commute is concerned compared to other areas in Castle Rock. $$$**
Happy Canyon/Silver Heights**: This neighborhood is relatively new: its almost reeking with the smell of fresh paint. The home of many wealthy individuals, this area has an abundance of large single family homes and apartments. $$**
Front St/Founders Pkwy**: This neighborhood of mostly 3 or 4 bedroom apartments is one of the walkable and family-friendly areas in Castle Rock. If youre bent on finding a house for rent in this neighborhood, however, youd have to be prepared to face stiff competition since the vacancy rate is pretty lowso low, you must have the tenacity of a bulldog to snag an apartment here. $$**
S Ridge Rd/E Willow Creek**: Largely made up of 3 bedroom single family homes or studio-type apartments, this area has a good mix of highly-educated people across different age groups. Theres variation in occupation and lifestyle as well. Because of that, theres a bit of everything here and its quite suitable for people who relish diversity. $$**
Ways to Get Busy
Have lots of time to spare? This town is known for its acres of open spaces, trails and parks. You can get involved in many activities that range from the sedate to the challenging, such as biking, hiking, wall climbing, and getting up close and personal with wildlife. If you think that work is about all the activity and stress you can take, how about taking the time out to enjoy a round of golf in Castle Rocks several golf courses or nurture a love for horses in the town's several equestrian centers? If, however, you just can't find the love for physical activities, then being an audience to the towns numerous events like golf tournaments, rodeos, duck derby and car shows certainly wouldnt hurt. Already find something of the above youd like to try? Pack your things first and move on over here!
