Phoenix
Although surrounded by inhospitable desert, Phoenix is one of the largest cities in the United States, and the nation’s single largest state capital city. The area contains numerous galleries and museums, putting the people in contact with everything from the European masters to Native American craftsmanship to modern originals from Phoenix’s diverse artistic community. The Downtown cultural scene has developed into a top-notch feast of visual and performing arts, with symphony performances, live theater, and the popular First Friday exhibitions. Phoenix is also an excellent city for sports fans, being one of the few cities in America with local franchises in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. Several thousand students attend the two Arizona State University campuses in the city, as well as the over-50,000 who attend the main campus in neighboring Tempe. Rental rates for apartments average around $1000 per month, but numerous more affordable options are available all over the city, from quiet houses for rent in the suburbs to downtown efficiency apartments. Getting around Phoenix is typically done by car for most residents, but a light rail system makes it easy to get across town without a personal vehicle; Downtown and its surrounding areas are quite walkable as well.
Denver
Established in the mid-1800s as a mining town during the Gold Rush, Denver embraces its Western heritage along with a forward-thinking mindset. Larimer Square is a testament to Denver’s balance of old and new, boasting rows of creative restaurants, independent shops, and vibrant nightlife spots in Victorian-era buildings downtown. Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is renowned for its great outdoor adventures. Residents enjoy more than 5,000 acres of parks, trails, golf courses, and playgrounds as well as convenience to Red Rocks Park and Cherry Creek State Park. Denver is proximate to world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities just outside the city too. City center skyrises provide incredible views of the mountains to the west, while spacious suburbs with single-family rentals make for the perfect place to set down roots. Cultural amenities abound in Denver, including the Denver Botanic Gardens, Union Station, Ogden Theatre, Denver Zoo, Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Denver is also home to five major sports teams—the NFL’s Denver Broncos, MLB’s Colorado Rockies, NBA’s Denver Nuggets, NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, and MLS’s Colorado Rapids.
Loveland
Located less than an hour north of Colorado’s capital city of Denver, Loveland is a Rocky Mountain town with a bustling downtown and welcoming atmosphere. Loveland’s charming downtown area offers local restaurants, shops, and museums along walkable streets. Enjoy locally crafted beers at the Climb Hard Cider Company, or try mouth-watering tavern food at Pourhouse. Overlooking the beautiful Rocky Mountains to the west, Loveland offers incredible scenic views with access to Estes Park located at the base of the Rocky Mountain National Park, the state’s premier spot for hiking, camping, and more! This mountainous city houses the Thompson School District where children are offered top-ranking public schools. Be sure to explore the many exciting landmarks and family-friendly entertainment options that reside in Loveland. Visit the country’s largest array of sculptures at the Benson Sculpture Garden, or travel to Boyd Lake State Park to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and more water sports, as well as hiking, biking, and lakeside camping. Shop top-notch outlet stores at the Outlets at Loveland, or enjoy the best concerts, sports, events, and more at The Ranch, featuring the Budweiser Events Center. Upscale apartments and cozy houses are available for rent in this mountainous city!