Whether you are relocating from across the country or just across town, these resources will help you secure housing ahead of service.
Find housing before you start service
You will be required to be living within the state of Colorado for the first day of service to allow you to focus on building relationships with your teammates, immerse yourself in training and adjust to your new neighborhood before the school year begins.
Denver is a growing hub at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. You’ve chosen to serve in a popular city—young people are flocking here to enjoy our 300 days of sun, easy access to the outdoors and Denver’s commitment to the arts. Housing moves quickly here in Denver, so you’ll want to do your research.
When to start looking
It may take a lot of diligent research to find your perfect place. Here’s what our current AmeriCorps members say about their experience:
- Most AmeriCorps members secure a place to live the first two weeks of June.
- The earliest time anyone secured housing in Denver was April.
- It took AmeriCorps members an average of a month and a half of searching before they secured housing.
- We recommend beginning to look at housing opportunities in late April or early May so that you are prepared to make a commitment to your preferred housing by June.
- City Denver’s start date is in mid-late July and most AmeriCorps members start their lease and move in during early-mid July.
Where to look
Our current AmeriCorps members recommend joining these Facebook groups:
- Denver Housing and Sub-Letting Group
- DU Student Housing Group (Many AmeriCorps members used this in the past, but it has become a bit more student centric. It depends on what you feel comfortable with).
- Denver Creative Housing
- Denver AmeriCorps Alums (group)
- Denver AmeriCorps Alums (page)
- AmeriCorps Denver Housing Network – Denver Metro
- Denver Roommates (Pet Friendly)
- Denver Queer Exchange
And recommend these websites:
- Colorado Housing Connects
- Vita Locators
- National real estate platforms
Many current AmeriCorps members have successfully found housing by contacting Vita Locators and recommend their services to future AmeriCorps members.
Deciding where to live
Most of the partner schools we serve in are on the West side of Denver. Many of our partner schools are located just off Federal Blvd, a large thoroughfare running North-South through the West side of the city. We also have a cluster of partner schools on the East side of Denver. An interactive map of the city can be found here.
Our most popular neighborhoods for AmeriCorps members include:
- Baker
- Capitol Hill (Cap Hill)
- Athmar Park and Westwood
- Sloan Lake
- Sunnyside, Berkley, and the Highlands
- Cheesman Park and Congress Park
- Washington/Virginia Vale and Glendale
- Hale
- Central Park (formerly named Stapleton)
- University
Use niche.com to learn more about each of these neighborhoods! Check out Denver’s neighborhood guide here.
Finding roommates
- Our AmeriCorps members typically live with roommates. If you plan to live alone, you will likely need a supplemental income. AmeriCorps members often enjoy living with others that are serving, but this is not a requirement.
- Please join our Slack group to meet other people and find roommates. Joining the Facebook groups above is also a recommended resource to utilize to find roommates.
Budgeting for housing
Members find housing through online posting sites, word of mouth and sometimes on the City Year Slack group (current members advertising their apartments and your Service Year Adviser sharing opportunities). Postings should outline who to contact to learn more about the property, costs and lease terms.
When renting an apartment, ask about the following fees as they frequently apply.
- Broker’s or application fee – typically one month’s rent or a percentage or the annual lease
- Security deposit – typically one month’s rent, returned at the end of the lease if the property’s condition is maintained
- First month’s rent – typically due upon signing of the lease agreement. City Year Denver AmeriCorps members should anticipate budgeting about $650 per month for rent
- Last month’s rent – may be requested upon signing of the lease agreement
Some utilities are included in the price of rent, so be sure to ask your landlord. When viewing apartments, most landlords or current tenants will gladly tell you the average price of utilities, so don’t be afraid to ask. It is also helpful to ask what utilities the house uses, such as gas or electric heat. Some units and buildings include laundry, for free or a cost, while others are located near laundromats.
Our AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive affordable internet through Internet Essentials for less than $10/month. Once you’ve started moving in and are ready to set up the internet, learn more about this option here.
Looking for affordable furniture? We recommend visiting Habitat for Humanity ReStores!
Learn more about your bi-weekly stipend and the various benefits – both during and after service.
Whether you’re new to our city or have lived in Denver for several years, there are always new and exciting things to experience here.
Looking for more resources and information? We’ve got you covered.
