Steamboat Springs, CO

2 Apartments for Rent

One of the country's premier winter destinations, Steamboat Springs, Colorado lies in the middle of a snow belt, ensuring that skiers will enjoy an average of nearly 350 inches of powder-perfect snow every ski season.

If you're driving into Steamboat Springs during the winter, the first thing you'll notice is that the closer you get to town, the deeper the snow gets, so that it's virtually level with the roofs of some of the mountain chalets located just outside of town. Don't let that scare you, however, because this is an area that not only thrives on, but also depends upon its incredible snowfall. As locals will tell you, Steamboat Springs is located smack dab in the middle of a snow belt that keeps everything covered, for at least seven months of the year, in perfect skiing powder, which explains the town's popularity as a winter resort. Steamboat Springs is also outrageously picturesque, set amidst scenic mountain vistas offering spectacular views all year round. There aren't any steamboats in Steamboat Springs, but you will find two famous hot springs (Old Town and Strawberry Park) to relax in after a hard day on the slopes. With a population of 12,088 (2010 census), Steamboat Springs somehow manages to maintain an authentic small town vibe, despite international tourism and a world-class ski resort that keeps things humming economically.

Moving to Steamboat Springs

If you're planning to find an apartment in Steamboat Springs, your luck may be a bit better during spring and summer months, not only because of the warmer weather, but also because there's definitely a snowbird season (the kind of snowbird that seeks the snow, rather than fleeing it to Florida) in this area of Colorado. Winter is the time when rental apartments, condo rentals and rental houses go for a premium, thanks to the high volume of ski vacationers and second-home residents who stay throughout the snowy months of the year.

You'll find plenty of pet-friendly apartments and rental homes in Steamboat Springs, because Colorado is well known for its animal-loving culture. Whatever you're looking for, it's a good idea to check the local ads, as well as the bulletin boards in tourist areas such as Lincoln Avenue. Otherwise, the best thing you can do is drive around and start looking. It's not a large area, but you're sure to find some unadvertised rental properties in your search.

Neighborhoods in Steamboat Springs

The residential section of Steamboat Springs is relatively small, so there aren't any traditional neighborhoods, but some sections of town are especially popular for both vacationers and long term residents. Here are a few places to consider:

Old Town Steamboat: Located in the heart of town, Old Town Steamboat has condos, apartments and rental homes available throughout the year, all within walking / biking distance from the shops and amenities on Lincoln Avenue.

Steamboat Mountain: Situated alongside Steamboat's prime ski area, Steamboat Mountain features a wealth of condos, townhouses and homes for sale or rent, all with easy bus access to downtown.

The Sanctuary: Built around the Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club, this scenic area offers homes for sale or rent, and is within walking / biking distance to Routt National Forest.

Fish Creek Falls: Located just above Steamboat Springs, Fish Creek offers beautiful mountain-style homes and wooded lots, all with spectacular views. It's a bit more isolated, but there's easy access to bus services that will take you into town.

Living in Steamboat Springs

Transportation

As with many Colorado ski towns, Steamboat Springs offers a free, year-round bus service that covers the entire town, plus the area ski resorts. There's also a regional service that can take you to the nearby town of Craig. Because of the weather, however, it really helps to have your own wheels here, especially if you need to commute regularly to work.

Skiing

Speaking of snow, the world famous Steamboat Ski Resort, located on Mount Werner, has 165 trails ranging from beginner to advanced levels. For those with a daredevil streak, there's also the Mavericks Superpipe, which is considered one of the best in the country. Another great local ski resort is the Howelsen Ski Area, which features a popular ski jump.

You don't have to be a skier or winter sports enthusiast to appreciate Steamboat Springs, however, and water enthusiasts flock to the nearby Yampa River to enjoy rafting, fishing and kayaking. If your idea of a good time doesn't involve raising your heart rate sky-high, you might prefer taking one of the many spectacular hiking / biking trails in Routt National Forest.

Outdoor Activities

Steamboat Springs is also a renowned mecca for golfers, thanks to Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club, where you'll find a magnificent 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones II that's surrounded by mountain vistas. Another locals' favorite is Haymaker, a public course designed by Keith Foster that features elegant picture-postcard views of the Yampa Valley and Mount Werner.

Once you've reached your exercise quota for the day, it's time to check out those famous hot springs. Located in the heart of downtown, Old Town Hot Springs features huge hot spring pools, water slides and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Just outside of town, you'll find Strawberry Park Hot Springs, a gorgeous oasis located alongside Hot Springs Creek.

Local Eats

If you're hungry, then the main drag along Lincoln Avenue is where you'll find loads of great restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining. If you want something fun, simple and tasty, stop by Johnny B. Good's Diner, a '50s style eatery where you'll be able to enjoy the best burgers, and malts in town, surrounded by iconic wall art featuring the likes of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis. If you love great french fries, then be sure and order the mongo fries with chili and cheese. If you're hankering for some great Western-style barbecue, check out Steamboat Smokehouse, where you'll find hickory smoked meats slathered in house special sauce, all served in a friendly casual atmosphere. Another locals' favorite, Winona's, offers humongous sandwiches and home-baked treats loaded with calories, which you can ski away tomorrow.

Natural Beauty

With its sweeping mountain vistas, Steamboat Springs is one of the most spectacular-looking places you'll ever lay eyes on. It's no wonder that thousands of tourists flock here every season; but somehow, you never feel like you're in a tourist town. Thanks to a good dose of civic pride, as well as an inherent local friendliness, Steamboat Springs feels more like an insanely beautiful hometown albeit a snowy one than just another Colorado tourist spot.