Tips and Tricks for Finding a Great or Affordable Mid-Valley Rental in Willits, Basalt, Carbondale, or Glenwood Springs | Avant Garde Aspen Luxury Real Estate

Finding a rental in the Roaring Fork Valley can be challenging, But don’t worry—we’ll help get you here! 

Navigating the Rental Market

We can certainly help you find rentals, though most rental agents in the valley focus on high-end properties in Aspen and Snowmass. Unfortunately, mid-valley rental inventory is limited, but we are happy to send you what’s available in your price range. Since inventory changes frequently, we can provide updates as new listings appear. Usually we have more to look at in the MLS above $6K/month in price range. 

To maximize your chances of securing a great rental, consider these alternative strategies:

Where to Look for Rentals

1. Classifieds – Websites like the Aspen Times and Aspen Daily News have classifieds sections listing available rentals. It’s worth browsing through them.

2. Online Listings – Craigslist and Zillow often have good rental options. Many people have found success there. 

3. Short-Term Rental Websites – If you’re open to a 6-9 month lease, VRBO and Airbnb can be great options.

4. Facebook Groups & Marketplace – You can also find more inventory successfully by posting in Roaring Fork Valley Facebook rental groups. I am in a bunch of these myself, so I can add you to more, if needed.

5. Women of Aspen WhatsApp Group – There’s a rental-specific thread in this group where people list short-, medium-, and long-term rental opportunities. Many members also know of available rentals through their networks. Let me know if you’d like to be added.

Most Affordable Rental Complexes in the Mid-Valley

If you’re open to staying for a year, these complexes tend to have the most affordable rentals:

• 110 Harris – Basalt

• Willits Seven – Affordable Housing in Basalt

• Tree Farm – Basalt

• Market Place Lofts – Carbondale

• Hayden Place – Carbondale

Pro Tips for Renting in the Roaring Fork Valley

• Upfront Costs – Unlike in Denver, many rentals here require first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit upfront—even for short-term leases. Be sure to budget accordingly.

• Avoiding Scams – Some listings that seem too good to be true are too good to be true. Be cautious of potential rental scams.

• Deed-Restricted Housing – Some affordable housing units have income limits, and the county monitors eligibility. If your income exceeds the limit, you may be asked to move out.

• Furnished vs. Unfurnished – Some units come furnished, while others don’t. Rentals are often easier to find if you don’t bring furniture, especially for short-term stays.

• In-Person Inquiries – Many rental offices receive high volumes of inquiries and may not respond to emails or calls. Visiting in person is the best way to secure a rental.

• Off-Season Availability – The highest number of people move out in April and May. Connecting with rental managers during this period can yield better options.

• Pets - Housing options can be even more limited in the Roaring Fork Valley if you're bringing pets along. Many buildings are not pet-friendly, which can make the search even tougher. A pro tip: If possible, registering your pet as a service animal can sometimes help bypass building or HOA restrictions and may even waive pet deposits.

Property Manager Connection

I can connect you with our property manager, Matthew, who works for Romero Group. They manage several apartment and townhome buildings in Basalt and Carbondale and may have upcoming availability.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out!