As the third-best place to live in the United States, Colorado Springs attracts countless renters hoping to experience the Front Range lifestyle at a relatively affordable cost — but that doesn’t mean it’s always a breeze to find reliable, responsible tenants for your investment property in this market.

As the supply of apartments in the Springs has increased, the vacancy rate in Colorado Springs metro area multifamily rentals reached 7.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024, leaving landlords to compete for tenants.

One way for you — and your property — to stand out is to satisfy the growing demand for family-friendly, tech-enhanced homes. By embracing this trend and making your rentals safer, smarter and more comfortable for parents and kids, you can attract more families to your rentals, avoiding vacancies and ensuring a solid return on your investment.

Why Kid-Friendly Smart Homes are In Demand in Colorado Springs

Across the country, renters — especially families with children — are increasingly seeking tech-enabled homes with family-friendly upgrades, drawn to their durable and kid-friendly finishes as well as smart-home essentials that make life safer and more convenient. 

In El Paso County, where Colorado Springs is located, children make up 23.1% of the population, higher than the statewide concentration of 21.4%. This year, WalletHub ranked Colorado the 11th-best state to raise a family, with the state ranking sixth for family fun and affordability.

Parents in Colorado Springs want homes that offer convenience, energy savings, and safety for their children — that’s why investing in kid-friendly and tech-enhanced upgrades to your property is a smart move. With these enhancements, you will create a “move-in ready” appeal, allowing you to boost your rental value and reduce vacancy rates.

Durable & Kid-Friendly Finishes

Parents often worry about their children, and for renters, those worries can multiply: Will my child scratch the floors? Will they fall and hit their head on the countertop or shut their hand in a cabinet door?

By making your home more durable and safe for children, you’re making life easier for parents — and reducing long-term maintenance costs for yourself. With more durable finishes, there will be less wear and tear on your property, making these upgrades a win-win. And in Colorado Springs, where residents typically see 32.5 inches of snow and 15.91 inches of rain each year, durable finishes can also help avoid damage due to water or the salt used on wintery roads. 

In high-traffic areas, like kitchens or hallways, consider scratch-resistant flooring like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile. And on the walls, washable, low-VOC paints can be a good pick. 

For safety, we recommend rounded-edge countertops and soft-close cabinets, which can protect even the most active toddlers.

Smart Home Essentials Parents Love

Colorado is a growing tech hub, and Colorado Springs is home to plenty of tech-savvy families who would appreciate the convenience and sense of safety that smart home products bring. 

These are a few of our favorites:

• Smart thermostats are convenient, typically offering the option to control temperatures remotely from your phone or using your voice, which is ideal for busy parents. Some even have additional features, like assessing the air quality. They can also help you conserve energy, saving money and the planet.

• Smart locks replace a traditional lock, typically with a keypad that requires an access code for entry. Many are equipped with wifi to allow you to receive notifications when someone tries to enter. Similarly, smart doorbells notify you when someone comes to the door, offering a live video feed or recordings. Both devices add an extra layer of security to your home, which can give families peace of mind.

• Smart leak detectors can sense water leaks before the water begins to damage your home, and smart smoke or carbon monoxide alarms are new-and-improved versions of the old-school devices you’ve probably had in your home for decades. All can help protect your renters — and your property — from emergencies.

With luxury smart features like these, you could even consider marketing your property by offering these add-ons as a “tech package,” allowing you to justify premium rent.

Kid-Friendly Extras to Set Your Property Apart

In addition to durable finishes and smart home essentials, there are a variety of perks you can add to your property to attract families with children. 

Built-in child safety gates or babyproofing hardware in high-traffic areas are ideal for toddlers, and a fenced-in backyard or secure outdoor play areas can bring joy to kids of all ages. Blackout shades or smart blinds can help your tenants create better nap and bedtime routines, and families will love having a dedicated “flex space” that could serve as a home office or a playroom — or both.

The Power of Location & Layout

You may have heard that listings are all about location, location, location, and that’s true — but families with children might have a different list of location “must haves” than other tenants would. To attract families with children, highlight your property’s proximity to parks, schools and kid-friendly amenities. Whether your Colorado Springs home is on the southwest side, near Bear Creek Park and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, or on the north side, near John Venezia Community Park’s popular splash pad, don’t forget to mention any kid-friendly attractions!

A family-friendly layout can make a difference, too. Open floor plans are for better family flow and allow for easier supervision of children, and ample storage is necessary for all of the toys, strollers and gear that families with young children have.

Marketing Your Kid-Friendly Smart Home in Colorado Springs

Once you’ve turned your rental property into a tech-enhanced haven for families with children, you need to know how to market it to attract those families. Here’s how we recommend highlighting those features in your rental listings:

• In your online listings, use keywords such as “kid-friendly,” “smart home,” “family-friendly,” “safe and secure” and “tech-upgraded”

• Include photos showing your property’s smart tech, durable finishes and kid-friendly perks

• Consider offering virtual tours showing how the space suits families

Renting Your Kid-Friendly Smart Home with Ease

The Colorado Springs rental market is competitive, but small investments in kid-friendly and smart home upgrades can make your property more attractive to families, helping you avoid vacancies. You might even be able to justify charging more in rent, leading to a significant return on your investment.

When you’re thinking about how to upgrade your property, put yourself in the shoes of a modern family and consider what might make life easier or more convenient for them. You’ll be well on your way to finding new tenants.