Suburban Denver apartments can be every bit as competitive as urban core properties. Next time your concrete jungle-loving friend scoffs at the 'burbs, offer up these three retorts.

1. Take a Hike! Oh, You Can't? Well, Come to the Suburbs

Radco Cos CEO Norman Radow, whose company recently completed nearly $2M in renovation work on its Ashford Belmar property in Lakewood, tells us, simply, not everyone wants to be Downtown. In the case of Ashford Belmar, Norman says, it's close to the Front Range and within walking distance of a 22-block master planned retail village with a Cineplex, dozens of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. In fact, the area has a Walk Score of 86, which is "Very Walkable." (And not a bad heart rate for a walk either.)

2. Feeling Cramped?

Apartment size is an important consideration for many renters, and suburban spots can offer more breathing room. Another factor driving value in the 'burbs: recently renovated older product can also be competitive on price, even with other suburban locations. Ashford Belmar units, he says, are 300 SF larger than the newer product nearby that costs a few hundred dollars more.

3. We've Got Plenty of Room for Amenities

Norman tells us Ashford Belmar’s 27.5k SF clubhouse is one of the most impressive facilities of its type. Following the renovation, it has an indoor Olympic-sized pool and oversized hot tub, a pet spa with three washing stations, a golf simulator room, a movie theater, an Internet café, game rooms and tanning beds.