Heather Ridge - Aurora, CO

The Heather Ridge community is located in Aurora, a city that was founded in 1891 by a settler named Donald Fletcher. The city was originally referred to as Fletcher and officially became Aurora in 1907. In 1929, the Fitzimmons Army Hospital was constructed in Aurora and treated individuals wounded in World War 1. By 1929, Aurora housed 2,000 residents, with the population growing to 50,000 by the 1960s.

The arts scene in Aurora continues to expand, with programs such as Art in Public Places that promotes free access to public art exhibitions throughout the community. The Aurora History Museum hosts several free exhibits featuring historic artifacts, such as photographs, relics and art from Aurora's early days. The city of Aurora also hosts a variety of annual events, such as the Aurora Veterans Salute and the Aurora Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Heather Ridge residents have multiple options when it comes to dining and nightlife, as a variety of popular establishments are located within walking distance or just a short car trip away on and around East Iliff Avenue. From health-conscious eateries to authentic Mexican restaurants, there's definitely something to satisfy every appetite.

When locals have a craving for American cuisine, they head down to Bent Fork the Grill on East Iliff Avenue. This locally owned establishment specializes in new-American fare, with signature menu items, such as the grilled four-cheese sandwich served with tomato bisque soup. Fontina, gorgonzola, white cheddar and buffalo mozzarella cheeses add a unique spin to this classic comfort meal, making it a favorite among regulars. If you're craving down-home mac and cheese, make sure to try one of Bent Fork's updated versions with lobster or green chiles for a truly unique taste experience.

For amazing health-conscious vegan and vegetarian food served in a bohemian-style restaurant, take a trip over to Govinda's Garden Cafe on Cherry Street. With whimsical decor, patio seating and signature "Happytizers" such as veggie samosas filled with fresh organic vegetables, you're in for a magical dining experience. Govinda's also serves a revolving dinner buffet that alternates week to week. Local favorites include vegetable curry, eggplant Parmesan and BBQ tofu, blackened and smothered in vegan barbecue sauce.

When it comes to nightlife, locals don't have to travel far for an evening of drinks, food and fun with friends, as many popular nightspots are within walking distance or a short drive away from the Heather Ridge community.

If you're into sports, the local crowd highly recommends Noonan's Sports Bar and Grill on East Iliff Avenue. With a menu featuring signature pub appetizers as well as a full bar and extensive wine list, Noonan's is the perfect place to unwind, celebrate and watch the big game with friends.

For an evening of wine and appetizers in a relaxed environment, locals suggest Cody's Cafe and Bar, also conveniently located on East Iliff Avenue. Perfect for date nights and casual gatherings, Cody's creates the perfect atmosphere with soft lighting, an extensive wine and cocktail list and tapas, such as mushroom pot-stickers and ahi tostadas.

Residents of the Heather Ridge community enjoy walking and biking through the neighborhoods as well as walking along the golf courses on provided walking paths. Outside of the neighborhood, the city of Denver provides over 400 miles of bike lanes and 100 miles of bike paths throughout the Denver metro area. Individuals who utilize public transportation catch local Regional Transport District (RTD) buses at multiple stops throughout the community, including East Iliff Avenue, as well as utilize the light rail train system via the station on East Yale Circle.

Heather Ridge residents do not hail taxicabs within the neighborhood, but they do utilize alternative cab services such as Uber as well as schedule taxi rides through Metro Taxi of Denver. Residents of the Heather Ridge community can park on certain residential streets, as long as they adhere to the hours listed on parking enforcement signs, however, certain gated communities in the area do not allow for street parking without temporary parking permits. Residents can also utilize standard parking meters when visiting downtown Denver and in areas with heavier traffic. For individuals traveling outside of the community, the Interstate 225 Freeway can be accessed via East Iliff Avenue and East Evans Avenue.

Aurora's Parks and Recreation Department provides Heather Ridge residents with several parks in the immediate community, with over 100 parks throughout the city. While the parks do not charge a fee to enter, individuals who wish to reserve picnic shelters and community rooms must pay rental fees. Families appreciate Utah Park on South Peoria Street for its multiple amenities such as playgrounds, lighted tennis courts and an indoor swimming pool.

Exercise and sports enthusiasts enjoy Olympic Park, as it features an ample walking and jogging trail, tennis courts and baseball diamonds. For dog owners, Heather Ridge locals recommend Grandview Dog Park on Quincy Avenue for the convenient amenities, including doggie drinking fountains, waste bag stations and over 5 acres of wide-open space as well as an additional fenced area for smaller canines.

The Aurora Parks and Recreation Department hosts multiple events throughout the year, including the annual Fourth of July celebration at the Aurora Municipal Center on East Alameda Parkway, as well as the Aurora Summer Concert Series, featuring weekly concerts during the summer at various parks throughout the city.

The cost of living in the Heather Ridge community is approximately 7 percent lower than the cost of living in Denver, with residents paying an average rental rate of $907.22 for a one-bedroom residence. Local Heather Ridge bars charge between $3.50 and $6 for imported and domestic beers, but prices can vary. A local bus or light rail train ride into the city center ranges between $2.25 and $5.00, and residents pay approximately 7 percent less than the national average for gas.

Heather Ridge residents enjoy the combined benefit of living within minutes of multiple retailers lining East Iliff Avenue, with several grocery and home goods stores just a few blocks away along East Mississippi Avenue.

For groceries, cleaning supplies and sundries, local shoppers often visit Safeway, AG Groceries, Ralphs and Salem Grocery, all located on East Iliff Avenue. For fresh veggies, fruits and meats, Sprouts Farmers Market, located on South Ironton Street just off of East Iliff, has a wide selection of natural and organic options. Locals also shop for locally grown produce, baked goods and handmade products at the Metro Denver Farmers Market on West Bowles Avenue in Littleton, open for business between May and November.

For discount merchandise such as clothing, home decor and kitchenware, locals shop at Ross Dress For Less and TJ Maxx, both located on East Iliff Avenue. If you're looking for specialty items, locals recommend Town Center at Aurora, a popular shopping mall on East Alameda Avenue featuring 150 retailers. If you're in the market for a new fragrance, check out Fragrance Hut, a specialty retailer featuring affordable fragrances for men and women. If you're in search of a unique gift, Oriental Gifts features a wide selection of imported, one-of-a-kind items, including statues, jewelry boxes, stationery and more.

While there are no high-end retailers in the immediate community, the Cherry Creek Shopping Center in downtown Denver houses several high-end shops, such as Ann Taylor, Burberry, Coach, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, and Hyde Park Jewelers.