Union Square - Lakewood, CO

In 1889, Charles Welch and W.A.H. Loveland developed a 13-block area along Colfax Avenue in the area now known as Lakewood. The area surrounding that commercial district remained primarily farms, but as Denver grew, the farms disappeared and developments popped up.

In 1969, the area's 90,000 residents were incorporated into the city of Lakewood. Because so many people lived in the area prior to the 1970s, much of its architecture echoes mid-century styles, but modern developments exist as well.

Locals can learn about the area's history at the Lakewood Heritage Center, or they can explore the area's prehistory at nearby Dinosaur Ridge, a fossil site in the foothills west of Lakewood. Annual events include Lakewood on Parade and Festival Italiano. Art and culture lovers can enjoy Denver's museums including the Denver Art Museum and the Children's Museum of Denver.

When hunger strikes, head to Union Boulevard, where you can find tasty fare all day long. For breakfast, grab a breakfast burrito at Nick's Cafe, or try Nick's gyro sandwich to start your day off right.

For lunch, check out Stack Subs. With four choices of bread, this shop caters to everyone from the multi-grain-loving, health-conscious person to the diner who needs gluten-free fare. For a twist, try a sub on pretzel bread. The cooks cut the meat daily and only use fresh veggies to ensure you get a tasty experience.

For dinner, 240 Union, a creative grill, serves contemporary American cuisine. Whether you want fresh seafood, lamb or a wood-fired pizza, you can find it on the menu at this upscale establishment that also serves brunch on Sundays.

In the evening, locals head to Westrail Tap & Grill where they can cut a rug to the beats of a DJ or watch the Broncos play. The menu features street tacos, Philly cheese steak sandwiches, fried fish and similar fare. During happy hour, this bar offers great deals on Colorado microbrews such as Mama's Little Pills by Oskar Blues or Oktoberfest by the Fort Collins Brewery.

Another local favorite, La Cave sells wine and upscale food and hosts a boutique on site. At the boutique, diners can pick up items such as decanters, candles and wine boxes, and in the restaurant, they can gather around the fire as they can enjoy a prix-fixe menu with four courses and dessert. Start with bruschetta and follow that with cod, a wild mushroom course and lamb chops, and enjoy the wine pairings with each course. For more intense dancing, head into the Denver to spend time at nightclubs such as Tracks or The Church.

Union Square locals have easy access to downtown Denver thanks to Highway 6. However, when they want to play, locals can head the other direction and easily pop onto Interstate 70 which leads to Vail and other ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains.

Every 15 minutes, light rail trains leave Federal Center Station to take locals into downtown Denver. The trains carry bikes, making it easy to bring your bicycle into downtown for even greater convenience.

However, many locals prefer to bypass the trains and just ride their bikes into Denver on the massive trail system running through the metro area. Although the area offers safety for walkers during the day, some people like to exercise caution in the evening. If you need a ride, you can call a cab or an Uber driver to the area.

The area's namesake Union Square Park has a playground for the kids, but it also has great views of the Denver skyline as well as a scenic lake with a fountain. Joggers and walkers enjoy the path around the lake.

Dog lovers take their pooches to the Forsberg Iron Spring Dog Park, where a huge off-leash area awaits. If you enjoy outdoor events, check out the Taste of Colorado or the Colorado Renaissance Festival.

Living in the Union Square neighborhood costs about the same as living in other parts of the Denver metro area. On average, Union Square renters pay $1,137 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Hopping on the train into Denver costs only $3 during rush hour, and if you prefer to drive, the savings continue to add up, as gas stations in this area charge 11 percent less than the national average. If you want a pint of beer after work, plan to spend between $4 for a Budweiser and $9 for a double IPA microbrew.

Boasting over one million square feet of retail space, Colorado Mills provides locals with the most convenient shopping experience in the area. Featuring 10 anchor stores as well as restaurants and small shops, this mall includes shops such as H&M, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus.

At Full Service Bicycle, hippies can find cruisers with big wicker baskets and exercise enthusiasts can choose top-of-the-line mountain and racing bikes. The shop also provides repairs, educational classes, and bicycle accessories to complement the area's growing bicycle culture.

Gun lovers frequent the Bristlecone Shooting, Training and Retail Center. There, they can embrace the spirit of the Old West by buying guns, practicing their shooting, training for active shooter attacks and more. They can also learn about the state's conceal-and-carry permits, buy a holster, and pick a gun to tote all over town.

For groceries, Union Square residents can shop at King Soopers, Whole Foods or Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage. During the summer, buy farm-fresh produce from farmers markets located at the Denver Federal Center on Kipling and 6th Avenue or on the southeast corner of Wadsworth and Alameda.