Anderosa - Colorado Springs, CO

This beautiful, well-landscaped neighborhood experienced a growth spurt in the 1990s as Colorado Springs expanded with burgeoning populations, and it remains one of the most sought-after communities in the region. Although not in the neighborhood, a short drive to the north entrance of the AFA takes you to the Museum of Mining and Industry where over 4,000 artifacts, exhibits, a research library and a 10-stamp ore mill explore Colorado's mining history, industrial technology, geology and environment.

The city abounds with artists inspired by the scenery and laid-back lifestyle afforded in the Springs, so art festivals line the streets in the summer, local parks celebrate America's birth and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic performs outdoors at different parks throughout the area.

This pretty neighborhood features a stylish Japanese restaurant that uses teppanyaki grills and exciting tableside service where chefs slice, dice and juggle your food right before your eyes. The Kura Japanese Restaurant tempts its patrons with 100 varieties of sushi, sashimi, tempura and tapas done with a Japanese flair such as spicy tuna nachos. Taste the elegance of well-prepared calamari, steak and miso-marinated black cod, and you'll return again and again to indulge in gastronomically satisfying fare.

Enjoy a laid-back domestic brew with friendly service at Guthries Bar. The food menu isn't the most extensive but locals say it's filling. For more food options but a similar no-frills feel, head to Dublin House Sports Bar, another neighborhood favorite.

When you get a hankering for authentic Chinese or Asian food, motor over to the Mandarin Bistro on Briargate Boulevard. This longstanding local, family-owned restaurant serves up a lunch and dinner menu that includes all your favorites, such as sesame shrimp and lemon lo mein, with take-out and delivery service available. The Mandarin Bistro salutes the armed forces with military appreciation day every Sunday.

Anderosa hosts the perfect neighborhood hangout, the Good Company Restaurant and Bar, where locals meet and mingle for Texas hold 'em tournaments, beer pong, karaoke and the ever-popular ladies night. The place exudes a youthful vibe as many cadets and college students call the Good Company their home-away-from-home. For an alcoholic twist, sample one of the establishment's artsy drinks, such as the pineapple upside down cake made with vanilla vodka, pineapple juice and grenadine, and meet your friends for special events such as Octoberfest or Mardi Gras.

Anderosa received a 24 walkability score and is considered the 10th most walkable neighborhood in Colorado Springs; however, most errands require a vehicle. A reliable bus system winds through the neighborhood with a metro transit system for those working in outlying areas. An ADA-compliant paratransit system serves those unable to use fixed-stop bus transportation. Taxis are plentiful, and Uber serves riders as well. While no public parking exists in Anderosa, highway access is excellent, and almost 97 percent of residents drive to work alone. Biking lanes are an important part of community planning, and appropriate signage alerts drivers along the streets.

The Anderosa neighborhood sports the Rampart Park that features a soccer field, baseball diamond and basketball court in addition to a playground, swimming pool, tennis courts and a BMX track. The park is pet friendly but does have a large off-leash dog park that is fully fenced and features water spigots and benches for the owners. The park stipulates that only neutered and spayed dogs may roam leash-free.

Slightly out of the neighborhood, but only a few miles away, the Cottonwood Creek Recreation Center operates its indoor/outdoor facility year round with a wave pool, swimming pools, racquetball courts, an indoor track and trained staff to help with strength and conditioning. The Pine Creek Golf Club resides within Anderosa, an ideal recreation opportunity for players of all ages.

Many state and regional parks dot the area surrounding Anderosa, featuring hundreds of walking, hiking and biking trails with astounding views of the city, the Black Forest, Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Devil's Head, the highest point of the Rampart Range.

The cost of living in Anderosa is 10 percent higher than Colorado Springs. A daily one-way bus pass costs $1.75, while an unlimited one-day travel pass comes in at $4. Reasonable monthly passes help commuters manage the daily cost of transportation. Rent in Anderosa for a one-bedroom apartment runs $866, a draft beer at the neighborhood bar is $3, and microbrews and speciality beers run from $4 to $6.50. Gas in the area is 1.38 percent lower than the national average.

Macy's, Dillard's and JCPenney anchor the Chapel Hills Mall in Anderosa. The close-by Promenade Shops at Briargate feature anchors such as Banana Republic and Bath & Body Works with eateries such as Ted's Montana Grill, Bird Dog BBQ, and Panera Bread.

Take a stroll up the street to the Columbine Day Spa, your destination for stress-relief and relaxation. The upscale spa nestles in this neighborhood and offers therapeutic massage, medical-grade image peels, nail care, waxing and packages that include lunch or dinner. A professionally-trained staff provide an affordable, quiet and satisfyingly elegant way to escape the hustle and bustle of your daily schedule. Services popular with men, such as hot stones and deep tissue massage, make this getaway perfect for couples.

To pick up some flowers for a friend or loved one, stop by the Sign of the Rose where the florist will make you up the perfect bouquet. Pick up some lightly used clothing for people of all sizes at Clothes Mentor, a national name but locally-owned.

A Walmart super center and Whole Foods provide grocery and general shopping. Sears Auto Center and three automobile dealerships round out the shopping opportunities right in Anderosa. For organic produce grown locally, drive a few miles north to the Palmer Lake Farmers' Market in Monument from July through October.