Aurora Highlands - Aurora, CO

People began settling in the area that eventually became Aurora in the 1880s. Near the end of World War II, the government bought several acres of land and established Buckley Air Force Base on the east side of Aurora Highlands.

Over the next few decades, several developments were erected around the base, but the majority of construction happened in the late 1970s and early 1980s. During that time period, the suburb of Aurora ranked as the fastest growing city in the nation. In spite of being the third largest town in Colorado, Aurora struggles to establish itself as a standalone city. Instead, it sits in the shadow of Denver, but city residents work to change that.

For cultural enthusiasts, Aurora Highlands hosts the Plains Conservation Center and the Aurora History Museum. Residents may also drive to Denver to access the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Children's Museum.

Aurora Highlands does not offer a central commercial district. Instead, restaurants, bars and clubs exist on all of the major intersections, particularly along Buckley, Mississippi and Iliff Avenues.

For lunch or a light snack, check out The French Press Cafe and Bakery. Offering everything from stuffed French toast to crab cobb salad, this spot has fabulous coffee as well as a bakery, where you can stock up on baked goods to take home.

Bender's Brat Haus, a locally-owned establishment known for its great service, serves German sausages, warm potato salad and sturdy kaiser rolls. If you prefer to cook your own sausages, buy a strand of Benders' links, and take them home. If you want something spicier, check out Pearl of Siam. This Thai restaurant features dishes that are spicy but with a well-balanced flavor profile.

When night falls, Aurora Highlands residents have their pick of cool dive bars and clubs. Hanging out at the Flavor of Havana feels like hanging out in the leather and mahogany lounge you want to own but can't afford. This funky nightspot offers cocktails as well as cigars and hookah service.

For a more traditional pub experience, Aurora Highlands residents visit Sheabeen Irish Pub. Often featuring live music, this pub welcomes residents for special events ranging from karaoke night to Thanksgiving dinner. .

Aurora Highlands commuters can conveniently jump onto Tower Road, a main thoroughfare which runs straight into downtown Denver. Although only a 6 mile jaunt, this journey takes up to an hour or more during busy times of the day. Residents may also reach E-470 just east of their homes, and this toll road provides fast and uncluttered access to Interstate 25, which runs south to Colorado Springs or north to Fort Collins. Accessible to the west, Interstate 225 joins with Interstate 70 to bring commuters into Denver as well.

Public transit options, including buses and light rail trains, exist but are most convenient when combined with a car. For example, area residents often drive to the Aurora light rail station and then take a train into the city. Cabs and Uber serve the area, if paged there by residents, but hailing a cab in the street doesn't normally happen. The wide roads running through this area offer bicycle lanes, and recreational trails exist at many of the area's parks.

Located within walking distance of most of the Aurora Highlands area, Great Plains Park is a popular destination for families The park features two playgrounds, sweeping views of the plains, bicycle paths and a spray park, the perfect place to cool off the kiddos in the summer.

Cherry State Park, located within driving distance of the area, has walking trails, a swim beach next to a reservoir and access to the Cherry Creek bike trails as well as the metro area's largest off-leash dog park. To access the state park, residents must have an annual pass or pay a daily rate.

Living in Aurora Highlands costs less on average than living in other parts of Denver. While rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Denver costs an average of $1,019 per month, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in this neighborhood runs between $825 and $850.

Traveling to central Denver via public transit costs $4 in rush hour. To ride the buses and light rails for the day, you can buy a daily pass from RTD for less than $7. Commuters who buy monthly or annual passes save even more. Drivers, expect to pay about 95 percent of the national average for a gallon of gas.

Buying a beer offers great value as well. You should be able to find pints of grog for around $3 during happy hour and for around $4 during the rest of the day.

Like the pub and club scene, Aurora Highland's shopping scene spreads throughout the area, with concentrations of commercial activity happening in the strip malls at all of the major intersections. Upscale shops in the area consist mainly of chains such as Dillards.

Several resale and consignment shops provide residents with everything they need at a discount. Angelo's CDs and More offers music, gifts and apparel. Safari Thrift Store and the Unique Thrift Store attract residents who want a department store experience on a budget. Kid to Kid, a consignment shop, keeps kids looking fashionable without breaking the budget, and the Book Niche provides cost-savings for readers.

Aurora Highlands residents shop at major chain grocery stores such as King Soopers and Albertsons. Those who want more of a farmer's market experience head to Sprouts, a grocery store with a farmer's market feel.

When Aurora Highlands residents crave fresh summer produce, they visit the Metro Denver Farmer's Market. The oldest market in Denver, this market also offers a smaller, offshoot market at the Havana Exchange in Aurora on Mondays.