Centretech - Aurora, CO

DeLaney Farm acts as a museum of history and a standing record of the neighborhood's inception. Buildings on the property date back to 1866 when the area was homesteaded and farming was a way of life. The round barn was created in 1902 as a grain silo but it was converted for use as a cow barn in 1912. Along with the relocated 1866 homestead house of Thomas and Temperance Gully and the 1928 one-room Coal Creek schoolhouse, the restored barn displays artifacts that illustrate agricultural life in the early 1900s.

The farm sponsors an annual fund-raising "Brunch in the Field" event – just bring your lawn chairs and dishes, and sit down to a farm-to-table feast.

The Aurora History Museum in the downtown area houses free-of-charge permanent and temporary exhibits ranging from Japanese woodblocks to heritage quilts to local pictorial collections that add a visual aspect to history.

This neighborhood has only a few restaurants to choose from, and those are located in the north at Centretech Plaza. Subway, Papa John's and Burger King provide fast-food options just south of the district, and a cluster of Asian and Mexican eateries add to the mix just beyond the neighborhood's northwest corner.

If you're craving good Asian food and you want lots of it, look no further than East China in Centretech Plaza. The chef's special Kung Pao triple combines shrimp, chicken and beef with peanuts in a spicy, sweet sauce, and it turns customers into regulars. For an extra $2, you can make your crispy shrimp or sesame chicken a meal with the addition of soup, rice, wontons and an egg roll.

Satisfy your south-of-the-border craving at Los Carboncitos. To give you a sample of the flavors to come, each meal starts with a complimentary bowl of chips and house-made salsa including tomatillo and chipotle varieties. The tacos al pastor with marinated pork, a taste of Mexican street food, rate top marks from local diners. The kids' menu includes burrito and quesadilla options, as well as kid-favorite burgers and chicken nuggets.

Located just 5 minutes south of Centretech, Bender's Brat Haus serves up bratwurst dogs with the works including sauerkraut and German potato salad. Sit down, and enjoy a brat and a beer, or take home a pound of brats and buns to grill on the BBQ.

For dancing, drinks and snacks, locals go just beyond the neighborhood's northern edge to The Kasbah. This dance club underwent a renovation on Bar Rescue, and the new, improved nightclub packs in customers every weekend for thumping music and light effects on the dance floor.

For beers and pub fare, locals make the 10-minute drive south to Sheabeen Irish Pub or head northwest to the Cedar Creek Pub.

Centretech gets a low walkability score because of its spread-out neighborhood design and limited commercial activity. You need a vehicle to get around in this neighborhood. Don't worry about parking your car – the area's business sector provides ample free parking. Hop on State Route 30 at the neighborhood's northern edge for a trip to Denver, or make connections to Interstate 225 and Interstate 70 to start out on a road trip east or west.

If you don't want to do the driving yourself, check the bus schedule for public transportation. Bus service runs along the neighborhood's perimeter, and one route takes a diagonal path along East Centretech Parkway. There's no point in trying to hail a cab, but you can phone in to request taxi service, or use your smartphone app to book a ride with Uber.

For cyclists, a bike-friendly road borders the community on the west, and a bike trail winds through the neighborhood connecting it to trails and parks in adjacent neighborhoods.

The largest tract of green space in Centretech belongs to DeLaney Community Farm. Under management by Denver Urban Gardens, this 158-acre historic property grows food for those in need, educates the public regarding sustainable farming practices and, for a suggested donation, offers seed saving, canning and beekeeping workshops.

If you're into basketball, then Hoops Park on 6th was made for you. This park houses strictly basketball, and it consists of three full-size outdoor courts and parking spaces. Go on your own and practice your 3-point shot, or go with a group of friends and enjoy a friendly competition.

To the north of the neighborhood, Apache Mesa Park provides 3 acres of green space with playground equipment for the kids and trails for walking leashed dogs.

In the warm summer months, locals hit the road, and travel 20 minutes east for family fun and outdoor movies at Infinity Park.

Centretech's cost of living comes in slightly less than the Aurora average, which hits slightly less than the Denver average, and the most significant difference can be seen in housing costs. You get a lot of living space for your money with this neighborhood's average rental rate of $890 per month. You can enjoy a one-bedroom apartment with a modern kitchen, and ensuite washer and dryer, in a complex with a pool and fitness center for $995 per month.

A $2.25 bus fare takes you to downtown Aurora, and $4 gets you a pint of beer at the pub.

Centretech residents also get a break at the pump. Gas prices here come in about 7 percent lower than the national average.

Although it supports a few retailers in Centretech Plaza Shopping Center and automotive parts and services in the northeast corner, this neighborhood doesn't claim to be a shopper's mecca. That's not a problem because it sits 5 minutes away from Town Center at Aurora.

Macy's, JC Penney, Dillard's and Sears form the mall's foundations, and support its 150 shops and eateries. Visit Hollister and Aeropostale for junior-style jeans and hoodies, Victoria's Secret for lacy bits, and the Disney Store for licensed clothes, toys and Disney magic. Make shopping fun, and keep the little ones happy with a short train ride on the Cubby Caboose Mini Express.

If you hunger for boutiques, go directly to Denver's Cherry Creek North. With 20 blocks of chic shops, this boutique zone ranks as well worth the 25-minute drive to the west. Enjoy impeccable customer service as you shop Lawrence Covell for men's Rag & Bone shirts or women's Citizens of Humanity jeans. At Eccentricity, you can find Lucchese cowboy boots, 3-Dot T-shirts or personalized jewelry from Heather B. Moore. Complimentary gift wrap comes with gift purchases.

Just beyond the neighborhood's western edge, Save-a-Lot services the district with groceries at a discount price. For fresh fruits and veggies, locals make the 15-minute drive southwest Sprouts Farmers Market.