Chambers Heights - Aurora, CO

Chambers Heights, located in the town of Aurora, is in close proximity to the famous Anschutz Medical Campus of the University of Colorado and the Children’s Hospital. These facilities brought much employment to the area when they moved here from Denver in 2007.

While you don't find a lot of dining options in Chambers Heights, plenty of eateries featuring all types of cuisine, from Latin and Asian to pizza and soul foot, await you just beyond the neighborhood limits. Just a short drive, walk or bike ride to Colfax Avenue or East Sixth Street leads locals to fast-food establishments or unique eateries.

For some home-style Italian food with service done right, Mama Alvino's Pizzeria stands as the go-to place. Nestled in the corner of a somewhat lonely strip mall complex, Mama Alvino's Pizzeria sits on Chambers Heights' northeast side, on Colfax Avenue just west of Chambers Road. Local residents enjoy the delectably overstuffed calzones that are meals in themselves, as well as the delicious Mama's plate, which features a half-pound of pasta with tasty homemade sauce, meatballs and garlic bread. Got a big appetite? Try the Big Mama, a gut-buster that features beef, sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, mozzarella cheese, veggies and Mama's homemade sauce.

Raved about by locals, Kirk's Soul Kitchen serves up a real taste of cooked-to-order soul food straight from the South. Located just off of Colfax Avenue, between Interstate 225 and Sable Boulevard, Kirk's Soul Kitchen features a modest, casual atmosphere along with Southern specialties such as collard greens with smoked turkey, Captain Kirk's seafood gumbo, fried catfish, and creamy mac and cheese-all seasoned to perfection and served with a roll. Be sure to save room for dessert — Kirk's Soul Kitchen makes delectable peach cobbler, banana pudding and sweet potato pie.

For a true taste of the Caribbean, Jalapeno Deluxe Restaurante features scrumptious Mexican favorites. The specialty appetizer ceviche features shrimp, fish marinated in lime, pico de gallo and avocado.

A number of local bars and other nightlife spots lie just outside of Chambers Heights, including Just Bill's, a friendly dive bar on East Colfax Avenue just east of North Chambers Road. The Kasbah on East Third Avenue, featured on the TV show "Bar Rescue" in 2013, offers a happy hour, live music, dancing and food selections such as its famous catfish. Come here on Thursdays to enjoy a night of karaoke.

Chambers Heights sits on a pedestrian-friendly area that consists of virtually flat terrain. It’s easy to walk or bike around the neighborhood and to the adjacent areas. If you want to drive around town and to Denver, access to Interstate 225 or Colfax Avenue is easy. You don’t have to have a car to get around Chambers Heights because Denver RTD bus lines run down Sable Boulevard as well as East Thirteenth Avenue. A multitude of bus lines go down Colfax Avenue, making it simple to get to downtown Denver.

If you’re traveling by bike, North Chambers Road, bordering the neighborhood on the east, is entirely bicycle-friendly, along with Sable Road if you’re going south to East Thirteenth Avenue. Hailing a cab in Chambers Heights is an option if you’re on busy Colfax Avenue, and Uber services the area if you need a pickup. There are also local cab companies that provide service to the area as well.

While there are no parks that offer regular exercise programs, Star K Ranch Park, a short eight-minute drive northeast from the area, has great hiking trails and wildlife views. Star K Ranch Park, home to the Morrison Nature Center, offers year-round free open space access to patrons. The park is home to many wildlife regulars, including snapping turtles, mule deer and American kestrels. Kids and dogs are welcome on the 2.4 mile out and back trail. Another short drive away and close to Fitzsimons Golf Course, Sand Creek Park features lots of multiuse trails that are great for biking and hiking. Here you can also take in scenic views of nature any time of the year.

There are no annual events held at the neighborhood parks, but nearby downtown Aurora hosts many events such as KidSpree, Aurora’s largest family festival, and a free Fourth of July event complete with fireworks and live music. The Aurora Municipal Center also hosts a holiday tree-lighting ceremony in early December.

The cost of living in Chambers Heights remains the same as the average cost of living. You’ll pay $2.25 for a one-way bus ride and about $4 for a domestic beer. Rent costs between $500 and $1000 every month in Chambers Heights, with an average of $560 a month for a one-bedroom residence. Area gas prices average around 8 percent lower than the national average.

Chambers Heights doesn't have any major shopping malls or high-end boutiques in the neighborhood, but a short five-minute drive down Sable Boulevard will take you to the Town Center at Aurora. Here, you'll find over 150 shops and eateries to help you get your shopping fix or find that special gift for someone. There are a few small specialty establishments in the neighborhood that residents frequent when they need something specific.

Upgrade your wardrobe, find new-to-you furnishings or save on small household goods at arc Thrift Store, located in the Gateway Plaza shopping center. Competitive prices, a large inventory and daily tag specials make this thrift store a favorite stop for bargain hunters. This nonprofit uses its proceeds to benefit Colorado citizens with disabilities.

Gentlemen who need a haircut, some pampering and maybe even a cigar love to frequent The Clip Joint, a barber and cigar lounge. Located on Billings Street near Banks School Supply, The Clip Joint offers traditional hair services while patrons can enjoy a cigar from their unique 110-square foot walk-in humidor. Local residents shop for necessities and groceries at King Soopers, located on North Chambers Road and East Colfax Avenue. Necessities can also be found at Kmart on North Chambers Road near the Chambers Arizona Center Shopping Center as well as a Walgreen's across from the Kmart.