Cimarron Hills - Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs has a rich history dating from the early Ute, Arapaho and Cheyenne Indian tribes who recognized the value of an area with a dry, moderate climate and natural mineral springs. In 1806, Zebulon Pike arrived and "discovered" his namesake peak. The region became one of the largest silver and gold strike areas, and the Rio Grande Railroad brought the first narrow gauge railroad to the area in 1871.

Cimarron Hill became the hub for railroad traffic when the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad constructed a main line from Colorado Springs to Limon, Colorado. For several years following 1939, two railroads provided passenger service between Cimarron Hills and Limon. These services were discontinued and the tracks removed in 1980, but the U-shaped grade remains a landmark on aerial maps of Cimarron Hills. Military museums, street festivals and an active theater community provide entertainment for toddlers to great-grandparents.

To live in Cimarron Hills means an exciting assortment of restaurants, bars and clubs for singles and families. Asian food tops the market, and if you appreciate authentic Korean food, such as the tantalizingly spicy beef bulgogi, visit the Taste of Korea on nearby Peterson Road. Ignore its hole-in-the-wall appearance, because regardless of looks on the outside, the traditional food inside is sure to satisfy.

With the many transplanted students and military personnel in the area, Cimarron Hills provides plenty of restaurants with a taste of home. Grab the kids, and check out the family-friendly digs at LP's Windy City Hot Dogs located on Galley Road. From traditional all-beef loaded dogs to tasty Polish and Italian sausage sandwiches and popular sides, such as baked beans and homemade coleslaw, this spot has something everyone can enjoy.

With a young and energetic presence, the neighborhood caters to many tastes in evening entertainment, including the Club Q, a gender-friendly, zero-attitude nightclub with a fun, devil-may-care atmosphere and over-the-top music provided by award-winning DJ Kyree Myst, who has won the "best Club DJ" in the city by the Colorado Springs Independent two years in a row. If you love country/western dancing, then stomp on down to Cowboys, especially on Thursday, Ladies' night, Friday and Saturday. The dance floor accommodates singles, couples and line dancing and qualifies as "not just another place to get a beer."

Exercise your inner hip-hop soul at The Underground Bar, featuring Rave Night on Wednesdays and open to all ages on Sundays. Head to The Mansion Nightclub for top-notch bartending, including bottle service to impress your companions. Previously known as Rum Bay, this club on North Tejon Street keeps the party going all night long with a DJ and ample dance floor. The ages and faces run from newly 21 to sophisticated gray, and military folk mix easily with civilians.

Cimarron Hills lies close to the major east-west Highway 24 and north-south I-25 for those who drive to work at military installations, retail outlets or commute 60 miles north to Denver. The areas surrounding this neighborhood remain easily accessible through numerous transportation options. The city provides public transportation through a well-organized metro bus system, while metro transit provides riders rapid access to points throughout the city. The paratransit program provides transportation for those unable to use the public bus system, featuring on-demand availability at no cost. The city supports alternative methods of transportation and encourages residents to carpool, school-pool, or bicycle to reduce congestion and keep pollution to a minimum.

Several taxi services provide reliable, affordable services, and Uber remains a convenient option. Public parking in the downtown corridor remains plentiful, with more than 2,500 city-maintained metered spaces, and lots with reasonable flat-rate fees that range from $6 to $10 a day, with reasonable monthly rates available.

For outdoor-loving, environmentally conscious residents, Cimarron Hills comes as a biker-friendly oasis, with specifically designated street lanes, slower posted speed limits, and planned biker routes throughout the neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Cimarron Hills puts forth four community parks with amenities that include soccer, baseball and softball fields, picnic facilities, tennis courts and horseshoe pits, all equipped for convenient handicap access. The city has many off-leash dog parks and runs, most of which are fenced. Bring the dogs and the kids to the Cheyenne Meadows Dog Park located next to a playground, and let them romp together. Memorial Park hosts the annual admission-free balloon festival for family entertainment, and the city hosts several athletic events, including the USA Pro Challenge and the breathtaking, interactive Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival.

The cost of living in Cimarron Hills equals that of the entire Colorado Springs area. Due to high demand and the low vacancy rate in Cimarron Hills, the median cost for a one-bedroom apartment averages $741.96, although rentals in this area are 5 percent below others in surrounding Colorado Springs communities.Transportation via standard bus routes costs less than $2, although unlimited monthly passes provide economic feasibility for frequent public transportation users. Gas prices in the area are less than 1 percent that of the national average cost.

Shoppers, great news hales from Cimarron Hills. Three large malls, The Citadel, Rustic Hills and Chapel Hills share common traits, including anchor stores such as JC Penney's, Kohl's and Dillard's. The pride of the area, however, remains the antique shopping mall, America Classics Marketplace on North Academy. The largest of its kind in Colorado, the marketplace covers more than 65,000 square feet with merchandise choices spanning from antiques to modern crafts and art. Specialty boutiques include Mountain Bows & Clothes with unusual children's clothing and costumes, CJ's Butter and several bridal shops. Sprouts Farmer's Market, Safeway and Whole Foods serve the area, in addition to Walmart, Albertson's, Target, Costco and the Asian Pacific Market.