Edgewood - Lakewood, CO

The president of the Colorado Central Railroad, W.A.H. Loveland, settled in the Lakewood area in the late 19th century. Rapid growth saw the development of neighborhoods such as Edgewood. The town experienced a significant expansion with the installment of the first electric tramway in 1893.

Once a concentrated area where wealthy Denverites built lavish summer estates, Edgewood's personality has changed over the decades as it is now comprised of modest homes and a middle-class population.

The nearest museum, The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, exhibits modern painting, sculpture and hosts a variety of rotating galleries. Overall, the art scene in Edgewood is led by the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design whose student population keeps the area current in art trends by showcasing their works frequently at the school.

Edgewood does not currently host any annual events but nearby Lakewood offers a variety of family-friendly functions each year.

Many culinary options are available in and around Edgewood. Restaurants scattered through the community, as there is no central restaurant location, range from American fast food chains to authentic Thai cuisine so you can satisfy your hunger no matter what you crave.

Thai Diamond Cafe dishes up traditional Thai meals such as Pad Thai and Pad See Ewe in a quiet cozy atmosphere. Conveniently located on the corner of Colfax and Kipling, this restaurant has become a favorite among locals who rave about the vegetarian curry puffs and the reasonably priced entrees.

If you're craving sushi instead, try Kazoku Sushi, also located along Colfax Avenue. Here the seafood is fresh, flavorful and served as individual works of art in the way only a top sushi restaurant can manage. Locals insist you try the miso soup and Chirashi.

Nightlife in Edgewood is fairly quiet, with most of the more raucous bars and clubs located to the east, near Denver's city center. Locals may choose to visit one of the few bars in the neighborhood such as the Cordial Lounge, known for its karaoke and music trivia. For an interactive night out, visit Howl at the Moon Denver and let your inner rock star shine with upbeat sing-alongs and nostalgic '80s tunes played on dueling pianos.

Many shopping establishments and restaurants are within walking distance of Edgewood, and the major thoroughfares through the community offer dedicated bike lanes, making travel safe for cyclists. Regional Transportation District's bus lines are the most common method of public transportation in the area and multiple stops line Colfax Avenue and 20th Avenue.

Denver offers an abundance of reasonably priced parking garages. You will need to phone a taxi from Edgewood as they are scarce in the residential part of town, or a more stylish Uber ride is just one tap away on your cell phone.

it will take some driving on smaller, residential streets to gain access to a major interstate from Edgewood but the business route of Interstate 70, known as West Colfax Avenue runs through the center of town and is a direct link to downtown Denver. Slightly further to the north runs U.S. 6, another link to downtown.

Edgewood does not house any parks but many beautiful green spaces can be found in neighboring areas. Sloan's Lake Park sits adjacent to the northeast corner of Edgewood and offers residents room to run, bike or swim. As Denver's second largest park, Sloan's Lake surrounds a 177-acre lake perfect for boating or fishing. Watch the sunset from one of the multiple grassy knolls around the lake or take in the beauty of nature by hiking or biking the park's trails.

Admission to Sloan's Park is free though a boating permit is required for any watercraft. Playgrounds and multi-use athletic fields make this park kid-friendly but be sure to keep your canine family members on a leash as no off-leash dog park is offered here.

Each summer Sloan's Lake hosts the Dragon Boat Race which attracts many residents and visitors. Colorful dragon boats skim the surface of the water in a race whose origins date back to ancient China. Piloted by 18 paddlers, these boats make an impressive sight and this annual event is fun for the whole family.

The cost of living in Edgewood is slightly lower than the Denver average. This assures that the general cost of entertainment and food here is slightly lower as well. For instance, a pint at the local pub will run you $3 to $4.

The median rent for a one-bedroom residence is $1,022, and compared to the national average, gas prices are 5 percent lower.

In the Edgewood neighborhood, Colfax Avenue serves as the major area of commerce with multiple retail establishments located here. A mixture of bargain and high-end stores serve this area. Stock up on household goods at the Walmart Supercenter, Family Dollar or Target, and then treat yourself to something nice at one of several local boutiques.

Take a trip to Giddy Up Boutique in nearby Lakewood to browse the latest fashions from trendy designers such as Goddis, 7 for All Mankind and 1921 Jeans. This upscale clothing shop specializes in unique looks for women. Browse dresses, leather jackets, the hottest tees and one-of-a-kind denim, and don't forget to accessorize with artisan-made belts, locally made scarves and handmade jewelry.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Roberta's Chocolates, a candy store specializing in gourmet confections. Consistently voted "Best Chocolate" on the Denver A-List for the past four years, Roberta's turns out scrumptious candies, chocolate pizza and an assortment of custom-made, hand-poured lollipops.

When it comes to grocery shopping, Edgewood residents have a variety of nearby options. King Soopers sits on the east side of town near Target, and two locations of Safeway are conveniently located within the community's borders. Whole Foods presents a somewhat pricier, but better-stocked, option and is located on the west side of town.

Edgewood does not have its own farmers' market, but locals often head to nearby Wheat Ridge to stock up on seasonal fruits and veggies. True Roots Farm provides a personalized experience each Sunday from late May to early October. The Metro Denver Farmers' Market is the oldest market in Denver, held for more than 30 years. This market provides a Lakewood market from June through October, located at Alameda & Garrison.