Garden Ranch - Colorado Springs, CO

The Garden Ranch neighborhood of Colorado Springs sprung to life hundreds of years ago, and its original inhabitants were of American-Indian descent. By 1869, more nearby towns began to form in the Pikes Peak region. Years ago, the city became a hub for people with tuberculosis because the air was clean and the climate was dry. Today, these factors still draw people from across the globe, and aid individuals in poor health.

This area is draped with art and contains a few galleries in addition to a fine arts center. Concrete Couch is an artistic gem in the community that locals frequent to partake in DIY projects. The facility works with kids and the community to create public art. The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) has a stellar art program and owns two local galleries of contemporary art. The Hillside Community Center hosts Christmas Around the World, an annual event that celebrates diversity.

Locals will tell you that Shuga's serves anything but an average sandwich. Amuse your taste buds with the highly acclaimed phellini, which includes grilled tomato, goat cheese and basil pesto on rosemary bread. Wash it down with the famous lavender martini. Locals also rave about the renowned shrimp soup, which bursts with coconut flavor. During favorable weather, customers enjoy the scenery on the cozy patio.

For an ethnic change of pace, try Heart of Jerusalem Cafe on Austin Bluffs Parkway. The ultimate plate, a local favorite, consists of gyro cuts, saffron rice, hummus, gaziki, tabbouleh, pita cuts and falafel. Of course many diners try to save room for the beloved baklava as well. The restaurant exudes an intimate vibe and authenticity with its unique Middle-Eastern decor.

For nightlife fun locals go to The Black Sheep, an edgy bar that features live rock music. Here, customers can just sit and enjoy the atmosphere, or they can dance near the stage. Visitors appreciate the inexpensive drink prices here as well. Locals also go crazy for Gasoline Alley, a dive bar with happy hour specials, great food, a DJ and occasional live music which radiates with a vintage charisma.

It is common for residents to have their own vehicles here, although many people walk as well because it is a safe community. Public forms of transportation are available, such as the Mountain Metropolitan Transit, which provides riders with 18 bus routes and includes travel to Manitou Springs and Peterson Air Force Base. The transit runs on weekdays with limited service on Saturdays. Basic fare costs $1.75, with a discount for kids and seniors, who pay 85 cents.

You can travel by cab, or utilize Uber and Lyft ride-share services to get around. If you are driving yourself to surrounding areas, I-25 and US 24 are easily accessible. Parking garages in the area allow you to park for reasonable prices. The City Parking Garage on S. Nevada Avenue only charges 75 cents per hour, and it is fully staffed 24 hours a day. Parking meters are also available for as little as 75 cents per hour as well. Most restaurants do provide free parking for their customers. Bicycle-friendly, the neighborhood promotes going green and is home to numerous trails, that are great for walking and biking.

Perhaps the most visited park in the neighborhood is Garden of the Gods, which is not only a local landmark, but is also a national one. Made up of sandstone rock formations, the park provides trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking. Admission is free, but food is sold at the cafe. Every year, Garden of the Gods recognizes Earth Day by hosting arts and crafts activities for kids, as well as Native American dance shows and live animal presentations. Activities are free and open to the public.

Residents often visit Austin Bluffs Open Space, which is 584 acres in size and is full of ecocene-period rock formations. People love to climb on the sandstone and arkosic sandstone structures. People come to this space to walk, run, hike and rock climb. It is also a great location for a rugged picnic. Pets are always welcome here, but dogs must be on leashes.

Every year, Memorial Park holds the annual Balloon Classic, Colorado's largest air show. Open to the public, various forms of entertainment are also provided.

The overall cost of living in the Garden Ranch neighborhood sits about 3 percent less than living in the heart of Colorado Springs and only around 2 percent greater than the national average. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $722 per month.

You can expect to pay about $4 for a beer at a local pub; however, most local bars do have excellent happy hours. The price of gas in this area is around 5 percent less than the national average.

Locals adore the Promenade Shops at Briargate, filled with over 35 stores and delectable dining options. They also love the outdoor-style approach, which allows them to enjoy the magnificent scenery as they hop from shop to shop. The Citadel Mall, another arena of stores that remain busy with shoppers, houses more than 50 well-known outlets.

Residents often travel to Terra Verde, an upscale boutique on N. Tejon Street, which carries high-end women's clothing, accessories, jewelry and bath products. Visitors also rave about the superior customer service here. If you happen to be searching for the perfect wedding gown, Danelle's Bridal Boutique also comes highly recommended, with over 600 dresses to choose from. The store also carries prom and homecoming attire.

Local residents can shop for groceries at chain stores like Super Target and Safeway. There are also more than 10 different farmers markets available throughout the Colorado Springs area at different times of the year.