Goldsmith - Denver, CO

The history of the Goldsmith neighborhood is closely linked to the history of South Denver. In 1886, concerned residents of the area decided that they did not want to be associated with the "drinking element" in Denver. To distance themselves, they formed the city of South Denver. Their goals included banning drinking, lewd dressing and profanity, and they had special provisions to keep alcohol away from "insane" or "idiotic" people. However, the attempt to create a separate enclave was aborted just eight years later when crushing debt became a more immediate concern. In 1894, Denver annexed the area.

For the next century, the Goldsmith neighborhood continued to grow as people eager to work in Denver settled there. Denver University, located just across the freeway from Goldsmith, offers the area a range of plays, art shows and more at its Newman Center for the Performing Arts.

Restaurants in Goldsmith primarily sit along Evans Avenue, and many of the restaurants focus on serving classic and comforting fare with the occasional dash of something new to try.

Locals love La Fogata, a large Mexican restaurant in the area. Order favorites such as super nachos, fajitas, chicken mole or fish tacos. Alternatively, try something new such as "Mexican Candy," deep-fried jalapenos with a side of ranch. Open all day, this restaurant serves huevos in the morning and margaritas in the evening, and they don't judge if you want to switch that around.

Pantaleone's, which received a Gordon Ramsey makeover in 2013, has a simple menu of classic Italian dishes, all cooked to perfection. Enjoy a trio of wild mushrooms or homemade sausage on a pizza crust made on site. The restaurant also serves up meat and veggie lasagna, linguine with pancetta and other classic entrees, as well as tiramisu and lemon olive oil cake for dessert.

For drinks and pool, locals visit the Dirty Duck Bar. Full of locals and bartenders who remember their names, the Dirty Duck has pool tables, snacks, pizza, deals on pitchers of beer and rail drinks as well as karaoke and poker nights. Although locals sometimes dance at local taverns, those who really want to kick up their heels head to Denver where clubs such as the Church, Tracks and Charlie's Denver play an eclectic mix of everything from Top 40 to rap to country western music.

Proximity to Interstate 25 allows Goldsmith locals to reach downtown Denver with just a quick nine-mile drive on the freeway. From centrally-located Colorado Station, light rail trains run to downtown Denver every 15 minutes, taking approximately 49 minutes to reach downtown. A one-way trip on the light rail to downtown costs $2.25. Parking at the light rail station and throughout most of the Goldsmith neighborhood is free.

For bicyclists and runners, Cherry Creek and Colorado Front Range Trails link Goldsmith to downtown. The neighborhood is safe for pedestrians, but designed with cars in mind, so most developments in Goldsmith cannot be considered "walkable" communities. Cabs serve the area, but you'll get one more quickly by calling ahead than trying to hail one in the street; you can also use your smartphone to set up a ride via Uber.

Centrally located in the Goldsmith neighborhood, the Judge Joseph E. Cook Park has everything you need for outdoor fun. Kids love the playground equipment, families dine in the picnic shelters and teams play on the park's multiple ball fields and rugby pitch. For a solo workout, take a jog on the trails winding through the park or check out the recreational center, which has a range of affordable indoor workout opportunities.

Goldsmith dog owners take their dogs to the Lowry and Kennedy Dog Parks, both located within driving distance of the center of the neighborhood. For fun, locals attend annual outdoor events in Denver, including the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and the Denver Greek Festival.

Living in Goldsmith costs less, on average, than living in other parts of the metro area. In Denver, renters pay an average of $1,061 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, but renters in Goldsmith pay an average of $736 for similar accommodations.

In Goldsmith, gas stations charge 13 percent less than the national average for a gallon of gas, and you can find beer in this neighborhood for $3 to $5 per pint.

Shops exist throughout the Goldsmith neighborhood, but if you want to browse through several boutiques and small shops in a concentrated area, head to Colorado Boulevard.

Kids enjoy Timbuk Toys, a boutique toy shop. Specializing in natural, wooden and educational toys, this shop caters to parents concerned about synthetic hormones in plastic, early literacy, promoting creativity and other parenting themes, and appeals to curious kids who enjoy play scarves and dressing up like pirates.

Grocery shops in Goldsmith include large chains such as King Soopers, Whole Foods and Safeway. For local produce, you can take the light rail to the Old South Pearl Street Farmers Market, just south of this neighborhood near I-25.