Hampden - Denver, CO

In the 1850s, gold miners arrived in Denver, and the city quickly became a supply hub for miners journeying to the Rocky Mountains. As the urban center grew, the area to the south now called West Hampden attracted farmers and ranchers. Over time, particularly with the development of the freeway system, housing developments and commercial areas replaced the farms.

In the early 1970s, the development of the Denver Tech Center just to the south of West Hampden along I-25 attracted even more professionals to the area, and it created an alternative spot for locals to work. Since then, the population in the district has boomed.

Locals have access to Denver's inspiring art scene, including museums such as the Denver Art Museum and the Clyfford Still Museum, as well as annual events such as Fear Fest, Taste of Colorado and the All-Judaic & Israeli Art and Jewelry Festival.

Most of the dining spots in West Hampden sit along Hampden Avenue. However, rather than clustering together within walking distance of each other, most eateries sit back from the road, offering locals ample parking opportunities and convenience for drivers.

For lunch, locals love Slices. This locally owned pizzeria doesn't make you buy a whole pie. Instead, you can just pick a slice of pizza with exciting toppings such as four cheese (ricotta, feta, parmesan, and gorgonzola) or pineapple paired with spinach.

Another popular lunch spot, New York Deli News trucks in deli meats from NYC, and the chefs bake the bread on site. Heap your choice of bread with your favorite salamis and pastramis that you can't find anywhere else, or pick up butchered meats to prepare at home.

Brew pubs, sports bars and wing spots attract locals in search of a good time in the evening, but if you love dive bars, check out Stoney's Bar and Grill. This bar has its own stage, so it's a popular spot to catch local bands. The open atmosphere, live music, and fun events regularly draw a crowd of all ages. If you prefer a wilder clubbing experience, head into Denver where you can enjoy a range of clubs, including Tracks, the Church, and Beta Nightclub.

Located 11 miles south of Denver, West Hampden sits alongside Interstate-25, giving its residents easy access to the downtown area as well as the cities surrounding Denver. While in West Hampden, locals enjoy plentiful access to free parking.

From Southmoor Station, you can catch the light-rail train to Denver, and the journey takes approximately an hour. Using Cherry Creek and the Colorado Front Range Trails, bicyclists can journey from West Hampden to downtown Denver. The trails feature increases in altitude equal to 318 feet, but those who can handle the hilly landscape reach downtown in about an hour riding at a speed of 9 miles per hour.

You can walk safely through the West Hampden neighborhood, but it cannot purport to be a walkable community as its services sit too far apart to make walking convenient for everything. Cabs and Uber drivers serve the area, but contact them in advance rather than trying to hail one in the street.

West Hampden locals love James A. Bible Park. The Highline Path, which runs through south Denver, also runs through this park. Bicyclists, joggers and others can take this path through the park, or they can ride to other parts of town. Additionally, the park has tennis courts, stretching bars, a basketball court, baseball fields and playground equipment for kids.

Cherry Creek State Park, also located near West Hampden, charges an admission fee, or you can buy a state parks pass to access this park and other state parks all year long. The park has a reservoir for boating, a swim beach, miles of paths and lots of wildlife watching opportunities, and it hosts a large and beautiful off-leash dog park.

A beautiful area, West Hampden carries a cost of living comparable with the rest of the metro area. Its rent prices mirror Denver's, with a one-bedroom apartment goes for about $1,061 a month. Free parking spots exist throughout the area, and commuters can ride the light rail into the city for $4.

Ordering a pint of beer at a local pub costs $3 to $4, with some imports and craft beers costing up to $7. Gas stations have gas priced at 5 percent lower than the national average, offering locals a way to save.

Commercial opportunities abound through the West Hampden area, with lots of cute boutiques offering shoppers unique shopping experiences and products. Located in Greenwood Village, Wild Blue Boutique exemplifies Colorado style, focusing on casual wear with a western touch. You can find handmade cowboy boots, gifts, and more at this shop. In nearby Englewood, Ali's Closet Consignment Boutique has a fabulous selection of well-curated consignment fare with the hip urbanite in mind.

For groceries, West Hampden has several large chain grocery shops, including King Soopers and Whole Foods. During the summer, check out the Old South Pearl Street Farmers Market. In addition to farmers hawking local produce, this market hosts a range of tasty food trucks. Head into the downtown area to visit the award-winning Cherry Creek Fresh Market, the largest farmers market in Denver billed as the "Cadillac of farmers markets." In addition to fresh produce and unique gourmet items, this market hosts chef and gardening events and live music through the end of October.