Horseshoe Park - Aurora, CO

Expansion out from the city center of Aurora made neighborhoods like Horseshoe Park necessary. Carefully planned around the creek running through its center, this neighborhood has always been home to young professionals and growing families.

To the north lies The Aurora History Museum, a community based establishment with exhibits on natural history, and both fine and decorative arts of the area.

All Aurora residents are welcome at Global Fest, an annual event celebrating the diverse cultures found in the area with events such as a beer market, parade of flags and an international fashion show.

For good clean fun, bring the kids to KidSpree, Aurora's largest family festival, and taste unique eats from food vendors. Let the little ones jump in the inflatables, and enjoy a day at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

A variety of restaurants dot the landscape around Horseshoe Park, with a cluster of dining establishments on the southeast side of town along South Buckley Road. Dining choices range from traditional breakfast eateries to more ethnically inspired possibilities.

Aurora's premiere café, The French Press, boasts unique and decadent breakfast items as well as creative lunchtime meals. Many local residents insist you try the zucchini pistachio pancakes as well as Sterling's sweet biscuits, toasted chipotle cheddar biscuits topped with chorizo gravy. This diamond-in-the-rough location also serves the area's best chocolate croissants in a warm inviting atmosphere that keeps regulars coming back time and time again.

For a taste of the exotic, try Pearl of Siam, Aurora's award-winning Thai cuisine restaurant located just south of Horseshoe Park. Family-owned and operated, this establishment creates signature dishes using traditional Thai methods. Personalize your meal at Pearl of Siam by choosing your desired level of spiciness on a six-point scale. When the sun goes down in Horseshoe Park, many locals head to Flavor of Havana, the local cigar and hookah bar that provides the perfect spot to wind down after a hard day's work or a Saturday partywith friends. This intimate lounge has played a part in Aurora nightlife for years and continues to provide reasonably priced cigars and hookah flavors.

Local sports lovers take in games at Pitchers, located on the northern border of Horseshoe Park. This laid-back bar and grill offers free pool games on weeknights and consistently great service. When it comes to Colorado's famous craft beer, Peak to Peak Tap Room does not disappoint. The area's largest selection of craft beers, most from small local breweries, comes on tap at this cozy bar, a great place to drink a frosty brew with friends.

Public transportation around Horseshoe Park includes multiple bus stations scattered along South Buckley Road, South Chamber Road and South Illif Road. All you need to do is check the schedule, and you'll be on your way to your destination. To catch a light rail ride to surrounding areas, you will have to travel outside of town to nearby Englewood or Glendale, where stations abound.

As with other Aurora neighborhoods, hailing a taxi gets easier the closer you get to the city center. A phone call might be necessary to grab a cab from Horseshoe Park. If Yellow Cab doesn't suit your preferences, try a ride on Uber, which serves the Denver metro area.

A number of trails crisscross the length of this neighborhood, making walking and biking a breeze. Some area roads have bike lanes as well and are safe for cyclists. If you opt to travel by car, however, metered public parking is available on roadsides heading into the city as well as in numerous parking garages on the Denver side of town. Interstate 225 provides convenient travel and sits only a short drive away to the west of Horseshoe Park.

The neighborhood's namesake, Horseshoe Park, sits in the very center of town on 10 lush, green acres. West Toll Gate Creek winds through the entire length of this narrow park and provides visitors with a picturesque backdrop for outdoor fun or relaxation. Featuring miles of multipurpose trails, this free public park caters heavily to outdoor enthusiasts and the fitness-conscious population.

Bring the entire family to soak up some sun, or stay cool in the shade of the stately aspens scattered throughout the park. Let the kids run free on one of multiple playgrounds, but make sure your furry family members stay on a leash, as the neighborhood does not provide an off-leash dog park.

Recent data shows the cost of living in Horseshoe park as 14 percent lower than the state average. A one-bedroom apartment will cost you an average of $1,200 monthly, which sits significantly higher than the city average of $800.

Be prepared to shell out $3 to $4 for a pint at the local watering hole, and a one-way pass to the city center on Regional Transportation District's bus or light rail system costs $2.25.

Gas prices in this area hover around 1 percent lower than the national average.

Convenient shopping destinations lie at two of the four corners of Horseshoe Park. Drive a few miles south to gather groceries at King Sooper's or Target, or travel to the northwest corner of town to see what The Chambers Point Shopping Center has to offer.

While the majority of retail establishments in Horseshoe Park cater to bargain-hunting crowds, high-end shopping opportunities surround this small neighborhood. Wild Blue Boutique, an almost-hidden storefront near King Sooper's, lies southwest of Horseshoe Park. Inside, you can find a treasure trove of affordable boutique-style clothing you can't find elsewhere alongside unique gifts for everyone in your social circle. Friendly service and a wide selection of merchandise make Wild Blue Boutique an unbeatable shopping destination.

Nick's Garden Center and Farm Market serves as a go-to destination for residents in need of gardening and landscaping supplies. The farmers market runs from July through October and offers fresh locally grown produce displayed in a clean, well-lit area. Seasonal items, such as pumpkins and Christmas trees, are also available. Sample some of the fresh produce on-site, or purchase a garden salad from Nick's Cafe, located inside the Garden Center and open on weekends only.