Knob Hill - Colorado Springs, CO

The city center of Colorado Springs began in 1871, and neighborhoods extended to the west and east to meet the expanding population. Initially, the city was meant to be a sophisticated community in the Wild West, and many of the homes built in Knob Hill reflected the Victorian architecture popular "back East." There are no museums in the Knob Hill neighborhood; however, one of the nation's three United States Olympic Training Centers can be reached in a few minutes by car. The neighborhood's close proximity to downtown affords residents the opportunity to experience the Fine Arts Center, the Colorado Pioneers Museum and the Ghost Museum. Due to the fantastic scenery that inspires artists and the young, hip excitement in the city, many street fairs and artistic exhibits line the streets during the spring and summer months.

Travel a few miles to the China Village on Platte Avenue for a tasty velvet seafood delight or spicy steamed tofu with minced pork. Large family tables with huge lazy Susans make family dining fun and economical. The decor is a little over-the-top kitschy with golden dragons on green walls and a bit of funky lighting, but excellent food and service overcome the eccentricities.

Fifteen percent of Knob Hill residents claim German ancestry, so it remains no secret that the nearby Uwe's German Restaurant attracts many patrons from the neighborhood. The restaurant features authentic homestyle delights such as bratwurst basted in creamy mushroom sauce served with sauerkraut and fried potatoes. For a change of pace, try the Hungarian goulash or the traditional beef roulade stuffed with cabbage with a side of potato dumplings, and wash it all down with a hearty German beer.

Mexican food establishments in this part of the country abound, but really good ones are not so easily discovered. La Caretta hides between Union and Circle, but once found it entices its guests with authentic foods straight from south of the border. Sink your teeth into Tex-Mex favorites such as enchiladas, fajitas and chile rellenos. Accompany your meal with a salt-encrusted, frozen glass filled with a tangy margarita or choose a fruit-flavored soda for the kids. Of special note, the mole, a version composed of peppers, spices and Mexican chocolate, enhances dishes such as the chicken enchilada. A simple flan floating in a creamy caramel sauce completes a decadent and delightful meal.

Due to the young population in the area, bars, taverns, sports bars and lounges are numerous in the vicinity, if not in the neighborhood itself. You'll find super ambiance and fun at the Skybox Lounge, a sort of not-so-rundown-or-dirty dive where you meet your friends for pool, darts, dancing to the live bands or cheering on your team with games projected on the plasmas on Sunday. Friendly clientele make Skybox a terrific hangout in your leisure time, and rumor has it that the bar's to-die-for chicken exceeds expectations.

Knob Hill is very walkable, and has biking lanes clearly marked to alert drivers. An extensive transportation system serves the neighborhood, as does a transit system that transports those working in the outer reaches of the city. A no-cost, on-demand paratransit system provides those unable to utilize the fixed-stop bus system an alternative method of public transportation. Cabs, Uber and Hertz-on-Demand make getting around the city a breeze, although most residents travel via automobile for work, errands and recreation.

The land in Knob Hill's Monument Valley Park, donated in 1904 by General William Jackson Palmer, was intended to become a "park for the people." The park included winding paths, elegant gardens featuring every wildflower in Colorado, bridged ponds, a tennis court and a playground. Today, the park features sports fields, a picnic pavilion, a pool and a playground, along with tennis courts. In addition, trails combine for 4.25 miles for your walking and bicyling pleasure, along with a 1-mile fitness course. The park encourages kids to bring their leashed dogs for family activities. Knob Hill's proximity to downtown's Memorial Park provides exposure to many annual events, including summer holiday concerts, sports competitions and the annual balloon festival over Labor Day weekend.

The cost of living in Knob Hills is lower than the city average. A one-way bus ticket costs less than $2 and an unlimited all-day pass runs about $4, and monthly passes provide regular commuters with reduced fares. A one-bedroom apartment rents for $536. A draft beer costs around $3, with special brews running between $5 and $6.50. The gas prices in Knob Hill are about 1 percent lower than the national average.

Walmart Super Center, Save-a-Lot, Safeway and Home Depot meet your everyday neighborhood shopping needs, as does the Citadel Mall, anchored by Dillard's, JCPenney and Burlington Coat Factory, located conveniently nearby. When planning a special event, check out Marvels Cake Boutique. This charming cake shop prepares awesome wedding cakes, cakes made to your specific design and scrumptious treats such as edible chocolate basket tiers filled with delectable chocolate-covered fruit or dried fruit, a self-indulgent treat sure to please your guests.

When you need a little TLC to relieve stress, head over to Hyacinth's Boutique & Spa. Pamper yourself with a manicure, pedicure, facial or lash extensions. Enjoy a relaxing, therapeutic hot stone massage by yourself or in a special area just for couples or friends. The spa carries a line of affordable clothing and accessories, so once you've refreshed your soul, consider adding a new dress or a pair of earrings to your wardrobe.

Speaking of dresses, award-winning Adore by Danelle's keeps 600 different prom and cocktail dresses in stock, with each purchase registered to ensure that no duplicates appear at the same event. Mix and match colors and styles with your date's tux or suit and make a smashing entrance wherever you go.