Mar Lee - Denver, CO

Mar Lee and other southwest Denver neighborhoods share a history with Lakewood, a large Denver suburb that has continually grown since its incorporation in 1969. Developers settled down in the south Denver neighborhoods after a gold rush drew scores of people into the area. The first electric tramway in Lakewood connected the town to Golden and Denver in 1893, allowing even more people to come and settle in the southern suburbs. Locals say Mar Lee in particular developed after World War II, and the neighborhood retains its small-town feel.

Drive to the Lakewood Heritage Center to learn more about Lakewood’s development, as well as the development of the southern suburbs. View modern art galleries and attend festivals year-round in Lakewood’s Belmar area, such as the Festival Italiano.

Both restaurants and bars dot the length of Mar Lee along South Federal Boulevard, the biggest thoroughfare of the neighborhood. Though locals travel to Englewood and north to other parts of Lakewood for music venues and clubs, Federal Boulevard features a number of highly rated Asian restaurants. Those who crave Asian, ranging from Thai to Cantonese, find quality food in this area.

For Cantonese, dim sum, and seafood, drive to Star Kitchen to try orange beef, authentic dim sum, and dry scallops. Denverites rave about the crab balls and steamed BBQ pork. Make sure to make reservations on Sundays when you crave dim sum so you can find a seat. For Chinese barbecue, head to Hong Kong Barbecue for genuine roasted pork skin and roast duck. Try the salt and pepper fish for a seafood alternative, and dig into the golden fried tofu.

Locals love Suvipa Thai Food, where you can order some of the best shrimp paste fried rice in Denver. With a strong kick of flavor and a fragrant scent, the fried rice has become a favorite for those who desire genuine Thai food. Vegetarians in the area love the variety of meat-free options on the menu.

Gothic Theatre in Englewood hosts live music in a dive-bar atmosphere. Listen to a range of music and groups, from DJs to rock bands. Mar Lee locals who want dancing need to travel to downtown Denver or to the southeast, where they find clubs like Proof Niteclub.

Take a drive to the eastern end of Mar Lee to visit MGM's Restaurant & Lounge for a drink. This community staple has operated for decades, so several generations of Mar Lee locals keep coming back. Others like to party at Club Vinyl on Broadway.

Although most people run errands with their cars in Mar Lee, residents can shop on foot in certain areas. The commerce areas along South Federal Boulevard allow for people to walk on the main streets and shop in a compact area.

Through RTD Denver, Mar Lee residents can travel on West Florida Avenue and South Federal Boulevard. The buses do not serve the smaller roads, however, so car travel may prove easier in those areas. Call a taxi, such as Metro Taxi, for a ride, or utilize the Uber ridesharing service to take advantage of cheaper rates.

Drivers can access the center of Denver using Federal Boulevard/Highway 88. Cross over to Highway 287 to get to downtown and all its attractions. Parking at the shopping plazas along South Federal Boulevard may be tricky at times, but residents find parking to be overall easier than the smaller neighborhoods closer to the heart of Denver.

Bikers can ride on bike lanes in the center of Mar Lee and on the main roads. The Sanderson Gulch Trail, a recreational ride, gives bikers a chance to cross through Mar Lee on a nature trail instead of riding alongside cars.

Mar Lee’s local park, Garfield Lake Park, entertains both adults and children. With a playground, athletic fields, a public pool and a lake, many Mar Lee residents find relaxation and exercise opportunities at Garfield Lake Park. Go fishing and watch the geese and ducks play, and take your on-leash dog for a walk at this free park.

Ruby Hill Park, located in the adjacent neighborhood of Ruby Hill, acts as a terrain park for skiers and snowboarders in the winter. Take your winter gear, and perfect your tricks on the rail yard once the snow begins to fall. Rent picnic areas in the summer for a relaxing time in the sun while you look at the views of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains.

Although these parks don’t host festivals, you can head to Belmar Park and the Lakewood Heritage Center for events year-round. This includes art performances, block parties and the Cider Days festival, all of which celebrate the culture of Lakewood and south Denver.

The Lakewood and Denver areas have a higher cost of living than the national average. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in Mar Lee costs about $648 in rent a month. Mar Lee residents can expect to pay about $4 for an express fare with RTD Denver. Frequent commuters may save money with a monthly pass, which costs about $140.

The average price of gas in Mar Lee costs about 8 percent less than the national average. Therefore, you save some money on gas if you decide to head out to get a beer, which costs about $4 at most pubs in the region.

Mar Lee residents travel to the Belmar shopping area for high-end shopping, salon access and dining. Check out Lane Bryant, Victoria's Secret, and Zales Jewelers for a variety of clothes and jewelry. Ann Taylor Loft and New York & Company allow Mar Lee residents to shop for designer clothes. Residents can find smaller boutiques and gift shops at Belmar as well. A nearby hobby shop, Stitching Shop, sells embroidery floss and fabrics. With more than 40,000 stitching supplies, craftsmen love passing by the shop for all their art needs.

Safeway and King Soopers function as the nearest large grocery stores to Mar Lee; however, those who desire local and homemade food can visit a number of ethnic food stores on South Federal Boulevard, such as Lowe's Mercado. For fruits, vegetables, and organic meats, head to Old South Pearl Street Farmers Market and pick up some homegrown food.