Meadow Hills Aurora, CO

Meadow Hills Golf Course, in operation since 1957, became the heart of this community as more and more homes sprang up around it.

A few museums are sprinkled around this area. To the north, visit The Aurora History Museum to brush up on the natural history of the area. To the south, check out The Wildlife Experience and learn about what lurks in the local wilderness.

Meadow Hills residents enjoy many annual activities. Global Fest highlights cultures from around the world with events including a beer market, parade of flags and an international fashion show.

KidSpree invites residents to delight in kid-pleasing food vendors, inflatables and various other fun-filled activities. Or for a truly unique family experience, make the short drive to Denver for Punkin Chunkin Colorado, an event where participants compete to see whose home-built contraption can fling a pumpkin the farthest.

A wide variety of dining establishments dot the landscape in and around Meadow Hills, serving anything from Greek gyros to classic American fare.

Serving fast food that tastes slow-cooked, Gyroz offers a selection of lamb, beef, or vegetarian gyros and the best falafel in the Colorado area. Gyroz operates a drive-thru as well as a dining room, both serving hot, fresh, Greek food.

Aurora’s premiere cafe, 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 the 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.

Overall, Meadow Hills residents enjoy a quiet lifestyle but a few area bars and lounges provide residents a place to unwind on the weekend. One option, the Canoe Room, part of the Dry Dock Brewing Company on the north side of Meadow Hills, features a tasting room full of craft beers, one of many in this part of Colorado. The Royal Hilltop Tap Room serves 18 beers on tap and for weeknight fun, try "Geeks That Drink," a social trivia game for bar patrons.

When locals are looking for a fun evening with friends they often head to the Hideaway Lounge. Tucked into a strip mall, this unassuming location features Ladies’ Night every Thursday where women score three free drinks. Have an intimate conversation and a drink with friends in this laid-back setting before driving into Denver for a show at the Bluebird Theatre. Fully restored and renovated from its 1913 charm, the Bluebird hosts exciting live acts ranging from acoustic crooners to electronica-fueled dance parties.

Multiple bus stations await residents and visitors up and down South Chambers Road, which runs the length of the eastern border of Meadow Hills. A few additional stops are scattered throughout the other major streets in Meadow Hills, making public transportation a viable resource for residents.

Most people in the neighborhood use their own cars to run errands in this town. Streets here provide safe passage for bikers and walkers, and a few thoroughfares offer dedicated bike lanes.

Cabs are scarce on these residential streets, so be prepared to make a phone call to catch a ride in one, or tap the Uber app on your phone to grab a ride. Interstate 225 runs to the west of Meadow Hills and intersects Highway 87 which can take you into the heart of Denver. Many parking garages operate for public use near Denver, with metered parking available downtown.

Carson Park sits within the borders of Meadow Hills and provides residents with a free picturesque setting to relax or have fun with the family. Ducks frequently frolic in the large pond at the kid-friendly Carson Park, and the play structure here blends into the natural surroundings thanks to its stone textures. Make sure to keep your canine pals on their leashes, though.

Just next door to Meadow Hills, you'll find Cherry Creek National Park, an expansive green space anchored by an 880-acre reservoir. Gently rolling hills and a variety of outdoor activities make Cherry Creek National Park an ideal destination. A day pass to the park runs $9 and an additional $2 to access the off-leash dog park inside.

This park has something for everyone, especially the more active members of the family. Horseback riding, cross country skiing, and hiking are just a few activities in which you can participate at Cherry Creek. When winter comes and the snowfall is deep, the sledding, snowshoeing, and tubing get started. Many water-centered activities such as boating, water skiing, and swimming keep the whole family entertained and active as well during the summer.

Most of Cherry Creek's annual events are centered around local wildlife, which plays a big role. Festivals honoring animals such as the bald eagle and the elk are held each month in the park.

The cost of living in Meadow Hills hovers near the Denver city average. A one-bedroom unit in this neighborhood sets you back $950 per month. Downing a brew at a local pub will cost you $3 to $4, and the gas prices here run 4 percent lower than the national average.

Meadow Hills features several malls located in three of the four corners of the neighborhood. Chain retail establishments stand side by side with unique boutiques and provide a varied shopping experience.

Specialty grocery stores abound in Meadow Hills as well. Europa stocks its shelves with imported European food items not available anywhere else, and Natural Grocers offers an impressive selection of organic and natural products. For household essentials try nearby Safeway or the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, both just one neighborhood away.

From sparkly cocktail dresses to artfully distressed denim, Wild Blue Boutique, on the other side of Cherry Creek State Park, has the designer fashions you desire. Casual and charming decor coupled with friendly owners make shopping here a joy.