Pine Creek - Colorado Springs, CO

The history of Colorado Springs is a rich one. The city dates back to 1871 and played a large role during the gold rush with its major railway junctions and prime location. The city experienced another surge after the opening of the United States Air Force Academy, graduating its first class in 1959. Over the next several decades, neighborhoods began to pop up on the land surrounding the academy. Pine Creek was constructed in 1999, and it has been a desirable place to live ever since.

Colorado Springs has a number of museums worth visiting, including the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Ghost Town Museum, National Museum of World War II Aviation and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. The arts center hosts world-class art exhibits, a performance theatre and an arts school.

Abundant dining options surround Pine Creek ready to satisfy any craving. Nothing beats a good burger, and Crave is the local joint dedicated to meeting that desire. Serving traditional burgers with a creative twist, ingredients like poblano peppers, fried eggs and peanut butter are great additions. The Luther Burger is the ultimate guilty pleasure, using two glazed donuts as the bun.

The Colorado Mountain Taphouse and Brewery specializes in true Colorado fare with dishes such as bison meatloaf and burgers bearing the name of nearby peaks. Stop in on Tuesday's and Wednesday's to partake in a round of trivia. Serving beers brewed in house, the brewery offers amber ales, stouts and everything in between. The spectacular views, high ceilings and wooden rafters create the perfect setting for a gathering with friends.

Pine Creek also has it's share of nice chain restaurants including California Pizza Kitchen, P.F. Chang's and Ted's Montana Grill.

For a drink head just down the road to Back East Sports Bar and Grill. This local haunt attracts residents with its large number of flat screen televisions and the live bands it frequently hosts. Go to the city of Colorado Springs to find more dive bars, pubs, and a few nightclubs.

Colorado Springs is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the state. Offering over 50 miles of designated on-street bike lanes and 120 miles of urban bike trails, Pine Creek enables residents to safely bike to many local destinations.

For residents wishing to drive, Pine Creek provides easy access to I-25, the major highway that runs from north to south across the state. A quick commute north takes you to Denver, while a short trip south takes you to Pueblo. To access the nearby Pike and San Isabel National Forests, just hop on I-24 and head for the Rocky Mountains.

There are cabs and Uber servicing Pine Creek residents, but they do require advanced notice of travel requirements.

Pine Creek residents have no problem finding exciting things to do outdoors. Hiking, rock climbing, camping, mountain biking and skiing are available right in the backyard. Several of the area's most loved parks sit just outside the community. One of the local favorites is Ute Valley Park, and it sits just to the west of Pine Creek, featuring beautiful views. The mesas and sandstone cliffs that compose this park offer some of the best hiking and mountain biking in the region.

To the southwest sits the Garden of the Gods, one of the most popular natural attractions in the country. Visitors come from all over to gaze at the unique rock formations and take in the stunning views. The park is dog friendly and bike friendly, so it is the perfect place to spend a Saturday with family or friends.

Every labor day weekend since 1977, Colorado Springs has hosted one of the most magnificent festivals in the state. The Colorado Balloon Festival is a site to see, as hot air balloons sail above the Rocky Mountains in majestic formations of vibrant colors.

The cost of living in Colorado Springs sits lower than many of the cities located along the front range of Colorado. While the city is relatively affordable, Pine Creek remains one of the most luxurious neighborhoods here, and home prices reflect this quality. The community is full of large, expansive homes and as such rents are on the higher side for the community at around $925 for a one bedroom apartment.

Colorado is a state known for its large number of local breweries, and beer prices at a local often reflect the quality of beer served. When Pine Creek residents head to a local bar or pub for a drink, they expect to pay around $4.50 for a beer. Gas prices around Pine Creek are consistent with those in the city and fall significantly lower than the national average.

Pine Creek lies right next to the Promenade at Briargate. Shoppers visit for stores like J. Crew, Banana Republic and Eddie Bauer. For more boutique-style shopping, head downtown to Terra Verde, a local favorite. The store is known for its great selection of unique apparel and accessories and its unrivaled customer service.

Pine Creek residents have no shortage of options for grocery shopping. For basic grocery needs, most residents go to King Soopers, Whole Foods and Sprouts Farmers Market. For more specialty shopping, visit Ranch Foods Direct for a great selection on choice meats taken from local farms. Each of these neighborhood grocers makes it easy to get everything you need, all in one place.

Colorado Springs hosts a number farmers markets located throughout the city, operating on different days throughout the week. The closest option to Pine Creek is the Colorado Farm and Art Market, offering farm-raised meats, locally grown produce and handmade crafts.