Rockrimmon - Colorado Springs, CO Area Guide

Originally founded by General William Palmer, the birth of Colorado Springs dates all the way back to 1871. Surrounded by natural wonders like Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods, Palmer recognized the potential to make the city an attractive resort community. The area gained lots of attention during the gold rush, losing momentum as less silver and gold were being found. When the U.S. Air Force base was constructed in 1954, growth was once again sparked. Neighborhoods like Rockrimmon began to pop-up between the base and downtown Colorado Springs.

There are a number of museums in the area including the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum and the National Museum of World War II Aviation. The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is home to the city's fine art museum, theatre company and art school.

For a quick bite to eat on a weeknight, most residents choose to visit one of the chain restaurants that surrounds the area, such as Carrabba's or Old Chicago. If you're looking for more of a local flavor, stop by the Margarita at Pine Creek , a favorite of both locals and visitors. Surrounded by ponderosa pine trees and boasting large, expansive patio spaces, the Margarita exudes the perfect charming ambiance for a date night. Drawn to the large space, many people choose this restaurant as a venue for hosting large gatherings or events.

Start your day off with a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee at the New Day Cafe. Traditional dishes like eggs Benedict, pancakes and omelets compose the breakfast menu. If you prefer a little more of a kick to your food, order one of the Southwestern-inspired dishes like the huevos rancheros or the chilaquiles.

One of the best local breweries in the area sits right at the edge of the neighborhood. Trinity Brewing makes the ideal local watering hole. Not only do they serve everything from saisons to ambers and IPAs to wheats, they brew them all in-house. On any given night, the bar is likely spotted with many of the neighborhood residents.

When it comes to nightlife, Colorado Springs has more to offer in the form of dive bars and pubs than it does in nightclubs. If you're looking for a dance floor, laser lights and a DJ, you're unlikely to find it here. If a laid-back lounge with darts and pool or live music suits your style, check out Cleats Bar & Grill or Back East Bar & Grill.

Colorado Springs established itself as one of the most bike-friendly communities in the area. With over 50 miles of on-street bike lanes and 118 miles of urban paved bike trails, many residents choose to bike to their destination.

Mountain Metropolitan Transit is the public transportation option that serves Rockrimmon and the surrounding area. Bus routes provide quick and easy transportation to shopping centers, downtown, surrounding neighborhoods and the Air Force base.

Rockrimmon is bordered to the east by I-25, the major highway that runs north to south across the state of Colorado. It provides a direct shot to Denver to the north and Pueblo to the south. For westward access to the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, residents can easily access I-24 and head into the Rocky Mountains.

Cabs are not a popular mode of transportation in this area, but they are available with advanced notification. If you need to get somewhere quickly, take advantage of the Uber drivers that service Colorado Springs.

When it comes to parks, the only problem residents face is deciding where to begin. With several national parks nearby, there are endless opportunities to explore the outdoors. However, for the most convenient access, consider one of the many parks located just down the road.

Just a few miles away sits the Garden of the Gods, one of the most popular parks in the entire state. Here you will see breathtaking rock formations and stunning mountain views. The park is dog- and bike-friendly, with plenty of open space to explore.

Even closer to home you find Pulpit Rock Park, where visitors are invited to hike to the top of the rock formation that gives the park its name. From there you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the front range and Pikes Peak.

The most popular annual festival is the Colorado Balloon Classic, held every Labor Day weekend as the largest hot-air balloon festival in the state. Visitors and residents are invited out to enjoy the majestic appeal of watching hot-air balloons sail above the Rocky Mountains.

The cost of living in Colorado Springs is much lower than other parts of the state. The average monthly rental price for a one-bedroom residence in Rockrimmon sits at $968, which is slightly higher than the city average. The rent prices reflect the desirable qualities that the neighborhood possesses, such as the convenient location and mixture of high-rise apartments and medium- to large-sized single-family homes.

Colorado is a state that values its craft beers, and the beer lists at local pubs and bars are usually stocked with local breweries. While this means access to some of the best beer in the country, likely brewed right down the road, it also means slightly higher prices. Residents expect to pay at least $4.50 when meeting friends out for drinks.

Gas prices in Rockrimmon reflect the city average, while falling significantly below the national average.

For basic shopping needs, Rockrimmon residents head to Chapel Hills Mall, the nearest shopping center. There you will find apparel stores like American Eagle Outfitters, Aeropostale and Macy's. For more high-end retail stores, visit the Promenade Shops at Briargate where you can expect more high-quality brands like Athleta, J. Crew and Banana Republic.

For boutique-style shopping, Terra Verde is a local favorite. Known for its great selection of women's clothing and accessories and unrivaled customer service, it's a boutique worth checking out.

Residents of Rockrimmon can take their pick when it comes to deciding on where to do their grocery shopping. Trader Joe's, Sprouts Farmers Market and Whole Foods are all located just outside of the neighborhood. For a selection of choice cuts of meat from local farmers, many people visit Ranch Foods Direct.

Colorado Springs has no shortage of farmers' markets. There are several available throughout the city, usually operating from May until September. The Colorado Farm and Art Market is the closest location serving Rockrimmon, offering fresh meat, locally grown produce and handmade crafts.