Southwest Denver - Denver, CO Area Guide

The southwest neighborhoods of Denver all developed in the late 1850s, when a mining gold rush drew in many people to Colorado. The city of Sheridan, near to Harvey Park South, came into being when settler John McBroom built a cabin along Bear Creek. Sheridan continued to grow until it became a military post in 1887. Like many Coloradans who have roots in the Denver region, Harvey Park South residents treasure their nearness to the outdoors and still enjoy biking, hiking and visiting the mountains.

Drive to the Museum of Outdoor Art in Englewood to view modern art sculptures and paintings. Travelers can find a number of art galleries scattered around the area, especially in Littleton and Lakewood. Go to the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride to watch renowned singers and stage performances year-round, and head to Lakewood’s Belmar center or Colorado Heights University for annual events.

Though Harvey Park South and surrounding neighborhoods paint a more suburban feel, locals don’t need to travel far to eat out or get a taste of the nightlife. Basic pubs and taverns line some of the main streets, such as South Federal Boulevard and Highway 285, as do the restaurants located at the fringes of Harvey Park South. Of the many restaurant options, you can eat steak, Chinese, Mexican or new American fare.

For affordable steak, go to Cowbobas slightly north of Harvey Park South to start the night. Though the price of the steak remains low compared to other steakhouses, Cowbobas serves the meat just right — locals love the steak’s seasoning and its juiciness. Try a boba tea with your steak to live the real “Cowbobas” experience. Of the many Chinese restaurants in the south Denver region, choose New Happy Restaurant to satisfy your Asian food craving at a “hidden gem.” Taste the authentic sweet and sour sauce and munch on a wide variety of Chinese cuisine on the large menu.

Mexican lovers rave about Café Chihuahua and its green chili. If you have a hankering for Mexican, look no further. Taste some fresh pork carnitas and order a cold margarita at this popular mom-and-pop establishment. Pass by for an affordable steak and eggs breakfast in the morning to start your day right.

Downtown Denver offers more venues as far as dancing and music venues go, but southwestern Denverites can stick around the neighborhood for a good time.

If you need more drinks in your system, consider heading out to Doghouse Tavern for some libations. Take advantage of the weekly specials and kick back at this bar in the Bear Valley shopping plaza. Java Jam Café in Englewood regularly hosts musicians, so locals can have a coffee and listen to Denver music.

Harvey Park South residents who want to dance can drive up to downtown Denver for a few hotspots, or head southeast to dance at Proof NiteClub. Voted one of the best nightclubs in Denver, Proof NiteClub plays music that appeals to people of all ages.

Most Harvey Park South locals get around in a car, since the shopping plazas center around South Federal Boulevard and other major streets. People can bike recreationally along Bear Creek trail or travel easily to conduct errands. The neighborhood’s proximity to major highways such as Highway 285 to the south and Highway 88 (South Federal Boulevard) facilitates car travel to the heart of Denver.

RTD Denver serves Harvey Park South thoroughly, with the Bear Creek station and numerous buses traveling West Dartmouth Avenue and other roads. Hail a cab from the Denver Yellow Cab Service and other taxi companies, or rely on Uber for some of your transit needs. Uber serves the entire Denver area, including Harvey Park South.

Locals find parking easier in Harvey Park South than in neighborhoods closer to the center of Denver, but you may find difficulties parking in the shopping plazas during the weekends. Take a bike to go shopping in the neighborhood and travel along the bike lanes. Bike trails also serve the neighborhood, so nature lovers can ride along Bear Creek and enjoy the Colorado air.

Harvey Park South’s local park, Loretto Heights Park, gives kids a chance to get their energy out on the playground and an open field used for sports. Take a lunch to the picnic tables and enjoy the views of the mountains and the Denver skyline at this small free park.

Drive just south of Harvey Park South to visit Bear Creek Park, an area that features meandering trails for biking and walking. Bring children to a playground with a splash park or take your pooch on a walk through the forest while checking out the various fountains.

For more exercise and dog-walking, head west to the Bear Creek Greenbelt in Lakewood. Walk along the two-mile walking path with Rover on a leash, and take a look at The Stone House, a historic residence built in the late 1850s that is now open for weddings and other events. Bear Creek Greenbelt provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature for free.

Harvey Park South residents need to head to the center of nearby suburbs for annual events and festivals. Check out the Cider Days Festival in the Belmont area, or attend student events at Colorado Heights University to learn more about the history and culture of the southwest Denver neighborhoods.

The Harvey Park South neighborhood has a very slightly higher cost of living than the national average and a lower cost of living than the rest of Denver. Expect to pay about $4 to travel one-way via RTD Denver to downtown Denver for activities. A monthly pass of $140 benefits commuters who need to work in central Denver during the week.

The median rent of an average one-bedroom apartment in Harvey Park South is about $980. The average cost of gas in the neighborhood comes in at about 5 percent less than the national average, so take a drive out to the pubs, and expect to pay around $4 for craft microbrewed beer.

Just south of Highway 285, Harvey Park South locals can go to Southwest Plaza for their shopping and dining needs. With stores such as Dillard’s, Sears and Macy’s, you can find deals on clothing and other household items. Go north to Belmar for more high-end stores like Nordstrom Rack and New York & Company.

Look for more local stores and boutiques in the Littleton, Lakewood and Englewood city centers. Ali’s Closet Consignment Boutique in Englewood provides jewelry, used clothes and gift items for women who search for a deal on high-end clothes and accessories. Consign your clothes at this boutique when you need to clear out your closet. For sweets, drive to Littleton to The Chocolate Therapist. Get a rich cup of coffee, and buy some chocolates to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Shop for discount food at King Soopers within the Harvey Park South boundaries, or drive to Walmart in Englewood for other eating options. Buy authentic meats at Carmine Lonardo’s Italian Meat Shop in Lakewood, or head to Tom’s Seafood and Specialties for some of the freshest seafood in Colorado. Return to Southwest Plaza to purchase fresh produce and organic food at the Southwest Plaza Farmers Market during the warmer months.