Stratton Meadows - Colorado Springs, CO

In the 1850s, cries claiming gold rang through the Rocky Mountains, and the Colorado Gold Rush began. Prospectors flocked to the area now called Colorado Springs, and a city was born. At the turn of the 20th century, the Telsa Experiment Station operated in the area. Four decades later, the military opened an airfield in the area, during World War II. The Air Force Academy followed in the next decade, and by 2011, the military employed nearly 20 percent of the county's residents.

First built as a post-WWII suburb, Stratton Meadows was annexed by Colorado Springs in 1981. The area took its name from Winfield Scott Stratton, a prospector and philanthropist who struck gold on the nearby mountain known as Pike's Peak, and became the area's first millionaire.

For arts and culture, locals have access to museums such as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, and annual events such as the Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival.

Restaurants exist all over the Stratton Meadows neighborhood, but you can find most of them in and around the Action Plaza Shopping Center on Southgate Road. Diners can grab lunch at one of the healthy but tasty chains, such as Extreme Pizza, Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill or Larkburger. A small Colorado chain, Larkburger features chicken, beef and veggie burgers. This casual diner prices their food at rates similar to fast-food chains, but it has gourmet touches, such as kale salads and truffle oil on fries.

To fill up on sushi, locals head to Sushi Ring. Filled with Elvis decor, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant has all-you-can-eat sushi deals, or you can order a la carte off the menu. The chefs roll sushi extremely quickly, meaning customers don't have to wait long for their favorite fare. Try the calamari — locals rave about the favorable proportion of calamari to breading.

For nightlife, locals typically hang out at bars or brewpubs in the area. To try some of Colorado's finest microbrews, head to the Bristol Brewing Company. Located at the end of an art-filled hallway in a former elementary school, this brewpub showcases its own craft beers, including Laughing Lab and Red Rocket, and it sells bites to eat as well.

If you prefer clubs over bars, try Club Q. Located in the north part of Colorado Springs, this gay club is one of the few in the metro area. Alternatively, journey to Denver to check out clubs such as the Beta Nightclub and Charlie's Denver.

Residents of Stratton Meadows enjoy free parking around the residential and commercial parts of the neighborhood. Drivers have easy access to Interstate 25, which runs north and south through the city. Highway 24 also sits nearby, which runs into the mountains and ultimately to the top of Pike's Peak.

Bus routes serve the area and connect it to the rest of the city, but most routes run only once per hour, and not at all on Sundays. You can augment public transit with bicycles, as the area has lots of bike paths and bike lanes on the major roads.

You don't have to worry about safety when walking through the area. Although not a truly walkable community, the area offers more convenience for walkers than other parts of the city due to the fact that its commercial amenities sit relatively close to the residential areas. Cabs and Uber serve the area as well. Rather than trying to hail a cab on the street, use an app or call in advance.

For an active outdoor experience, Stratton Meadows locals drive to Palmer Park. Almost as old as the city itself, this iconic park features hiking trails for running and biking, as well as picnic areas for eating and relaxing. Children have access to playgrounds, and dogs can enjoy time in an off-leash area.

Locals flock to the Colorado Renaissance Festival which takes place in Larkspur, just north of Colorado Springs, every summer. In the fall, Stratton Meadows residents drive to nearby Manitou Springs, where, in support of the community motto "keep Manitou weird," they hold an annual Halloween fest — complete with coffin races down the main street.

The cost of living here sits below the Colorado Springs average. While Colorado Springs residents pay around $750 for a one-bedroom apartment, the same type of accommodations runs about $540 per month in Stratton Meadows.

Taking the bus anywhere in the city costs less than $2, and seniors and students can ride for under $1. For $4, you can ride the bus all day long. Gas prices in the local area sit 20 percent lower than the national average. A pint of beer at a local pub costs between $3 and $6, with local craft brews costing more than domestic beers. Some of the new pubs host specials, when you can buy a case of microbrew for off-site consumption for $20.

The Action Plaza Shopping Center on Southgate Road houses most of the shops in Stratton Meadows. While most are large chains, such as Target, Gordmans, and others, a few local specialty shops exist as well.

A local favorite, Mountain Equipment Recyclers sells gently used and consigned outdoor clothing and equipment. Shoppers find upscale items from a range of brands, including Burton, Sierra Designs and Patagonia, at affordable prices.

Appealing to members of the military and their fans, Mod Armory sells tactical equipment — with an emphasis on night goggles. Shoppers browse this specialty shop for the weapon accessories and defense equipment they need, and the shop attracts everyone from preppers to airsoft players.

For groceries, Stratton Meadow locals shop at chains, such as Safeway, Albertsons and Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage. If you want local veggies, honey, bison meat and other Colorado-grown items, check out the farmer's market in Old Colorado City.