Sundown - Colorado Springs, CO

In 1871, Colorado Springs began as a concept of urban culture in the wild west promoted by General William Jackson Palmer. Certain amenities were added to attract more elite investors and residents, such as an opera house in 1881 and Colorado College, a private liberal arts institution. Palmer offered free land to build churches and created a network of parks to beautify the area. Sundown grew naturally as the city pushed westward. Money gleaned from the Cripple Creek gold rush in 1891 helped erect lavish landmarks, such as the Broadmoor Hotel, and the trolley system throughout the town.

Built in 1936, the Fine Arts Center was deemed the best museum and art school west of the Mississippi. The modern center features a theater for the deaf, art work displays from artists such as Georgia O'Keefe and theatrical products, such as Mary Poppins.

Tex-Mex tastebuds remain a very popular choice in the region with many superb representations. For a five-star-reviewed experience, visit Rudy's Little Hideaway Restaurant on 8th Street for a pork carnita, green chili-smothered breakfast burrito, or stick with a tasty stack of all-American pancakes surrounded by bacon and eggs.

Feel the Caribbean beat of raggae music when you dine at Spice Island Grill, a delightfully light-hearted, family owned eatery with a casual atmosphere and superb food. Settle in for a drink, then order from a menu that includes oxtail soup, curry goat and fried plantains, plus a vegetarian menu that pleases your guests. For energetic nightlife, living in a neighborhood close to downtown never felt so good. Pull on those cowboy boots, slap your hat on your head, saddle up your ride, and head to Cowboys Night Club on Tejon. Learn to line dance at free classes, then join up for some lively fun on the dance floor. Enjoy live music from entertainers such as Aaron Watson and the LoCash Cowboys, or join in the fun of Texas Hold 'em tournaments and family night Sundays.

Head out to hear some classic rock and roll at Gasoline Alley. Dig into food delights such as chicken "love me tenders" and the red hot chili pepper jack cheese sandwich while watching boxing or football on the big screens. Enjoy nightly specials, such as $2 Tuesdays and quarter beers on Wednesday.

The walkability score for this neighborhood is 67 out of 100, although a car makes travel farther out more feasible. Accessing downtown takes 4 minutes by car, 11 by bus, 7 by bike and 24 minutes when walking. Public transportation options include a well-planned bus system, transit service to outlying areas of the city and a complementary ADA-compliant para-transit system for those unable to utilize the fixed-stop bus service. Alternative methods of transportation include taxis and Uber.

Public parking in the downtown area costs between $6 and $10, with monthly parking available, in addition to 2,500 city-maintained parking meters. North-south I-25 lies within minutes of the Sundown neighborhood. The area provides excellent bike lanes with appropriate speed limit signage to alert drivers. A dedicated bicycle path runs along W. Colorado Avenue.

Three parks dot the Sundown neighborhood with amenities such as a band shell, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, sports fields, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and walking and hiking trails. The parks welcome dogs when leash laws are followed. The parks follow ADA guidelines for easy maneuverability to and from parking areas and throughout the parks. America the Beautiful Park in downtown Colorado Springs presents itself as an intimate community park that features 21 acres surrounded by another 40 acres. Everyone enjoys the amazing playground with hammocks, spinner bowls and turntables. Smack in the middle of Sundown lies the Bear Creek Regional Park and Nature Center with an archery range, playing fields, horseback riding, and trails for running and cycling. Events include live summer concerts from the Colorado Springs Philharmonic.

With regards to housing, Sundown has a slightly lower cost of living than the city but remains similar in all other areas. Public transportation costs less than $2 for a one-way fare, while a one-day, unlimited pass costs approximately $4. Monthly passes range between $60 and $65. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs $699, and a draft beef costs about $3. Microbrews and specialty beers range between $5 and $6.50. Gas prices in the area run slightly lower than the national average.

King Soopers, Walmart Super Center and Mountain Mama's Natural Foods serve the Sundown neighborhood. Voted "Best in the Springs" by the Gazette and Independent, the Savory Spice Shop features all you need for glorious barbecue rubs, including generous gift sets that make perfect gifts. The shop sells fresh ground herbs, blends and stocks, and extracts in addition to aprons and T-shirts for the backyard chef. If you know a BBQ chef or want to be one, stop by and receive a free sample with every visit.

Biking proves to be a popular recreational sport throughout the Colorado Springs area, and BicycleXperience doesn't miss a trick when providing a choice of top-notch bicycles, including BMX, mountain and road. Trained staff and mechanics generously share their knowledge to make your biking experience the very best.

Ladies, get ready for any exercise or outdoor experience at the fresh and energetic Title Nine. This fashionable boutique augments your wardrobe with casual dresses and sweaters or outfits you in athletic clothing for the gym, the whitewater rafting trip or a hike at the nearby Bear Creek Regional Park.

For a more sophisticated shopping spree, find designer-label fashions from Kate Spade, Tory Burch and Lilly Pulitzer at The Boutique at the Broadmoor. Choose from an array of handbags, jewelry, hats and sunglasses to complete your look.