Trailridge - Colorado Springs, CO

Miners settled in Colorado Springs during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. From 1861 to 1862, the city was the capital of the Colorado territory until Denver became the capital.

During the Second World War, the United States military opened Peterson Field in the city. Eventually turned into an air force base, this airfield made up part of the city's large military presence, which has included headquarters for Air Defense Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command.

To teach locals about history, the area has a museum of mining and industry as well as a pioneer museum. Annual festivals include the Emma Crawford Coffin Races in nearby art-haven Manitou Springs.

Trailridge’s location between I-25 and State Route 21 allows searching for a meal easy. After shopping, head to any one of Briargate Mall’s restaurants for a satisfactory dining experience. Choose from P.F. Chang’s, Biaggi’s Italian Restaurant, QDOBA Mexican Eats, and much more. Locals rave about sea scallop risotto and farfalle alfredo pasta at Biaggi’s. If you are looking for gluten-free dishes, look no further because Biaggi’s has an extensive gluten-free menu. Don’t forget to grab a slice of vanilla lemon cheesecake before leaving the restaurant. If you have cravings for Chinese food, you don’t have to travel far. Dine-in or take out from Ivy’s Chinese Café located on Ridgeline Drive. The regulars recommend going in during Ivy’s lunch time for large portions at a great price.

After a long day, kick back and grab a cold handcrafted brew from Colorado Mountain Brewery. Try your drinks with Ale Battered Fish & Chips and Mt. Princeton, a burger stacked with cheddar cheese, bacon, and Ole ‘59er Amber Ale BBQ sauce.

Trailridge residents live in the northern part of Colorado Springs, where they enjoy ample free parking spots and easy access to the rest of the city via I-25.

Bus routes taking riders from Trailridge to the south of the metro area run every 30 minutes, and cabs and Uber drivers also serve the area. Rather than hailing cabs in the streets, Colorado Springs residents call them in advance.

Bike trails run through the neighborhood, connecting it to the rest of the metro area. The Pikes Peak Greenway Trail and the New Santa Fe Regional Trail follow the path of the freeway and provide bicyclists with a safe and convenient way to move about town. Although safe, walking does not stand out as a convenient option for Trailridge locals, and the area is not a walkable community.

Located north of the Trailridge neighborhood and just outside of Colorado Springs, Fox Run Regional Park provides recreational opportunities for the entire family. Children play on the playground, and families picnic in the picnic shelters. Exercise enthusiasts hike, bike or ride horses through the park's expansive trail system. The spacious, pine-tree-filled area also has a fenced in dog park for off-leash dog fun.

Annual activities include the Renaissance Festival. Taking place north of Colorado Springs in Larkspur, this annual event features jousting knights, medieval musicians and large turkey legs. Locals head to this event to enjoy a slice of historical life, and some even get married in traditional hand-fasting ceremonies at this festival.

Living in Trailridge costs more than living in other parts of the Colorado Springs area. In Colorado Springs, renters pay an average of $739 for a one-bedroom apartment, but in Trailridge, they pay $938 monthly for similar accommodations.

Area gas stations charge an average of 27 percent less for a gallon of gas than the national average. A pint of beer costs between $3 and $6 in this neighborhood, and if you want to take the bus anywhere in the city, a daily pass costs just $4.

For shopping, Trailridge locals have access to the Chapel Hills Mall, a large indoor shopping mall with an expansive food court and several anchor stores, or the Promenade Shops at Briargate, a collection of upscale shops in a walkable area with fabulous views of the mountains.

Local specialty shops include the Something New Boutique. This charming boutique features hardwood floors and crystal chandeliers, creating an elegant shopping environment. The staff helps you pick out the perfect dress, and once you do, the clerks play the wedding march over the sound system.

Chain grocery stores such as King Sooopers, Albertson's, and Whole Foods sell groceries to Trailridge locals. Those craving local produce head to the farmers market in the parking lot of the Briargate mall on Wednesdays from May to October.