West Colorado Springs - Colorado Springs, CO

For centuries before nonnative settlers arrived in Colorado, Ute, Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribes used the lands of West Colorado Springs for hunting and travel. During the gold rush in the 1850s, European settlers came to the area and founded the first permanent settlement in the area, Old Colorado City, in 1859. Manitou Springs, which is also part of West Colorado Springs, was founded in 1872 as a healing-water resort town.

Modern residents of West Colorado Springs can see photos and learn about local history at the Old Colorado History Center museum, which sits on south 24th Street. The historic Old Colorado City district also serves as a hub for fine art, and local galleries exhibit pieces by the state's best artists. Residents participate in monthly Art Walks and come to the neighborhood for the annual Territory Days celebration.

The growing dining scene in West Colorado Springs includes a surprising array of cuisines, from Ethiopian to American barbecue. Almost all of the restaurants in the neighborhood line the blocks between W Uintah Street and W Cimarron Street.

Start with a glass of orange water iced tea or rose water lemonade at Uchenna while you tuck into a plate of Doro Wat or Lamb Alecha. Local diners also rave about the vegetarian combo and the carrot cake. Don't be dissuaded by the strip-mall location — Chef Maya, the friendly Ethiopian owner, will soon make you feel right at home.

Relax in the casual diner atmosphere at The Dive on Pikes Peak Avenue while you enjoy a huge order of huevos rancheros. For lunch or dinner, try the hickory-smoked ribs, which are prepared in the smoker behind the restaurant.

Situated inside an old Victorian home, 2 South Food & Wine Bar has a cozy and comfortable feeling. Start your meal with a custom fromage and charcuterie board, which you can create to suit your tastes. Select from a small-plate or big-plate entree. Diners rave about the pig belly and creamy polenta, and the gluwein-poached apple makes the perfect dessert.

Nightlife in West Colorado Springs reflects the neighborhood's general style — casual but not unsophisticated. Most bars cluster in the central restaurant area and in the Manitou Springs neighborhood, including the Irish-themed pub, Alchemy. enjoy a Guinness on tap at the Irish-themed Alchemy.

Given West Colorado Springs' hilly landscape and cold winters, most residents opt to get around by car. Some major roads feature bike lanes, but the limited number of paved paths make it tough for safe biking. Walking is possible around Manitou Springs and the Old Colorado City area. If you need a cab, call ahead or use Uber.

Two bus lines serve West Colorado Springs. To get downtown and to Manitou Springs, take bus line 3. Line 16 provides north-south service. Residents who prefer to drive can take advantage of the inexpensive metered parking spots around local businesses. Interstate 25 sits a short drive to the east, allowing convenient access to cities to the north and south.

With a surfeit of wilderness area within its boundaries and even more a short drive away, West Colorado Springs is a outdoor-lover's dream. In town, residents enjoy several free small neighborhood parks, including Thorndale Park, Pioneer Park and Westmoor Park. All three feature playgrounds and sports facilities, making them popular with local families. Local runners and walkers frequent Sondermann Park, which features a large trail network.

When you want a more extensive outdoor adventure, look no further than West Colorado Springs' two largest parks: the Garden of the Gods and the Red Rock Canyon Open Space. The Garden of the Gods, one of Colorado's best-known parks, features towering red-rock formations and excellent hiking trails. Each year, the park hosts events including an Earth Day celebration and The Starlight Spectacular bike ride. At the Red Rock Canyon Open Space, you can run, hike, bike or even ride a horse on the unpaved trails. Both parks provide free entry and off-leash areas for dogs.

The cost of living in West Colorado Springs tends to stay even with Colorado Springs as a whole. Housing costs in the neighborhood run slightly higher than the citywide average, but not enough to make a significant difference. As you hunt for a place to call home, be prepared to pay for a one-bedroom apartment about $591 a month. Daily expenses in West Colorado Springs won't break the bank; at a neighborhood pub such as Kinfolks, expect to pay about $5 for a beer. A bus ticket into downtown Colorado Springs costs $1.75, and local gas prices stay 9 percent less than the national average.

Many of the stores in West Colorado Springs lie in Manitou Springs and between west Uintah Street and west Cimarron Street in the Old Colorado City area. Shops specialize in everything from clothing to artwork, and many have an independent focus. High-end designer shops are few and far between, but locals and visitors have no problem spending a considerable amount on pieces by Colorado artists.

Find a toy for Fido at Republic of Paws. This adorable pet supply store sells everything from treats and specialty foods to carriers. Customers love the friendly service and the high quality of merchandise.

The eclectic stock at the Manitou Cactus Co. wins over shoppers immediately. Browse the large selection of ultra-feminine dresses, or look through the unusual plant room, which features a wide selection of succulents and cacti.

If you're looking to splash out on the perfect artwork for your new home, don't miss the Commonwheel Artists Co-op. Here, you find everything from hand-thrown pottery to watercolor paintings, all by Colorado artists.

Safeway serves as the main grocery store in West Colorado Springs. When you're jonesing for freshly made bread, Wimberger's Old World Bakery can save you the hassle of baking. Neighborhood residents stock up on fresh vegetables at the Old Colorado City Farmers Market.