Wolf Ranch - Colorado Springs, CO

This young neighborhood was started in January of 2004. Using quality builders, designers and architects, up to 8,000 homes were planned during its conception. Residents are encouraged to utilize the Recreation Center and to take part in community-wide events featured in their yearly event flier. Wolf Ranch emphasizes the importance of community with its monthly ice cream socials, a neighborhood-wide yard sale, summer concerts and the Recreation Center's child-centered events.

Since Wolf Ranch provides a cozy environment and privacy to its residents, you might want to plan ahead if you want to eat out. Colorado Spring's downtown nightlife rests about a half-hour away, but dining can be found within 10 miles.

Salsa Brava supplies diners with flavorful dishes, prompt service and moderate prices. This dining establishment features both a vegetarian-friendly and a gluten-free menu as well. The blackened sea bass tacos topped with chipotle tartar and mango salsa are among the most popular dishes on the menu, drawing in locals and visitors to the area alike. Though Salsa Brava mainly serves traditional Mexican dishes, it also plays around with flavors to provide unique creations such as chipotle ribs with coconut shrimp and Yucatan lime chicken soup.

Try the casual restaurant NaRai Thai for an exotic experience combined with gourmet flair. Any dish can be made vegetarian by requesting tofu instead of meat, and six different types of Thai curries authentically made by Thai chef, Chiangmai, are available.

For dessert, John and Josh's Naturally Homemade Ice Cream satisfies every sweet tooth. Made in a slow-churning antique ice cream maker, this creamy delight comes in unique flavors such as Dutch chocolate, mocha java jolt and malted mazel toff. Buy a scoop for a handheld treat, or take some home in a pint or quart of your choice.

For the night owl in search of a relaxed atmosphere and a affordable full bar, Wyatt's Pub sits only a half-hour drive from Wolf Ranch. It receives most of its menu acclaim for its wings, burgers and pizza. Wyatt's Pub satisfies patrons with the occasional karaoke night, live music and weekly trivia.

Wolf Ranch tailors to the pedestrian traveler and accommodates cyclists and walkers. The speed limit within Wolf Ranch maxes at 25 mph, ensuring the safety of pedestrian residents and visitors. Lacking public transportation, residents are encouraged to travel leisurely on a number of trails offered as a part of neighborhood planning. As a primarily residential neighborhood, cab companies must be called from Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs can easily be reached from this community. Located on the corner of Research Parkway and Powers Blvd, you just head south on Powers Blvd to reach this neighbor city.

Wolf Ranch takes pride in its Parks and Recreation options. Gateway Park offers picnic tables, Wi-Fi, a view of Pikes Peak and walking paths. This park hosts an annual summer concert along with other community events, and it's visited mostly for its tranquil and calming effect. Westcreek Park satisfies the active resident with playgrounds for different age groups, a multipurpose playing field, an in line roller hockey, a basketball court and hiking trails.

WOOF Ranch Dog Park provides a grassy haven for pets. The park contains two separate fields for dogs according to size, an agility section, benches, a leash dock and conveniently located trash stations for disposing of your pet's waste. This park was designed and built by Boy Scout members of the community in order to fulfill Eagle Scout requirements.

The Recreation Center offers annual and monthly events aimed at uniting the community and providing entertainment for its residents. These events include a monthly ice cream social, annual holiday celebratory events, Kid's Night Out and community pot lucks. Other than events, the Wolf Ranch Recreation Center also provides a splash park, a swimming pool and a club house used for wine tastings and lessons.

In proportion to the national cost of living, Wolf Ranch's housing costs remain higher than the average, which makes sense as Wolf Ranch tailors to the high-income family. While Colorado Springs offers a one-bedroom apartment for an average of $725 per month, Wolf Ranch doesn't have any apartments, nor does it rent any one-bedroom houses. Wolf Ranch's average rental rate towers over Colorado Springs' at $1,022 per month.

As this community mostly provides only residential aspects, residents can enjoy commercial expenditures at Colorado Springs' prices, which hover at nearly 4 percent lower than the state average. A pint of beer can be purchased at about $4 to $5. Gas sits at 5 percent below national average, but public transportation doesn't travel from Wolf Ranch to Colorado Springs.

Wolf Ranch residents have no shortage of shopping options. To accomplish your one-stop shopping needs, visit one of Colorado Springs' three malls: Chapel Hills, The Citadel and The Promenade. With its open-air shopping, convenient and centralized parking and pet-friendly environment, The Promenade continues to be a popular favorite for practiced shoppers.

West of Colorado Springs lays Old Colorado City, a historical tourist district. The Michael Garman Gallery hosts Garman's unique sculptural artistry, including his 1/6-scale sculpted neighborhood. Items from his collection can be viewed and admired or purchased as gifts or souvenirs. All That Glitters showcases specially designed jewelry in its Mountain Band collection, which display romantic depictions of Rocky Mountain images on precious metal pendants. Antiques, handmade jewelry and accessories, speciality clothing, art and fine dining are all found within this district.

Wolf Ranch's residents frequent the "Big Three" of grocery stores: King Sooper, Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market. As part of a chain, King Sooper facilitates the more traditional grocery store experience. Whole Foods Market features a wider selection, specifically regarding organic and all natural foods; however, its prices draw in higher-income regulars. Sprouts Farmers Market appeals to those seeking a cheaper alternative to Whole Foods Market with an equally wide variety. Be sure to plan your grocery trip either before 3 p.m. or after 6 p.m. because a rush occurs between those hours.