Allendale Area - Arvada, CO

In 1850, Lewis Ralston, a miner bound for California, stopped in the area now known as Allendale, and he dipped his pan in the river. On his first try, he pulled out $5 worth of gold, and that moment kicked off the Rocky Mountain gold rush and eventually led to the formation of Denver.

Ten years later, the gold had disappeared, and Denver had become a supply stop for miners on the way to the mountains. Downtown Arvada sprung up, providing the locals with a place to shop and recreate. In 1925, developers built a paved road from Arvada to Denver, helping to make this area attractive for commuters.

Allendale locals have a range of artistic and cultural opportunities at their fingertips. Check out vintage cars at the Cussler Museum in Arvada, or visit the plants and delicate wings found at the Butterfly Pavilion. Annual events in the area include Arvada's yearly Harvest Festival.

In Allendale, the majority of eateries sit on West 64th Avenue or Ralston Road, and locals have their choice of comforting hot dogs, tacos and pizza as well as a few ethnic joints. For lunch, check out Jiffy's Hot Dog Deli. Raised in a Bulgarian and Hungarian home, the owner of this small establishment learned to love hot-dog chili sauce and Bulgarian sausages from a young age, and he now brings those flavors to the masses of Arvada. Specials often allow you to buy two hot dogs heaped with chili for less than $5.

For dinner, locals rave about Goombas Pizza Grinder. At this small pizza shop, enjoy an array of fresh toppings on a crust perfectly baked to be soft under the sauce and crisp on the bottom. In addition to the massive pies served at a great price, this shop also has sandwiches and fun quirks such as Connect Four games to play as you wait.

In the evening, locals have their choice of a range of hangouts including Rockabillies Restaurant. Rockabillies' menu greets you with comfortable and filling options, such as giant rumble burgers topped with mushrooms, onion strings, all types of cheese and more. You can also order chicken wings, baked mac and cheese, and salads. However, rather than the food, the live music and fun events actually draw patrons to this pub. Listen to bands with fun names, such as Reckless Red or Bad Daisy and the Duke.

Taunaz Tavern also draws locals with its great deals on drinks and live bands on Saturday nights. Although you can dance around the pool tables at Tuanez, locals in the mood to kick up their heels usually head to Denver to dance at clubs such as Milk and the Beta Nightclub.

Drivers enjoy access to free parking spots around the Allendale Area, and the area's proximity to Interstate 70 makes tackling the 11-mile journey into downtown Denver simple. RTD buses also connect the area to downtown. Running every 30 minutes, buses can take riders into the city in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Recreational bike paths run through the area, linking it to downtown, and riders can also use bike paths running along major thoroughfares such as Tejon Street. However, bicyclists must be prepared for the hilly terrain of this area. Although the neighborhood provides safety for walkers, its amenities sit too far flung from each other for the area to be considered walkable.

Cab companies and Uber drivers serve the area, but typically, you must call these services rather than hail them in the street.

The neighborhoods around the Allendale area host a number of parks and open spaces. Majestic View Nature Center and Park houses a playground and grassy hills for kids to run up and down. It also draws tennis and basketball lovers with its well-maintained large courts. However, the views of the mountains attract the most people.

Also called the Ralston Dog Park, the West Arvada Dog Park has a huge area for dogs to play off leash. Alternatively, you can hike the three-mile path around this area as your dog runs and romps in the long prairie grasses. Locals enjoy festivals such as the Carnation Festival, a celebration of the suburb of Wheat Ridge, and Sand in the City, Arvada's annual beach party.

People who settle in Allendale enjoy a more affordable cost of living than those living in other parts of the metro area. While transportation and food costs are relatively consistent throughout Denver, Allendale locals save just over 10 percent on rent. In Allendale, rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages at $929 a month.

Taking the bus from Allendale to Denver costs only $3 during rush hour, and during off-peak times, fares fall even lower. At area pubs, expect to find pints of beer priced between $4 and $6, and enjoy savings on gas as well – Allendale gas stations price gas at 13 percent lower than the national average.

Like restaurants, shops in the Allendale area center around West 64th Avenue and Ralston. Fashion lovers, in particular, appreciate the range of small fashion boutiques in this area. At Lovely Boutique, the shelves feature laid-back apparel and accessories. The shop captures the casual nature of Colorado style while helping shoppers to maintain their elegance.

For groceries, locals shop at conventional chains such as King Soopers, as well as at organic chains such as Whole Foods or Sprouts Farmers Market. In the summer, locals can find Colorado-grown produce at the Arvada Farmer's Market in Old Towne Square, and during the winter, this market happens on Saturdays at the Mile High Vineyard.