Applewood - Lakewood, CO

Homesteaders began settling Applewood during the middle of the 19th century after discovering that the fertile land was more profitable and less risky than braving the mountains prospecting for gold. Most of the settlers were English, German and Hungarian; greater percentages of Hungarians call Applewood home than almost any other neighborhood in America.

Legend has it that early settler Myron Bunger cleverly applied dynamite to the area soil, subsequently enriching it with nitrogen and producing a fertilizer that allowed pear, peach, cherry and apple trees to flourish. The name Applewood pays tribute to his explosive combination.

The neighborhood's desirable location between Denver and the mountain paths made Applewood a popular, if not expensive, destination in no time. There's a long-running perception among nearby communities that if you make it to Applewood, you've arrived.

Applewood residents have the opportunity to share in the food and culture of several nearby urban centers. Most of the people in Applewood claim European ancestry, but you'd never know it from the best of the local cuisine.

Make sure to try Kazoku Sushi, but don't be deceived by the bright rainbow-colored sign. This restaurant reflects the spacious and calm nature of Applewood itself, only with an Asian twist. The sushi and sashimi are some of the best in the entire front range, but you should definitely start with the yellowfin jalapeño appetizer and some hot tea. Even with all of the great food, Kazoku might actually be best known for amazing service and well-thought-out interior design.

You don't move to colorful Colorado for the authentic Brazilian cuisine, yet that's exactly what you'll get with Little Brazil on West 26th Avenue. Stroganofe de frango (essentially beef stroganoff but made with chicken) and the empanadas are Little Brazil's signature dishes, showing off the textural complexity of Brazil's traditional plates. Little Brazil doesn't have a ton of seating room and closes relatively early, so timing can be problematic.

For more conventional (and pricey) fare, try out the Keg Steakhouse & Bar. Wine and dine the way Coloradans love to: choice meats and happy hour cocktails. The fillet stars at the Keg, but don't count out the chicken, ribs or lobster. The restaurant even brings out a free fruit and vegetable snack tray if you bring kids along.

Applewood's nightlife scene doesn't provide the same energy as downtown Denver or Lakewood, but those destinations only require a short ride on the light rail system to reach the evening frivolity.

Like those in the city of Denver itself and its surrounding suburbs, Applewood residents rely heavily on private automobiles for transportation. Major thoroughfares like West Colfax and I-70 can lead to congestion, particularly during the ski season when natives and tourists alike make their way into the Rockies.

The closest public transportation consists of RTD light rail extensions that stretch between Golden, Lakewood, downtown Denver and the Tech Center. Head south near the Jefferson County Government Center or Red Rocks to catch the W Line, which heads straight east to the city; however, you'll almost always reach the city faster by just heading east on I-70. You can also get a ride from Uber, as Applewood is well within the company's service area.

Cyclists and joggers dominate Colorado's front range, and Applewood is no exception. Safe streets, convenient paths and mountain scenery make this a veritable mecca for outdoor exercise.

With the beautiful Rocky Mountains as a backdrop and an open, natural look, the town of Applewood feels like a park. Though there are excellent parks and open range areas in all directions just outside of the area, you won't need to travel far to enjoy the 300+ days of Colorado sunshine.

Families and recreational athletes gather at Applewood Park, which sits just southeast of I-70 and W 20th. This 11-acre plot has a baseball field, soccer field, sand volleyball, basketball hoops and room for dogs to roam. The picnic pavilion comes fully equipped with charcoal grills and outlets for plug-ins and seven covered tables. Parking won't usually be a challenge as the lot fits more than 70 vehicles, and many locals choose to jog/bike there anyway.

Applewood living means quiet rural luxury combined with convenient modern pleasures only a stone's throw away. While not as expensive as Aspen, Vail or some of the mountain resorts to the west, Applewood real estate carries an above-average price tag. Rental prices often exceed $2,000 for even modest units. Applewood's vacancy rate and housing prices reflect simple supply and demand. People who don't live here want to, and people who do live here want to stay. Get past the cost of living space, though, and the rest of Applewood's expenses remain surprisingly affordable. Groceries, gas, utilities and shopping are all at or near national averages.

Commercial and residential interests compete for land in Applewood. Many of the mom-and-pop stores left over the years, but some local treasures remain. Given the proximity to so many other urban settings, shoppers can find whatever they are looking for by just driving a short distance north, south or east.

Go to Applewood Village Shopping Center for lunch or small items. The center spreads over 66,000 square feet and 7 acres with a surplus of parking available. Look to Flatiron Crossing in Broomfield or Colorado Mills in Lakewood for a traditional metropolitan mall experience. Trendy shoppers should seek out Belmar to the south, just down Wadsworth. An excellent day visit, discover big-name brands mixed with popular local attractions such as Lucky Strike Lanes.

Wilde Belle features the best Western-style clothing in Lakewood, put together by friendly staff and helpful clerks. Look for the best boots to match your dress for a night out, or find the perfect accessory to finish an outfit you already have.

Stop by People's Market in Wheat Ridge for fresh vegetables, cheese, local bread and coffee. Unlike a lot of natural and organic chains, this community marketplace doesn't jack up prices for the novelty of offering healthy, farmers market-style provisions. For other grocery needs and household items, try Walmart or King Soopers.