Eiber - Lakewood, CO

From the 1880s to the 1940s, farmers comprised the majority of inhabitants in the Eiber neighborhood, or "Eiberhood." However, as the boundaries between Eiber and Denver began to blur, hotels, apartments, and homes started to replace the orchards, small dairies, and vegetables gardens in this area.

For two decades, the area continued to grow and thrive, but in the 1960s, the development of the freeway system moved traffic out of the area, decimating its culture. At the turn of the 21st century, Denver announced plans to revitalize, and within the decade, many new businesses had moved in. An arts community is emerging in the area with galleries and community centers such as 40 West Arts. Additionally, Eiber locals live close to Denver's art museums such as the Denver Museum of Art.

In the area around Colfax Avenue, you'll find a variety of shops and restaurants. Many residents in Eiber start their day at Sunrise Sunset. Serving the area for over 30 years, this hole-in-the-wall eatery promises to be "eggceptional," and locals agree. Most of the breakfast dishes embrace Denver's southwest side with jalapenos, spicy sausages, and salsas served alongside eggs.

For lunch, Thai Diamond Cafe draws locals with its standards such as Pad Thai and Pad See Ew, as well as its more unique dishes such as vegetarian curry puffs -- flaky pastry filled with spiced potatoes. The inviting restaurant with soothing Buddha art on the walls also serves wine, making it a perfect dinner destination as well.

For a filling English dinner of meat and potatoes with a side of lager, check out Baker Street Pub and Grill. Located on Alaska Drive, just south of Colfax Avenue, this pub has a menu of British standards such as shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, and fish and chips. The venue has well-placed TVs for watching the game, a fun atmosphere complete with a Sherlock Holmes room, and live music on the weekends.

For clubbing, Eiber locals head into downtown Denver where they enjoy dancing at Tracks or the Church, or they drive along Colfax Avenue and journey just east of downtown to Charlie's Denver. Playing country as well as pop music, this club features two dance bars to test out your new cowboy boots, an upbeat atmosphere, and lots of 10-gallon hats.

Free parking exists in much of the Eiber area, but many streets require permits. Highway 6 provides drivers with easy access to downtown, but if you prefer public transit, you can hop on the light rail at Garrison Station, centrally located in Eiber, and ride it to Federal Station. From there, you can transfer to downtown.

Bicycle lanes and paths along West 10th Avenue and County Road 22 give bicyclists a safe commuting option, and walkers can also enjoy safety along area sidewalks.

If you need a cab or an Uber car, you can hail one along Colfax Avenue, but for faster service and in other parts of the neighborhood, you should call ahead.

Eiber and the surrounding Lakewood area contain a range of parks. Head to small Idlewild Park for a game of horseshoes, check out the volleyball courts at Lakewood Park, or let your kids try the simple climbing wall on the playground equipment at Aviation Park.

If you want a workout for the whole family, Sunset Park, one of the largest parks in the area, has basketball courts, a bicycle path, and a playground for the kids. To give your dog an amazing workout, jump in the car and head to Forsberg Iron Spring Dog Park. Located in East Lakewood, this park sits nestled in the foothills and it has a huge off-leash area. For fun outdoor festivals near Eiber, check out Festival Italiano or the annual Dragon Boat Festival.

Eiber residents enjoy a lower cost of living than Denver residents in general. On average, Eiber apartments are roughly $729 per month, which is 31 percent less than the metro area average of $1,061.

In local pubs, beers cost $3 to $4, and you can even find bottles of domestic for as low as $2. At Eiber gas stations, gas sells for 11 percent less than the national average, and locals can take the bus into Denver for just $3.

Colfax Avenue is Eiber's shopping district. You can find shops such as Stone Shop Jewelers and Supply, which sells jewelry-making supplies, as well as pawn shops and large thrift stores. The posh Altar Bridal Consignment sells new as well as consigned wedding gowns, and it also stocks formal wear for kids. Disguises sells and rents professional-grade costumes and accessories.

For groceries, Eiber locals have their choice of several large chains within driving or bicycling distance of their homes. You can shop at King Soopers, the Walmart Supercenter, Safeway, or even Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage. For fresh, local produce, check out the Denver Urban Homesteading & Farmers Market. Open year round, this market on Santa Fe Drive sells local produce and provides classes about urban farming.