Grant Ranch - Littleton, CO

A community located in Denver, Colorado, Grant Ranch features a rich history dating back to 1858, when Georgia prospectors first struck gold at the base of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. New residents rapidly traveled into the area, setting up camps and cabins, in hopes of striking it rich. By 1859, the "log city" housed 150 dwellings and the settlement area was officially named after Kansas governor James Denver.

Denver houses several art and history museums, including the Denver Art Museum and the Molly Brown House Museum, the historic home of Titanic survivor Molly Brown. The museum features original artwork and furnishings from the Victorian era and hosts exhibits such as "a Right to Vote," featuring artifacts from the Suffragist movement of the1900s. The Denver Art Museum also hosts a variety of annual events, including the Western Character Symposium, which features artwork of the American West.

Many of Grant Ranch's most popular eateries and night spots conveniently reside along West Bowles Avenue, providing residents with a wide variety of options, ranging from specialty restaurants to cozy mom-n-pop diners, all featuring some of the best food near Denver. When Grant Ranch locals crave authentic Mexican food, they visit Hacienda Real, a popular family-owned establishment on West Bowles Avenue. With a standing reputation for fresh food and friendly service, Hacienda Real's loyal patrons give this place an A-plus. Regulars recommend the cheese enchiladas and bean and cheese burritos smothered in carne sauce, both served with heaping amounts of beans and Spanish rice. Hacienda Real also serves two-for-one margaritas during happy hour, so locals advise to arrive be 6 p.m. to indulge in a few tasty beverages with your meal.

When a sushi mood strikes, head to Sushi Basho, also on West Bowles Avenue. Known for its signature sushi rolls, such as the golden roll and friendship roll, as well as tasty noodle bowls such as yaki soba (a melt-in-your-mouth combination of stir-fried pan noodles served with crispy vegetables and succulent chicken), Sushi Basho makes food that keeps patrons coming back for more. While you might be tempted to order everything on the menu, save a little room for dessert as you absolutely must try the green tea tempura ice cream.

For a hearty breakfast, Grant Ranch locals suggest Toast, a family-friendly contemporary diner on West Bowles Avenue that serves breakfast and lunch daily from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Signature menu items include Benedict Oscar, a dish that takes a unique spin on the classic favorite by swapping out the Canadian bacon with sirloin medallions and crab cakes. While there, also try the Toast omelet, a yummy three-egg winner with spinach, Swiss cheese and mushrooms.

When locals wish to enjoy a casual night out with friends, they head over to Draft Sports Grill on West Cross Drive. With a full bar and an eclectic menu that features classic pub appetizers and meals that range from tacos to pot roast, Draft Sports Grill definitely has something for everyone. If you're rarin' to go before the weekend starts, make sure to stop by on "Thirsty Thursday" for $2 dollar draft beers all night long.

The streets and sidewalks within the Grant Ranch community make for safe walking and biking, and the city of Denver provides over 100 miles of bike lanes and approximately 400 miles of bike paths throughout the city. Residents don't typically hail cabs as vehicles rarely circulate the area. However, individuals in need of alternative transportation utilize ride services such as Lyft and Uber as well as taxi services such as Denver Yellow Cab Taxi Service.

Grant Ranch residents can park on residential streets that permit limited parking during specific hours listed on parking enforcement signs, and they can obtain temporary street parking permits from the city of Littleton. Outside of the immediate community, residents have access to multiple standard parking meters in downtown Denver and high-traffic areas. The Interstate 70 Freeway and U.S. Highway 40 can be easily accessed via multiple streets and frontage roads within the community, allowing for convenient travel into downtown Denver and the surrounding cities. Individuals who utilize public transportation conveniently board Regional Transit District (RTD) buses at various stops located throughout the community, including West Bowles Avenue and West Grant Ranch Boulevard.

Grant Ranch residents have access to several free parks within the immediate community as well as over 200 city parks throughout Denver.

Governor James B. Grant Park located on South Field Street features amenities such as picnic tables, a multi-use field and walking bridge, making it the perfect location for family gatherings and picnics. Popular among fitness enthusiasts, Pinehurst Park on West Quincy Avenue provides amenities such as bike paths, walking paths, basketball courts and playing fields.

Dog owners enjoy visiting the dog park at Forsberg Park on West Alameda Parkway as it features walking paths, fenced-off areas and plenty of open space for dogs to roam free and exercise. While these parks are free to enter, individuals looking to rent out sheltered areas or reserve large sections of space for parties and gatherings must pay a deposit and rental fees.

The Foothills Park and Recreation District hosts a variety of family-friendly annual events, including January Fitness Frenzy, a free exercise event to help residents get in shape for the new year, as well as the Daddy Daughter Valentine Ball, held annually at the Peak Community Wellness Center on South Ward Street.

The cost of living in the Grant Ranch community ranges approximately 3 percent higher than the cost of living in Denver, with residents paying around $1,240 per month for one-bedroom apartments. Bus and light rail fare into the city center ranges between $2.25 and $5. Local residents pay between $4 and $6 for domestic and imported beers at neighborhood pubs. Gas prices in the Grant Ranch area fall approximately 7 percent lower than the national average.

Residents of the Grant Ranch community enjoy the benefits of living in close proximity to multiple grocery stores and popular retailers located along West Bowles Avenue, including the Southwest Plaza Mall, which houses specialty retailers such as Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Vans Shoes.

For fresh deli meats and gourmet cheeses, locals recommend Tony's Market on West Bowles Avenue. Southwest Plaza on West Bowles Avenue features a Saturday farmer's market between May and November, with vendors selling fresh fruits, local veggies, crafts, spices, and baked goods.

Additional well-known retailers in the area include Macy's, Super Target, and Burlington Coat Factory. For high-end merchandise, local shoppers often take a trip to the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, an upscale mall on East First Avenue located two miles east of downtown Denver. Definitely worth the short drive, Cherry Creek houses retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Neiman-Marcus, and Micheal Kors.