Littleton, CO

The 1859 Pike's Peak Gold Rush brought a wave of attention and settlers to Colorado. Travelers on their way to the California Gold Rush stopped in Colorado. While panning the Platte River, they discovered gold, but it wasn't enough to impress them. After the California Gold Rush died down, rumors of the gold in the Rocky Mountains started to travel around again. This new wave brought all kinds of farmers, merchants, and miners.

One of these new residents was Richard Sullivan Little. He originally was on his way west to work on irrigation systems but fell in love with present-day Littleton and decided to settle down there. Little and a few of his neighbors built the Rough and Ready Flour Mill which created a growth in the surrounding area.

When the population of this town grew to 245 people, they came together to vote in 1890 and declared it the Town of Littleton.

Dave Grusin, the arranger and pianist that won the Academy Award and multiple Grammys, was born and raise in Littleton.

Matt Stone, one of the creators of the popular television show South Park, went to Heritage High School in Littleton. The shows editor, Thomas M. Vogt, is also from Littleton.

One of the central museums in the neighborhood is the Littleton Museum. This museum showcases the history of Littleton and the local information and artifacts collected throughout the years.

There are also over 10 different arts centers in this neighborhood for music and events including the Mountain School of Music and Dance, Hudson Gardens and Events Center, Elite Dance Academy, and the International Ballet School. Anyone looking for classical entertainment doesn't need to look farther than Littleton.

Littleton is the 20th most populous city in all of Colorado with a population of 41,737 in the 2010 census.

Littleton has an abundance of local mom and pop shops, so eating in this neighborhood is always a unique experience.

Explore the world from your neighborhood at the Damascus Grill. This Middle Eastern restaurant serves meals big enough for two, so sharing is a great option for each dish. The lamb kabobs and hummus, while being classics of this cuisine, are two must-have dishes, while the service staff makes you feel right at home.

Swing into Romano's Italian Restaurant for a taste of Italy. This family owned and operated restaurant offers countless homemade dishes. Their homemade pasta makes you feel like you're eating right in the heart of Rome. The meatballs are also homemade if you're looking for an extra splash of flavor to your pasta.

The breakfast spot that will immediately become your new morning craving is Toast. This is the place to stop if you want more than just the regular breakfast. One of the must-try dishes is the berries and cream French toast. This is French toast topped with sweet cream sauce, seasonal berry compote and whipped cream. It is like having desert for breakfast. If you are in the mood for something more traditional, try the garden Benedict. This is a variety of vegetables with poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce on top.

The nightlife in Littleton is more on the suburban side, but residents have a few options for a quick nightcap or longer evening out with friends.

Glass Half Full is one of the popular bars in the area. This little hole in the wall bar inside the Chatfield State park has a great selection of Colorado craft beer on tap.

The Toad Tavern is a compact concert hall that attracts local and national bands to play. This is a great little local place to have a drink and watch some music with your friends. They also serve a few dishes if you get hungry such as nachos and quesadillas.

The most common way to get around the Littleton area is by car, but there are also a few bus routes and light rail stops through the RTD systems.

Public parking is throughout Littleton, giving you the ability to get anywhere you need to without paying a hefty fee.

Highway 85 passes through the Littleton neighborhood, giving you quick access to both Denver and Castle Rock. Uber, Lyft, and the local taxi service are all also options as well.

Littleton has over 1,477 acres of parks making it an appealing city for anyone wanting to live in both the suburbs and also have a wide range of nature to explore. There are also countless lakes and reservoirs throughout the entire area.

Chatfield State park is one of the biggest parks in the area with hiking, boating, camping, biking, fishing, and picnicking available for visitors. Chatfield also offers an off-leash dog area and a full beach to swim in.

The median house value for the Littleton area is $267,000.00 and the average cost for a one-bedroom apartment is $900.00.

The cost of living in Littleton is higher than the country average, but much lower than its bigger city neighbors such as Denver and Boulder.

Just like Littleton's restaurants, most of the stores in the neighborhood are also mom and pop stores.

If you are looking for a gift or little things for yourself make sure to stop in Angel Concept Fine Gifts. This store provides struggling, disadvantaged women with work skills and the ability to create products to sell. Not only are the little items such as jewelry, silver, clothing, and artwork simply beautiful, but buying from this store also supports the local community.

Anyone looking for a deal should stop in Savers. This thrift store is known for having quality goods while also selling them at yard sale prices.

Due to its suburban lifestyle, Littleton has plenty of grocery stores and also farmers markets available. Littleton's Aspen Grove Lifestyle Center hosts the biggest farmers market in the area.