Montbello - Denver, CO

Montbello used to hold a reputation as a tough, industrial town, but that all changed when Denver annexed the community in 1965, followed by waves of individuals and families looking to take advantage of Montbello's low cost of living and open spaces. With quiet streets lined with single-family homes and attractive apartment communities, Montbello continues to attract new residents -- especially with the refuge bordering the neighborhood, providing a terrific destination for hiking and wildlife-viewing.

The Stapleton Farmer's Market takes place every June through October just west of the neighborhood, presenting an ongoing gathering of farm-fresh produce, baked goods, and flowers.

Popular food in Montbello offers a range of diversity, allowing residents a wide selection of cuisines to suit almost any taste.

Ajuua Mexican Restaurant stands out among other Tex-Mex options through its expansive menu and south-of-the-border interior design. Sit down with friends, order one of the standard 18-ounce margaritas, and snack on chips and salsa while you peruse the menu for that perfect dish.

The best Mexican food comes from Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey, a brick-and-mortar restaurant built from what was the most popular food truck in Montbello. Tacos, Tequila, Whiskey provides friendly service, cheap prices, and unmatched tacos and quesadillas.

Those looking for nightlife take the RTD system or spend $30 for a cab ride to downtown Denver. Otherwise, take a jaunt down Peoria Street for several local happy hours and diners, including Peoria Bar & Grill, where steak and beer live in harmony. Enjoy live jazz on summer evenings that complements the elegant-yet-casual spirit inside. If you want to catch the game, this restaurant does have limited bar seating in front of two flat-screen TVs.

Montbello rests directly on top of I-70, just above the northern end of I-225. I-70 takes you directly west through Denver and into the mountain resorts or east towards Denver International Airport. RTD Route 45 stops at seven different stations across Montbello, providing bus and light rail access to Denver, Boulder, and the Tech Center. The light rail train runs into the early hours of the morning, making it an excellent option for those taking advantage of the Denver night scene or making their way to a Broncos, Nuggets, or Avalanche game. Par for Colorado's course, bikers and pedestrians have plenty of room to roam around Montbello and its expansive network of parks.

More than a quarter of the land surrounding Montbello remains preserved for parks and open spaces, and that's before including the nearly 16,000-acre Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, where iconic plains wildlife such as eagles and re-introduced bison wander. The site is a former arsenal built in 1942 to manufacture chemical weapons. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal was closed in 1985, and cleanup of the site began. Today, the refuge is home to American bison, bald eagles, deer, and more. As animals are reintroduced into the area, such as the 32 black-footed ferrets in 2016, visitors get a rare glimpse of the animals from the Visitor's Center. The park offers hiking trails, catch-and-release fishing, a wildlife drive, and historic sites.

Central Park, Denver's third-largest, houses four tennis courts, multiple softball and baseball fields, picnic areas, with easy access through the Denver RTD system on Route 54. Directly adjacent to Montbello High School and the Montbello Recreational Center, Central Park fills quickly on warm summer days and remains popular year-round.

Montbello offers an array of homes that truly capture the essence of Denver living. For those considering a one-bedroom apartment, you might expect to pay around $1,300 dollars per month. Alternatively, if a house aligns better with your style, the average house for rent costs around $2,632 dollars per month. For those envisioning a more permanent stay, the average house price typically hovers around $465,000.

Some locally-owned shops and boutiques are scattered throughout Montbello, but larger chains are a short distance away in downtown Denver.

The Shops of Northfield Stapleton exemplifies a Colorado preference for outdoor malls, something that 300 days of sunshine affords shoppers. More well-known retail centers to the west keep congestion at a minimum at the Shops. Find a Bass Pro Shop, a Target, music stores, and restaurants here. Keep things light-hearted by stopping by the comedy club, where the best shows happen on the weekends.

Find great deals on men's and women's clothing at My Best Friend's Closet, directly east of Northfield Pond Park. Sort through lightly used and consignment items, all diligently organized and attended to by their friendly and eager staff.

Bypass some of the more standard grocery stores and stop by Aztlan Neveria & Palelia, a small grocery/convenience store at Green Valley Ranch and Chambers Rd. While larger markets cover the staples, this terrific little store offers items you won't find anywhere else -- including the best authentic Mexican desserts in the area.