Northglenn, CO

Once a rural farming community, Northglenn's development began in the late 1950s when commercial areas, schools and new neighborhoods began popping up after the city's boundaries were determined. Only about 500 residents called Northglenn home in 1960, but the decade brought rapid growth until approximately 26,000 residents made up the population in 1969. The city continued to expand in the following decades.

The city may not have any museums, but its rich culture in the form of fine and performing arts has become a cornerstone of the community. The D.L. Parsons Theatre holds local performances, and Northglenn's youth theatre received the Colorado Theatre Guild "Outstanding Children's Theatre" award in 2011.

The Northglenn community celebrates annual events with fun for the whole family, including the Teddy Bear Picnic in June and a flashlight egg hunt in March.

Despite its suburban location, Northglenn creates a rich dining experience with its treasure trove of Italian, Mexican and Asian cuisine as well as classic grills. You don't find many fine dining options here, but cheap eats await around every corner. Local establishments reign supreme in this small community with local staples such as Saigon Basil and El Sabor Jerezano delivering some of the best international dishes this side of Denver.

Locals with a taste for authentic Vietnamese cuisine rave about Saigon Basil, a classy establishment located just off the interstate. The pho never disappoints, but if you're looking for a please-all dish, go for one of the noodle bowls. For a sweet complement to your meal, try one of the fantastic boba teas or the mango smoothie. Don't be intimidated by the extensive menu, as the chefs prepare every dish with full flavor, and get ready for some huge portions.

For hearty Mexican fare, head to El Sabor Jerezano for some of the best fajitas and chicken chimichangas in town. The unassuming strip mall location may give you the sense that this is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, but the stuffed carne tacos with tender meat say otherwise. Locals love the baskets of free chips and salsa served at every table, and the extra strong margaritas keep you coming back for more.

When it comes to nightlife, you don't find the clubs and rowdy dance halls of downtown Denver, but the local bars and pubs create a great atmosphere for chatting while enjoying a cheap beer. Head to The Glenn to experience karaoke, live music during the summer and homemade fried pickles. You can also stop by for brunch to enjoy endless mimosas and a fully stocked Bloody Mary bar.

With easy access to Denver via Interstate 25, Northglenn provides an easy commute to residents working out of town. You can get around the area using buses provided by the Regional Transportation District, some of which offer bike racks, and senior residents can get around town on the A-Lift buses. However, drivers have the easiest time navigating Northglenn with low traffic and plentiful free street parking. If you do need a ride to the airport or downtown Denver, Uber drivers and local taxi services are always just a phone call away.

Although you won't find any bike lanes in the city, the Greenway Trail System makes it easy for bikers and pedestrians to explore the area without spending gas. Plus, Northglenn's heavy concentration of amenities lets you easily run your errands on foot.

From the Greenway Trails System's 28 miles of off-road walking and biking trails to 26 parks providing free recreation to the public, Northglenn creates a tranquil atmosphere for nature-lovers of all ages. Even your four-legged friends can enjoy the great outdoors with the Happy Tails Dog Park situated near Jaycees Park.

Stop by E.B. Rains Junior Memorial Park to play a game of basketball, let your kids test their skills at the skatepark or take a summer paddleboat ride on the lake to see the geyser spray water into the sky. You can enjoy the playground and other facilities for free, but renting a paddleboat does cost a few bucks. The park holds an Art on Parade event each year that displays sculptures created by local artists, and residents flock here every Independence Day for family-friendly festivities. Feel free to go for a jog on the paved walking paths, or attend an evening concert during the summer months.

Thanks to its affordable housing options and abundance of cheap groceries and entertainment, the cost of living in Northglenn falls well below Denver's average. The city's recent growth and development means that new houses, townhomes and apartment complexes make up most of the housing market. A standard one-bedroom apartment costs below average for Denver at around $950 per month.

All the amenities you need await within Northglenn's borders, with plenty of convenience chains and strip malls scattered throughout the neighborhoods. Few high-end stores or boutiques grace Northglenn's streets, but you find plenty of bargains stores like Mile High Thrift and vintage shops like the Old Wagon Antique Mall.

Whether you're looking for linens, appliances, dishware or vintage fashion, you find it at Mile High Thrift. This store attracts a steady stream of locals with its color-coordinated selection of gently used clothing. Just be aware that the thrift store provides no dressing rooms, and you can only pay in cash.

For an eclectic selection of antique furniture and collectibles, make the Old Wagon Antique Mall one of your regular stops. Browse through a number of booths to find antique cameras, Star Wars figures and old NBA merchandise. The mall holds big sales throughout the week, but keep in mind that all sales are final.

You have plenty of grocery options throughout the city, with Natural Grocers and the local Walmart providing a variety of food items. For local produce and fresh baked goods, be sure to visit the farmers' market during the summer.