Tollgate Overlook - Aurora, CO

The Tollgate Overlook community resides in Aurora, Colo., a city with humble beginnings dating back to the 1880s. Aurora was originally named Fletcher, after Donald Fletcher, a businessman who envisioned the town as a massive investment opportunity. However, Fletcher fled the town in 1893 following the Silver Crash that triggered the Denver Depression, and the town was re-named Aurora in 1907.

Over time, Aurora began to thrive and experienced significant growth between the 1970s and 1980s. Aurora now houses over 80 distinct neighborhoods, as well as the Buckley Air Force Base. The Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum at the former Lowry Air Force Base hosts several exhibits featuring WWII memorabilia, as well as family-friendly events such as Cockpit Demo Day. The Denver Art Museum on West 14th Avenue Parkway features art pieces by local and regional artists, as well as famed artists such as Matisse.

Tollgate Overlook residents live within a short distance of several popular restaurants and bars located on and around East Mississippi Avenue, allowing for convenient access to tasty food and exciting nightlife.

When locals crave authentic Greek cuisine, they take a little trip down to East Iliff Avenue and visit The Athenian, a locally owned establishment serving some of the best hummus and gyros in all of Colorado. While the dining area happens to be smaller than some of the more well-known restaurants in the area, the restaurant's fabulous customer service and cozy atmosphere more than make up for it. Regular customers highly recommend the Greek combo, a combination plate featuring Greek favorites such as marinated lamb, potatoes, chicken kabobs and a gyro pita sandwich, stuffed to the brim with grilled meat, tomatoes, onions and yogurt tzatziki sauce.

If you've got a taste for classic Chinese fare, check out East Cafe on East Mississippi Avenue. With authentic cuisine that locals refer to as "the best Chinese food in Colorado," this must-try mom-and-pop establishment is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Favorite menu picks include the salmon fried rice, sesame chicken and asparagus chicken, served with white rice and spicy black bean sauce.

For good old-fashioned comfort food, locals recommend Jus Grill on East Iliff Avenue. With breakfast dishes such as biscuits and eggs and veggie omelettes, as well as classic sandwiches like BLTs and grilled Reubens, Jus Grill's regular customers can't get enough. Best of all, Jus Grill serves homemade pies such as apple, blueberry and pumpkin that taste just like they came fresh out of your mom's oven.

When Tollgate Overlook residents want to spend a fun night out enjoying drinks with friends, they head over to the Sand Creek Lounge, a popular neighborhood night spot on East Iliff Avenue. Locals can't say enough about the lounge's friendly bartenders, and with a pool table and Karaoke Wednesdays to boot, Sand Creek Lounge makes for the perfect casual evening.

If you're looking for the perfect spot to watch the big game and munch on some of the best appetizers in Aurora, check out Pitchers Sports Restaurant & Bar on South Chambers Road, just off of East Iliff Avenue. In business for over 25 years, Pitchers has everything from a full bar and wide-screen televisions for your viewing pleasure to a massive pool room complete with eight pool tables, allowing for a diverse group of patrons each and every night. If you feel like winning a little extra cash, be sure to stop by Pitchers on Saturday nights for a fun game of Rock-n-Roll Bingo.

Walking and biking are common practices in the Tollgate Overlook community, as residents live in close proximity to several parks with walking and bike paths. Bike riders also have access to over 100 miles of bike paths and 400 miles of bike lanes throughout the Denver metro area.

Residents and visitors can park on residential streets where parking is permitted but must adhere to the specific times posted on the neighborhood's parking enforcement signs to avoid fines and tickets. Outside of the community in areas such as downtown Denver, as well as areas with high levels of traffic, drivers can utilize standard parking meters when available.

Commuters in the Tollgate Overlook community can easily access the I-225 Freeway via East Iliff Avenue and East Yale Avenue; however, drivers should always check the local traffic reports prior to commuting, especially during periods of severe winter weather.

Individuals who travel by bus and light rail can board buses and light rail trains at stops located on East Kentucky Drive, East Iliff Avenue and East Ohio Drive, as well as at the RTD light rail station on East Yale Avenue. While taxis do not tend to circulate the neighborhoods on a regular basis, individuals in need of alternative transportation can reserve taxi rides with Denver Yellow Cab, as well as with alternative taxi services such as Lyft and Uber.

The Tollgate Overlook community features several parks within the immediate area, allowing residents convenient access to amenities such as walking trails, tennis courts and picnic areas.

Families frequent Rocky Ridge Park on East Mississippi Avenue, as it provides wonderful amenities such as playgrounds, 13.3 acres of playing fields, a basketball court and reservable picnic shelters, perfect for large family gatherings such as reunions and birthday parties.

Fitness enthusiasts enjoy visiting Utah Park on South Peoria Street, as this large, scenic park features tennis courts, an indoor pool and a lengthy jogging trail. Dog owners often head to Meadowood Park on South Laredo Street. This dog-friendly park features 10.7 acres of wide-open space, as well as a safe walking trail surrounding West Tollgate Creek.

The Aurora Parks and Recreation Department hosts several family-friendly events throughout the year that help to bring community members together, with favorites such as KidSpree, an outdoor extravaganza featuring games, food vendors, pony rides and more, as well as Global Fest, an annual food festival that showcases food and drink from around the world.

The cost of living in the Tollgate Overlook community falls approximately 7 percent lower than Denver's cost of living average. Residents pay approximately $950 per month in rental costs for one-bedroom apartments, condos and townhomes in the area. Local gas prices are approximately 7 percent lower than the national average, with the cost of public transportation into the city ranging between $2.25 and $5. On average, Tollgate Overlook residents pay between $3 and $6 for beers at local bars and pubs, however, prices can vary depending on the specific establishment.

When it comes to groceries, home goods and affordable fashions, Tollgate Overlook residents have everything they need right at their fingertips, A multitude of shops and retailers can be found along East Mississippi Avenue and East Iliff Avenue, with the Chambers Point Shopping Center located right in the middle on South Chambers Road.

For groceries such as frozen meals, deli meats and sundries, local shoppers have several options conveniently located along East Mississippi Avenue, such as King Soopers, Markato Two Grocery and Salem Grocery. For fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods and handmade crafts, local shoppers visit the Metro Denver Farmers' Market at Aurora's Havana Exchange on Havana Street, open daily between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., June through September.

For the latest in bargain fashions and home decor, shoppers often head to Ross Dress for Less and TJ Maxx on East Iliff Avenue, as well as Burlington Coat Factory on South Abilene Street. Rainbow, a specialty boutique on South Havana Street, features affordable fashions for plus-size women.

Additional specialty shops in the area include the vintage-style clothing boutique Gypsey Jean's Boutique on Sable Boulevard. The Secret Garden Bath & Boutique on South Cathay Street features handmade soaps and bath products.

The Chambers Point Shopping Center on South Chambers Road houses a variety of businesses, including the Chambers Point Veterinary Clinic and Martin's Cleaners, making it the perfect for busy shopping and errand days.

While you won't find any high-end merchandise shops in the immediate Tollgate Overlook community, local shoppers suggest the Cherry Creek Shopping Center on East First Avenue if you don't mind taking a short trip across town. With high-value merchandisers such as Michael Kors, Coach, and Montblanc, shopping at Cherry Creek is a truly elegant experience.