Littleton

Cul-de-sacs curve around green spaces, stretched from Columbine Hills’ center to the Chatfield Reservoir directly south of the neighborhood. “When you think about Denver, the Front Range and the foothills are like the beach anywhere else — the closer you get, the more expensive it gets. That’s why people typically move here, so they can go hiking, skiing and camping,” says Chad Cabalka, a broker with RE/MAX Professionals with over 15 years of experience. “A lot of that area has become high in price, and Columbine Hills having affordable options for detached single-family homes that were well built is a big reason people move here.” Trails weave throughout the neighborhood, and the Colorado state Highway 470 hugs the southern stretch, connecting the community with additional recreation and retail options. Cabalka notes that some may leave their homes unlocked without worry. In fact, Columbine Hills’ CAP Index Crime Score is a 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. Jeffco Schools District No. R-1 serves the Columbine Hills neighborhood, beginning in kindergarten at Columbine Hills Elementary School. This kindergarten through fifth-grade school and Ken Caryl Middle School, where students attend from sixth through eighth grade, earn a grade of B from Niche. Columbine High School earns an A grade from Niche. The high school’s Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma Program sets students on course to earn enough college credits to enter college with sophomore status. Columbine Hills Park stretches across the neighborhood’s center, with three baseball fields scattered across the open space. The Massey Draw Regional Trail’s concrete path cuts through the park, connecting Columbine Hills’ east side to Columbine Sports Park on the west side. Baseball games continue at the sports park, and children climb the rock wall and playground equipment across the fields. “Colorado – especially Denver – is technically a high mountain desert, so we don’t have a ton of places where water sports are available, but one of the main and biggest ones is Chatfield Reservoir, which is only a few miles away,” Cabalka says. Boaters cruise along the water’s surface and pick up speed when pulling water skiers. The reservoir also fills with fishing lines cast from docks and paddleboards in non-swimming areas. As a high mountain desert, some areas of Denver are subjected to heightened fire risk, including Columbine Hills. Clement Park, 3 miles north, is the main host of celebrations. The park’s calendar of events is well-attended, Cabalka shares. “Typically, in the summer, they have events every weekend, like Unicorn Festival, where the park is packed with every little girl dressed as Elsa,” Cabalka says. Red, White & You is one of the most anticipated events, where an estimated 35,000 people come from across Littleton to listen to live music, eat fried fair foods and stare in awe at the fireworks display when night falls. The Columbine Knolls Village shopping center is the closest stop for errand runs, with groceries at the King Soopers and medicine cabinet necessities at Walgreens. Southside Pizzeria is a local casual Italian spot in the shopping center, slicing and serving pizzas alongside craft beers and over 200 whiskies. A drive east along West Chatfield Avenue — past where it turns into South Platte Canyon Road — leads to the captivating aroma of spices and smoke coming from Hogback BBQ & Grill. This local restaurant piles trays with brisket served alongside four sauce options to complement the hints of hickory infused into the meat. Traditional homes covered with brick and wood siding line cul-de-sacs throughout the Columbine Hills subdivision. These houses and neighboring ranch-style, built between the 1970s and 1990s, list between $500,000 and $958,000. Paved driveways extend from the street to attached garages, with street parking accessible whenever hosting a backyard barbeque. Contemporary townhouses dot the eastern edge of the Columbine Hills subdivision in the Millbrook community, listing between $360,000 for a one-bedroom and $435,000 for a three-bedroom. West Chatfield Avenue curves around Columbine Hills’ southern edge, meeting the exit for Colorado state Highway 470 and the start of South Platte Canyon Road at a roundabout. The Columbine Trail runs parallel to this route, connecting north with the Massey Draw Regional Trail for bike trips through the park. The Regional Transportation District’s light rail picks up Denver commuters at the Littleton-Mineral Station, a 3-mile drive east.

Leawood is a vibrant community brimming with lush lawns and alluring commodities in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Streets branch off Leawood Drive from corner lots highlighted by trimmed hedges above pebbled gardens spotted with spruce trees. Just 14 miles south of downtown Denver, Leawood residents can take a short walk to the neighborhood's tranquil nature trails and sprawling park spaces, like Robert F. Clement Park, which provides endless outdoor activities and exciting community happenings across 200 acres. Families value the highly rated schools in this neighborhood, and the commercial district offers shopping at the mall and dining at local restaurants. With lavish amenities, Leawood is a lively suburban haven. Homes in Leawood sit on lush green lots with paved driveways and attached garages. Brick ranch-style homes from the 1960s begin at around $400,000, and split-level homes with craftsman elements can sell for as high as $950,000. Sprawling farmstead complexes on extended acreage can cost up to $1.6 million. "Leawood is a great location with older homes on bigger lots, which are a little more affordable. It has good schools and is close to shopping and parks," says Melinda Sanders, an area local who has lived in the south Denver metro for over 35 years and works as a Realtor at eXp Realty in Englewood. "It's an up-and-coming part of Littleton. Because of its proximity to the parks and being right across the street from the higher-priced properties in Grant Ranch, as people move in and start re-doing homes there, those home values will go up." Homes on the neighborhood's north side are acreage properties with horse farms, giving Leawood a rural touch. Although most homes in this neighborhood have a similar rustic vibe, there is an architectural diversity with renovated residences that continue to incorporate brick and classic ranch-style siding in different ways, giving homes a newer feel consistent with their environment. Clement Park is one of the area's central meeting and event grounds with plenty of amenities like the children's splash pad, a skatepark and sports facilities used by the athletic teams at Columbine High School, which is within walking distance of the park. Trails circle the 60-acre Johnston Reservoir and an outdoor that sets the summer tone. Those walking in Clement Park can pause for reflection at the Columbine Memorial. Adventurers can explore the paved nature trails in Weaver Park, like the Coal Mine Trail or the 2-mile Dutch Creek Trail, which runs laterally alongside Dutch Creek. Weaver Park stretches along the neighborhood's southern border, offering a green space with hard courts for anyone looking to play pick-up basketball or a round of tennis. To avoid the crowds in Clement, families can spend an evening discovering the expansive playground and baseball diamond at Leawood Park, developed in the 1970s by the Leawood Civic Association and encompasses five acres on Pierce Street. At the corner of Sheridan Boulevard and Leawood Drive, the Raccoon Hollar Nature Park is a narrow path behind residential streets into a wooded canopy by a xeriscape garden around Raccoon Creek. Just north of Leawood, the Raccoon Creek Golf Course has two reservoirs and other water hazards on a walkable, well-maintained public course. Kids in Leawood can learn about the environment while tending the school garden at Leawood Elementary School, which maintains an overall Niche grade of B-plus. Students move on to attend Ken Caryl Middle School, which also holds a grade of B-plus on Niche and keeps students engaged with unique electives like jewelry making or mechanics of engineering. In high school, students can attend the top-performing Columbine High School, which maintains a grade of A on Niche. Here, students can participate in the award-winning drama program or volunteer their time through local community service projects. There is a substantial commercial district at the corner of Wadsworth Boulevard and Bowles Avenue, 2 miles west. Southwest Plaza is a recently renovated shopping mall with department stores and a food court. On the other side of Wadsworth Boulevard, Bowles Crossing is a strip mall with more name-brand shops and an AMC movie theater. After a day of shopping, residents can dine in at one of the local restaurants. The Lake House Kitchen and Tavern offers a casual atmosphere with award-winning fried chicken and patio seating. For dessert, Nella's Frozen Yogurt has a vast selection of flavors and tons of toppings to choose from. To meal prep for the week, locals can fill up a grocery cart at the Trader Joe's on Bowles Avenue or Sprouts Farmers Market, 2 miles north on Cross Drive. Downtown Littleton is a great place to spend a day supporting locally owned businesses, only 3 miles east. Commuters can take the Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus from Bowles Avenue or Grant Ranch Boulevard. Passengers can jump onto the light rail at Littleton's Downtown Station, 3 miles east. The Denver International Airport is 31 miles northeast. Leawood drivers can use Bowles Avenue to connect to Route 85 or Santa Fe Drive, which takes traffic toward downtown Denver. Leawood is only 8 miles south of central Lakewood. The Denver Tech Center, a business district for tech companies in the area, is 10 miles east in Greenwood Village. The community looks forward to concerts in Clement Park, a Thursday night concert series that is free to the public in the summer. Locals gather on the lawn at the Grant Amphitheater to watch artists perform live music in genres like rock, reggae, and bluegrass. Craft beer connoisseurs can sample breweries at Hops in the Park, a festival in May with food trucks and local vendors. Red, White & You is an Independence Day celebration on July 3rd in Clement Park, with kids' activities and fireworks that draw an annual crowd of over 30,000. The Metro Denver Farmers' Market sets up local produce and craft vendor booths in the Southwest Plaza parking lot each Saturday morning from May to October each year.

Foothill Green in Littleton, Colorado, is a neighborhood that balances suburban comfort with easy access to the Denver metro area. Located in the western part of Littleton, Foothill Green is known for its breathtaking backdrop, provided by the nearby Rocky Mountains. Residents value the blend of small-town charm and contemporary amenities, a duality that has kept the area desirable for families and professionals alike. “Homebuyers move to the neighborhood primarily because there are little to no HOAs,” says Danielle Marcus, Realtor with RE/MAX Professionals with 20 years of experience and lifelong resident of Littleton. “It’s definitely a suburb, and investors like to buy there because it’s more affordable than surrounding suburbs and Denver. It's also near Red Rocks.” When it comes to housing, Foothill Green offers a mix of architectural styles ranging from mid-century ranch-style homes to split-levels to new construction homes. Home prices range from the low $500,000s up to $1.3 million. The streetscapes of Foothill Green are characterized by tree-lined avenues and well-maintained sidewalks, creating a pleasant atmosphere for both drivers and pedestrians. Varied landscaping complements the diverse architectural styles of the homes, offering a visually engaging environment that reflects the community's suburban charm. Students may attend Powderhorn Elementary, Summit Ridge Middle and Dakota Ridge Senior High School. Powderhorn Elementary School received a B rating from Niche and has a before and after school program to help busy parents. Summit Ridge Middle School received a B-plus rating from Niche, and every student is issued a Chromebook to use. Dakota Ridge Senior High School received an A-minus rating from Niche and has over 37 clubs and activities for students, including Dungeons and Dragons club, journalism and broadcasting club and rugby club. Outdoor enthusiasts will find much to love about the area's recreation options. Several parks are within easy reach, offering playgrounds, hiking trails and picnic spots. Blue Heron Park is one of the most popular parks in the neighborhood. As the name suggests, blue herons are often spotted near the water. The nearby Chatfield State Park provides even more opportunities for boating, fishing and birdwatching. “Living in Foothill Green shaves off a good amount of time getting to the mountains, making it a popular neighborhood for those who love the outdoors and camping,” says Marcus. Grocery shopping is convenient with chains like Whole Foods and Safeway nearby. For those who enjoy dining out, Foothill Green's options include local favorites that offer a variety of international cuisines. Las Fajitas Mexican Restaurant is highly regarded for its authentic dishes. Customers love the homemade chips and salsa and the giant burritos. For sushi enthusiasts, Iwayama Sushi offers an extensive menu featuring both traditional and innovative rolls, as well as an array of sashimi and nigiri options. Beyond sushi, they also serve up authentic Hawiian dishes like pulled pork with macaroni salad and mango salsa fish tacos. Southwest Plaza is a bustling mall just to the east of the neighborhood with well-known retailers like Target and JCPenney, rounding out the shopping options. The neighborhood may not have the urban amenities or nightlife that some people seek, but luckily, it’s easy to commute to Denver when you want to cut loose. The neighborhood is well-served by major roads like West Belleview Avenue and South Kipling Parkway, which provide straightforward routes to downtown Denver, located approximately 20 miles to the northeast. Public transportation is also accessible; the nearby Littleton-Downtown Light Rail Station offers a hassle-free way to reach Denver and other surrounding areas without having to deal with traffic. For those who travel by air frequently, Denver International Airport is about a 45-minute drive away. Overall, Foothill Green combines the best of both worlds—a quiet, suburban lifestyle against a mountain backdrop, with all the amenities and conveniences of a major city nearby.

For some people, Meadowbrook Heights' biggest draw lies with what this community just west of Littleton doesn't have, rather than what it does have. "It doesn't have that many HOAs," says Blake Wertz, an associate broker with American Home Agents who has spent seven years selling houses in the area. "A lot of people don't like HOAs. They want a nice slice of the American dream in Littleton, and they can get it here without a homeowner's association telling them what to do." <br><br>Located 17 miles south of Denver on U.S. Highway 85, Meadowbrook Heights is a skinny 1¾-mile-long neighborhood where most of the streets run parallel to each other on a north-south course interrupted by a few streams and thoroughfares like West Chatfield Avenue. It offers a mixture of ranch-style houses and contemporary homes seated atop larger lots ranging from a quarter acre to a third of an acre. "That's a lot larger than the standard city size," says Wertz, who counts these larger lots as one of the neighborhood's selling points. Prices for these houses range from $550,000 to $850,000, while you can find a 2-bedroom townhouse in the community for $300,000 to $450,000. It's important to note that Meadowbrook Heights' lack of sidewalks makes this a car-dependent neighborhood. Its narrow streets don't offer much space for on-street parking, and a lack of cross streets that run east-to-west could lead to traffic bottlenecks and make it difficult to turn around in case you accidentally drive past your destination. <br><br>Children in Meadowbrook Heights will start their K-12 academic journeys at Coronado Elementary, which sits on the neighborhood's eastern boundary and is within walking distance from many of its houses, or Mortensen Elementary, which is about 1¼ miles east from the center of the neighborhood on Chatfield Avenue. From here, they'll attend Falcon Bluffs Middle School and Chatfield Senior High School. All four schools have scored between B and an A-minus on Niche. The neighborhood's two elementary schools also offer a Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program that invites students’ fathers and other older male adults to volunteer at the school for at least one day and serve as a positive role model for students. <br><br>Coronado Park surrounds Coronado Elementary School and offers a basic playground, a two-acre bluegrass field, a tennis court, a basketball court, and wetlands at a nearby stream. Willow Creek Park also offers a playground, a grass field and wetlands on the western side of the neighborhood. Those looking for more of an adventure can follow a five-mile loop trail over some rolling terrain outside the Dakota, Lyons and Niobrara hogbacks at 1,450-acre Hildebrand Ranch Park, which is just southwest of the neighborhood. "Lots of people like to go to the Chatfield Reservoir," Wertz says, referring to the 1,500-acre dammed lake in the neighborhood's southeast corner where you can go boating, let your dogs run in an off-leash park and watch the 212 species of birds that frequent the area every year. The neighborhood's closest opportunities for indoor recreation are at the Lilley Gulch Recreation Center on South Holland Way and the SeaQuest Littleton ndoor aquarium at the Southwest Plaza shopping mall. Both destinations are about five miles north of the neighborhood on State Route 121. <br><br>Southwest Plaza is part of a cluster of shopping centers directly west of downtown Littleton with a Sam's Club, a Trader Joe's and a Whole Foods, as well as a handful of chain restaurants like Applebee's, Bonefish Grill and Chick-fil-A. But Meadowbrook Heights residents don't need to travel five miles to pick something up. A King Soopers and Southside Pizzeria, known for its full bar and specialty pies, are at Columbine Knolls Village just east of the neighborhood. You'll also find a Safeway, a Chili's, and a selection of Neapolitan thin-crust pizzas at Virgilio's Pizzeria and Wine Bar just west of the neighborhood's boundaries at Jefferson Village Shopping Center on South Kipling Parkway.

South Littleton is a rectangular, meandering strip of land in the South Platte River Valley just east of the mountain ranges of the Continental Divide. This is an outdoor recreation country. To the west, the grand peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the South Platte River call out to the adventurous spirit. But the warm and cozy homes in this 3-square-mile neighborhood at the bottom of the well-run municipality of Littleton can be hard to leave when those jagged peaks to the west are painted white. In many ways, South Littleton offers the best of wild Colorado and the best of urban Denver living in one desirable suburb. There's inventory for most income ranges here, from small, manufactured homes on the piney streets next to South Platte Park listed for under $150,000 on the western edge of South Littleton to the million-dollar new traditional mansions in upscale subdivisions in great school districts on the eastern side of the locality. In between are many late-century and millennial homes in ranch or colonial styles ranging from $500,000 to $850,000. The streets are wide, and the low sidewalks have curbs that can be easily surmounted by a double stroller. Tall pine and oak trees provide protection from the bright summer sun. And in the winter? Well, it's like the locals say: there's no bad weather, only bad gear. Littleton Public Schools are ranked among the top five in Colorado by the school rankings website Niche. The Littleton Academy in South Littleton is a kindergarten – eighth-grade charter school that received an A and a ranking among the best charter schools in the state from Niche. Sandburg Elementary School received an A-minus, and John Wesley Powell Middle School received an A from Niche. College preparatory Arapahoe High School also received an A and was awarded a National Blue Ribbon for academic excellence by the United States Department of Education. There is green all around and throughout South Littleton. Two miles away from the public South Suburban Golf Course, residents on the tonier east side have Puma Park, a quarter acre of playgrounds and multi-use fields adjacent to Wesley Powell Middle School, and Abbott Park, a similar-sized green space. Littleton and neighboring cities share an excellent trail system, and the Lee Gulch Trail, a paved and gravel trail, runs from the southeastern corner of this neighborhood northwest to terminate 5 miles away at the South Platte River in Columbine Valley. The High Line Canal and its parallel High Line Canal Trail cross into the center of South Littleton, leading through Horseshoe Park, where intrepid youth will find a BMX dirt track, and into Writers Vista Park, which wraps around and offers lovely views of the McLellan Reservoir. Bordering the western edge of South Littleton, the 800-acre green space of the Carson Nature Center and South Platte Park is where wild Colorado takes over from the suburbs. Here, visitors may fish or kayak in a few different bodies of water and waterways and observe free and captive wildlife. Like the rest of Denver, Littleton has been mildly caught up in the foodie movement. Eater Magazine recommends Romano's Italian Restaurant in Littleton proper on its list of 19 Places for Primo Pizza in Denver. Sunflower Asian Café in South Littleton made the magazine's list of 20 Must-Try Chinese Restaurants in Denver. Patrons will find chain restaurants, shops and an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in the Aspen Grove shopping mall on Route 85 northwest of the community. There is a family medical practice, Our Lady of Hope Medical Clinic, and a Target a few blocks southeast of the neighborhood. The D Line of Denver's excellent light rail system has its final stop right on the west side of South Littleton. Commuters heading to Downtown Denver can take the light rail from the Littleton-Mineral Station to the 18th–California Station in under 30 minutes. Drivers can take Route 85 / Santa Fe Drive, 13 miles north to reach Downtown. Littleton allows residents to keep one foot in nature and one foot in the city.