Pueblo

Located west of downtown, Aberdeen has a suburban feel with plenty of conveniences and outdoor recreation. “Aberdeen is mostly smaller homes but you’re close to everything,” says Tyson Cool, associate broker at Properties of Colorado, who has nearly a decade of experience selling around Southern Colorado. “It’s close to the Pueblo Community College. It’s close to the Pueblo Mall. To the east of the neighborhood is the Riverwalk.” The neighborhood is home to City Park, which anchors the neighborhood, playing host for recreation, activities and events. City Park sits on the neighborhood’s west side, offering 157 acres of green space. Kids can enjoy the playground, the carousel or the outdoor swimming pool. The park has various athletic courts and is known statewide for its disc golf course. “The disc golf course is rated high in the state; people from out of state and other markets will travel to play it and mention it to others,” says Nicki Hart, longtime resident and business owner. “There’s multiple levels and many trees in it.” The Pueblo Zoo draws 90,000 visitors annually, which houses over 400 animals. Elmwood Golf Course is a public 18-hole course with a driving range and two putting greens. Aberdeen is also close to the Pueblo River Trail, which spans nearly 10 miles stretching along the Arkansas River. The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, or the Pueblo Riverwalk, is considered an ideal tourist spot, but for residents, it’s a vibrant place for a stroll and to grab a bite to eat. Although the neighborhood does not have many restaurants, it’s not too far of a drive to reach the many cuisines downtown. Rocco’s Riverside Deli is a tiny spot that serves handmade sandwiches. Fuel and Iron Food Hall is an incubator food court, the first of its kind in Pueblo. It sits in an industrial brick exterior with a contemporary interior and six local eateries, including plant-based dishes from The Cutting Edge to Cajun-style cuisine from Steel Crescent Kitchen. Breaker Arcade Bar hosts weekly karaoke nights with local DJs. Groceries can be bought at Safeway or King Soopers. The Pueblo Mall is 6 miles north and has over 50 stores, including big retailers like JCPenney and Dillard’s. Most of Aberdeen’s homes are located east of Calla Avenue. “It’s mainly single-family residences. There are a couple of apartments near the college, and a good number of people from the college live here. There are a few stretches of duplexes and triplexes on the south end,” Cool says. “The northern section of the neighborhood has higher-priced houses. The south you get, the more affordable housing options.” Buyers will find mostly older homes from before the 1970s. However, there are newer properties too. Adobe Ranch and midcentury moderns are the prominent styles, but there are sprinkles of Victorian houses as well. Some homes are equipped with private garages. Prices can range from $315,000 to $725,000. Aberdeen has a slower market compared to some of the surrounding areas, and homes can sometimes sell on average 160 days after hitting the market. Students are zoned for the Pueblo City Schools District 60. Kindergarten through fifth graders can start at Heritage Elementary, a C-rated school by Niche. Pueblo Academy of Arts has a C-minus and has 11 different sports to try out for, as well as a robust music program. Central High receives a C. After graduation, students can earn an associate degree from nearby Pueblo Community College. “There is a good amount of college people living in Aberdeen,” Cool says. The Central High Wildcats football team plays at Dutch Clark Stadium. Their highly anticipated annual Bell Game versus the Centennial High Bulldogs is a huge draw for the neighborhood. The rivalry between the two schools is one of the longest high school battles west of the Mississippi, and the winner takes home the coveted railroad bell trophy. Nearly 15,000 people attend the game, and by the end, fans will either cheer “The Bell Rings Red” for Centennial, or “The Bell Rings Blue” for Central. The Colorado State Fair is another event that stretches for ten days. “The Colorado State Fair is right near Aberdeen,” Cool says. “That happens around August/September, and the whole state comes to that. They enjoy the food and the rodeos.” Highway 96 runs east to west, reaching the cities of Westcliffe and Boone. Highway 96 connects to Interstate 25, which runs north to south, to reach places such as Colorado Springs, Denver and Colorado City. “People get around mostly by car since a majority of people in Aberdeen work in Pueblo,” Cool says. “There’s the Pueblo Transit, which is the bus system. There are stops there in the neighborhood; that’s the only real public transportation.”

Tucked along the northeastern end of Pueblo, Belmont combines urban amenities such as shopping, proximity and highways with the quieter aura of a suburb. Despite its large area, it's a primarily residential region with many assortments, including housing prices and the neighborhood demographics. “Belmont is closer to one of our universities, the Colorado State University-Pueblo. Many homes in that area are from the 70s style along that realm,” says longtime resident Nicki Hart. Belmont is composed of mainly single-family homes and apartments. Suburban traits are reflected through front lawns with shamrock-green grass alongside private driveways. Since Belmont started building out in the 50s, many of the homes have a similar mid-century ranch style. Homes towards Route 47 can often come with mountain views. Ranch-style properties range from $200,000 to $500,000. Split levels can range from $250,000 to $615,000. Condos and townhouses are situated on the west side, closer to Interstate 25, and their prices range from $140,000 to $350,000. Belmont provides a small collection of pocket parks with simple amenities. Drew Dix Park is the largest in the neighborhood, at 9 acres. Kids and families can enjoy the sports fields, playgrounds and tennis courts. The smaller Belmont Park provides a playground and a few walking paths. The Fountain Creek Trail runs down the neighborhood, offering 12 miles of biking trails up and down Pueblo. Mineral Palace Park, located 3 miles away, offers more water recreation through its swimming pool. The Arboretum, Flower Garden and multiple War Memorials also make for a fun opportunity to stroll, learn history and embrace nature. Golfers can enjoy the fairways at Walking Stick Golf Course, north of the neighborhood. There are only a handful of restaurants in Belmont, but you’re not far from the local places downtown or by the Pueblo Mall. Riverside Bar and Grill on Jerry Murphy Road provides weekly performances and was voted as one of the best sloppers in town for 2024. La Esquinita Del Frappe is an acai shop that provides bowls and desserts like cheesecakes and Fresca con Crèma, which is a Mexican dessert with strawberries and cream. Home chefs can buy groceries at King Soopers, Natural Grocers or Sonora’s Meat Market and Restaurant. Residents can also easily come by big box retailers and major shopping centers like Target, Hobby Lobby, Walmart Supercenter, and Home Depot. The Pueblo is also situated west of the neighborhood. “The Pueblo Mall is your typical mall, but it’s still active. It has things that you would expect an things you would need. We still have the anchor stores,” Hart says. Dillard’s and JCPenney are the main highlights of the 50-store mall. Neighborhood students can attend school within the Pueblo School District 60. Belmont Elementary and Franklin Elementary split the elementary-aged students. These schools have a C and C-minus grade from Niche. Heaton Middle rates C on Niche and is a National AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Demonstration school. East High School was recently remodeled and received a B-minus grade. Students looking to stay local after graduation can explore the over 30 undergraduate programs at Colorado State University-Pueblo. The East High Eagles Football team draws over 15,000 people for their annual Cannon Game against cross-town rival South High Colts. The over six-decade rivalry battles out for the Civil War cannon, and the winner earns bragging rights and extra school decoration. Belmont is conveniently located between Highway 50 and Interstate 25. Highway 50 travels east to west to Pueblo West and La Junta. Interstate 25 travels north and south through the Midwest, reaching Denver and Colorado Springs. People can also utilize the Pueblo Transit buses for local travel.

Bessemer was once the driving force in the area’s steel industry before becoming a neighborhood of Pueblo. Named in honor of founder Henry Bessemer, it remains a staple among the area’s steel manufacturers today. “The steel mills have been in Pueblo for over 100 years. We’re known as the Pittsburgh of the West,” says John R. Beaupre, realtor at HomeSmart Preferred Realty. “Pueblo made the most amount of steel in the west. It’s a great place for those in the present-day steel mill.” Bessemer has a robust dining scene composed of local restaurants and various cuisines. Tacos Fuego offers 12 taco options, while Jorge’s Sombrero is known for its margaritas. Do Drop Inn has been in the community since 1977, serving pizzas with the regionally famous green chile peppers. Beer Barrel is home to the original breakfast Slopper. “The Slopper is a Pueblo thing. If you haven’t had a Slopper, did you actually visit Pueblo?” Beaupre says. The breakfast slopper comes with fried potatoes, bacon, cheese and egg topped with green chile on a hamburger patty. Gagliano’s Italian Market is a century-old, family-owned neighborhood store for groceries and sandwiches. “It’s something that doesn’t exist anymore in most cities. To this day, a Gagliano is still running it,” Beaupre says. “It’s like a general store like they have in Mayberry. If you become a regular, they’ll know you. They’ll say, ‘Are you coming in for your daily loaf of bread?’ and things like that.” Homes in Bessemer match the neighborhood’s historic small-town aura. “Bessemer predominately has smaller single-story and two-story homes dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s,” Beaupre says. “It’s one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Pueblo.” Properties are also on the smaller end, with yards and homes sitting closer to one another. Architecturally, there’s a combination of Adobe brick ranches and cottages, turn-of-the-century bungalows and two-story Victorians. Cottages and ranch-style homes range from $100,000 to $300,000. Two-story homes can go for $150,000 to $400,000. Additionally, there are move-in ready homes and those that present investment opportunities. “Bessemer is one of the oldest Pueblo neighborhoods,” says longtime resident Nicki Hart. “There’s a lot of revitalization happening there.” Bessemer has a couple of pocket parks. Ray Aguilera Park is a 7-acre green space with a playground and baseball fields. Its miniature water park also has a swimming pool, splash pads, slides and a wading pool. The J.J. Raigoza Park, toward the neighborhood’s south end, also has 7 acres with a basketball court. Bessemer is adjacent to Lake Minnequa Veterans Memorial Park, which spans across 270 acres. Hikers and bikers frequent the 2.5-mile trails, and athletes compete on recreational fields and basketball courts. Lake Minnequa was once a private social club with a golf course. The Steelworks Center of the West takes visitors through the history of Steel City, specifically the CF&I Medical Dispensary, which was a significant reason behind most of Pueblo’s and Southern Colorado's development. Guided tours are available at Steelworks Park, and along with both permanent and rotating exhibits, the museum holds what may be the only remaining wood Mine Rescue Car in the country. Bessemer students can attend schools in Pueblo School District 60. Elementary-aged students can attend either Minnequa Elementary or Bessemer Elementary, which both earn C-minus grades from Niche. Pueblo Academy of Art receives a C-minus grade from Niche, while the C-graded Central High School, a STEM Magnet school, has been educating students since 1901 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Most people in Pueblo bike, walk or drive. Bessemer drivers have it easy with the convenience of Interstate 25 on the neighborhood's east side, providing access to Denver, Colorado Springs and Colorado City. The Pueblo Transit bus system has a route that goes through Bessemer. The Pueblo Memorial Airport provides flights to Denver, with over 200 connections across domestic and international cities. In case of emergencies, the Saint Mary Corwin Medical Center has many offices around the neighborhood. Because of the high summer temperatures, Bessemer may potentially be at risk of wildfires. Pueblo and its neighborhoods have an emergency notification system, as well as monitoring initiatives in conjunction with local fire departments.

Located on the southwest end of Pueblo, Beulah Heights is a bedroom community known for its convenience to major roadways and shopping. “People like that area because of its access to Pueblo Boulevard or the Boulevard, as locals say,” says John R. Beaupre, real estate agent at HomeSmart Preferred Realty, who's lived in the area for over five years. “The west side gives you access to Walmart Supercenter and many other quick food establishments.” Beulah Heights is an active, noisier neighborhood because of its proximity to major roadways. Houses share similar characteristics of front and backyards, private driveways, and longer walkways to front doors. Architecturally, most homes are Midcentury ranches, split-levels and contemporary ranches. Home prices range from $200,000 to $370,000. Those looking to build homes from the ground up can find 0.25 to 0.35-acre lot sizes for up to $160,000. Homeowners should be advised; some areas have 10 Risk Factor score out of 10 meaning they are prone to fires. Solar Roast Coffee covers the morning pick-me-up. When lunchtime calls, Pass Key Restaurant is a casual sandwich shop that offers their take on Pueblo’s signature Slopper. Casa De Burritos is another quick grab-and-go location for Mexican-style breakfast and lunch. Many residents are located within one mile of a grocery store. Groceries can be bought from King Soopers, Safeway, or Walmart Neighborhood Market. Sonora's Meat Market and Restaurant is a specialty grocery store that sells various meats and Mexican goods. Other home essentials can be picked up from the Walmart Supercenter, Lowe’s, and Ross. Beulah Heights has some pocket parks, which are mostly open fields. Beckwood Park is the largest neighborhood park housing a playground. Lake Minnequa Veteran’s Memorial Park is east of Prairie Avenue—the self-name body of water anchors the 270-acre park. “Lake Minnequa is always a good place to walk the dog,” Beaupre says. “That lake isn’t utilized as much anymore as it was back in the day. It’s just become a regular park.” Outside the lake are many acres of athletic turf and four basketball courts. Hikers, bikers and joggers frequently use the 2.5-mile trail. Students start their studies within Pueblo School District 60. Elementary students can begin at Beulah Heights Elementary, which has a C-minus Niche grade. Grades six through eight can be completed at Pueblo Academy of Arts, another C-minus school. Pueblo South High School right in the neighborhood has a C-plus grade. Students can enroll in a three-to-four-year pathway in either multimedia, corrections and criminal justice or business. Having South High School right in the neighborhoods puts residents center stage for the intense Pueblo tradition of high school football. “We talk about high school football all the time. The question asked around here is always, ‘What high school did you go to?” Beaupre says. The Cannon Game is the anticipated match between the South High Colts and the East High Eagles. Nearly 15,000 people come to Dutch Clark Stadium to watch the team battle for the Cannon, where it then serves as bragging rights and a decoration for the winning school. Just north on Prairie Ave is the Colorado State Fairgrounds, which is home to the Colorado State Fair. “The Colorado State Fair has been going on for over 150 years. There are rodeos and concerts, the state fair food,” Beaupre says. “Then there’s the animals; they bring pigs, sheep and lambs and show for the blue ribbons and stuff.” Drivers can take the Boulevard, which connects to Interstate 25, the main gateway to Denver and Colorado Springs. Multiple bus stops are located on the Boulevard, Hollywood Drive, Jones Avenue and South Prairie Avenue.

Situated around Pueblo’s northern region, Country Club is a neighborhood anchored by the Pueblo Country Club. Besides the country club, the area’s activity is fueled by its abundant options for shopping and dining along major roadways. This ample convenience gets residents the nearby major employers. “I-25 is so convenient to get to those employers,” says longtime resident Nicki Hart. “Most people work at the Steel Mill, in education, the government, the Department of Corrections, or hospitals.” Country Club offers an eclectic mixture of single-family properties. While styles vary, most homes have spacious front lawns alongside private driveways leading to the garages. Homes that border the Pueblo Country Club can be private estates. Most of the neighborhood is biker-friendly, but it is not the easiest area for getting around by foot. Ranch-style homes may have brick, front porches or stucco roofing—prices for these range from $160,000 to $500,000. Two-story homes can come in Victorian and A-frame styles. Prices range from $300,000 to $700,000. Split and multi-level properties range from $360,000 to $700,000. Pueblo thrives on its local restaurants and culture, and Country Club is no different when it comes to that narrative. Love Mug Coffee Shop offers a variety of morning brews along with breakfast sandwiches and crepes. GG’s BBQ is one of the few local barbeque places. They are renowned for their brisket and pulled pork. For dessert, Haz Tu LoCo offers customization milkshakes and ice cream. Weekly groceries can be bought at Albertsons while shopping for clothing and home décor occurs at Ross Dress for Less, Walmart Supercenter or the Pueblo Mall. The over 50-store shopping mall includes the primary stores of Dillard’s and JCPenney. Pueblo Country Club anchors the northeast portion of the neighborhood. It opened its doors in 1903 and transitioned to a private club the following year. Over 120 years later, the fairways continue to draw people to its 18-holes and swimming pool. Fairmount Park comprises 9 acres and offers tennis courts, shelter, and a playground. “The Slabs” on Elizabeth Street has been the designated area for pickup games for decades. The basketball courts also feature hand-painted murals from local artists. Pickleball and tennis enthusiasts can join the Pueblo Tennis Center, where several indoor and outdoor courts exist. Students can start their education at Morton Elementary, which earns a C grade from Niche. Afterward, sixth through eighth-grade students can attend Risley International Academy of Innovation, a C-minus school. Centennial High earns a B-minus grade. The oldest high school in Pueblo offers Senior to Sophomore courses, where students take college courses through the Colorado State University-Pueblo. The Bell Game is the anticipated football match between the Centennial High Bulldogs and Central High Wildcats. Their rivalry is alleged to be the longest ongoing football rivalry west of Mississippi. The winner earns bragging rights for their school and the bell that gets decorated red or blue. “Only in the city do we care about the high school,” Hart says. Interstate 25 and Highway 50 border the Country Club neighborhood. These two major roadways reach Canon City, Denver and Colorado Springs. Scattered around the main roads are multiple Pueblo Transit bus stops.

Downtown Pueblo is at the heart of the city’s diversity and extensive history. What was once an area divided into four small towns has evolved into a modern-day melting pot of cultures celebrated through art, museums and events. While downtown is primarily an area for businesses, the culinary scene is prominent among residents. The neighborhood still mirrors its mid-1800s origins with industrial brick buildings, despite its modern-day makeover. Its history shines through various building markers and Heroes Plaza, where there are statues of Pueblo’s four Medal of Honor recipients, the reason for the city’s nickname “Home of Heroes.” Along Union Avenue is where to find a cultural fiesta of restaurants including Papa Jose’s Union Café, a longtime Pueblo favorite that serves Mexican dishes. Fuel and Iron Food Hall is an incubator food court, the first of its kind in Pueblo. “It’s like going to the mall food court but way better. Owners start their restaurants there, branch out, and stay around town,” Hart says. As of June 2024, there are menu items like plant-based dishes at The Cutting Board and comforting New Orleans-style entrees at Steel Crescent Kitchen. La Bella Union provides outdoor seating and several food trucks. Fourth Avenue is home to Gray's Coors Tavern, the signature bar known as the birthplace for the Slopper. The Slopper is an open-faced cheeseburger smothered with green Chile sauce, it can include onions or French Fry topping and requires a knife and fork to eat. Walter Brewing Company offers weekly karaoke and open mic nights to go along with craft beers. Groceries can be bought from King Soopers or at the farmers market every Friday morning from July to October at Mineral Palace Park. The Pueblo Mall to the north provides over 50 retail shops, including JCPenney and Dillard’s. The Pueblo Riverwalk is widely considered the crown jewel for recreation in the neighborhood. “A lot of activities occur there. You can’t cycle on the Riverwalk, but people are always walking around,” Renkosik says. The beloved green space is ideal for picnics and water recreation like kayaking or paddle boating on Lake Elizabeth. The Pueblo River Trail System stretches 30 miles along the Arkansas River and Fountain Creek, guiding cyclists, hikers and joggers daily. Mineral Palace Park has 57 acres of recreation, including a playground, outdoor swimming pool and trails along flower gardens, ponds and art galleries. Sunshine is prominent year-round in Pueblo, as such, events are plenty. In September, the Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Festival celebrates the city’s agriculture scene and its staple, the Pueblo Chile pepper. “The Chile and Frijoles Festival is a big draw,” Renkosik says. “It’s a once-a-year event where thousands come out to see the farmers bring fresh chiles from the town. It’s over a three-day weekend.” Come high school football season, locals are locked in. The city features a well-known rivalry: Centennial High Bulldogs versus Central High Wildcats. The Bell Game, which draws over 15,000 people. “That tradition is huge; it’s nothing like I’ve seen it in other towns,” says Nicki Hart, a long-time resident and business owner. “People will be like, ‘Did you go to Central or Centennial?’ ‘Are you red or blue?’” Another area rivalry includes the East High Eagles and South High Colts, who play in the annual Cannon Game. Downtown mostly holds single-family homes and apartments. “In downtown, the homes are older. People buy homes here because they’re more affordable than nearby areas,” says Ray Renkosik, a realtor at HomeSmart Preferred Realty. “Downtown also has many opportunities for fixer-uppers and investments.” Most homes are ranch-styles or bungalows, with prices ranging from $25,000 for a fixer-upper to $320,000 for a more established home. Bi-level, Mediterranean houses and condos by the riverwalk are on the higher end of prices. These prices range from $350,000 to $685,000, for a two-bedroom condo. Union Avenue is more than a popular area for restaurants, its vibrancy shines through its colorful murals and eye-catching areas like Neon Alley. The alley tucked off B Street showcases bright neon signs alongside old shops. Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center offers colorful art galleries, musical performances and an interactive children’s museum. The Pueblo Railway Museum, Pueblo Heritage Museum and the El Pueblo History Museum all highlight the city’s 180-year history comprised of railroads, steel mills and cultural heritage. Downtown is an area riddled with tradition, where pride in high school football fandom begs the question, “What high school did you go to?” The Pueblo School District 60 serves the neighborhood. Downtown students can start education at either Bradford Elementary or Irving Elementary, which both earn a C-minus from Niche. Sixth through eighth graders can attend the Risley International Academy of Innovation, another C-minus school. Most downtown students may finish at Centennial High School, which earns a B-minus. The Health Academy career program prepares students for post-secondary education and even provides certificates for immediate employment. Downtown Pueblo has multiple bus routes that stop along major roads. “Pueblo has the Steel Mills, Parkview Hospital, and they have the Bull Riders, who are big employers. Most times, people who live here work in Pueblo,” Renkosik says. Drivers have easy access to many major routes. Highway 96 and Route 50 travel east to west, hitting the areas of Canon City and La Junta. Interstate 25 runs north and south through the state. Drivers are 42 miles to Colorado Springs and 113 miles to Denver. The Pueblo Memorial Airport, 7 miles east, offers daily flights to Denver.