Colorado's Fast-Growing Denver Neighborhood Has A Downtown Hub With Local Restaurants And Parks

Compared to other U.S. cities of its size, Denver is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the country. One of the neighborhoods driving the trend in the vibrant "street art capital of the country" is Green Valley Ranch, a rapidly expanding master-planned community with leafy parks, an active community hub, and a diverse selection of dining venues.

Situated between downtown and Denver International Airport, Green Valley Ranch was established back in the early 1980s. Its location near the largest airport in North America (with delicious dining) is key to the neighborhood's growth: Green Valley Ranch is one of the first residential zones in the Colorado Aerotropolis, an ambitious initiative to convert large plots of undeveloped prairie land into a bustling commercial corridor with easy access to a major travel hub. 

Today, the neighborhood has a population of around 47,000 people according to Niche, and encompasses nearly 80% of the population growth seen in Denver's Far Northeast district since 2000. Part of the appeal for residents, according to real estate agent Erik Ledezma, is the neighborhood's self-sufficiency. "People won't have to leave Green Valley Ranch," Ledezma said (via Homes.com), "because they'll have just about everything in their community." Housing, restaurants, shopping, parks, and a golf course situated around a downtown hub — Green Valley Ranch has it all, just a 15-minute drive from the airport, and 30-45 minutes by car from downtown Denver. 

On the western side of the community, you'll find a downtown hub with shopping and dining options. One of Green Valley Ranch's most popular gathering places shares the neighborhood's name. Green Valley Ranch Beer Garden features a huge open-air garden, lawn games, craft beer on tap, and locally made sausages to enjoy at Oktoberfest-style picnic tables. For delicious barbecue and friendly staff, try the Smokehouse at Green Valley Ranch (part of the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club). Other good dining options include the Indian café Coriander and Moonlight Diner, a retro-style restaurant and bar serving elevated comfort food.

Close to the beer garden, the aptly named Town Center Park has picnic areas, a playground, athletic fields, a skate park, a pond, and an open-air stage for hosting live music and film screenings. The park also hosts the weekly Green Valley Ranch Farmers Market, which takes place on Wednesdays in summer. Swim in the pool or use the gym at one of the neighborhood's two city-run recreation centers, Green Valley Ranch and Montbello. Or get out in nature at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, with miles of hiking trails and two lakes; it's located on the northern side of Green Valley Ranch. For more outdoor adventures near Denver, check out Barr Lake State Park, an under-the-radar escape with peaceful paddling spots and bird life. It's about a 20-minute drive from Green Valley Ranch.