Denver Metro Area and Suburbs
By Nina Davidson, About.com Guide to Denver
The Denver metro area includes the city of Denver and surrounding suburbs. The city of Denver is Colorado's capital, and home to half a million residents. Denver's neighborhoods range from swanky Cherry Creek to historic Capitol Hill.
The city and county of Denver is surrounded by suburbs on all sides, with each suburb as a separate city in most cases. Aurora, one of the largest suburbs, lies to the east of Denver. Westminster lies to the north of Denver, and features the Butterfly Pavilion.
All photos (c) 2009 Nina Davidson, licensed to About.com
City Park
The Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science are both located in City Park. Every summer, jazz fans can enjoy free concerts with City Park Jazz. East High School anchors City Park as one of Denver's original four high schools, and boasts famous alumni such as Don Cheadle and Judy Collins.
- City Park Neighborhood Profile
- Things to Do in City Park Neighborhood
- City Park Jazz Photos
- City Park Jazz 2009
- Denver Zoo Profile
- Denver Zoo Photos
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science Profile
- East High School Profile
Capitol Hill
As one of Denver's oldest neighborhoods, historic Capitol Hill houses the Colorado State Capital Building. The neighborhood features plenty of apartment housing, government offices and eclectic eateries.
Governor's Park
Governor's Park is the neighborhood located around the Colorado Governor's Mansion on 8th Ave. The Governor's Mansion is open for tours during the summer and Christmas. The Grant-Humphreys Mansion is also next door to the Governor's Mansion, and is rented out for private events. Many restaurants are located along 6th Ave. in the Governor's Park neighborhood.
- Governor's Park Neighborhood Profile
- Colorado Governor's Mansion Photos
- Grant-Humphreys Mansion Photos
- Lime XS Restaurant Review
- Angelo's Restaurant Review
Cherry Creek
Gold was first discovered along the banks of Cherry Creek in the 19th century, and the neighborhood still boasts a glittering image. The neighborhood is home to some of Denver's most expensive real estate, as well as the Cherry Creek Mall. The Cherry Creek Arts Festival also showcases artwork from across the U.S.
Washington Park
Washington Park, or Wash Park for short, is one of Denver's most popular parks. The park features gravel running trails and two lakes for fishing. The park also hosts volleyball leagues during the summer, and the boathouse can be rented out for private events.
Aurora
Aurora is Denver's most populous suburb, and lies east of the city off I-225 or I-70. Many Aurora residents can commute to work in downtown Denver via the Southeast Light Rail. Aurora is also home to the Cherry Creek State Park, which features a marina and horseback riding stables.
Westminster
Westiminster lies north of the city along I-25 on the way to Boulder. Many Westminster residents commute to either Boulder or Denver. The suburb features the Butterfly Pavilion and the Standley Lake recreation area.
