Sloan Lake, Denver

Sloan Lake has become one of the city hotspots for families. The transformation of many of these neighborhoods has been nothing short of astonishing. Sloan Lake, for as far back as I can remember, has been just that area west of Mile High Stadium. That was back when it WAS Mile High Stadium. Everything changes. Sometimes, these changes are for the better. Soan Lake has certainly crept up, both in reputation and in price.

Sloans Lake Park (yes, Sloans, not Sloan) is a very large green space, most of which is water. It's a very nice place for biking, walking, running, picnicking, you name it. It's surrounded by respectable if unattractive new construction for the most part, but the longer views are magnificent.

The older residential blocks have small, single-family homes. They are the little wood-panelled tract house kind. This has been a family neighborhood through thick and thin, and still is. There is easy access to Auraria Campus and downtown, and the retail strips of Federal and Sheridan. Housing values have risen along with the neighborhood's popularity, but if you find something in your price range, go for it. This is a great spot.

Stand at the eastern edge of Sloan Lake and squint a little – this might be what it would look like if the inland sea, which covered much of the Great Plains in prehistoric times, were still around today. Houses line the opposite shore, and behind them, the foothills loom up. For landlocked Colorado, and especially for Denver, Sloan Lake is a big lake. The park that surrounds it completely is second only to City Park in acreage, and taking a walk along its shores or biking the paths is an excellent way to take a break from the daily grind.

Not that the grind is that oppressive, if you live in the Sloan Lake neighborhood. This area enjoys low crime and poverty rates, the homes are a mix of new and old and are generally appealing, and yoga studios, wine shops, and art studios have moved in. Those pesky essentials, such as groceries, gas stations, and the occasional fast-food meal, are found on Sheridan or Federal, bordering the neighborhood, along with a few restaurants. The area’s gotten popular with youngish or middle-aged professionals, many of who are looking for a safe but close-in neighborhood to start a family. Sloan Lake is somewhat quieter and a little cheaper than West Highland, which abuts it to the north. The neighborhood doesn’t draw many visitors – except for the annual Dragon Boat festival on the lake.