Littleton, CO

Littleton is a small and affluent town in Colorado. It covers approximately 14 square miles and is about 12 miles southwest of Denver. Littleton is of the more popular places to live in Colorado. It lies just east of the Southern Rocky Mountains Front range along the South Platte River. There is easy access to major highways, like I-25 and the C-470, which take you into downtown Denver in under 30 minutes, or out to the popular mountains, like Breckenridge for skiing. Littleton residents make good use of the light rail system here that provides easy access to the city for working professionals and to the sports arenas for fans of local teams.

 

The city’s history goes back to the gold rush that brought prospectors, merchants, and farmers to the area. Littleton was formally established in 1890 by an engineer from New Hampshire, Richard Little, who named several of the downtown’s streets after his horses. The city has retained its western charm with its historic buildings and the downtown area that resembles an old western town. Today, there are several unique neighborhoods along the foothills in Littleton with gorgeous homes boasting mountain views. It has become a great place not only for working professionals but for families who value the great education and the abundance of youth sports leagues, after-school programs, and summer camps.

 

Littleton is known for its outdoor activities, from horse biking to off-road cycling. It’s just a short drive from Denver but feels like a quaint, remote area. Littleton has a well-educated population and many of the residents are highly educated professionals who prefer a small town and outdoorsy life over a strictly urban lifestyle. Littleton residents spend time together engaged in a variety of activities, such as swimming at the community pool, playing golf at any of the area courses, hiking on one of the many trails throughout town, or just enjoying live music at one of the local restaurants or bars.

 

Littleton is a small town with some great shopping options, including several boutiques and shopping centers, like the Aspen Grove where they carry high-end brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada. There are also a few main dining areas in and around Littleton with no lack of yummy restaurants, bars, and cafes for breakfast, lunch, happy hours, and dinner. 

 

A local foodie favorite is Angelo’s Taverna,  one of the most popular restaurants in downtown Littleton. It has been around since 1979 and is known for its Greek specialties, like gyros and souvlaki. The Lake House Kitchen and Tavern serves upscale American cuisine for lunch and dinner seven days a week. 

 

The Farmhouse Restaurant is inside the Breckenridge Brewery. It is a cool spot to hang out with a cold beer and fabulous food and people-watching. There are plenty of characters to check out biking down the path outside or floating by down the South Platte River. 

 

Last but not least, Cafe Terracotta is a true hidden treasure in a historic house on Main Street downtown. The kitchen thoughtfully prepares unique and creative Mediterranean cuisine perfect for a special occasion and bound to make any occasion feel special. They also have a lovely, lush outdoor patio where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sunny, breezy Colorado summer.

 

The city of Littleton is a great place to live, work, and play with over 50 parks throughout the city that feature beautiful landscapes and playgrounds, plus plenty of visual and performing arts. 

 

Historic Downtown Littleton has plenty to do and discover with cute boutiques, cafes, and parks. Plus, there is always a fun event going on featuring some unique aspect of the community, such as Weekends on Main during the summer and Second Saturdays that feature local artisan vendors. When you want to relax with friends, head over to the Breckenridge Brewery for a pint with friends.

 

For an evening of world-class entertainment, you can't beat Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of the most scenic concert venues in the country. It is a jaw-droppingly gorgeous venue people travel across the country to see. The amphitheater sits on top of red sandstone rock formations that are over 300 million years old. There are more than 70 concerts scheduled throughout the year that range from country music to pop music to jazz and classical music. 

 

You don't have to go to Denver for quality theatre. In downtown, Littleton is the Town Hall Arts Center, a wonderful local visual and performing arts space in the city’s former historic town hall. The arts center is home to a visual arts gallery and produces youth, amateur, and professional concerts and plays. 

 

The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield is a botanical garden in Littleton. Since 1971 it has grown into one of Colorado's premier attractions with more than 50 gardens that showcase plants from all over the world. Visitors can also see many animals including deer, flamingos, bison, and llamas as well as enjoy the beautiful scenery along walking paths throughout the park's grounds, gardens, and ponds. There are several historic buildings at the Botanic Gardens that have been preserved, such as an old schoolhouse and a barn house.

 

Residents of Littleton claim bragging rights over the enriching schools of the Littleton Public School District.