Gateway / Green Valley Ranch

To start with, although Green Valley Ranch is often bundled with Montbello and Gateway Park, these are very different communities. Even in the area technically known as GVR there is a distinct difference between the homes that lie South of Green Valley Ranch Blvd. and those to the North. I live in GVR, North of GVR Blvd. and in the last 4+ years since I've lived here, I have seen this community change before my eyes with: new schools, new restaurants, including a neighborhood Beer Garden, shopping which is growing exponentially, and of course the light rail, which will have a stop complete with commuter parking in the very near future. The prospects for this community, especially with the airport expansion brought in by the light rail and the new on premise hotel, is bright. It seems to me that most people's views on GVR are stuck in the past when, due to economic downturns, this community which was in the development stages was heavily impacted. Now days, it is very different to live here. People from all over come to GVR to golf or to watch others do so - GVR golf course hosts all three Colorado Open Championships - send their children to the high performing Denver School of Science and Technology (one of the highest performing school in the state - if not the highest), and to enjoy the great views, walking/biking trails, and the neighborly feeling that reigns in this peaceful community. It is true that the traffic going towards Downtown Denver can be heavy at times, but on most days and if driving off peak hours, the drive is a mere 25 minutes to Larimer Square located one of Denver's premium location. As for medical facilities, GVR is ideally located near the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, which is less than 8 miles away and less than 15 minutes driving time (I know since I drive this route every day) from GVR while the community also offers the GVR Urgent Care Center and clinic along with doctors's offices ranging from pediatric services to OBGYN services in its Medical Building which is centrally located in the community near the King Soopers grocery store. However, what I personnaly like the most about this wonderful community, is the warmth of the people that live and work here. If you are concidering living here, please do not let the negatives of the past and the preconseve notions that people have about this community drive your decision. You get more for your money here, easy access to thoroughways (I 70, 225, E470) which can take you anywhere you want to go, great schools, beautiful views, and of course a tranquil life style with easy access to downtown Denver. Come see for yourself and enjoy my community in Green Valley Ranch, Denver CO.

Green Valley Ranch and Gateway are really suburban rather than city. This area is located between Aurora and the airport, rather than being part of the metro area. The development out here is new. If you want to live in the 'burbs, then this might be a good place to raise a family. I honestly can't understand why anyone is drawn to areas like this, but then again, I'm not a family person who wants to get out of the city. I will never appreciate the suburban development. It has no attractions for me.
Obviously, there are plenty of people who are drawn to the suburbs, however, so here's one of them for you. I can't really say that there is anything about this one that differentiates it from any other. The houses are new, and it's a safe area. The housing has that stamped-out, committee-approved, uninspired blandness of architecture that can be found almost anywhere. Commuting between here and downtown would involve some heavy traffic and long drive times. Either DIA or the Anschutz campus with the Health Sciences Center would offer a better commute if that's where you work.
Aside from the typical housing options, there are chain restaurants and hotels. These businesses are probably supported by commercial travelers as well as the local residents. There are good views of the plains and the mountains from here. There are also some good green spaces, especially since the area is adjacent to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, which is now a park and wildlife refuge.
I suppose this area would suit those who want a suburban environment with new building, new schools, etc. But there is nothing inspired in the architecture, design, or businesses. If you are looking for a city neighborhood with character and individuality, look elsewhere.

When the Denver International Airport was constructed in the 1990s, it was situated far out from the main nucleus of Denver, in an empty spot on the plains. This was done to save the eardrums of local residents and to allow construction of runways that would be easier to maintain during winter storms. It was also done in anticipation of Denver’s growth: the airport was put so far from the city based on a prediction that eventually the city would grow to reach it. That prediction is starting to show some truth, and recent years have seen the construction of many new residential developments in Gateway and Green Valley Ranch. This neighborhood (or two neighborhoods, depending on who you ask) is located close to the airport along I-70 and Pena Boulevard.

The single-family homes, townhomes, and condo complexes are spacious and new, but generally seem cookie-cutter in design. Residents might also face long commutes – unless you happen to work at the airport. Gateway has large pockets of development geared towards travelers, offering a bewildering array of hotels, extended-stay suites, chain restaurants, and the like for business travelers and for drivers who would rather stop before tackling I-70 through Denver and the Rockies. The area has the basic amenities: grocery stores, a few restaurants, parks, and recreation centers. It was planned with families in mind, so couples with kids looking for plenty of room to stretch and wide open spaces around them may enjoy living in this neighborhood.