Littleton, Colorado

History plays a big role in Littleton. This pleasant town of 40,340 has worked hard to preserve its many historical buildings that date back to the Gold Rush days. And the great thing about Littleton is you don't just have to look at history – you can live it, too! Commuters making the half-hour rail journey to downtown Denver board their train from the same station building that served the Denver and Rio Grande Railway all the way back in the 1870s.

In the summer, the town hosts vintage base ball (note the 19th-century spelling) games for the Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association. Put on your best bonnet or your overalls to watch the Littleton Rough and Readies play the game just like they did 100 years ago. You might not like being called a crank (the old-school nickname for fans), but you will marvel as the hurler (pitcher) tries to prevent the batter from hitting the ball into the garden (outfield).

In August, the town opens its arms wide for Western Welcome Week, an official homecoming that brings back any Littleton expatriots. During the festival, check out the High Noon performance at the Littleton Corral. Watch the villain and the sheriff fight for the girl as they reenact the classic melodrama. Community events such as these give Littleton a unique charm.

Littleton may be full of history, but it has plenty of modern businesses. The town's college, Arapahoe Community College, has a strong telecommunications program and serves more than 7,500 students.

Over the past several years, the town has fostered what is called an "economic garden," which involves helping existing businesses to grow by giving entrepreneurs the tools they need to reach new markets for their products. Engineering services, computer software, and scientific instruments are just some of the new economic industries that are putting Littleton on the map.

Rich job and educational opportunities and a warm community atmosphere make Littleton a great place to live. And I didn't even mention the nearby majestic mountains and the beautiful South Platte river. All in all, Littleton is a small city with big character.

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