Four Square Mile, CO
- About Four Square Mile
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Points of Interest
- Transport
- Medical Facilities and Healthcare
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Sports and Sporting Legends
Four Square Mile is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Arapahoe County, Colorado, a suburban enclave surrounded by Denver and Aurora.
About Four Square Mile
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Four Square Mile Census Designated Place (CDP).
- Administrative Status: Four Square Mile is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP) . This means it is a defined statistical area but does not have its own municipal government; it is governed directly by Arapahoe County, Colorado .
- Country and Region: It is located in the United States, in the state of Colorado. It is a part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area . The region is famous for its location on the western edge of the Great Plains, with the Rocky Mountains providing a stunning backdrop.
Historical Names and Nicknames
Four Square Mile does not have widely recognized historical names or nicknames. The community's name, however, has a very specific and practical origin.
- Derivation of Name: The name "Four Square Mile" comes directly from the original four-square-mile area it was meant to encompass, bounded by Quebec Street, Mississippi Avenue, Havana Street, and Yale Avenue . This name reflects the planned geographic boundaries rather than a historical figure or event.
- Sullivan: The CDP also includes the area of a previous unincorporated community known as Sullivan .
Date Founded and Age
The area that is now Four Square Mile began to be settled in the mid-19th century, coinciding with the founding of Denver. Its modern history as a distinct entity stems from annexation disputes.
- Historical Context: The land was originally part of Arapahoe County. The name and the push for definition came in the early 1970s, when the cities of Denver and Aurora both attempted to annex the area . These disputes led to the creation of the Four Square Mile CDP as a distinct unincorporated area.
- Current Status: The community's boundaries were formalized for census purposes, and it remains an unincorporated enclave to this day.
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 39°40′51″N 104°53′17″W .
- Location: Four Square Mile is located in Arapahoe County, Colorado. It is a unique urban enclave, completely surrounded by the city of Denver to the north, west, and south, and by the city of Aurora to the east . This location makes it a de facto suburban part of the Denver metro area.
- Elevation: The area has an elevation of 5,525 feet (1,684 meters) above sea level .
- Geographic Type: It is a fully urbanized residential and commercial area, typical of an inner-ring suburb.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Four Square Mile is primarily a residential community within a major metropolitan area.
- Residential Hub: Its primary function is to provide housing for people who work in the greater Denver-Aurora area. It has a high population density for Colorado, at over 8,500 people per square mile .
- Commercial Activity: As a fully developed urban area, it has local businesses, retail, and services catering to its residents, integrated into the larger economy of the Denver metro area.
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the population of Four Square Mile was 22,872 .
- Population Class: It is considered a medium-sized community for a CDP in Colorado, but with a very high population density of 8,500 per sq mi (3,300/km2) .
- Demographic Note: The CDP was formally defined for the 2020 Census, marking its official recognition as a distinct populated place . Its population is fully integrated into the diverse demographic fabric of the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area.
"City's Calling Card" (In Short)
Four Square Mile's identity is defined by its unique status as a populous, unincorporated urban enclave, a residential "island" completely surrounded by the major cities of Denver and Aurora. Its name is a literal description of its contested origins and geographic bounds, representing a community that chose to remain independent from its larger neighbors.
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
While there are no mountains within the urban boundaries of Four Square Mile, the region is defined by its proximity to the Rocky Mountains.
- Front Range and the Rocky Mountains: Four Square Mile is located on the western edge of the Great Plains, at the foot of the Front Range, the easternmost portion of the Rocky Mountains. The mountains are a dominant visual feature to the west. Numerous mountain parks and recreation areas are a short drive away. For example, a private campground located just 40 miles from Four Square Mile boasts "beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains" .
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
There are no major rivers or lakes within the boundaries of Four Square Mile itself, but significant water features are located nearby.
- Cherry Creek: This stream flows through the Denver metro area, passing just west of Four Square Mile. The Cherry Creek Trail, a major multi-use path, runs along the creek and is accessible from nearby areas like Glendale, providing a recreational connection to the waterway .
- Chatfield Reservoir: Located about 24 miles away, this large reservoir on the South Platte River offers boating, fishing, and other water recreation. A local campground mentions having "Chatfield Reservoir views (in certain areas)" .
- South Platte River: Further west and south of the metro area, the South Platte River is a destination for fishing. One campground near Four Square Mile notes that guests can "head to Deckers, and the South Platte River for Fishing" .
National and State Parks
While there are no national parks within Four Square Mile, the area is within driving distance of several of Colorado's most famous parks.
- Rocky Mountain National Park: One of the most visited national parks in the United States, it is located about 61 to 72 miles from Four Square Mile . The park offers breathtaking alpine scenery, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
- Roosevelt National Forest and Arapaho National Forest: These vast national forests are located west of Denver and offer hundreds of campsites and thousands of acres of wilderness for hiking, camping, and off-roading, located 61 and 72 miles from Four Square Mile, respectively .
Nearby Points of Interest
The immediate area around Four Square Mile contains notable historic and recreational sites.
- Four Mile Historic Park: Located in the nearby Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood of Denver, just west of Four Square Mile, this 12-acre park is home to the Four Mile House, the oldest house in the Denver metropolitan area . Built in 1859, it served as a stage stop on the Cherokee Trail and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It functions as a museum and events center .
- Infinity Park in Glendale: In the adjacent city of Glendale, this sports and entertainment complex is a major regional draw. It includes a 4,000-seat rugby stadium, home to the Colorado Raptors, as well as an event center, park, and recreation center .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
As part of the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area, Four Square Mile experiences a semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSk). It is characterized by low humidity, abundant sunshine, and significant temperature variations between day and night and across seasons. The area is known for its over 300 days of sunshine per year, but weather can change rapidly due to its location on the High Plains near the mountains.
Average Temperatures by Month
The climate features four distinct seasons with mild springs and autumns.
- The Hottest Month: July, with average high temperatures around 88°F (31°C) and lows near 59°F (15°C).
- The Coldest Month: December, with average high temperatures around 43°F (6°C) and lows near 18°F (-8°C).
- Extreme Values: Summer highs can occasionally exceed 100°F (38°C), and winter lows can drop below 0°F (-18°C). Due to the dry climate, even hot days are often comfortable in the shade, and the cold is typically less biting than in more humid climates.
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Yearly Precipitation: The Denver metro area receives about 14-16 inches (350-400 mm) of precipitation annually.
- Wettest Month: Typically May, which can bring frequent afternoon rain showers and even thunderstorms.
- Driest Months: Usually winter months like December, January, and February, when precipitation often falls as snow. Snowfall is common but usually melts quickly due to abundant sunshine.
- Humidity: Humidity is generally low year-round, often ranging from 30% to 50% during the day, which makes the heat and cold feel less extreme.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
While Four Square Mile is a residential area, the best times to visit the Denver metro area for outdoor activities are spring and fall.
- Spring (April-May): Temperatures are mild and variable. This is a beautiful time with blooming flowers, but it can also be windy and bring significant late-season snowstorms.
- Summer (June-August): Warm to hot, sunny, and dry. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and can cool things down quickly. Evenings are generally cool and pleasant.
- Fall (September-October): Often considered the most pleasant time, with warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. The aspens in the nearby mountains turn gold, creating spectacular scenery.
- Winter (November-March): Cold and dry, with periodic snowfalls. The area averages about 50-60 inches of snow per year, which often melts within a few days. The nearby mountains offer world-class skiing and snowboarding.
Specific Weather Phenomena
- Chinook Winds: A common phenomenon along the Front Range. These are warm, dry, downslope winds that can raise temperatures by 20-40°F (10-20°C) in a matter of hours, especially in winter and spring, leading to rapid snowmelt.
- Afternoon Thunderstorms: In the summer, the combination of heat and mountain topography frequently triggers intense but brief afternoon thunderstorms, often with lightning and hail.
Landmarks and Points of Interest
Four Mile House
The most significant historic landmark in the immediate vicinity of Four Square Mile is the Four Mile House.
- Full Name: Four Mile House. It is the centerpiece of Four Mile Historic Park .
- Year Built: 1859.
- Significance: It is the oldest surviving house in the Denver metropolitan area . It was built as a stage stop, wayside inn, and tavern for travelers on the Cherokee Trail heading to Denver City.
- Location: It is located just outside Four Square Mile's boundaries, in the Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood of Denver, along Cherry Creek.
- Features: The site is a 12-acre rural park that preserves the historic house and offers a glimpse into 19th-century frontier life. It operates as a museum with exhibits, educational programs, and special events . The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places .
Infinity Park
A modern landmark in the adjacent city of Glendale, this is a major regional sports and entertainment destination.
- Full Name: Infinity Park .
- Location: Glendale, Colorado, immediately northwest of Four Square Mile.
- Features: It is a 16-acre event sports and entertainment complex. Its centerpiece is the first municipal rugby stadium in the U.S., with a seating capacity of 4,000. It is the home of the Colorado Raptors professional rugby team .
- Other Amenities: The complex also includes an event center, an 8-acre park, a recreation center managed by the YMCA, and a high-altitude training center .
Transport
Major Highways and Roads
Four Square Mile is an urban community with excellent access to the regional transportation network.
- Interstate 25: The main north-south interstate through Colorado, connecting Denver to Colorado Springs and Pueblo to the south, and Fort Collins and Wyoming to the north. It is located just west of Four Square Mile.
- Interstate 225: A north-south interstate that connects I-25 in the south to I-70 in Aurora, running along the eastern edge of the Denver metro area, just east of Four Square Mile.
- US Highway 285 (Hampden Avenue): A major highway that runs east-west through the southern part of the Denver metro area, providing a route southwest into the mountains.
- Colorado Boulevard (State Highway 2): A major north-south arterial road that forms part of the western boundary of the general area near Four Square Mile.
Public Transportation
The area is served by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), which operates the public transit system for the Denver metro area.
- Bus Service: Numerous RTD bus routes run along the major thoroughfares bordering and passing through Four Square Mile, such as Colorado Boulevard, Havana Street, and Yale Avenue, connecting residents to downtown Denver, Aurora, and the rest of the metro area.
- Light Rail: The RTD light rail system has several lines that serve the Denver metro area. The nearest stations to Four Square Mile are likely on the E, F, and H lines, which run through Aurora and into Denver.
Airports
- Denver International Airport (DEN), IATA Code: DEN: This is the primary airport serving the entire region. It is one of the busiest airports in the world and a major hub for United Airlines. It is located approximately 25-30 miles northeast of Four Square Mile, easily accessible via I-225 and I-70 .
- Centennial Airport (APA), IATA Code: APA: A major general aviation airport located south of Denver in Arapahoe County, providing services for private and corporate aircraft.
Cycling and Trails
- Cherry Creek Trail: This paved multi-use trail runs along Cherry Creek, connecting the southern suburbs to downtown Denver. It is accessible from near Four Square Mile via Glendale and provides a major recreational and commuting route for cyclists and pedestrians .
Medical Facilities and Healthcare
Dental Care in Four Square Mile
Four Square Mile and its immediate vicinity offer access to several general dentistry and specialized dental care practices, conveniently located for residents. These practices provide a range of services from routine check-ups and cleanings to more specialized procedures. Many of these dental offices are part of the Delta Dental network and are situated within a short distance, typically less than a mile away .
The area has a concentration of general dentists, including Young Hyun Noh, Jonathan Cano, Dale Kim, Wameedh Abdulameer, Aseel Hasan, Gaurij Kapote, and Saffa Alani . These practitioners offer standard business hours, with some providing additional flexibility through evening and weekend appointments . For specialized periodontal care, Ehsan Zahedi is a periodontist located nearby . Many of these offices also feature practical amenities such as public transit access and facilities designed to accommodate patients with disabilities, emphasizing accessible healthcare for the community .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Colorado State University in Nearby Fort Collins
While there are no universities directly within Four Square Mile, the broader region is home to Colorado State University (CSU), a major public research university located in Fort Collins, approximately an hour's drive north . CSU is the flagship campus of the Colorado State University System and was founded in 1870, originally as the Colorado Agricultural College .
The university is classified as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" and, in the 2023 fiscal year, invested nearly $500 million in research and development . It offers a comprehensive range of degrees across eight colleges and 55 academic departments, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, as well as a professional degree in veterinary medicine .
CSU's main campus is notable for its historic and architectural landmarks. The heart of the campus is The Oval, a tree-lined open green space established in 1909, surrounded by significant buildings like the 1924 Administration Building and Guggenheim Hall, built in 1910 . The university also features modern facilities, including recently constructed buildings for behavioral science and computer science . The Morgan Library houses over two million volumes, and the Lory Student Center serves as a central hub for student life .
The university counts among its distinguished alumni six-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Amy Van Dyken, as well as Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize winners, astronauts, and former Colorado governors . The university's sports teams, the Rams, are represented by a prominent ram sculpture on campus .
Sports and Sporting Legends
Notable Athletes from Colorado State University
As mentioned, Four Square Mile is located in proximity to Fort Collins and Colorado State University, which has produced notable athletes. The most famous is swimmer Amy Van Dyken, a CSU alumna who became a six-time Olympic gold medalist, achieving legendary status in the sport . The university's athletic facilities, including its stadium, are part of the local landscape .