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Friday, March 03, 2023

7 Best Places to Live in Arvada, Colorado

Arvada, Colorado

7 Best Places to Live in Arvada, Colorado

Are you looking for a fun place to live in the Denver metro that feels more like a town than a city? Look no further than Arvada, Colorado! Located just nine miles from Denver’s city center, Arvada is one of the most exciting suburbs near the metro.

In Arvada, you’ll discover many parks and open spaces for recreational activity. Locals love the historic charm of Olde Town Square and its independent shops, pubs, boutiques, and seasonal farmer’s market. Not only does Arvada have these lifestyle perks, but it has a thriving economy and convenient proximity to Denver and the mountains.

So if Arvada is on the top of your list as a place to call home, we can help out. Here’s what you need to know about living in Arvada and some of its best neighborhoods.

Where is Arvada, CO?

Arvada Colorado Map

Arvada is a highly desirable suburb in the Denver Metropolitan area, just nine miles northwest of downtown Denver. I-70 and I-76 run along the southeast border for a fast commute into the city or the northern Front Range towns.

It shares borders with Wheat Ridge, Westminster, and Leyden. The western edges are adjacent to the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge and the North Table Mountain.

What is the cost of living in Arvada?

In a testament to Arvada’s desirability, the cost of living in Arvada is higher than many other cities within the Denver metro and even within the city itself. In 2022, Arvada’s overall cost of living was 31% more expensive than the nation and 5% more expensive than Denver. Housing was 91% above the US average. For reference, Arvada’s median home list price during January 2023 was $600,000.

Why live in Arvada?

Established in 1870, Arvada is a great place to live for those who want the convenience of a larger city but with the charm and friendliness of small-town life. Self-described as a “hip little neighborhood,” Arvada mixes the best parts of living in the Front Range: a thriving, historic downtown with charming shops and restaurants, ample open spaces with trails and recreational fields, and attractions like art venues and museums.

Ralston Creek was the site of Colorado’s first gold strike. It brought a boom into the area responsible for the growth of Denver and its surrounding communities.

Even with its century-old roots, Arvada is definitely a modern place. Its Old Town Square is the centerpiece of many live events, like outdoor summer concerts and farmers’ markets. Arvada has a public library, community center, skate park, and a rec center with multiple swimming pools.

Colorful autumn day in Arvada CO

Besides these entertainment perks, the town has strong infrastructure and economic fundamentals. Locals can reach a park or green space within a ten-minute walk of any residence. The Jefferson County Public School system is among Colorado’s best and includes the state’s top-ranked high school. A highly educated workforce (45% with bachelor’s degrees or higher) supports a diverse mix of businesses, from Kaiser Permanente health care to Barber-Nichols for manufacturing.

Put it all together, and it’s easy to see why Arvada is desirable to live in Denver.

Where to live in Arvada?

So where to live for you? Arvada has over 26 desirable neighborhoods with various amenities to meet your needs. These include single-family communities, townhomes, condos, and active adult communities. Here are a few popular places in Arvada:

Where to live in Arvada CO

Olde Town

The city’s oldest and most iconic neighborhood, Olde Town, is a walkable mix of historic charm and modern amenities—ideal for those who love participating in local cultural events and supporting small business shopping. Standout features include a live theater and the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. And if you need to commute into Denver, the light rail station is conveniently in the neighborhood.

Housing-wise, you’ll find a mix of condominiums and historic single-family homes. Many are on the National Register of Historic Places and walkable to all the amenities. The predominant aesthetic is bungalow or farmhouse. However, you can find mid century-style homes, too. The footprints are smaller, but many homes have been well-maintained or renovated.

In February 2023, Olde Town had nine homes for sale at a median list price of $679,900.

Leyden Rock

The newer Leyden Rock neighborhood stands out for its stunning mountain views and residential lots over one acre. It’s on the western side of Arvada, which means if you want to be close to the mountains, you’re only about 30 minutes away. In-neighborhood amenities include a clubhouse, pool, and tennis courts.

The master-planned community was built to purposely preserve the beauty of the natural landscape. Around 60% of the land is still open space, with 17 interconnected trails that link to the regional trail system. You can walk, hike, and ride horses miles from within your community.

The 850+ homes within Leyden Rock range from mid-price to luxury. The community is governed as a metropolitan district.

Spring Mesa

Another metropolitan district inside Arvada, Spring Mesa’s 272 single-family homes have larger yards and sit on quiet streets. Spring Mesa is another community on the west side of Arvada for quicker mountain access.

Spring Mesa Park is inside the community, which the city maintains. It sits beside Pattridge Open Space, Quaker Park, and Tucker Lake. Throughout the neighborhood are trails that link up to the community’s larger network of trails.

Spring Mesa had three homes for sale in February 2023 at a median list price of $1.39 million.

Village of Five Parks

One of Arvada’s most popular neighborhoods, Village of Five Parks is an award-winning master-planned community with its own schools, parks, trails, and community center. The Village is in west Arvada between Alkire and Indiana Streets. As you’d expect, the village has multiple parks and open spaces. It’s close to even more parks like the Rose Roots Community Garden.

The neighborhood is not only walkable but also friendly and full of amenities. The community building (also called the Depot) has a swimming pool, fitness center, and rentable event rooms. Plus, three restaurants and several retail stores are within walking distance!

Outside the neighborhood, you are close to Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge and the Colorado Hills Open Space.

An active HOA association plans community events like holiday parties, concerts, movies, and adult social groups.

Development on the 890+ homes began in 2022 at various prices, from entry-level to luxury. In February 2023, the Village of Five Parks had ten homes for sale at a median of $689,000.

Allendale

Allendale is an established neighborhood centered around a historic train depot and near the Olde Town area. It’s in central Arvada beside highway US 72 and W 58th Avenue. Just south is the I-70 that runs north of Denver.

The area offers easy access to Stenger Sports Complex, where you’ll find a pool, basketball courts, and soccer fields. Allendale is the closest neighborhood to Lutz Sports Complex and Apex Park. On the north side is the Arvada West High School, two shopping plazas, and fast casual dining chains like Chipotle and First Watch.

Allendale is one of the more affordable areas in Arvada with a mix of townhomes, apartments, and single-family homes. It had 49 homes for sale at a median of $584,900.

Lake Arbor

Lake Arbor is an established neighborhood on Arvada’s east side, built around its namesake golf course and lake. This mature community is convenient to almost everything you need, like the Northridge Center with anchoring Target or the King Soopers Marketplace with groceries, a pet store, and fast dining options.

The neighborhood itself is quiet, with large trees lining the streets and a mix of single-family homes with larger yards. Trails connect to the extensive network inside Arvada, and the lake is surrounded by a scenic walking path.

Lake Arbor Golf Course has 5,900 yards of play with a walkable layout. It prides itself on the leagues and clinics for junior golfers and its emerald-green setting in the city.

Lake Arbor has over 1,000 residences, including some condominiums and apartments on the fringes. It had three homes for sale in February 2023 at a median list price of $515,000.

Ralston Valley

Ralston Valley is a charming, established neighborhood with tree-lined streets and slightly larger properties compared to those closer to town. The area is just north of I-70 and includes a mix of single-family homes styled from ranch to two-story.

The name comes from the gentle slopes around Ralston Creek. A park runs on both sides of the creek, making for a peaceful hike or walk along the waterway. Several other parks are inside the neighborhood borders, too.

Residents are convenient to the Apex Center with its community pool, indoor ice skating, fitness facilities, and the Arvada Skatepark.

The neighborhood is primarily single-family homes. There were 25 listed in February 2023 at a median price of $645,000.

Living in Arvada, CO

If you are considering moving to Arvada, CO, you won’t be disappointed. Choosing Arvada means having access to live entertainment and festivals, an extensive connected recreation system, the convenience of shops and restaurants, and so much more.

From affordable townhomes to luxury properties, Arvada offers a range of housing options that fit any lifestyle. Learn more from a local real estate agent about what makes Arvada the perfect place to live, work, and play.

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Preston Guyton