Moving to Arvada, CO? Everything You Need to Know

📍 Arvada, CO at a Glance

• Population: 124,402
• Location: Northwest Denver metro area, 7 miles from downtown Denver
• Incorporated: 1904
• Known For: Historic Olde Town district, craft breweries, and easy access to mountain recreation

🗳️ Politics & Civic Life

Arvada leans slightly conservative compared to neighboring Denver, though it maintains a purple political landscape with active civic engagement. The city council operates on a non-partisan basis, focusing on practical governance and community development. Residents actively participate in town halls and community planning sessions, particularly around growth management and historic preservation.

🚓 Crime & Safety

Arvada consistently ranks as one of the safer cities in the Denver metro area, with crime rates 23% lower than the national average. The Arvada Police Department maintains strong community policing programs, and most neighborhoods report feeling very safe. Property crimes are the most common, though still below state averages, while violent crime remains rare.

🍽️ Dining & Entertainment

Olde Town Arvada serves as the entertainment heart, featuring local favorites like School House Kitchen & Libations, Homegrown Tap & Dough, and the Arvada Tavern. The area boasts over 15 craft breweries including New Image Brewing and Odyssey Beerwerks. The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities provides year-round theater productions and art exhibitions, while summer brings the popular Arvada Festivals featuring live music and local vendors.

🏛️ Local Government

Arvada operates under a council-manager form of government with seven council members elected at-large. The city provides comprehensive services including its own utilities department, making it relatively autonomous within the metro area. City services consistently receive high marks from residents, particularly snow removal and parks maintenance.

🚍 Transportation

The RTD G Line connects Arvada directly to downtown Denver’s Union Station in just 20 minutes. Major highways I-70 and US-36 provide easy access to the mountains and Boulder. While the city is car-dependent, an expanding network of bike paths and the Olde Town transit station make car-free living increasingly viable in certain neighborhoods.

🏘️ Housing & Real Estate

Arvada’s housing market offers diverse options from historic bungalows in Olde Town to new developments in western neighborhoods. Median home prices hover around $550,000, making it more affordable than Denver proper but pricier than outer suburbs. The market remains competitive with homes typically selling within 10-15 days. Rental options average $1,800 for a two-bedroom apartment.

🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life

With over 125 parks and 3,000 acres of open space, Arvada takes outdoor recreation seriously. The Ralston Creek Trail connects to the larger Denver trail system, while Standley Lake offers sailing, paddleboarding, and fishing. The Apex Center provides year-round indoor recreation with pools, ice rinks, and fitness facilities. Rocky Mountain National Park sits just 90 minutes away for weekend adventures.

💼 Job Market

While many residents commute to Denver or Boulder, Arvada hosts several major employers including Coors Tek, Hunter Douglas, and the Solar Technology Acceleration Center. The median household income of $85,000 exceeds the state average. The city actively courts clean tech and renewable energy companies, building on its manufacturing heritage. Small businesses thrive in Olde Town and along Wadsworth Boulevard.

🧑‍🏫 Education

Arvada splits between Jefferson County and Adams County school districts, both offering strong academic programs. Standout schools include Pomona High School (IB program) and Three Creeks K-8. Private options include Faith Christian Academy and St. Anne’s Episcopal School. Red Rocks Community College’s Arvada campus provides accessible higher education and workforce training.

🌞 Climate & Weather

Arvada enjoys Colorado’s famous 300+ days of sunshine annually. Summers are warm but not oppressive (highs around 85°F), while winters bring moderate snowfall averaging 55 inches. The semi-arid climate means low humidity year-round. Spring can be unpredictable with occasional late snowstorms, but fall delivers spectacular weather and golden aspen viewing.

💬 Community Sentiment

Residents consistently praise Arvada’s small-town feel despite its size, particularly the walkable Olde Town district. Common complaints center on increasing traffic and rapid development in western areas. The community strongly values its history and fights to preserve its character while managing growth. Newcomers report feeling welcomed, especially families who appreciate the safe neighborhoods and community events.

✨ Why People Are Moving to Arvada

Arvada strikes an enviable balance for those seeking authentic Colorado living without sacrificing urban amenities. Its combination of historic charm, outdoor access, reasonable commute times, and strong sense of community makes it an increasingly popular choice for Denver-area relocators. Whether you’re drawn to craft beer culture, family-friendly neighborhoods, or proximity to both mountains and city, Arvada delivers the Colorado lifestyle at a more accessible price point than many Front Range communities.