10 Pros and Cons of Living in Arvada, CO
Arvada, Colorado, is a large suburb of Denver, northwest of its central area. The city, which is in both Jefferson and Adams counties, has a population of around 124,402—the state’s seventh-largest population. This quaint town has earned the title of “Celery Capital of the World” thanks to its thriving farming scene.
Arvada is a fantastic area to call home thanks to its abundance of family-friendly services, attractive parks, and overall good quality of life. Due to its excellent educational system and enticing tourist spots, the city’s population has exploded in recent years.
Let’s talk about the ten pros and cons of living in Arvada, CO!
Pros of Living in Arvada
1. It is close to Denver and Boulder
Arvada is ideally situated for commuters thanks to its proximity to both Denver and Boulder and its location in Adams and Jefferson Counties. The commute time from Arvada to Downtown Denver is only 20 minutes, and to Boulder, it’s only 30 minutes.
Arvada covers almost 40 square miles and is conveniently located near both downtown Denver and Denver International Airport. This town is ideal if you want to be close to a major metropolitan area like Denver’s without actually being in the thick of it.
2. Learn of the city’s rich history at Olde Town Arvada
The gold rush in the mid-1800s was a turning point in Arvada’s history. It was one of many communities that experienced the gold rush after prospector Lewis Ralston discovered roughly a quarter of an ounce of gold there in 1850. Gold was discovered in huge quantities in Gregory Gulch, and canals were constructed around the city. Around 1870, when the Colorado Railroad arrived, Arvada’s population started to grow rapidly.
In Olde Town, you can learn about and appreciate Arvada’s rich heritage. Historically significant buildings today coexist with restaurants, bars, shops, and a wide variety of tourist attractions in what was once the heart of the city.
The Arvada Flour Mill, for instance, was constructed in 1925 and can be found in Olde Town. Grandview Avenue now occupies the site of the former Railroad Street, a significant part of Arvada’s past. Travelers from far and wide go to Olde Town Arvada to experience the city’s colorful and historic core.
3. Take in the art at Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities.
Arvada is a great place to live if you value the arts since there is no shortage of creative energy. The crown jewel of Arvada’s cultural landscape is the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. A museum, cultural center, gallery spaces, and educational spaces have all been available there since its opening in the 1970s. Plays, musicals, and even shows geared specifically toward children are often staged and are available for attendance throughout the year.
The Arvada Center is also the largest community arts center in the country. Art workshops are offered year-round, and there is a history museum on the outskirts of town where you can find out more about the community.
4. Enjoy 246 sunny days in a year
Winter enthusiasts will feel right at home in Arvada. The city receives 61 inches of snow annually, which is more than double the annual U.S. average of 28 inches. Due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountains and substantial annual snowfall, Arvada is a favorite location for winter sports enthusiasts.
Arvada does, however, experience all four of the traditional seasons. The winter lows are around 18 degrees and the summer highs are around 90 degrees. Like the rest of Colorado, the city has a lot of sunny days, with an average of 246, which is great news if you enjoy basking in the rays of the sun.
5. Work in the tech, finance, or academic sectors
With a median household income of around $80,000, Arvada is home to a somewhat affluent population. However, many Arvada residents go to either Denver or Boulder every day for work.
King Soopers, Safeway, Sundyne Corporation, Pridemark Paramedic Services, Sorin Group USA, North Jeffco Park & Recreation District, and Target are just a few of Arvada’s prominent employers. Also, the town’s 52nd Avenue, Kipling Street, and Ralston Road all have several storefronts. It is home to a large number of people who make their living in the medical, technological, financial, telecom, and academic sectors. In Arvada, the average annual salary is $67k, with an average hourly wage of $18.52.
6. Attend festivals like Arvada Winterfest or Arvada Kite Festival
Arvada hosts a number of annual festivals that serve to bring the community together. Every year in February, the whole town participates in “A Chocolate Affair” by going on a chocolate scavenger hunt. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love this! The arrival of spring is celebrated with the annual Arvada Kite Festival in April. Families spend quality time together by going on picnics, flying model airplanes, and playing games outside. The Stenger Soccer Complex will host the free event.
You can get excellent, fresh produce on Sundays from June to September at the local farmer’s market. Arvada’s local harvest is at its peak during these months. There’s the Harvest Festival, an autumn celebration with local cuisine and parades, and then there’s the Arvada Winterfest. This one kicked off in the dead of winter of 2018 and brings the neighborhood together to honor individuality, skill, and creativity.
7. The city is served by two public school districts
Depending on where you live in Arvada, your children would either be served by the Jefferson County R1- School District or the Westminster 50 School District. There are three public high schools, two public charter high schools, and two private K-12 schools in Arvada. The city’s top-rated high school is Ralston Valley Senior High School which has won the College Success Award from GreatSchools.org several years in a row.
If you’re looking for a college, it’s a 15-minute commute to the University of Colorado Boulder. Rocks Community College. Located in Arvada offers an associate’s degree. Other universities and community colleges nearby include the Community College of Denver, Regis University, and the University of Colorado Denver.
8. Admire the natural environment at The Majestic View Nature Center or Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge
Arvada and the surrounding area are attractive to many people considering a move to Colorado because of the wide variety of outdoor pursuits available to them. Arvada is a haven for those who appreciate the great outdoors because of its location in one of the most scenic parts of the country.
There are plenty of green places in Arvada, from public gardens to city parks, to meet the needs of all residents. The Majestic View Nature Center and the Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge are two of the city of Arvada’s most visited parks for good reason.
Arvada Skate Park, the third-largest in the United States, is a popular hangout spot for teenagers. The park features a bowl, a novice zone, a street obstacle, and much more.
Cons of Living in Arvada
1. A cost of living index of 120
Many people take the cost of living into account when making a decision to relocate. Unfortunately, living costs here are a bit higher than the norm, but it’s still manageable. The cost of living in Arvada is somewhat more than the state average and 20% higher than the national average. Property taxes in the city average around $1,800 per year, while the median home price is around $460,000. With a salary close to the median amount, most families in Arvada can afford to live comfortably.
Apartments in Arvada typically cost $1,444 per month to rent, and they are 839 square feet in size. Scenic Heights and Meadowlake, two of Arvada’s most affordable neighborhoods, both have monthly rental costs of less than $1,250.
2. The roads in the area are often congested
Arvada has several advantages, but one of the most notable is its proximity to major highways. However, this has the potential to be both beneficial and detrimental depending on the circumstances. As one of the country’s five fastest-growing cities, Denver and its surrounding areas are likely to see severe traffic congestion during morning and evening rush hours. Many new roads are being built to meet the region’s expanding transportation demands. Of course, Arvada is also greatly affected.
There are two main highways in the area: Interstate 70 and Interstate 76. Depending on traffic, the commute time via either of these routes might be anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. During rush hours, it’s not uncommon for there to be roadwork, delays, and congestion on these roads.
Final Thoughts
Arvada offers a healthy job market, great schools, fantastic weather, a rich history, and a prime location, among others. All of this makes it a great place to call home. However, the town also has a high cost of living, and there are traffic problems.
