Commute from Castle Rock to Arvada- crazy? (Denver, Aurora: housing, rent)

[lawadvocate]

I will be moving to Castle Rock but working in Arvada. How long of a commute should I expect? (it seems pretty far). I really like the feel of Castle Rock- are there any similar types of communities near Arvada? We are looking to spend no more than $450k on a 4+ bedroom home and are look at 1/4 acre plus.

[tfox]

Originally Posted by lawadvocate

I will be moving to Castle Rock but working in Arvada. How long of a commute should I expect? (it seems pretty far). I really like the feel of Castle Rock- are there any similar types of communities near Arvada? We are looking to spend no more than $450k on a 4+ bedroom home and are look at 1/4 acre plus.

I don't know why you'd want to make that commute; the actual time would depend on where in Arvada you're going, as parts of Arvada are close to Denver, Westminster, Broomfield, and Golden. It could be as much as an hour in good weather.

Why not just live in Arvada itself? There are as many larger lots there as anywhere as in the Denver area.

[formercalifornian]

Can't give you any suggestions for communities up north, but CR to Arvada is a crazy-long commute if you have to do it on a daily basis.

[2bindenver]

What is it about Castle Rock appeals to you?

I know I can find comparable properties in/near Arvada. If I can, so can your agent.

[gumbi]

Looking for good schools. From what I read Arvada is not a very desirable place to live. Golden looks very pricey in comparison to Castle Rock. Any surrounding areas recommended?

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by gumbi

Looking for good schools. From what I read Arvada is not a very desirable place to live. Golden looks very pricey in comparison to Castle Rock. Any surrounding areas recommended?

This in not true. I'd look first in Arvada, then in areas close. You aren't going to find "bad" schools in "good" neighborhoods. Arvada is also one place that has larger lot sizes (1/4 a +).

[ktk9]

The west part of Arvada (closer to Golden) is a much newer area and great schools. I was driving to my parents house and noticed a home on their street priced at $480K with the desired bedrooms you are needing. Schools here would be Westwoods Elem, (not sure on the Jr. High, Oberon maybe) and Ralston Valley High School (pretty new school). Arvada is a great place to raise a family and live. It just depends on what part of Arvada you are talking about.

[livecontent]

Arvada a bad area??? You have never experienced this town. To commute from Castle Rock is not a wise decision.

I have lived in Arvada for over 25 years--in the west area past Ward, North on Wadsworth near 80th and now in the east. My aged parents live in the west. I have been all over the city--every park, every area and there is just no area of Arvada that I would consider a slum. There are older areas, in the Southeast area but not a total crime ridden ghetto. There are newer homes in the west and very large new developments. The area around old town has nice stable well maintained neighborhoods. The town has extensive parks and recreational facilities.

Arvada in an inner suburbs of Denver, even though it really just touches Denver in one little corner at 52nd. and Sheridan; most of the border near Denver is unincoporated Adams County. For most of the history of Arvada, it was far enough away from Denver to develop a separate identity. Many eastern Cities like Cleveland, Detroit and Buffalo are deteriorating and it also brings about the collapse of the innder suburbs. However Denver is not getting worse; it is getting better. It is interesting to note that the Northwest Area of Denver is undergoing a tremedous revival and it is becoming an area of choice for the new rich. This is the area closer to Arvada.

Arvada in all the areas are undergoing changes and revitilization because it has good housing stock that are close to the city core. In addition, there will be a new commuter line running through Arvada that will stimulate redevelopment.

Today on this nice Sunny Day, I went to the new Library in Old Town and took a walk around the shops and stores. Checked out the new development and restaurants on W.57th and Old Wadsworth. Went to a park and sat on the grass along Ralston Creek.

Watched a flag football game and walked to the ice arena and watched a practice session of figure skating. Saw numerous children walking home from school; mothers pushing babies in strollers; seniors taking walks near a senior center----All this in the center of Arvada. It was not hard to imagine that I was in a little village and there was no other world beyond. That is why I Livecontent

[ColoWeb]

As others have said, it is a bad idea. About 40 miles each way is a long commute plus even worse on bad weather days. Long commute + gas + traffic + frustration is not worth it in my opinion. I am sure that there are many places closer that have a "good feel" to it other than Castle Rock.

[2bindenver]

Originally Posted by livecontent

Arvada a bad area???

No it's not. I'm guessing that the op was referring to Aurora, and somehow confused the two locations.

I once had a relo buyer all but close on a house in Arvada, until I asked what the work address was - so we could see what the commute was like....it was in Aurora. So we begged out of the contract and found something they liked better, closer to work. Seller sold the house to another couple and netted $4,000 more so they were happy too.