Arvada Info -- aka Does anyone live in Arvada? (Denver: rent , work)

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by Ignatz

Wow, livecontent, what a great posting. Not rambly-just comprehensive!

How long does it take to get to Boulder from different parts of Arvada? My husband is a service tech whose work is mainly in Boulder and Longmont. We're looking to move somewhere a lot closer to his work than Greeley, where we are now. Boulder itself is out of the question because of price, of course, and I'd rather live closer to Denver than Longmont. So I'm thinking Arvada, Westminster, Broomfield, Wheat Ridge??

Broomfield is closer to Boulder than Arvada. Wheat Ridge is south of Aravda, thus farther. Westminster is east of Broomfield, ditto.

[livecontent]

Originally Posted by DannyBanany

Are there any plans to build more shopping centers, hotels, restaurants, etc. in Arvada? Are income and property taxes high due to lack of sales taxes?

Income tax is a state tax. I do not believe Arvada Property tax or sales tax is that much difference than other municipalities. What is effected by reduced sales tax revenue is the reduction in the city reserves and reduction of some city services and the relunctance to go forth with further projects. Not to say the services are all that bad. Monies do come from Jefferson County and the State; Arvada is not a poor area for property tax assessment. There are many expensive homes in Arvada.

Yes, there are plans to attract more businesses. There have been some growth along Wadsworth and Old Wadsworth in old town. Nice Dense Development is new near Old Town and subsequently new small retail has been established and continuing near I-70 and Wadsworth (This is Arvada, sole major highway interchange) On Kipling (north of I-70 interchange which is in Wheat Ridge) and some retail in the Western suburbs.

There has been substantial growth in new housing in West Arvada and consequently some retail has followed. Perhaps this will give density that businesses need to develop more extensive retail. In addition, Arvada has the potential for much further growth to the western foothills.

The big growth will happen when the 470 is completed through the Northwest and along the interchanges, Arvada will have a chance to develop, retail, hotels, and light industry and offices. In addition, there will be investments near the commuter rail stations.

As far as a major shopping center, I do not think that will happen. There will be redevelopment of the older shopping area along West 58th and Ralston Road.

Arvada does have many retail business, all the groceries stores are represented in Arvada--with the exception of Walmart--there is movement to try to get them to develop a property on Indiana near West 64th, this is growing retail area in the city.

It has two Targets, Home Depot, Lowe's, a Kohl's, a Kmart, many fast food restaurants and casual restaurants, no hotels other than a extended stay that just opened on Sheridan and 64th--this area has also seen growth in retail.

Note that cities do not build business; businesses are attracted to a market that will make money fo them Cities can give incentives but there has to be transportation access, density of population and a good disposal income.
Arvada has lacked the transportation access. This, as I have said, has been good for peaceful living but bad for commerce. However, I still like the city because it is more laid back then others where heavy traffic and retail has developed.

Take all that I say with a grain of salt. I only know what I read, what I see, and from the minicipal meetings that I have attended.

Livecontent

[wankel7]

I just moved to Arvada and I really wanted to live in that area because I only go to work about six times a month to the airport. So, living closer to the hills but still close to downtown was a must. So it was wheat ridge, arvada, or northern lakewood.

I found a condo to rent in Arvada that is really nice and has a view of the mountains. Granted, I am renting and could not afford to buy it.

But the part I live near has the new supertarget stuff. And close enough to wadsworth and all of the stuff there I need like home depot, lowes, autopart stores.

Honestly, Arvada....like most anywhere in Denver is just like anytown usa. There really isn't anything special about it. What is special is the mountains to the west.

Aravda works for me because its only a 10 mile drive to golden and some great mountain biking at the apex trail

James

[marie_co]

I lived in Arvada for a couple of years and I hated it. The trains drove me insane. Wadsworth is always stop and go. I never felt the sense of community, it was a mundane suburb; and old. Everything is old and not in a good way. It's a good commuter town though. And Old Wadsworth is nice. And the public transportation is pretty good (in Colorado standards which isn't saying a lot).

It's cheap there, you can get a lot more house for your money; but you have to live in Aravda. Each to his own - obviously I am in the minority here. Most people that live there love it a lot it seems.

I would take Golden or Broomfield or Erie or Louiville any day of the week over Arvada.

[tfox]

Originally Posted by marie_co

I would take Golden or Broomfield or Erie or Louiville any day of the week over Arvada.

All nice places, to be sure. However, Arvada's cost of housing is lower than any of them, and it's only about 5 miles from Downtown Denver: one of the closest suburbs to downtown that we have in Metro Denver. For being so close to downtown, it's also quite convenient to get to the mountains. Location-wise, at least, Arvada is an attractive area, not to take anything away from the other places you mentioned.

[livecontent]

Originally Posted by marie_co

I lived in Arvada for a couple of years and I hated it. The trains drove me insane. Wadsworth is always stop and go. I never felt the sense of community, it was a mundane suburb; and old. Everything is old and not in a good way. It's a good commuter town though. And Old Wadsworth is nice. And the public transportation is pretty good (in Colorado standards which isn't saying a lot).

It's cheap there, you can get a lot more house for your money; but you have to live in Aravda. Each to his own - obviously I am in the minority here. Most people that live there love it a lot it seems.

I would take Golden or Broomfield or Erie or Louiville any day of the week over Arvada.

It is interesting to hear other peoples opinions of areas--it gives you a chance to re-evaluated the area you live in, for me--Arvada.

Yes, there are many trains running through Arvada. I starting realizing it when I became involved with the mass transit discussions. It has caused traffic backups. That is why, right now, Wadsworth, near Old Wadsworth, is being rebuilt to put Wadsworth over the tracks. It is necessary because Wadsworth is indeed heavily used. However, most of Arvada is West of Wadsworth and has significantly less traffic through the neighborhoods But most of the commercial businesses are along Wadsworth.

I think Arvada is mundane, kinda a plain jane area--ya, boring, to some, would be a good word. I like an area that has no significant draw for tourist because it just is a quiet place to live.

It is nice to be in an area that has many indepent small local businesses that have been there for years, to go to the local pizza shop, barber shops, the local ball field and watch a game, bars, restaurants, bowling alley that have been opened so long they serve many generations because families have lived here for years. I like to bring my car to the local mechanic, who has been there for years and gives me grief because I do not keep my car maintain to his standards. Going to a restaurant, that has had the same menu for years is very comforting.

Arvada is not any more unique than small towns and suburbs that have these attractions for people who like the "mundane" and commonplace. There are many places that are "just there" around the nation. Colorado has many of these places to live. I like that type of environment because it anchors me more then the trendy newness of "come and go" places.

So, if you are young and like exciting bars and venus, Arvada is not the place. It is also not the place for significant and trendy shopping. It may not have the brag to say "I live in LoneTree" but you can say
"I am content"

Arvada does have a sense of community because it many residents are long term and it has a central old town and there is plenty of interaction between residents in old town events, at the Arvada Center for the Arts and numerous events at churches and the great happenings at the outstanding recreation centers. It is up to the individual to become involved.

Again, I do not agree that it is old in a bad way--whatever you mean--most homes that are old adjacent to old town are kept up very well and getting very pricey because it is becoming the place to be for the seekers of the "real new urbanism". I know of no "ghetto" neigborhoods. There are a few areas in the Southeast that need some work but it has changes tremendously over 25 years, as many of these areas are gone and there has been significant urban renewal. All the area around Sam' Club, Home Depot and Lowe's are all a redevelopment of an older areas that are no more.

There is tremedous development in Old Town with many dense urban housing, new businesses and currently a large project is being completed on in the Middle of Old Town that keeps the essential characteristics of the area.

Most of the City has meandering parks through neighborhoods of different ages and types. This is the notable feature of Arvada and trails run from east to west to the foothills. This you can see in a Video of the Trails
YouTube - Arvada Trails on your Tube.

To get more information on Arvada, and view numerous videos on Activities
City and Community of Arvada: Welcome.

I do strongly disagree with your comments about the public transportation provided by RTD---it is outstanding for a Denver, a relatively smaller city, how it extends way out into the suburbs. It is also impressive that the people of Colorado have committed to the largest built out of commuter rail and buses in the nation--under the Fastracks projects. To know it, you have to use it like I have. I have lived and worked in New York City, consdered the best mass transit we have in this country and I still am stunned that this western cow town has such a great public transportation.

It is good that every on of us have different opinions and desire different ways of living---this gives us many options for places to live. As we age and go through different stages of life, our opinions and needs change and it is nice to have a choice.


Livecontent

[marie_co]

All good points tfox, it is very close to Denver and is fairly centerally located so it's easy to get most everywhere from Arvada.

Very interesting comments livecontent. I can see that there would be community with the long time residents. I didn't get that at all but I also was a new resident, young and only lived there for two years.

It's so funny, I could absolutely love one town and think it to be the best place ever and another would find it to be the worst place to live. I don't know if there is any one town, city, state or even country that is universally accepted as being "the greatest place to live."

I truly hope that I didn't offend Arvada people, it was just my own take on the town. I appreciate that others don't agree and love their town - which is great!!

[livecontent]

Originally Posted by marie_co

All good points tfox, it is very close to Denver and is fairly centerally located so it's easy to get most everywhere from Arvada.

Very interesting comments livecontent. I can see that there would be community with the long time residents. I didn't get that at all but I also was a new resident, young and only lived there for two years.

It's so funny, I could absolutely love one town and think it to be the best place ever and another would find it to be the worst place to live. I don't know if there is any one town, city, state or even country that is universally accepted as being "the greatest place to live."

I truly hope that I didn't offend Arvada people, it was just my own take on the town. I appreciate that others don't agree and love their town - which is great!!

You did not offent anybody, all you said was an opinion from your point of view--which would be your age, history, likes, dislikes. I agreed with some of your opinions.

You know Arvada is somewhat boring but for my age that is good; I really liked Boulder when I was younger. It should be noted that Arvada is a suburbs of a large city, so it serves as a bedroom community. It does not have to have all that the city has, that is what the city is for, to go see and do more exciting things. If Arvada was alone, in a region, it would be the main attraction and more amusements would be wanted.

It is more economical for a region to concentrate wealth and investments into central libraries, opera companies, museums etc, in the center core city that will serve the region.

One thought I have had, over the years. My brother lives in LoneTree. During the week, it has heavy traffic because of businesses, the Park Meadow Mall, all the other retail, restaurants around the mall. On the weekend, the traffic is even heavier because it draws many people, from other areas, who shop there and the residents are at home.

My brother lives off of Yosemite and the area is always congested. So, when he goes home from a hard day at work, he goes back to an area that is vibrant with people and traffic.

Now look at Arvada. It does not draw people to shop. There are less destination offices and businesses. There are no highways that cross through the City. During the week it is quiet. On the weekend, there are just the people who live there, coming and going to recreations and shopping. When, I was working Downtown and Inverness Park, it was a pleasure to come back to the peace and quiet of Arvada and to have the weekends to enjoy the extensive park systems.

If, I want exciting entertainment, great shopping--I go to the areas, that are very close by, Downtown, Boulder or even LoneTree--but I can return to tranquility of Arvada. If I want, to go to the mountains, I am closer and it is an easy jaunt.

That is the same reason, many people choose to commute from semi-isolated mountain communities; it is a quiet refuge from the world.

That is what I like, others like excitement and people around all the time. That is why some people like to live downtown or in central Boulder. My sister-in-law loves living in Lonetree, she can live near all the great shopping, what she enjoys.

There are many suburbs that have the same characteristics and there are many areas of the Denver that are quiet and not destinations for the masses.

These are just a thoughts of mind. It is wonderful that we have choices and differences in people.

Livecontent

[marie_co]

Thanks for your insight livecontent. You have great posts by the way.

[lonel71]

Any tips on public elementary schools in Arvada? We are moving to the Denver area from North Carolina. I'm a Second Grade teacher (but won't be working next year) and have always had the inside scoop on the schools and teachers wherever we've lived, but won't this time. Our daughter will be a First Grader next year. We don't know anything about the area and would appreciate any advice.
Thanks!