Federal Heights (Denver, Arvada, Westminster: mortgage, budget, condominiums)

[crzdcdr]

What is some general information about Federal Heights that would be good to know before moving there?
About how long does it take to drive to Denver city from Federal Heights?
Is there much to do in Federal Heights itself?

[downtownnola]

As far as I know, Federal Heights is surrounded by Thornton and Westminster- it's a tiny suburb. I really don't know that much about that area, but I beleive Water World is in Federal Heights. It's not too far from downtown- depending on traffic I would guess 15-20 minutes.

[Mikieo415]

Originally Posted by crzdcdr

What is some general information about Federal Heights that would be good to know before moving there?
About how long does it take to drive to Denver city from Federal Heights?
Is there much to do in Federal Heights itself?

Water world is there. It is a huge water park open in the summer. Other than that it is your run of the mill suburban Denver city, about 15 minutes from downtown, about 30 minutes or so during rush hour. A lot of people shutter because there are a lot of manufactured houses in Federal heights and the surrounding area. Some of the parks are bad, but most are good.

[crzdcdr]

I've heard it's somewhat ghetto, which doesn't bother me at all. Is that true?

Also, are there any other suburbs in the Northern Denver area that can compete with the prices of houses in Federal Heights?

Thanks for the replies.

[tfox]

Originally Posted by crzdcdr

I've heard it's somewhat ghetto, which doesn't bother me at all. Is that true?

Not really "ghetto". More like "trailer park central." It's certainly not a high-income area, but it's not the worst either.

[steveco.]

Well it is located on Federal (hence the name) which has a notorious rep as, not ghetto persey but gritty maybe. There are some areas of newer construction in the city. Check up around 104th ave and federal which is the main area up there.

[crzdcdr]

I see. I'm not really into trailers.
How does Thornton, Westminster and Arvada compare as far as being "trailer park central"? I expect Arvada is a bit more expensive, but otherwise it seems pretty similar to the others listed.
Thanks again for the input.

[steveco.]

I wouldn't say trailer parks but more along the lines of older stock housing that is smaller and a bit run down. Thornton, Westminster have the same type of neighboorhoods but they are also some of the quickest growing cities in the state and have some newer hoods as well, it really depends on your budget. Arvada is more of a bedroom community with older housing stock as well but its been taken care of well.

[tfox]

There's a few trailer parks in Thornton / Westminster, but not all that many. Generally, Thornton gets nicer as you head north, Westminster as you head west and north. Arvada is pretty nice everywhere, though unlike Thornton and Westminster there are no newer neighborhoods there.

[livecontent]

Originally Posted by tfox

There's a few trailer parks in Thornton / Westminster, but not all that many. Generally, Thornton gets nicer as you head north, Westminster as you head west and north. Arvada is pretty nice everywhere, though unlike Thornton and Westminster there are no newer neighborhoods there.

One of the rare times, I have to disagree with you. Arvada has many new neigborhoods. You will see brand new construction, west past Indiana north and south of West 64th toward the Arvada Reservoir; this is considered the WestWood area of Arvada, named after the golf course; In addition, there are many new developments north on Indiana past 72nd to west and east. This is where you will find the Village of Five Parks, which is in Arvada. There is much development going on in these areas and adjacent and and locations in the Leyden area. In addition Arvada is planning a very large development off of Hwy. 72., Coal Creek Canyon Rd. just on the north side of the hwy, west of Indiana.

Keep in mind that there is no other city west of Arvada, west to the mountains and Coal Creek Canyon, so there are many areas to grow, as the city acquires land in these unincorporated areas. However, just to note that their is many reserved open spaces and parks that have been set aside.

There are also pockets of new homes, off of Alkire, and Simms, Kipling north of 72nd and off of West 64th.

In addition, new many new condominiums are in old town and in the area south of W.52nd.

Arvada has much area for development along borders with Wheat Ridge--where there are new homes off of Kipling. In addition, there are areas of development nearing the borders with northeast Golden, off of 58th, west of Ward. There are more areas south and west of these developments that are in unincorporated Jefferson County and may be acquired by Arvada.

Some building has somewhat paused due to this so-called mortgage problem but there are many new homes available.

Livecontent