Arvada subdivisions (Denver, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge: relocating, estate, landscaping)

[McKinley Morganfield]

Relocating to Denver. A need for good schools and a job near Golden, plus a desire to maximize house size per dollar, have us looking at Arvada. We're looking for newer houses instead of older classic homes. We have seen 3 or 4 subdivisions we really like. I'd like to get comments from those who know about them. In particular, I'm looking at family friendliness (we have 2 kids), overall neighborhood quality (i.e., nice neighbors, togetherness, easy to meet people, convenience to shopping).

We like Five Parks, Sunset Ridge, Fieldstone and Westwoods. Right now, we especially like Five Parks for its sense of community. Sunset Ridge seems nice but a little bland; Fieldstone is like an older Five Parks (same builder) with larger lots but small and without the community-activity aspect, and Westwoods seems to be all over the map.

Thoughts on any or all of these?

[ktk9]

I grew up in Arvada, and lived in Westwoods for several years, where my parents still reside. I think westwoods circle and its side streets (which were the first homes to be developed), is really family friendly. It seems like the same people that were there 15 years ago, are still there today. I would say that is very true for the homes that back up to the golf course. On a summer night you will always see several couples, familys and kids taking walks, playing in the streets, and having get togethers.

I would say any of your choices above would be good... Have you considered building a new home?

[rockiesredhead]

Hi and welcome to Denver! We currently live in Arvada and have owned houses in both Fieldstone and are currently in Westwoods. This is a terrific part of Denver for families. I have 3 children, 10 and under, and we love the neighborhoods, the schools, all the nearby activities, and the people! There are lots of young families who are active and seem very open to meeting new people.

You named some good options, and it all depends on what you like. Sunset Ridge and Fieldstone are similar in that they have nice size homes and many have decent yards. The landscaping in Fieldstone has matured nicely. They have a new park nearby, but no community amenities. Westwoods is a very desirable address, and has a top ranked school that is hard to get into unless you live withing the boundaries. It does not have appointed amenities, either (except for WW Estates which has a pool, park and tennis courts.) However, it has an awesome golf course. Five Parks is the newest with very nice parks, some shops and an awesome outdoor pool. The school is very good in this neigborhood as well. Some of the houses have very small yards, however.

I love the area for the proximity to the mountains and easy commute north, south and even downtown. My one complaint is that there is not enough restaurants or retail in the area. It's improving, however. I usually go to Golden or over to Wadsworth, about 7 miles east.

You may also want to check out a new development on North Table Mountain (north Golden) which has some lovely homes and an outdoor pool.

[Sockeye]

Five Parks lies in a very windy area just to the southeast of where Rocky Flats is. If you can stand wind, then you'd probably have no problem with it.
Be sure to check out Old Town Arvada. It has recently experienced a rebirth replete with nice family operated restaurants, boutiques, live music clubs, and a walkable New Urban style community just to it's south. When the Gold Line of light rail is completed, there will be a station in Old Town.

[McKinley Morganfield]

Originally Posted by 9One5

I grew up in Arvada, and lived in Westwoods for several years, where my parents still reside. I think westwoods circle and its side streets (which were the first homes to be developed), is really family friendly. It seems like the same people that were there 15 years ago, are still there today. I would say that is very true for the homes that back up to the golf course. On a summer night you will always see several couples, familys and kids taking walks, playing in the streets, and having get togethers.

I would say any of your choices above would be good... Have you considered building a new home?

What we found with Westwoods is that most of the homes are getting in need of updating, which made little sense at the price point.

Building a new home won't work because we need to move in now and don't want to move twice. We looked at Spring Mesa, where some spec homes are selling for super cheap and new builds are available, but the neighborhood is still a mess of construction and not as cozy.

[McKinley Morganfield]

Originally Posted by rockiesredhead

You may also want to check out a new development on North Table Mountain (north Golden) which has some lovely homes and an outdoor pool.

No houses available there in our price range. But it sure looked like a nice neighborhood.

[SheridanL]

I used to live in Arvada. 2 different locations...but that was a time ago. My ex is still in the 50th and Ward road location.

I spent a ton of time in Golden then and, always LOVED Applewood. That would be my pick! JMO.

[livecontent]

I have lived in Arvada for many years in many locations and I would say that anywhere you pick would be nice---but I do have to second SheridanL pick---Applewood is a great little area in Wheat Ridge/Lakewood, along Youngfield---and I too, really like this area. Why? because it has the great older homes, good shopping and bus connecting point with multiple buses. In addition The Wheat Ridge Green Belt is one of the best with clear creek, multiple parks and heavy foliage in some places, which is rare in this area.

To me Applewood can be considered a good Transit Oriented Development because the stores are easily walkable, has good basic shopping, Walmart, King Soopers, Walgreens etc. as opposed to expensive "fluff" stores you see in some of these other developments, nice expansive mix of restaurants and most of all it has good public transportation with close access to a good Hospital, Lutheran.

So this gets to the point of why I consider Five Parks an area that does not meet my expectations, compared to Applewood: over priced stores and restaurants which you will tire of quickly, no basic shopping, and most of all no public transit. In addition, Five Parks has private public areas that dramatically increase individual monthly fees when you can get the more public space which are already taxed, maintained by the county and/or city in other areas, even new areas.

It may very well appeal to other people and in the future it may develop charm as it ages but for me, it does not fit. I would prefer older homes or newer infill homes in some of the established neigborhoods of Arvada with good transit and shopping that meets everyday needs.

Yea, I know some of you are thinking that all this guy talks about is public transit, well, think about me when you fill your gas tank.

Livecontent

[ackp17]

Hi. We've lived in Fieldstone for over 8 years and have made great friends here that we now travel, golf, and regularly BBQ with. Our kids are 8 & 6 and have lots of neighbor kids to play with. The neighborhood school, Fairmount, is great and has really grown in the last few years; it has mostly been rebuilt, just finished last year, with excellent parent involvement. I will say the only thing I really miss is the neighborhood amenities of a pool and clubhouse, but as you look on the West side of Denver, you will find these hard to come by. Most communities southeast of Denver do have them.

We lived in West Woods when we were first married (i.e.g, pre-kids and work-a-holics) so didn't meet too many neighbors there. However, great neighborhood paths and golf course.

Good luck in your search!

[frogandtoad]

Originally Posted by McKinley Morganfield

We like Five Parks,


Thoughts on any or all of these?

I know this is an old thread, but I have to say that we were looking around there and over and over we heard people say do not move to Five Parks!! I must say, now that I have googled Rocky Flats I would not take a free house in there. I agree it's a neat looking place, but that close to Rocky Flats? I would be scared of health hazards, esp. cancer. I know they "scraped" the ground, but many people feel the ground water and soil would still be affected.

At a minimum, be sure to google and research the area. That neighborhood has a very scary history across the road and it would be way too close for comfort for me!!