Good neighborhoods in Arvada/Northwest of Denver (Boulder, Golden: apartment complexes, rental homes)

[jlforever]

Hello. My family and are relocating to Denver and have two small children (one infant and one preschooler). I used to live in Arvada back in 2000, and now am hoping to relocate to the same area. I liked the proximity to the mountains, easy access to Boulder and downtown Denver, etc. We like being outdoors and that's one of the reasons we have been trying to get to Denver- for the climate and many outdoor activities. A neighborhood near a park or walking trails would be awesome, but at this point we'd settle for a grassy backyard and nice dry climate. (We currently live on the east coast and have not liked the humidty and high amount of bugs)
Can anyone give me an idea of what neighborhoods are nice and family friendly over there? We are initially going to rent a house or apartment, then purchase a home in the area. I have been looking at apartments and rental homes but don't know what I'm looking at. Even any information as to what parts of town are family friendly would be good (north, south, "above __th street", etc). My husband will be working downtown and we are not opposed to commutes since we are from California where an hour commute is pretty much the norm. (Closer to half an hour would be nicer though)
I would like information on neighborhoods to look for homes in too...since we'll be looking to buy in September.
Also (sorry for so many requests) if anyone has small children in preschool I would love a recommendation so we can start looking to secure him a spot for the Fall!
Thank you.

[Bradburn1]

I have a friend who lives in Village of Five Parks and loves it. Says has lots of young families and a feeling of community.

[jlforever]

Thank you...I'll look into it.

[Althea]

jlforever - how is your search going?

I am also considering renting in Arvada for the next couple of years and would love more information about the area, especially with regards to family friendly neighborhoods and Elementary schools. It seems like there are a lot of parks and trails in certain areas, and I would love more info on the best bike and hiking trails and parks.

Thanks so much.

[livecontent]

The best place to find reasonable apartments that are bordered by good safe neighborhoods in Arvada is along Ralston Road.Now this a little confusing but Ralston Road starts in the old east Arvada as West 58th but when it hits Independence it goes North, which is still Ralston; it turns northwest to West 64th and then straight west on west 64th--this is still again Ralston Road.

This area of Ralston Road on West 64th is the best area for Apartments. If you look at it in google map, you will see many apartment complexes along this road. They are all nice. At Simms and W64th, you will see Arvada West High School to the southeast corner--that is new and remodeled. South of the High School is the Allendale section of Arvada and has good established homes that extend to West 58th, North of the extensive soccer fields and ball parks.

Along this way of W64th, you will also see other schools. The homes north and south of 64th are all a very good area. Parks are interspersed throughout with recreation centers. No, matter where you live, you will be close to a park and trails. You can also look for nice homes in the area around Ward and West 64th, with newer homes the further west you go. North on Ward, it will continue to older more established nice neighborhoods to West 72nd. West on 72nd. is also good homes, schools and parks and the largest recreational center in the area, the Apex Center, on the south side, which sits on a meandering trails and Parks. The zip code for all this is 80004. All this is considered the Ralston Valley, along Ralston Creek. A good overlook and view of the valley is to go on West 80th and just Past Simms, over the rail tracks, you can see the full expanse of the valley.

I have lived in this area of West Arvada and you really cannot go wrong with any neighborhood. I have not rented for many years but I have been by all these complexes and visited people and I never heard any problems with any of them. They all seem well maintained and the adjoining neighborhoods and stores are all a very good area.

You could go farther west into Arvada, past Indiana--this area is called Westwood, after the Golf Course. The homes are more expensive, not necessarily larger lots; but I think it lacks the characteristics of the older established walkable neighborhoods. It still is a very nice area and has main shopping at west 64th and McIntyre. I know of no apartments in that area. In addition, buses,except for some periodic trips, end at 64th and Ward.

The areas going north and northwest are again newer areas, like five parks, but again they are well beyond any bus service and I would not consider them to be walkable within easy reach of reasonable grocery, drug stores and restaurants. However, they have appeal to people who need to drive, want to drive and have to drive to all activities. Again, there are nice parks there, as well as all areas of Arvada.

Livecontent

[Althea]

Livecontent -

I can't thank you enough. I don't know Arvada very well and my initial Craigslist search has been pretty confusing.

Back to Google maps I go!

[SheridanL]

Applewood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Althea]

Is Applewood an area or an apartment complex?

[SheridanL]

It's an area, town.
It is next to Golden and western Arvada, right at the foothills.
Good to get everywhere from there. Google it, it is one of my favorite towns. Very nice! Livecontent has also recommended it in the past. He knows the area very well!!

[Althea]

Thanks so much. I am getting a better sense of Arvada and the surrounding areas now, thank to you all.