Unfortunately, Westminster is a very spread out city and encompasses many busy streets and suffers from the diseases of a sprawling suburbs. The only area that I think offers the ability to have a close-in walkable neighborhood would be the old, original city center centered on 72nd. and Federal. Westminster spread out concentrically from that center.
The city decided to relocate the city hall, courts and police to a new area of 92nd. and Sheridan, in hopes that this Westminster Mall area would become a city center. But at the same time, it build the big parks and recreation centers, up on Sheridan near 112th. New extensive shopping is way up on 136th. So, essentially the city has becoming fragmented and does not have a small town feel. Also, you would need a car to fully enjoy that city and you would be driving on heavily traveled streets.
Again, the old town still has essential shopping, a recreation center, churches, a library all within walkable distance. You have to understand that this area is a really good diverse area of Hispanics and Asians. It also had good bus transportation and a commuter rail station is planned for 6 years in the future. I go to this area often; I live very close in Arvada. I enjoy shopping the ethnic stores and I fully appreciate the diversity and an older neighborhood.
I would suggest you look into Arvada. I think a good area would be housing around 80th and Wadsworth to 88th and Wadsworth, which is right next to the Westminster Boundary at 88th. You would have essential shopping like Target, Grocery stores which are walkable. East and west just adjacent of Wadsworth off of Pomona have nice housing. You would also have good public bus transit on Wadsworth and you would be very near the Westminster Park n' Ride on Sheridan and 88th, which is extremely well served by buses. Major Dept Stores of Sears, Penny's are also at the mall at 88th and Sheridan.
If you really want a small town feel than the older area of Arvada on West 58th (Ralston Road), just west of Wadsworth would be the place. The area is a highly desired area to live, and has never deteriorated. It is well kept and is very safe place to live. Every time I walk around there, I think of an Andy Hardy movie.
This old town area is well served by buses. There is the library, a Post Office, the city hall and Police. It is very walkable and there are basic grocery, just west on 58th. The driving you would be doing around the city would be on less congested streets, as there are no highways going through Arvada. It has a Park n' Ride and will be a future location for a commuter rail station. Arvada was developed as a separate agricultural community and consequently has developed an old city center. It extends out into the Ralston Valley to the foothills to the west and is known for the extensive trails and park system, permeated by creeks and reservoirs.
I live in South East Arvada. My aged parents in their 80s live just in West Arvada. They also do not like to drive much and they like the feel of Arvada because it is easy to get around and it has that quiet small town feel.
Livecontent
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Where would you look for a house near Westminster?
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