Situated just northwest of Denver, Olde Town Arvada has a small-town feel and a community charm that is hard to beat.
With a great range of restaurants, bars, galleries, shops, and breweries, there is plenty to do in this turn-of-the-century city. Not to mention the plentiful parks and outdoor spaces.
If you’re thinking about moving to Denver – Arvada, this neighborhood guide will give you everything you need to know.
But if you’re looking for a neighborhood in Denver for young professionals, you should seriously consider Uptown Denver – head to our next neighborhood guide to learn more.
A short history
Arvada’s history began in 1850 when the initial discovery of gold started the Rush in the West. Lewis Ralston was panning Clear Creek when he made his first discovery before moving on to California. He returned in 1858 with a group of gold seekers to the ancestral lands of the Cheyenne and Arapahoe to the banks that now share his name.
By 1870, the Colorado Central Railroad reached Arvada and people began flocking to the area. The population at the time was 100, and the area became an organized territory.
In 1904, historic Olde Town Arvada was officially incorporated, and today, over 124,000 residents call this area home.
Top things to do
Within the city, you’ll find 90 different parks, a range of annual festivals, and a weekly farmers’ market. There is plenty to do in this small city, both outdoors and in.
- Arvada is home to 125 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
- At Archery Games Denver, you can battle your friends with foam-tipped arrows and bows in a crazy archery-meets-dodgeball style game.
- The Rocky Flats Institute and Museum is a must-visit to learn more about the history of Arvada, including the story of Colorado’s Rocky Flats nuclear weapons plant.
- For those who love golf, the Indian Tree Golf Club has a great mix of tricky hazards, well-kept fairways, and jaw-dropping views of the Rocky Mountain range.
Looking for a neighborhood for fitness lovers? Check out our neighborhood guide on Washington Park – the perfect place to call home if you love the outdoors.
Real estate
House prices in Arvada are slowly on the rise. Over the last year, houses have sold for an average price of $575K. Old Town Arvada has a very competitive, with homes selling in just 20 days.
There’s a great range of property types in Arvada, but the most common are single-family homes, including ranch and two-story houses.
If you’re looking to rent, the average you’ll pay a month is $1,803, with the average apartment size being 836 sq. ft.
Favorite places
There are some great places to visit when in Arvada, but here are a couple of our all-time favorites.
For culture: Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
The Arvada Center has three theaters that host a range of musicals and shows throughout the year. There are two art gallery floors for shows and an interesting museum on the history of the city.
For a bite to eat: Steuben’s Food Service
You can’t beat the comfort food and late-night happy hour at Steuben’s Food Service. If you’re going to visit, try the lobster rolls and green chili cheeseburger – thank us later!
For a drink: Olde Town Arvada
Olde Town Arvada is home to the Arvada Beer Company, Yak and Yeti Restaurant and Brewpub, and the Grand Lake Brewing Tavern. This is a great spot for a night out and some delicious local beers.
Cost of living & employment
The average cost of living in Arvada is $1951, making it the 14th most expensive city in Colorado (out of a total of 28). When it comes to employment, the median after-tax salary is $3757, which is higher than the national average.
The cost of living in Arvada is high, but this city consistently ranks as one of the happiest, with a great quality of life for locals.
There’s also a wide range of employment opportunities available, with thousands of openings listed on job boards. This suburb is a short 15-minute drive from downtown Denver, which makes it a good choice for commuters.
Thinking of moving to Denver?
Olde Town Arvada is a quaint city with a small-town feel—perfect for families looking for a friendly neighborhood to call home. With help from trusted movers in Arvada, settling in is a breeze. The area offers plenty to do, beautiful parks, and strong employment opportunities.
If you’re planning a relocation, a reliable moving company in Denver can help you explore other areas too. And if Olde Town isn’t quite the right fit, check out our next guide on South Broadway—one of Denver’s most vibrant and culturally rich neighborhoods.
