Arvada, CO

Arvada is a large suburb, just seven miles from the mountain metropolis of Denver. Once a gold-mining town, Arvada has blossomed and is now home to more than 105,000 residents. The city has boomed with business ever since it was incorporated in 1904. However, this diverse city still maintains a safe, hometown feel with a crime rate significantly lower than the national average. The Arvada Urban Renewal Authority has undertaken several projects to keep the city up-to-date while maintaining its historic charm.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

Manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and retail provide Arvada with the majority of its jobs. Companies in these industries are some of the major employers in the area:

• Barber-Nichols
• Costco
• Hill Petroleum
• Mark VII
• Industrialex Manufacturing
• New York Life Insurance
• Kohl's

Although there are no major hospitals in the city, there are plenty of private medical offices, as well as Arvada Health Center, a long-term care facility. Some residents commute to Denver and other surrounding areas as well. The Arvada Chamber of Commerce provides a variety of networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

• 64th Avenue/Ralston Road: Located on the far west side of town, this district is home to upper-middle-class families. It is a sophisticated area with high home values.
• Brooks Drive/Independence Street: On the west side of town, this is a middle-class, urban district.
• City Center: This downtown district is located around three local parks: Memorial Park, Hoskinson Park, and North Jeffco Community Park. The area is mostly pedestrian-friendly and is undergoing an urban renewal project. Rental rates are low here in comparison with the rest of the area.
• Semper: This neighborhood is at the north end of the city, with demographics similar to those of City Center. Semper is small, urban, and pedestrian-friendly. The median home value is $259,000. Lake Arbor and Lake Arbor Golf Course are located in this district.
• Sheridan Boulevard/64th Avenue: This is an urban downtown area with three city parks. It is somewhat artsy and is moderately priced. Rental rates are average, and the median home value is $236,000.
• Wallace Village: This is a quiet area that is home to many families with school-age children. The district is also home to a golf course and an airport. Rental rates here are very high, but home values are average, coming in at about $279,000.

GOVERNMENT

The city of Arvada is a municipality with a council-manager form of government. There are four council districts from which councilmembers are elected, along with two elected councilmembers at large, and a mayor. The City Manager is appointed by the council to manage the city's daily operations and to oversee the directors of various city departments.

FAMILY FUN

Within Arvada's city limits, there are more than 70 parks, 55 playgrounds, 11 recreation centers, and 2 skate parks. Residents have access to numerous sports complexes, tennis courts, and multipurpose ball fields. In addition, there are three special-purpose parks for those living in Arvada: a dog park, a disc park,and an equestrian center. A variety of youth programs and sports teams are also available for residents. The Arvada/Blunn Reservoir not provides Arvada with a quarter of its drinking water, but also serves as a recreation area for boating (no gas-powered boats are allowed), fishing, and hiking.

FOR VISITORS

Several museums and cultural centers celebrate Arvada's heritage:

• Arvada Flour Mill Museum: This old flour mill is now a museum, but it still has most of the original equipment. The mill was built in 1926 and has since been restored.
• Majestic View Nature Center: This is a nature park and museum that houses exhibits about the area's history. The museum has a walking trail that offers visitors a view of native wildlife.
• Historic Olde Town Arvada: This area dates back to the 19th century, when prospectors first came to town. The historic buildings still stand today; they now serve as shops, restaurants, offices, and galleries. This downtown area is pedestrian-friendly, and plenty of parking is available. Walking tours are available through the Arvada Historical Society.