Firstly why Arvada, Colorado?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Arvada
• State: Colorado
• Population: 121,272 people
• Arvada’s quick summary would be Known for the charming Olde Town Arvada district and its rich mining history.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 8,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 7,000 annually
• Net Migration: 1000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 2,000
• Number of Homeless people: 400

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a suburban lifestyle near Denver attracting families and professionals

Perk #1: Arvada Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 34%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $74,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Arvada is $76,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $2000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Arvada’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 105 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,878
• Property Tax %: 0.87%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,450
• Rent for an average house: $2,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Arvada Center
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Arvada, Westminster, Thornton, Broomfield, and probably could include Golden
• Avg. Age of Homes in Arvada: 45 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Arvada’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Arvada are  Retail, Healthcare, and Construction
• Arvada Job Scene: healthy job market in retail and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech scene focused on health tech and local business innovation , ,
• Arvada Resident’s pay $1,300 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Arvada: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 170 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 9

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Arvada

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $110 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-70 and I-76 provide access through Arvada connecting to Denver
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic bottlenecks on Wadsworth Boulevard
• Transportation Score: 32 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Arvada: 60,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.5
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Arvada: dmv.colorado.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: Denver International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Arvada’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Wildfires
• General Weather in Arvada is best described as has cold winters with occasional snow and mild summers with moderate temperatures
• Winter Weather in Arvada i’d describe as cold with some snow
• Spring Weather in Arvada can be described as cool with mild days
• Summer’s in Arvada are mostly warm and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Arvada is usually cool and sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 12 days in summer
• Days in a row in Arvada below Freezing: 33
• Average Annual Rainfall: 15 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality impacted by metropolitan pollution
• Arvada Winter Air mixed air quality influenced by nearby urban activity

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Arvada Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Arvada 1
• While the number of trade schools inside Arvadas’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Arvada Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Arvada Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 6 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Arvada only Doctors is about 30
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Arvada only Police Officers is about 140
• Crime Rate Index: 20/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Arvada’s Monthly utility bill average is $130
• Arvada’s Monthly Gym Membership: $48
• Arvada’s Water Quality Score: 82

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Arvada

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: suburban area with parks and a friendly community atmosphere
• You might enjoy local concerts at the Arvada Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Arvada  features local breweries and eateries with a welcoming atmosphere for casual evenings with friends

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Arvada

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a variety of family-friendly restaurants and chain dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 60 scattered around Arvada
• The Popular Sports Team is Arvada West High School
• Top Level Political Climate in Arvada can be described as moderately liberal suburb focusing on community engagement
• Arvada’s Longer standing religious establishment is Arvada United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Arvada Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Arvada has 50 Parks?
• Arvada Reservoir is Arvada’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Arvada Farmers Market normally open Thursday 4pm-8pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and outdoor events

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Arvada Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Arvada can be described as steady suburban atmosphere with a strong sense of community
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Arvada hiking scenic trails attending fairs picnicking in parks
• The Cities people commute to from Arvada are Denver 10 miles away Westminster 5 miles away Golden 12 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Arvada or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic bottlenecks on Wadsworth Boulevard. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Arvada’s Wildfires risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Arvada Center is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Arvada are Denver 10 miles away Westminster 5 miles away Golden 12 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 20 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Arvada has 33 days in a row below freezing and 12 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Arvada people have an average (positive or negative) $2000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   400 homeless people living in Arvada. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general moderately liberal suburb focusing on community engagement could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Arvada.

Retiree & Senior Life in Arvada

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for local incentives designed to help ease property tax burdens
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Atria Senior Living
• Arvada Senior Center provides meal programs fitness classes and community events for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Arvada, Colorado?

If Arvada, Colorado ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Arvada, Colorado, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!