Been living here since 2006. Crime rate is something to consider — Arvada sits at 217.5 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,802 for rent here. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Let me know your thoughts. The suburbs are where most families end up.
15 upvotes
6 Replies
Joseph C.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The weather is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
dc_skylar
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 24, moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- West: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
35 upvotes
Reagan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 55, moved here 11 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Highland and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Tampa, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
30 upvotes
Jacob R.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Riverside area are excellent. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
Sean H.
Came here for weather and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The traffic is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Bennett Anderson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 1 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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