Hi all, Military spouse here. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. With a population of 123K, Arvada is a mid-size city. Crime rate is something to consider — Arvada sits at 217.5 per 100K. Median household income is $113,396, which feels pretty solid for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
8 upvotes
11 Replies
Sebastian
thanks for sharing
38 upvotes
Cameron Clark
bump
34 upvotes
Gianna Baker
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Hudson B.
hard disagree but ok
24 upvotes
Gabriel Reed
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Westside area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Aubrey H.
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
21 upvotes
Adrian
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 57, moved here 11 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Westside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
19 upvotes
Walter L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 52, moved here 4 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in West and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Seattle, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
15 upvotes
Jayden
seconding this
7 upvotes
Emily R.
it depends on the neighborhood
7 upvotes
Benjamin Parker
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Phoenix it's hit or miss.
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