Arvada, CO

Welcome to

Nestled just northwest of Denver, Arvada is a home-rule city straddling Jefferson and Adams counties. Founded in 1870 and incorporated in 1904, it now ranks as Colorado’s seventh-largest city with a population of around 124,400 and a median age near 40 years

Lifestyle & entertainment

Arvada offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.
Its heart, Olde Town Arvada, boasts pedestrian-friendly streets lined with shops, galleries, restaurants, breweries, and cafés—often hosting live music and community events .
Skyline Skatepark and over 150 miles of bike and pedestrian trails across 4,200+ acres of parks offer outdoor fun .
Culture thrives at the Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities, a major regional arts hub with galleries, theaters, museum exhibits, and an amphitheater

Climate & Weather

Arvada enjoys a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons—warm, dry summers; crisp, snowy winters; and abundant sunshine—ideal for year-round recreation .

Education

Served by Jefferson County Public Schools (District R‑1), Arvada includes educational pillars such as Arvada High School (est. 1900) .
Higher‑ed opportunities include Red Rocks Community College–Arvada campus and proximity to metro-area universities.

Demographics

With ~124,400 residents, Arvada has a median age around 40 years and a median household income of about $113,400 .
The population is roughly 77% White (non‑Hispanic), ~8% Hispanic/multi‑racial combined, with smaller Asian, Black, and other communities .

Crime & safety

Arvada’s overall crime rate is somewhat above the national average—about 28 crimes per 1,000 residents—with violent crime at ~2.1/1,000 and property crime ~25.8/1,000 .
Vehicle theft is notable: a 1 in 219 chance annually .
Still, many neighborhoods enjoy community-focused safety efforts and active civic engagement.

Cost of Living

Arvada’s cost of living index stands around 110–109, meaning roughly 10% higher than the U.S. average .
Median home value is ~$595,000–$600,000; median rent is about $1,800–1,804 per month .
Housing is the primary cost driver, while services and groceries remain near average .

Culture & history

Arvada’s history shines in Olde Town, filled with historic buildings and public art, including the restored 1882 schoolhouse. The Arvada Center presents regional arts and historical exhibits, while nearby Rocky Flats and Two Ponds wildlife refuges reflect the area’s rich environmental legacy .
Notable natives include Clive Cussler, Isaac Slade (The Fray), and Hazel Miller

Transportation

Public transportation shines in Arvada: the RTD G Line commuter rail offers service from Dubuque/Olde Town and Arvada Ridge stations to Denver’s Union Station, with park‑n‑rides and public art. A network of RTD bus routes complements rail, and the city is bicycle‑friendly, with a Silver‑Level Bicycle Friendly Community designation