There was a time where Arvada was rarely mentioned on news broadcasts, radio or television commercials, or pretty much anywhere else. Those days are long gone; in 2019, website ApartmentTherapy.com called it one of the coolest suburbs in the country. Tucked away between Denver and Boulder along the base of the foothills, this bustling and historic town is one of the most attractive areas for new homeowners in the state.

Residents and visitors don't have far to go in order to enjoy a great mix of outdoor excursions, cultural experiences, and dining explorations. Arvada is packed with miles of hiking and bicycling trails for those who seek outdoor adventure. It also features a busy and hip Olde Town area with a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, galleries, and boutiques. It's also home to The Arvada Center, one of the largest multi-disciplinary arts venues in the country, attracting artists from around the globe.

Arvada's quality of life and commutability to both Downtown Denver, Boulder, and Golden makes it hugely attractive to a wide variety of people. It combines the smaller home-town vibe and views of the mountains with a hip, modern side that lends itself to community involvement and events, such as farmer's markets, movies in the park, festivals, and more. Check it out once, and you'll probably be sold.

(Arvada also happens to be Kevin DeSelms' hometown, if you detect a little favoritism in this page).

Arvada natives and long-term residents are a tight-knit bunch and take pride in where they live. Home styles vary wildly between 1970s-style bungalows and craftsman style homes in the older areas, to more contemporary construction as you venture out toward the foothills. In Olde Town there is a lightrail stop that can take passengers to Denver's Union Station, giving them access to virtually everything the city offers. 

Once upon a time, Arvada was not able to boast a wide variety of dining options...but with the growth it has experienced over the last decade, that has certainly changed. Today, there are quality options for just about any appetite and the pub scene in Olde Town is always bustling. The Bluegrass Coffee and Bourbon Lounge brings Kentucky hospitality to locations in both Olde Town and Candelas, and their sandwiches and pizzas are a great compliment to their selection of drinks. Steuben's Diner is a great modern throwback, with all the soul-pleasing options you'd expect from a place that was featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Another personal favorite is The Butchery, a great steakhouse serving only Aspen Ridge beef. Do your taste buds a favor and try the encrusted filet trio! If you've still got room (or plan to have a little dessert later), a visit to Rheinlander Bakery in Olde Town is an absolute must. This is a European-inspired bakery loaded with the most delectable cakes, pastries, cookies, and other baked treats you will find anywhere in Colorado.

One of the more unique attractions to Arvada is the Cussler Museum, which is dedicated to the preservation of a collection of rare and vintage cars assembled by famed adventure novelist, Clive Cussler. The Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities is the central destination for a variety of ever-changing cultural and artistic experiences throughout the year, featuring concerts, plays, art installations, music workshops, and much more. Exploring Olde Town is a must for any newcomer to Arvada, surrounding the iconic water tower with a variety of shopping, dining, and drinking options, as well as the Arvada Flour Mill Museum. For the athletically inclined, The Apex Center is a huge facility with a neighboring skate park and features indoor swimming with water slides and other fun stuff for the kids, ice hockey, basketball courts, weight training...you name it, they've probably got it available.