Diverse and Dynamic Neighborhoods of Arvada, Colorado

Arvada is a city located in Jefferson and Adams counties northwest of Denver, Colorado. With a population of around 120,000 residents, Arvada contains a diverse mix of neighborhoods each with their own unique character and attractions. This local’s guide will take you through some of the most popular and up-and-coming areas that make Arvada a great place to live, work, and play.

Olde Town Arvada: The Historic Heart

The Olde Town district is considered the heart of Arvada. This National Register Historic District contains original structures from the late 1800’s when Arvada was founded. Strolling down Olde Wadsworth Boulevard feels like taking a step back in time. Some highlights include:

Arvada Flour Mill and Silo

This flour mill was constructed in 1906 and remained in operation until the 1960’s. The rustic red brick silo still stands tall as an iconic landmark. Inside the flour mill is now home to restaurants, shops, office spaces, and community facilities.

McIlvoy House

Built by pioneer family the Mcllvoys in 1870, this elegant Italianate-style home is now a museum run by the Arvada Historical Society. Period furnishings and exhibits tell the story of Arvada’s founding.

St. Anne’s Episcopal Church

Founded in 1862, St. Anne’s is the oldest congregation in Arvada. The charming Carpenter Gothic church building dates back to the late 1800’s.

Ralston Creek

Clearwater Creek was renamed Ralston Creek after Colorado’s pioneer Ralston family. The tree-lined waterway runs through Olde Town and features walking paths.

Restaurants, Breweries and Shops

Popular spots include the Bluegrass Coffee and Bourbon Lounge, Homegrown Tap & Dough, Scrumptious candy store, and Amber Waves boutique. On the First Friday of every month, Olde Town hosts a lively ArtWalk event.

Ralston Valley: Arvada’s First Suburb

Located west of Olde Town, Ralston Valley was one of Arvada’s first suburban neighborhoods. It grew rapidly in the 1950’s and 60’s. Highlights include:

Ralston Central Park

At the heart of the neighborhood, this large community park has amenities like playgrounds, sports fields, a recreation center and the scenic Ralston Creek Trail.

Faith Community Church

Originally the Ralston Valley United Methodist Church when founded in 1958, today it is the Faith Community Church. The mid-century modern architecture is unique.

Lake Arbor Golf Course

Designed in 1964, Lake Arbor is an 18-hole public golf course set along Ralston Reservoir. The scenery is unbeatable.

Dining and Shopping

The West Woods shopping center on Simms Street has national chains and local eateries. For craft beer and elevated bar food head to Endo Brewing Company.

Westminster: Classic American Suburbia

The Westminster neighborhood spans north Arvada with its endless subdivisions of charming family homes, condos, parks, and community facilities.

Westminster Grange No. 121

A rare surviving grange hall in the Front Range area built in 1906, it represents Westminster’s agricultural heritage.

Westminster High School

The first high school in Westminster opened in 1953. Today it continues strong athletics and academics traditions as part of the Jefferson County school district.

Westminster Hills Dog Park

This off-leash dog park sits on nine acres with big and small dog areas. Owners love the scenic views.

Restaurants

Westminster has all your suburban chain favorites from Olive Garden to Chili’s plus independent eateries like Annette Scratch Kitchen for fresh fare.

Arvada Ridge: Shopping and Recreation Hub

At the heart of Arvada Ridge is the Arvada Center temple to consumerism that is the Westfield Shopping Center. Other highlights include:

Apex Recreation Center

Families flock to this huge rec center for amenities from indoor and outdoor pools to gymnasiums, fitness classes, sports fields, and an adventure park.

Lake Arbor Village

This shopping complex is anchored by a Walmart Supercenter surrounded by major chains and eateries.

Indiana Street Shops

Just south of the Westfield mall, Indiana Street has become home to some great local shops like Yarn Shoppe Arvada and Purple Door Coffee.

Dining

For authentic Mexican, head to Xicas Authenticas. Beer fans can’t miss the Arvada Beer Company. Major chains like Chili’s, Olive Garden and Red Robin are found at the Westfield mall.

Leyden Rock: New Urbanist Community

One of Arvada’s newer neighborhoods, Leyden Rock is a masterplanned community built on former farm land. Inspired by New Urbanism, homes have a classic style. Walkability and green spaces are priorities.

Leyden Rock Clubhouse

The community clubhouse and recreation facilities are the social hubs with pools, parks, playgrounds, tennis courts and more.

Leyden Ranch Park

A 40-acre park surrounds Leyden Lake reservoir. Nature trails loop around wetland areas that attract diverse wildlife.

Leyden Ranch Village

Still developing, the plan is for this village center to have retail and dining options within walking distance of homes.

Housing

Most homes are traditional or craftsman style townhomes and single family homes built after 2004 ranging from affordable condos to luxury builds.

Arvada Junction: Revitalizing Olde Town’s Neighbor

To the east of Olde Town, Arvada Junction is seeing a development boom as it transforms into an extension of Olde Town’s success.

Steelyards Redevelopment

In 2021, demolition began on the former Denver & Rio Grande rail yard to make way for a new district with retail, dining, office space, a hotel, plazas, townhomes and apartments.

Clear Creek Trail

Part of the expansive regional trail network, the Clear Creek Trail runs through Arvada Junction.

Restoration Projects

Developers are restoring many of the old industrial brick warehouses and supply shops into chic commercial spaces, eateries, breweries and event venues.

New Housing

Adjacent to the rail yards, new multi-story condos and apartments are bringing an influx of residents to support businesses.

Sheridan: Rich Heritage and Community

Once its own rural town until annexed by Arvada in the early 1900’s, Sheridan has maintained its strong identity and small town feel.

Sheridan Historical Park

This park preserves several historic buildings and artifacts that represent Sheridan’s founding background including a one-room schoolhouse.

Sheridan Green Neighborhood Park

Popular for the community garden plots, sports fields and walking paths nestled along Ralston Creek.

Sheridan Celebrates

The annual Sheridan Celebrates event in June is a much-anticipated street festival celebrating the area’s history.

Old Sheridan House

Operating as a restaurant and event venue, this 1882 farmhouse turned boarding house is one of Sheridan’s few surviving landmarks.

Coal Creek Canyon: Rustic Mountain Escape

Located southwest of Olde Town, Coal Creek Canyon provides a rustic mountain escape just minutes from Arvada’s urban neighborhoods.

Coal Creek Canyon Drive

The scenic mountain drive passes through pine forests with dramatic rock formations.

Coal Creek Hiking Trails

Hiking and biking trails like Matthews/Winters Park and Centennial Cone allow you to immerse in nature.

Coal Creek Golf Course

This executive 18-hole course opened in 1976 with a peaceful setting surrounded by pine trees.

Mountain Restaurants

Area restaurants include the rustic Coal Creek Grill and the historic Johnson’s Corner known for its apple pie.

Candelas: Planned Sustainable Community

Developing on the northwest side, Candelas is a planned community focused on sustainability and urban living.

Candelas Commons Park

The centerpiece so far is this park with a swimming beach, playground and trails that connect neighborhoods. More parks are planned.

Farmers’ Market

A weekly farmers’ market with local vendors sets up during summers at Candelas Commons Park.

Architecture

Homes blend modern and craftsman styles using sustainable design and materials. Commercial buildings aim for LEED certification.

Location

Bordering scenic open space, the mountains are visible from most areas of the community. Convenient access to Highway 72 and Interstate 70.

Final Thoughts

As this deep dive shows, Arvada offers extraordinary diversity in its neighborhoods. From the historic charms of Olde Town to the innovative planned community of Candelas, there is something for everyone seeking the best of suburban living near the heart of Denver metro. Whenever you visit Arvada, take time to venture into several different areas and discover the local flavor.