Arvada, Colorado

Arvada is a city in Colorado, United States, located in Jefferson and Adams counties. As of the 2020 United States census, it had a population of 124,402 people, making it the seventh most populous city in Colorado.

The city is part of the larger Denver-Aurora-Centennial metropolitan area and sits within the Front Range Urban Corridor. Olde Town Arvada, a historic district, lies about 7 miles northwest of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.

Arvada is governed as a home rule city, which gives it more control over its local affairs compared to cities with other forms of government.

History

The first discovery of gold in the Rocky Mountain region happened on June 22, 1850. A man named Lewis Ralston found gold in a stream near where Arvada is today. He shared his find with others, but they were not interested and continued on their journey. Later, more people came looking for gold, and some stayed to farm the rich land.

In 1870, a railroad was built through the area, and a town called Ralston Point was started. It was later renamed Arvada. As time passed, Arvada grew from a farming community into a bustling suburb of Denver. By the end of the 20th century, Arvada had more than 100,000 people living there.

Main article: 2007 Colorado YWAM and New Life shootings

Geography

Arvada is found at the coordinates 39°48′10″N 105°05′15″W / 39.8028°N 105.0875°W / 39.8028; -105.0875_region:US-CO_source:GNIS-204709) and sits at an elevation of 5,348 feet above sea level.

According to the 2020 United States census, Arvada covers a total area of 25,325 acres, which is about 102.485 kilometers squared, including a small part that is water.

Climate

Arvada experiences a humid continental climate, which is labeled as Dfb in climate studies.

Demographics

2020 census

In 2010, Arvada was home to 106,433 people. Many lived in families, and others lived alone. Most people in Arvada were White, with smaller groups of African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, and people from other races. Some families also identified as Hispanic or Latino.

Families in Arvada often had children, and many adults lived together as married couples. Some households had only one adult, and others were made up of individuals. The city had a mix of age groups, with many people in their prime working years and a good number of older adults. The median age was about 40.5 years.

The median income for a household was $66,125, and families generally did well financially. Not everyone had the same amount of money, and a small part of the population lived below the poverty line.

Government

The City of Arvada is a Home Rule Municipality and uses a council–manager style of government. The Arvada City Council includes seven members: one mayor who is elected by everyone, two council members also elected by everyone, and four council members chosen from different parts of the city.

The city council chooses the city manager, who is currently Don Wick.

Economy

Arvada is mainly a place where people live, with some light factories and offices for professionals. Olde Town Arvada is the historic center of the city, with shops, restaurants, and a bus station called the Olde Town Arvada Transit Hub. The main areas for restaurants and stores are along Wadsworth Boulevard, Ralston Road, and Kipling Street.

Industry

The Rocky Flats Plant worked from 1952 to 1992. It was a big factory that made parts for nuclear triggers.

Education

The part of Arvada that is in Jefferson County is served by the Jefferson County School District R-1. The part of Arvada that is in Adams County is served by the Westminster Public Schools.

Tourism and recreation

Arvada has many fun places to visit. You can explore the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities for art and learning. The Cussler Museum shows a special collection of rare cars. Olde Town Arvada is a historic area with old buildings. Nature lovers can visit the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge and Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge to see wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.

Transportation

Highways

Arvada is where Interstate 76 starts, meeting at the spot where Interstate 70 and State Highway 121 cross. Other important roads in Arvada are SH 72, SH 93, and SH 95. Big roads close by include Interstate 25, Interstate 270, U.S. Highway 36, and U.S. Highway 287.

Mass transit

The Amtrak train called the California Zephyr goes through Arvada each morning going west and each evening going east, stopping near Denver Union Station. The train travels through the Rocky Mountains on its way from Chicago to Emeryville, California, close to Oakland.

Arvada has train stops on the Regional Transportation District (RTD) G line at three places: Arvada Ridge, Olde Town Arvada, and 60th & Sheridan/Arvada Gold Strike. These connect to Union Station in downtown Denver. Several RTD bus routes also serve Arvada.

Airports

People in Arvada can use Denver International Airport and the nearby Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport.

Bicycling

In 2014, Arvada was named a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.

Notable people

Main article: List of people from Arvada, Colorado

Arvada has been home to many famous people. Some well-known individuals from Arvada include writer Clive Cussler, baseball player Roy Halladay, musicians Joe King and Isaac Slade from the band The Fray, actor Nicholas Alexander Chavez, political advisor Karl Rove, and athlete Babe Didrikson Zaharias.

Sister cities

See also: List of sister cities in Colorado

Arvada has special friendships with two cities around the world. These friends are:

• Jinzhou, in China
• Kyzylorda, in Kazakhstan