Arvada - Is it walkable? (Denver, Boulder: appointed, fit in, houses)

[mtnsky]

I am looking for a city/neighborhood in the Denver area that sounds very similar to what the original poster of the "walkable" thread described. Of all the research I've done within this forum, Golden seems most promising. However, Arvada keeps coming up, too, with mixed reviews.

Is Arvada truly walkable, or are the "new developments" within it what are being considered walkable? Do they actually have charm? The houses might be a bit smaller, but that doesn't necessarily equal charm in my eyes. Custom built doesn't equal charm, either.

I think what constitutes charm is undefinable. Alexandria, VA, has a huge dose of it though.

Another question about Arvada -- is it flat or rolling? Does it sprawl and bleed into other Denver areas or is it somewhat contained and definable?

mtnsky

[2bindenver]

Arvada does have a few ponds, a little hill here and there...not flat.

There is nothing here like Alexandria or Bethesda...the Denver metro area is not like that. Folks don't flee the area in the summer for the ocean every Friday. They scatter in all sorts of directions for various reasons.

Me I got tix to the NWSS for Saturday the 13th - my favorite event is mutton busting! Woo Hoo! http://nationalwestern.com/nwss/home/index.asp (broken link)

[tfox]

Arvada does have "Olde Town", and it's a desirable area, but if you're expecting Alexandria you're going to be disappointed. The newer developments in Arvada would certainly not fit in a "charming, walkable" communitiy but it's historic core might. That being said I think you should check it out as you might like it.

If you want something like the feel of Alexandria you're going to have to look in Denver proper, or in Boulder. As you mentioned Golden is quite walkable too, but I'd say that Golden is less Alexandria and more like small-town main street.

The Denver area generally is more sprawling than East Coast cities, and you're a lot less likely to find an Old Town Alexandria outside of the core cities like Denver and Boulder.

Originally Posted by mtnsky

I am looking for a city/neighborhood in the Denver area that sounds very similar to what the original poster of the "walkable" thread described. Of all the research I've done within this forum, Golden seems most promising. However, Arvada keeps coming up, too, with mixed reviews.

Is Arvada truly walkable, or are the "new developments" within it what are being considered walkable? Do they actually have charm? The houses might be a bit smaller, but that doesn't necessarily equal charm in my eyes. Custom built doesn't equal charm, either.

I think what constitutes charm is undefinable. Alexandria, VA, has a huge dose of it though.

Another question about Arvada -- is it flat or rolling? Does it sprawl and bleed into other Denver areas or is it somewhat contained and definable?

mtnsky