Arvada, in the state of Colorado is located within the counties of Jefferson and Adams and is located within the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, Colorado Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is among the most heavily populated cities within the state with a population of around 106,433 residents, based on the 2010 census. Olde Town Arvada is located 11 km or 7 miles northwest of Denver, the Colorado State capital.
The discovery of gold within the region on June 22, the year 1850, by a prospector from Georgia, named Mr. Lewis Ralston. He was on his way to the California gold fields, when decided to pan for gold near the mouth of Clear Creek within the Rocky Mountain Region. He successfully found roughly 1/4 ounce or 6g of gold that was then worth approximately $5. The stream was named Ralston's Creek in his honor by his companions. The men all departed in the morning still eager to discover the California gold fields.
Arvada is a beautiful suburb of Denver. Even with its elevated population of 108,172, it still maintains its small-town feel. The city of Arvada was established in 1870. This first-ring suburb enjoys peaceful tree-lined neighborhoods, a rich history and a great mix of trades. The small business support and the economic development within the city of Arvada are led by the exceptional quality of life balanced with the strong civic leadership. Due to its business retention program, the City of Arvada has been recognized at both the state and national levels.
The land within the city occupies roughly 23,000 acres. There are still roughly a thousand acres left available for commercial and industrial growth. Easy access is supplied to the bigger metropolitan area and the Denver International Airport by 3 proximate interstate highways. There is a terrific trail system which joins with Denver trails on the east and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to the west. There are lots of parks and thousands of acres of parks within the region.
The historic downtown in the city of Arvada is listed on the National Register of Historic places. The downtown features several local fine dining establishments and numerous retail outlets. Eventually, the downtown will also comprise one of three transit stops within the region as part of the metropolitan FasTracks light rail system in the city. Arvada City takes great pride in being home to the biggest multi-disciplinary art center and cultural center within the United States, the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities.
The city enjoys a diverse economic base, a low crime rate, an excellent quality of life and a highly educated workforce, making it amongst the most attractive and most desirable cities in the Centennial State.
The Arvada Center was dedicated on the 4th of July, 1976 and was founded through a unique collaboration between the citizens and the government of Arvada. The Arvada Center has provided regular performances in theatre and dance, and year-round concerts. The facility frequently provides art exhibitions, ceramic classes, and offers locations for acting, writing, dance and the visual and musical arts. It has also served as a history museum in the past. The Arvada Center has over half of its patrons coming from outside of Jefferson County. The center proudly serves more than 350,000 visitors on an annual basis.