Westdale

Tucked away in Arvada, a northern suburb of Denver, the neighborhood of Westdale has some good things going for it, says Realtor/lender Dan Fortune with Your Castle Real Estate Inc. “Westdale has some of the best-built homes,” he says, “well settled, close to major thoroughfares that put you within a short drive of the mountains outside Boulder or a train ride into Denver — good value all around.”

Single-family homes in Westdale, mostly ranch-style houses built in the ’70s, tend to be lower in price compared to homes in other metro-Denver neighborhoods, Fortune says. They list for between $400,000 and $585,000, often with three to five bedrooms, one- and two-car garages, and backyard patios or decks for entertaining. On the wide and straight roads of this neighborhood, designed more than 50 years ago, mature pines and oaks stand guard. Parents don't have to worry about their children playing outside or too close to the neighbors because the houses are spaced several yards apart, and traffic is minimal.

The schools that serve Westdale each received a B-minus from Niche. Harris Park Elementary empowers learners through a computer science and coding focus. Students learn to problem-solve using solution-based thinking and address challenges through collaboration in the classroom and within the school. At North Arvada Middle, students can explore their interests by joining any of its 12 student clubs and organizations, from favorites like the French and theater clubs to the more unexpected like the mural club, STEMblazers and yoga club. To encourage students to try out career interests, Arvada High partners with outside organizations, such as the ProStart Culinary Program and the CSU Sports Management Program, that provide students with real-world experiences.

The parks and natural areas around Westdale give residents access to creeks, biking trails, playgrounds and sports facilities. Little Dry Creek runs to the south of the neighborhood, and the park with its name includes a children’s playground and a half basketball court. The Little Dry Creek Trail follows the creek and runs for more than 10 miles through undeveloped land behind residential homes, connecting many neighborhoods and recreational areas. Another nearby park is Lake Arbor, a serene place for walking, birdwatching or running, with a 1.2-mile path that encircles the lake. The city of Arvada has also implemented a multimillion-dollar project to stabilize the lake banks and improve water quality by removing a build-up of algae, which can cause an odor.

Two easy-to-find shopping areas are on either side of Westdale. To the east, residents can frequent the King Soopers grocery store and several other retailers and restaurants, including Dutch Bros. Coffee. Begun in 1992, this innovative coffee house is known for its espresso, cold brew and energy drinks, a place to power up for the day. To the west, several markets face the Wadsworth/80th Avenue intersection, including another King Soopers, a Safeway, a Target and a Sprouts Farmers Market. Ramen lovers will want to stop by Sasuke Ramen. This small, tucked-away eatery serves piping-hot broth with a generous amount of noodles. About 4 miles south, Olde Town Arvada has been the focus of revitalization efforts over the last five years. “The shopping district has new pedestrian-only areas,” Fortune says. “The light rail station to Denver is there. It’s also a great spot for galleries, dinner, a movie and special events.” During the Arvada Art Drop, for example, art from local artists is hidden throughout Olde Town for the public to find.

In Westdale, homebuyers find value. With homes solidly constructed and the neighborhood near Route 36 and Interstates 70 and 76, they can enjoy the mountains of Boulder or the museums of Denver without the higher cost of living.

Written By

Christopher Kopczynski

Photography Contributed By

David Rieck

Video By

Houston Knight