DenverAbout the Arvada, Westminster, Broomfield and Denver Colorado Area
LAKE ARBOR
WILDLIFE AREA IN ARVADA
In Arvada, Colorado, the neighborhoods are
safe and maintain a very hometown feeling. There is also a very
business-friendly climate. Economic opportunities abound, and there is a great
historical legacy as well as great pride in the community, demonstrated by
citizen volunteerism. Historic Olde Town Arvada is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. Arvada recognizes and protects the character and
charm of the old town to give its citizens the feeling of its history.
The town of Arvada's is 20,872 acres (32.6
sq. miles) and has more than 1,300 acres available for commercial and
industrial development. Arvada was named the12th safest city of over 75,000
residents in America by Morgan Quitno Press.
Westminster is part of Adams County and is
conveniently located in between the cities of Denver and Broomfield. Residing
here makes the drive to downtown Denver or Interlocken in Broomfield a very
easy commute. Westminster has many outdoor activities for the whole family,
such as softball teams, a hockey team or hiking and biking on the many green
belts and pathways.
Westminster Biennial Citizen
Survey:
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With some 90 percent of residents rating
the local quality of life as "very good" or "good," Westminster outranks the
national average.
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More than 70 percent of residents
believe they are getting "very good" or "good" value for the tax dollars they
contribute to the city.
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More than 70 percent of residents think
the City government in Westminster operates "very well" or
"well".
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Survey respondents gave excellent
ratings to the quality of the city's emergency medical services, recreation
facilities, fire and police protection, library services, recreation programs,
drinking water quality, and trails and parks maintenance.
Broomfield has both access to all the
conveniences of a large city and also the advantages of living in a small
town-the best of both worlds! There is an excellent quality of life in this
town, beginning with helpful and friendly people and a low crime rate, the
advantages one would find in a small town. On the other, there is accessibility
to educational and medical facilities, and a rich cultural life is all
nearby.
Broomfield was the state's first "planned
community." It was officially incorporated as a statutory city in 1961. In
1974, a home rule charter was adopted and the city's first master plan was
adopted. In 1995, a new master plan was created. It was updated again in 1997.
It was reviewed one more time before Broomfield made Colorado history in
November 2001, when it became its own county, the first to be added to the
state in more than 100 years.
Located 340 miles west of the exact center
of the continental United States, Denver - the "Mile High City is the largest
metropolitan area in the middle of the nation. Denver, "the tent city", began
as a gold mining town in 1859. That year marked the "Pikes Peak or Bust"gold
rush, when prospectors discovered small flakes of gold along the South Platte
River and Cherry Creek. After what seemed to be a great start, Denver
experienced some rocky roads; several major fires, a flood, and Indian attacks.
Denver also raised an army that defeated an invading force of Confederates
during the Civil War. Saloons and gambling halls were the result of finding
gold in the mountains. At the turn of the century, the wealth was poured back
into the city, transforming Denver into the most elegant city in a 1000-mile
radius and was better known as the "Queen City of the Plains."
The ending of World War II meant another
boom for Denver. Denver became one of the fastest growing regions in America
because of a great year-round climate, wonderful scenery, and incredible
recreation opportunities. Denver has since grown into a six county metropolitan
area with a population of 1.9 million. Six out of ten residents are from out of
state.
Population:
Denver has seen an annual growth rate of
approximately 11 percent. Denver is expected to be called home by an estimated
2.8 million residents by the year 2002.
Tourism:
Tourism is the second most important sector
of the Colorado economy. Tourism accounts for more than 6.8 percent of Denver's
work force. Annually, tourism brings in over $6 billion statewide.
Performing Arts:
The Denver Performing Arts Complex, in
downtown Denver called the PLEX, sits on 12 acres, and is comprised of eight
theatres. It is now the second largest arts complex in the nation next to the
Lincoln Center in New York City. It is host to the Colorado Symphony, Opera
Colorado, the Colorado Ballet, the Denver Center Theatre Company, and the
Robert Garner/Center Attractions "Best of Broadway" series.
Helen Bonfils Theater
Complex:
Located within The Denver Performing Arts
Complex, the Helen Bonfils Theater Complex includes four theaters: Ricketson,
The Source, The Space, and The Stage. 1050 13th Street, Denver.
Colorado Ballet:
Full-length ballets are staged along with
classical and contemporary works at the Denver Auditorium and Temple Buell
Theater. 1278 Lincoln, Denver.
Colorado Symphony
Orchestra:
Formerly the Denver Symphony Orchestra, this
group presents a variety of concerts, many at Boettcher Hall. 821 17th Street,
#700, Denver.
Opera Colorado:
A series of opera in the round is staged at
the Boecher Concert Hall. The season is from February to May. 695 South
Colorado Blvd, #20, Denver.
Denver Center Theater
Company:
The Denver Center Theater Company, one of
the West's largest resident acting troupes produces an annual season of plays
and musicals.
Denver Center Productions:
The Denver Center Productions comprises
Robert Garner/Center Attractions, which offer Broadway touring shows, and the
Denver Center Media television studios.
Pets:
Healthy pets have less trouble acclimating
than do their masters. Colorado's climate is generally a healthy one for dogs
and cats as there are practically no parasite problems, in comparison to other
areas.
Gardening:
We suggest that gardeners contact Colorado
Nurserymen's Association at 303-758-6672, for reliable information on the care
of lawn, trees, and plants.
Transportation:
Denver International Airport (DIA) is the
eighth busiest airport in the world. DIA, located 24 miles northeast of
downtown, covers 53 square miles and has an underground rail system to
transport passengers to each concourse. It is predicted that 34 million
passengers will visit DIA annually.
Airline Information &
Reservations:
Denver International Airport 303-342-2000,
8800 Pena Blvd., Denver, CO -or- Airport Information & Paging
1-800-247-2336.
Vehicle Registration: Within a 90 day
period, you are required to license all vehicles you own. The license fee is
based on the vehicle's age, weight, and taxable value. You must register in the
county in which you reside.
Title: In order to title your
vehicle, you must show proof of purchase with sales tax paid in a previous
state or you will be subject to Colorado sales tax. You will be assessed state
tax of 3 percent, plus county and city tax at your home address. The city and
county taxes vary and can amount to as much as an additional 4.5 percent of the
purchase price. The total sales tax can be as high as 7.5 percent.
Transferring States: You must have
the following when transferring states:
- Certificate of Title for vehicle
- Current Registration Vehicle ID # (VIN)
completed by:
Licensed Vehicle Dealer Emissions Testing Station Law
Enforcement Agency
Emission's Test: Colorado's Front
Range cities require emission testing for all automobiles and nonagricultural
use trucks. Cost is $24.25 for a two year sticker for cars newer than 1982,
$15.00 for 1981 and older vehicles with a one year sticker.
Insurance: Vehicle insurance coverage
is mandatory in the state of Colorado. It must be verified at the time of
vehicle registration. The mandatory liability minimum in Colorado is $25,000
bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage.
Cost of Living:According to the
American Chamber of Commerce Researcher's Association (ACCRA), Denver's cost of
living index was 105.4.
Colorado Tax Policy:
The following tax information is intended
for general use only. For specific tax policy, contact: The Department of
Revenue, 1375 Sherman Street, Denver, CO 80261 or call 1-800-332-2085.
Sales Tax: Collectively throughout
Denver, state and local sales tax rates span from 3.8 percent to 7.8 percent
The tax rates are compiled based on the following: retail sales account for 3 -
4 percent; transportation accounts for 0.6 percent; and district tax accounts
for 0.1 percent.
Use Tax: This tax is the same as
sales tax, it is imposed on the storage, use or consumption of tangible
personal property brought into Colorado on which sales tax has not been paid.
This tax is imposed by the city and state.
Personal Income Tax: The personal
state income tax rate is five percent of Federal net taxable income.
State Withholding: Colorado requires
each business to withhold state income tax from each employee's paycheck. Other
withholdings include: Federal Income Tax, and Federal and State Unemployment
Compensation.
Mileage and Fuel Tax: If your
business operates a truck exceeding 10,000 pounds (empty weight), you will be
required to apply for a Mileage and Fuel Tax (GTM) account.
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Shopping
Centers: |
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Aurora Mall 14200 E.
Alameda Ave. Aurora, CO |
Bear Valley Shopping Center
3100 S. Sheridan Blvd. Denver, CO |
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Buckingham Square E.
Mississippi Ave. and Havana Street Aurora, CO |
Castle Rock Factory Shops
5050 Factory Shops Blvd. Castle Rock, CO |
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Cherry' Creek Shopping Center
3000 East 1st Avenue Denver, CO |
Lakeside Mall Off 1-70
at Harlan Wheat Ridge, CO |
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Larimer Square 1429
Larimer Street Denver, CO |
Park Meadows Town Center
1-25 at County Line Rd. Englewood, CO |
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The Shops at the Tabor
Center 1201 16th Street Denver, CO |
The 16th Street Mall 16th
Street from Broadway to Market Denver, CO |
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Southglenn Mall 6911-233
South University Blvd. Littleton, CO |
Southwest Plaza 8401
West Bowles Ave. Littleton, CO |
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Tamarac Square 7777 E.
Hampden Ave. Englewood, CO
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State Parks &
Recreation Areas: |
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Aurora Reservoir 5800 5.
Powhatan Rd. Aurora, CO Acres of water, fishing, boating, swimming, scuba,
marina, and picnic areas. One can also ice fish on this reservoir in the
winter. |
Chatfield State Recreation
Area 11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd. Littleton, CO Boating, picnicking,
horseback riding in a beautiful setting at the edge of the
foothills. |
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Castle Rock Community Recreation
Center 2301 North Woodlands Blvd. Castle Rock, CO Multi-purpose
recreation facility, including indoor pool. |
Confluence Park 15th
Street and South Platte River Denver, CO Located at the confluence of Cherry
Creek and the South Platte River. The spot where Denver began. Kayak chute,
bike paths and plaza. |
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Castlewood Canyon State Park
2989 South State Hwy. 83 Franktown, CO Site seeing, picnicking,
hiking, photography, nature study, and technical rock climbing.
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Cherry Creek State Park
4201 5. Parker Rd. Littleton, CO Boating, picnicking, and other
activities. |
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Free
Tours: |
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Colorado State Capital
Broadway and Colfax Denver, CO The 15th step is exactly one mile
above sea level. Panoramic views. |
Coors Brewing Company 13th
and Ford Golden, CO World's largest single-site brewery. |
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Hakushika Sake Brewery
4414 Table Mountain Dr. Golden, CO Explore the sole of Japan and the
art of the Rockies. |
National Earthquake Center
Colorado School of Mines, 171 Illinois Golden, CO National center for
recording, researching, and gathering information about earthquakes.
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United States Mint 320
West Colfax Denver, CO Over 5 billion coins are produced here each year. It
is the second largest storehouse of gold bullion in the United States after
Fort Knox. Free tours are conducted on weekdays. Sports, Recreation, &
Entertainment |
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Sports and
Recreation:
Denver's climate and abundant sunshine make
the opportunities for sports and recreation endless. In fact, you may be
surprised to know that the majority of golf courses rarely close for more than
a few weeks during the winter months. Along that same line, most tennis courts
remain open all year. Many of the health clubs have indoor tennis courts along
with swimming pools and lessons. Other indoor activities such as skating (ice
and roller), racquetball and bowling, can be found in facilities throughout the
metro area.
Ski Colorado:
Many of Colorado's popular ski resorts are
only an hour and a half away from Denver. These include Loveland, Arapahoe
Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, and Winter Park. Other world-class resorts such
as Vail and Aspen are only a few hours further.
Ski Area: Mileage From Denver
Arapahoe Basin 75 Monarch 163 Aspen 162 Purgatory 384
Breckenridge 85 Silver Creek 89 Cooper 117 Snowmass 200
Copper 75 Steamboat 166 Crested Butte 230 Telluride 327
Keystone 75 Vail 100 Loveland 56 Winter Park 73
Sports and Recreation:
Getting away into the high country is also a
great place for the hunting, fishing, and camping enthusiast. The eastern
plains also have ideal places for hunting, fishing, and camping. Other outdoor
activities include bicycling and running. A bicyclist will find bike paths
stretching throughout metro Denver and reaching well into the high country. The
Rocky Mountain News, "Ride Guide, is a must for any bicycle enthusiast. As for
the runner, most of those same paths are ideal for running. There are also many
races scheduled throughout the year for the competitive runner who needs to
challenge his or her speed and endurance.
Rodeo:
The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo
holds its annual show the second two weeks in January. This event is held at
the Denver Coliseum and the National Western Complex at 1-70 and Brighton Blvd.
The National Western is among the most lucrative rodeos on the world
professional circuit.
Professional
Sports:
Football:
The Denver Broncos, since their first
play-off berth in 1977, have participated in five Super Bowls. They won Super
Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII in the 1997 & 1998 seasons. They have
posted one of the best records in the NFL. The team began playing in 1960. The
Broncos are a playoff contender year after year. As for season tickets, the
Broncos have sold out every game for the past 30 years. The waiting line for
the season tickets is reported to be in the thousands. OPENING IN THE 2001
season, the new state-of-the-art stadium, Invesco Field at Mile High, will be
the envy of pro-football stadiums everywhere.
Baseball:
The Colorado Rockies are the hometown
favorites in the National Baseball League. They lead the league in game
attendance and in home runs. The Rockies play at the new baseball stadium,
COORS FIELD.
Basketball:
The Denver Nuggets, play home games at the
all new Pepsi Center. They are currently in their 32nd season.
Ice Hockey:
The Colorado Avalanche is Denver's
professional ice hockey team. They captured the Stanley Cup in 1996 & 2001.
The Colorado Avalanche play throughout the winter season at the Pepsi Center.
Amusement Centers and
Parks:
Denver Zoo:
E. 23rd Ave., Denver, CO between York St.
& Colorado Blvd. Open daily, year round.
Elitch Gardens/ Six Flags Amusement
Park:
A 101-year-old family tradition has combined
with the SIX FLAGS Family of Amusement Parks.
Gates Planetarium:
Colorado and Montview Boulevards. The
facility features special shows of the night skies.
Heritage Square:
18301 W. Colfax Ave., Golden, CO. Amusement
park for adults and kids, also a train ride and alpine slide. Open daily.
Historic Tiny Town & Railroad:
6249 South Turkey Creek Rd., Morrison, CO.
It features 100 kid-size buildings and a railroad. Open daily.
Hyland Hills Water World:
1800 West 89th Ave., Westminster, CO. This
is America's largest waterpark with 27 attractions. Open daily from Memorial
weekend through Labor Day.
INAX Theatre 2001:
Colorado Blvd., Denver, features a 4 1/2
story tall and wide screen.
Lakeside Amusement:
Park 4601 Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO. This
park features many rides, games, and food.
Climate:
Situated a long distance from any moisture
source, and separated from the Pacific by the Rocky Mountains, Denver enjoys a
low relative humidity, low average humidity and precipitation, and abundant
sunshine! Request our Free Arvada, Westminster and Broomfield Relocation Package. It's packed full of useful and important information about the Arvada, Westminster and Broomfield, Colorado area. Don't move here without it! Remember: we'll send it to you for free and without obligation. Just fill out the form and we will send it right out... 
About Appraisals >Working With A Real Estate Agent
It is not unusual for homeowners to yield to the temptation to try to sell their own home. It seems easy enough--just place an ad in the weekend paper and wait for buyers to show up. Although it may seem simple, real estate sales transactions are extremely complex proceedings.
The first pitfall can come with pricing your property realistically. Homeowners often price their property too high initially, then drastically slash the price when weeks go buy without an offer. Even if a prospective buyer agrees to the initial asking price, there could be complications if the buyers begin to feel that they have agreed to pay too much, or if the lender's appraisal values the property at far less than the agreed-upon price. Some clients hire agents to market their home professionally after weeks or months of trying to sell their own home without success, or after their FSBO transaction fell through.
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| Q |
What are considered the ideal conditions for a buyer's market?
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| A |
In a buyer's market, there are more houses for sale than buyers, homes take longer to sell, and sellers may have to cut prices. |
See More Real Estate Trivia > |
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