Quick answer
Arvada (122,901 residents) and Westminster (116,182) are neighboring northwest suburbs about 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Denver. Choose Arvada for Olde Town, the G Line to Union Station, and mostly Jeffco schools. Choose Westminster for US 36 access toward Boulder, the B Line, and a mix of Adams 12, Westminster Public Schools, and Jeffco. Always confirm the school district by address.
We regularly move families in and out of the northwest metro, from Olde Town bungalows to new builds on the west side. This guide compares the two cities on the things that drive the decision: housing, schools, commute, and what move day looks like in each.
1. Arvada vs. Westminster at a Glance
| Arvada | Westminster | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (July 2025 est.) | 122,901 | 116,182 |
| Main school districts | Jeffco Public Schools (most of the city) | Adams 12 Five Star, Westminster Public Schools, Jeffco |
| Rail to Union Station | G Line | B Line |
| Main highways | I-70, I-76, SH 72, SH 93 | US 36, I-25, SH 128 |
| Known for | Olde Town, trails, west-side new builds | Standley Lake, Downtown Westminster, Boulder access |
| Counties | Jefferson and Adams | Adams and Jefferson |
2. Living in Arvada
Arvada pairs a real downtown with quiet suburban streets. Olde Town Arvada is the center of the city's social life, with local restaurants, breweries, and a weekend farmers market, and the G Line commuter rail station sits right there with direct service to Union Station.
- Olde Town: older bungalows and ranch homes, walkable, tight street parking on event weekends
- Ralston Valley: established family neighborhoods and parks
- Leyden Rock and the west side: newer construction with mountain views and active HOAs
Housing: in the 80002 ZIP code, the median sale price was about $596,000 in August 2026, down 4.8% year over year. West-side new construction usually runs higher.
3. Living in Westminster
Westminster stretches along US 36, which makes it a favorite for households that split time between Denver and Boulder. The B Line runs from Westminster Station to Union Station, and the city has spent years building out Downtown Westminster on the old mall site.
- Downtown Westminster: newer apartments and townhomes close to shops and the US 36 bus rapid transit corridor
- Bradburn Village: a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood with a village-style layout
- Standley Lake area: larger lots, lake access, and open space on the west side
4. Schools: Check the District by Address
District lines here do not follow city limits. Jeffco Public Schools, with 74,177 students in 2025-26, covers most of Arvada and part of Westminster. Adams 12 Five Star Schools, with 33,039 students across 53 schools in 2025-26, covers much of north Westminster. Westminster Public Schools covers the southeast part of the city.
Before you sign, look up the exact address with the district boundary tool, and ask about open enrollment deadlines if you want a school outside your boundary. Moving with kids? Our family moving guide covers timing around the school calendar.
5. Move-Day Tips for Arvada and Westminster
- Olde Town Arvada: avoid Saturdays during summer events and markets when street parking disappears
- HOA communities on the west side: get written move rules and any truck parking limits a week ahead
- Apartments near Downtown Westminster: reserve the elevator or loading zone and request our certificate of insurance
- US 36 and I-25 traffic: schedule a morning start to beat the afternoon backup
- Moving within the northwest metro? Most two-bedroom moves fit in a single morning-to-afternoon window
Pricing is the same flat rate we use across the metro: $449 for a studio, $599 for one bedroom, $749 for two, and $949 for three, plus a $99 travel fee. Our Arvada movers and Westminster movers pages have local details, and you can get an instant quote in about two minutes.
6. Settling In
Coming from out of state? You have 30 days to transfer your license and 90 days to register your car, and Jefferson County requires emissions testing. Our Colorado new resident checklist and utilities setup guide cover the paperwork. Comparing more suburbs? See the best Denver suburbs for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arvada or Westminster bigger?
They are close. U.S. Census Bureau estimates for July 1, 2025 put Arvada at 122,901 residents and Westminster at 116,182, which makes both among the ten largest cities in Colorado.
What school district is Arvada in?
Most of Arvada is in Jeffco Public Schools, which enrolled 74,177 students in 2025-26, but parts of the city fall in other districts. Westminster is split between Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Westminster Public Schools, and Jeffco. Always confirm the district by exact address before you sign a lease or contract.
How much do homes cost in Arvada?
In Arvada's 80002 ZIP code, the median sale price was about $596,000 in August 2026, down 4.8% from a year earlier, according to ATTOM data reported by TopHap. Prices vary widely by neighborhood, with newer construction on the west side typically priced higher.
How do you commute from Arvada or Westminster to downtown Denver?
RTD's G Line commuter rail runs from Arvada and Wheat Ridge to Denver Union Station, and the B Line runs from Westminster Station to Union Station. Drivers typically use I-76, I-70, or US 36, and the drive is roughly 15 to 25 minutes outside rush hour.
How much does it cost to move to Arvada or Westminster?
Exquisite Logistics Moving charges the same flat rates in Arvada and Westminster as across the metro: $449 for a studio, $599 for one bedroom, $749 for two bedrooms, and $949 for three bedrooms, plus a $99 travel fee that covers the first 15 miles. Extra time is $165 per hour for two movers or $225 for three.
Do I need an emissions test after moving to Arvada or Westminster?
Most likely. Jefferson County is fully inside Colorado's emissions program area, and so is part of Adams County. Gas vehicles more than seven model years old test every two years, and electric vehicles are exempt.
Sources
Fees, deadlines, and figures were checked against these sources when this guide was published on October 14, 2026. Agencies update their rules, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you rely on it.
Ready When You Are
Exquisite Logistics Moving is a family-run, licensed and insured Colorado mover with more than 7,000 completed moves since 2010 and a perfect 5.0 rating across 102 Google reviews. Flat-rate local moves start at $449, a $50 deposit holds your date, and we answer the phone 24/7 at (720) 241-3615. You can also get an instant quote and book online.
