Candelas
Arvada, CO

Life Wide Open

Candelas is the most expansive residential development in Arvada — a nearly 1,500-acre master-planned community in the city’s northwestern reaches deliberately positioned to capture the extraordinary landscape of Colorado high-country shortgrass prairie rising toward the Rocky Mountain foothills. The community’s motto, “Life Wide Open,” isn’t marketing: Candelas sits at an elevation where the views encompass 360 degrees — the entire Front Range to the west, the Denver skyline to the southeast, and rolling open prairie in every other direction.

Development began in 2008, with six distinct residential villages each designed to have its own character and views while sharing access to Candelas’ trail system, pools, and community amenities. The development has earned national recognition — LEED Gold certification for its Swim and Fitness Club, a National Association of Homebuilders Gold Award, and recognition for sustainable design practices including water-wise landscaping and energy-efficient construction.

Candelas borders the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge to the north — the former Rocky Flats nuclear weapons production facility, cleaned up and converted to a wildlife refuge following EPA certification in 1997, and open for public recreation since 2018. Potential buyers with concerns about the former site should review the EPA’s publicly available monitoring data; the community has built out successfully over 18 years with no ongoing health restrictions for residents.

Community events — Trunk-or-Treat, an Independence Day parade, Easter egg hunts, and the annual Candelas Fest — reflect genuine investment in community cohesion among the 6,000+ current residents.

8 Minutes from Golden, 15 from Boulder

Candelas’ defining geographic advantage is extraordinary mountain access at a price point that remains attainable. Golden — Clear Creek kayaking, Colorado School of Mines, growing restaurant scene — is 8 minutes south on Highway 93. Boulder is 15 minutes north. I-70 ski corridor access via Highway 93 involves less traffic than from Denver proper. Downtown Denver is approximately 25 minutes east.

An SCL Health Medical Clinic is located within the neighborhood off Candelas Parkway, providing primary care access without leaving the community. The Colorado School of Mines is 8 minutes south; CU Boulder is 15 minutes north — relevant for academic community members.

13+ Miles of Trails and the Front Range

• 13.5 miles of community trails (horseback-friendly)
• Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge (adjacent)
• Four resort-style pools (LEED Gold certified)
• 360-degree mountain and Denver skyline views
• Five parks surrounding the community
• Candelas Community Garden (seasonal)
• Two Swim & Fitness Clubs
• Golden (8 min) — Clear Creek Trail & kayaking
• Boulder (15 min) — Chautauqua, Flatirons
• Annual Candelas Fest (summer community event)
• Colorado School of Mines (8 min)
• Highway 93 foothills open space access

Education in Candelas

Candelas is served by Jefferson County Public Schools (Jeffco). Three Creeks K-8 School is located within the community — providing in-neighborhood school access for K-8 students. Ralston Valley High serves high school students with one of Jefferson County’s strongest reputations.

Always verify school assignments directly with Jefferson County Public Schools before purchasing.

Where Candelas Residents Eat

Candelas’ northwest position means most dining requires a short drive — to Golden, to Olde Town Arvada, or to the Westwoods corridor. However, this is quickly changing as more and more businesses are moving into the area.

Living in Candelas

Candelas residents consistently cite three things: the views, the trails, and the community culture. Annual events and active neighborhood groups create cohesion that’s harder to find in more established neighborhoods.