Westminster

About Westminster

The city of Westminster is a suburb of Denver, less than 10 miles from the City Capitol Building. It's one of the larger cities in the state of Colorado and has earned the attention of national publications as an excellent place to call home. Its diverse local economy and large open space and trail network provide balanced opportunities for both work and play.

The History of Westminster

For quite some time, the 34 square miles where Westminster now sits were home to herds of buffalo and antelope and spotted with many marshy pond areas. The city got its start in the late 1850s as a popular rest stop for prospectors heading west to California during the gold rush. Westminster saw heavy traffic throughout the 1850s, and the people who stayed in the area became the foundation of the town. When the Land Act of 1862 put Colorado in the spotlight as an ideal place to establish a home, many settlers chose it over California. In 1870, Pleasant Despain built the first permanent settlement in the area, and his success quickly drew the attention of many other settlers.

In 1911, the city was named Westminster, after the Westminster Castle of 1891. Between 1920 and 1950, the town of Westminster was home to the largest apple and cherry orchards in the country. By 1950, the population had remained small, but that all changed with the opening of the Denver-Boulder Turnpike. This large highway ran directly through Westminster and increased foot traffic to over 7,000 people a day as people increasingly utilized the new toll-road.

Living in Westminster

The Westminster lifestyle offers many opportunities to enjoy the beautiful Colorado weather. The city has established an impressive trail network and a variety of open spaces, also preserving land areas of historic significance. The best-known trail in Westminster is the Big Dry Creek Trail, running about 12 miles from the city's eastern boundary to Standley Lake. There you can enjoy Standley Lake Regional Park, which offers fishing, boating and camping.

If you're going to be looking for a job when you arrive in Westminster, you have several different industries to choose from. No matter what your skills or experience may be, odds are in your favor. Health care and energy are among the fastest-growing industries in Westminster, so that may be a good place to start your search. The largest employers in the city include Avaya, St. Anthony North Hospital, and Ball and Black Knight Financial Services.

Westminster Schools

There are three school districts serving Westminster, Colorado; two are located in Adams County and one is in Jefferson County. Of the two districts located in Adams County, Westminster School District No. 50 is the largest, with schools ranging from pre-kindergarten to high school. In Colorado, your child is allowed to attend any school inside or outside the district, provided there is space.

Resources for Moving to Westminster

Here's some helpful information to organize your move to Westminster:

• Utilities: Xcel Energy is Westminster's central energy provider, while the city operates local water services.
• Garbage and Recycling: As a resident of Westminster, it's your responsibility to select your waste disposal services provider. The city requires providers to be fully licensed and to provide curbside collection for all customers.
• Transportation: The Regional Transportation District (RTD) manages a large network of bus, light rail and shuttle routes in and around Westminster. There are several commuter-friendly options that can make it easy to travel into other cities for work.
• Personal Vehicles: Once you're a Colorado resident, you have 30 days to qualify for a driver's license and 90 days to register your vehicle.

Westminster Housing

The median home price in Westminster is slightly less than the Denver metropolitan area average, making it an affordable home base with a short commute to the big city. Rent prices are higher than national averages, but a large rental market provides plenty of options.