Overview
Spanning the counties of Adams and Weld, Thornton is located northeast of Denver and is the 6th largest city in Colorado. The current population is 143,890 with a median age of 33.6 years old.
With over 200 days of sunshine per year, the climate here is relatively mild compared to other areas in the state with June, August and September being the most pleasant months. Temperatures throughout the year vary from 22 degrees Fahrenheit to 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
Green Mountain is able to provide Thornton Landscaping installs and redesigns that fit perfectly with Colorado’s climate.
The average household income as of 2020 is approximately $90,680. The average monthly rental price is $1,398 and the median home value is $290,100.
With over 25 city parks, many acres of open space, close proximity to downtown Denver and an abundance of sunshine, Thornton has a lot to offer residents and visitors to the Front Range of Colorado.
History
Named in honor of former Colorado Governor Dan Thornton, this city was the first full municipality in Adams County. Prior to 1953, the area located seven miles north of Denver consisted strictly of farms until a parcel of land was purchased and developed by Sam Hoffman.
Just two years later, the population had grown to 5,500 residents and over 1,200 homes. Thornton was incorporated as a city in 1956.
Education
Public schools cross over into three different school districts — Adams County 12, Mapleton Public Schools and Brighton School Districts. Here is a list of some of the nearby schools:
Elementary Schools
- Thornton Elementary
- West Ridge Elementary
- Riverdale Elementary
- Skyview Elementary
- Stellar Elementary
- Woodglen Elementary
- Eagleview Elementary
- Explore Elementary
- Prairie Hills Elementary
- Cherry Drive Elementary
- North Star Elementary
- Hunters Glen Elementary
- Tarver Elementary
- Brantner Elementary
Middle Schools
- Rocky Top Middle School
- Century Middle School
- Shadow Ridge Middle School
High Schools
- Thornton High School
- Horizon High School
- Riverdale Ridge High School
- Academy High School
- Mapleton Early College High School
- The New America School(Charter School)
Housing in Thornton
Single Family Homes
There is a wide variety of single-family homes, townhomes, condos and mobile and manufactured homes throughout the community.
Apartments
There are also many apartment complexes that offer desirable amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers and clubhouses. Here is a list of some with location and contact information:
Nearby Attractions
In addition to the many area attractions, there is also an annual event called “Thorntonfest” that usually draws a huge crowd and features a 5k fun run, live music with a local competition and a classic car show. Below are several options for additional local entertainment:
- Thornton Veteran’s Memorial
- Mid-Air Adventures
- Denver Premium Outlets
- Butterfly Pavilion
- Rocky Mountain Arsenal
- Hammond’s Candies Factory
- Water World
Golf Clubs
There are many superb golf clubs in and around Thornton. Here are a few within the city limits:
- Thorncreek Golf Course
- Todd Creek Golf Course
- Springvale Park Disc Golf Course
Dining
Whether it is Cajun, steak, pizza, tacos, vegetarian or old-fashioned diner fare, cuisine choices abound in this area leaving no palate unfulfilled.
Visiting Thornton
There are a multitude of hotels and other lodging options which allow visitors close proximity to the area attractions, as well as downtown Denver, hiking & biking in the foothills and Nordic and x-country skiing. Below is a list of a few lodging options: