Thornton, CO, known as 'The City of Parks,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in Adams and Weld counties, Thornton is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Denver (10 miles) and Boulder (25 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Thornton's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Thornton is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Carpenter Park, the historic Thornton Arts & Culture Center, and the scenic Thornton Veterans Memorial Aquatics Center. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center to the bustling Denver Premium Outlets, known for its shopping and dining. Thornton's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from American cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Thorntonfest and the WinterFest highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Thornton's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Front Range Community College contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Thornton is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Thornton Arts & Culture Division and the Anythink Libraries are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Thornton provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Thornton’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Colorado Rapids (MLS) and the Colorado Avalanche (NHL), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Thornton include healthcare, education, and retail, with significant employers such as North Suburban Medical Center and Thornton Public Schools driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and bike-sharing programs, making commuting convenient for residents.
Amenities
Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.
Commute
The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.
Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Nothing Found
None of the categories scored poorly, resulting in no identified cons for this area.
Located in the state of Colorado, Thornton is a moderately-sized city with a population of 144,186 residents. In Thornton, there are 4,016 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (78% White). Given that fact, Thornton could be considered less diverse than other cities. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Thornton are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 18% of the population also speak Spanish. An important consideration when living in Thornton is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 31 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Thornton, Colorado. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, you can easily compare the best places to live in Thornton and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Thornton to Colorado and the national average.
With a livability score of 83 out of 100, Thornton is ranked #605 in the United States and #6 in Colorado. Compared to the US average, Thornton ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Thornton also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the scores for each individual category, Thornton has been rewarded with high marks for amenities (A-), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+).
Living in Thornton offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Thornton provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Thornton are: Cinebarre - Thornton, AMF Bowling Center, and Thorncreek Golf Course.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Thornton apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Thornton real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Thornton. Median real estate prices in Thornton come in at $349,000, which is 31.9% higher than the Colorado average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Thornton, the home price to income ratio is 4.3, which is 2.4% higher than the Colorado average.
| Statistic | Thornton | Colorado | National |
| Average one way commute | 31min | 25min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 77.3% | 75.2% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.2% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.1% | 3.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.2% | 1.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.8% | 3.0% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.9% | 7.0% | 4.6% |
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