Located just 10 miles north of downtown Denver, Thornton is a thriving and diverse home rule city that balances suburban living with urban accessibility. As the sixth-most-populous city in Colorado, it is a significant part of the scenic Front Range Urban Corridor.
Founded as a planned community in 1954 by real estate developer Sam Hoffman, and named for then-Governor Dan Thornton, it was the first community in Adams County to offer a full range of municipal services from a single tax source. Incorporated in 1956, it has since grown from its agricultural roots to a modern city with a population of nearly 150,000 residents.
Thornton offers a high quality of life, featuring abundant outdoor recreational opportunities with over 230 acres of open space and numerous parks and trails. Its strategic location provides easy access to both the amenities of Denver and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, making it a desirable location for families and businesses alike. The city is known for its strong community focus, good schools, and diverse housing options, though it continues to manage rapid growth and development.
