Thornton, COBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Nestled against the Rocky Mountains, Thornton balances natural beauty and urban conveniences. With abundant outdoor activities, gorgeous mountain views and endless things to do, Thornton has a strong sense of community and a low cost of living.
Thornton, CO, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Thornton, CO, is a Denver suburb that’s close to the Mile High City, Denver International Airport and the Rocky Mountains. It reaps all the benefits of the big city but has an entirely unique feel. Good schools, access to high-quality health care and a strong economy all contribute to the way of life here.
But this growing metro that’s become one of the best places to live in the U.S. has lots of surprises in store. Take, for instance, Thornton’s international food scene that includes spots like Ay Guey, a Mexican street snack shop dishing out elote topped with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos; Sushi Umi, which has hibachi dinners, a sushi bar and mochi ice cream; plus all kinds of taquerias and other Mexican restaurants. This north metro city also got one of Colorado’s first In-N-Out Burger restaurants, and the lines for animal-style burgers are still bonkers.
Thornton also has a fantastic parks and recreation department, which makes the area an excellent place for young families. Carpenter Park is a regional favorite with a carousel, boathouse, spray ground, skate park and amphitheater. The Margaret Carpenter Recreation Center just got a $14 million renovation and has a wave pool with a lazy river, a therapeutic hydro-jet spa, and an enclosed slide that starts and ends inside but twists through an outdoor space.
Good jobs are abundant in Thornton, too. The nearly 145,000 people that call Thornton home are privy to a diverse economy. And the city is a part of Adams County, a region with a good range of industries from aerospace to advanced manufacturing and life sciences.
Thornton, CO Quality of Life LivScore
Thornton, CO Top Categories
Economy
Transportation
Education
Thornton ranks highest for economy, transportation and education.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Thornton, CO
Thornton is a four-season playground with hot summers, snow days that extend into spring and near-perfect falls. The average highs and lows are 87°F and 56°F (summer) and 47°F and 19°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Thornton is 46 inches, and the city typically experiences snowfall from October to April.
The average annual rainfall in Thornton is 15 inches, with May being the wettest month.
Thornton averages 245 sunny days a year.
Play disc golf at Springvale Park.
Thornton Weather
245 days
Average Annual Sun
15 inches
Average Annual Rain
46 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Thornton, CO
Hit the trails and take in the gorgeous Colorado scenery. Thornton offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking and biking at The Big Dry Creek Trail and the Farmers’ High Line Canal Trail.
One of the coolest playgrounds in the area is at the Denver Premium Outlets. It has netted aerial pathways and a fossil pit for dino-loving kids.
Grab a group and head over to Gunther Toody’s, a retro diner with burgers and hand-spun milkshakes.
Most coffee shops are chains in Thornton, but you can get a cup of joe or all kinds of teas at Tea-Hee Boba.
The Local and State Economy in Thornton, CO
Health care, retail trade and manufacturing are major industries in Thornton. In addition, Amazon has a distribution and fulfillment center in the city.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Thornton is 8.5%. Colorado has one of the country’s lowest overall state sales tax rates.
Yes, Colorado has a state income tax.
Thornton residents have access to North Suburban Medical Center in town and a variety of other top-tier providers in neighboring cities.
Although there aren’t any major colleges or universities in Thornton, there are several higher-education institutions within driving distance in both Denver and Boulder.
Quick Facts About Thornton, CO
- Median Household Income
- $88,150
- Median Home Value
- $441,735
- Average State Property Tax
- $2,017
- Total Population
- 144,329
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,435
- Average Commute
- 29.2 minutes
Good schools, high-quality health care and a strong economy landed Thornton its spot among the best places to live in the U.S. Learn more about Thornton and everything you need to know when moving to Colorado. Another great way to learn about a city is to visit before you move there.
