The North Denver area is diverse in the fact that it consists of several fairly large cities and also some small quaint country towns.  This area saw a major real estate boom in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s which changed not only the landscape but mass transit and community development.  Major developments that were started in the 90’s and continued through to the present has been completing the 470 corridor, the light rail system, the new international airport (DIA) as well as major shopping malls and solar powered homes in communities where “main street” has made a return with the ice cream shop and restaurants.

The 470 corridor started in the foothills, taking a Southern route from Golden down through Littleton and Highlands Ranch.  Once DIA became reality, there was a need to reach the airport From the South and Southwest that did NOT include having to cut through downtown Denver and all the traffic.  It was the hope that eventually 470 would make the full circle back to Golden one day.  However, once it reached DIA the project stalled. After much tension, zoning, planning, debate and voting 470 continued North through Thornton and Broomfield linking up with Highway 36.  The 470 route has now almost completed its full circle around the Denver area.

With DIA in place and really considered “out in the middle of nowhere” growth in the North Denver area was inevitable.  Places like Commerce City, Montebello, Thornton, Broomfield and Brighton exploded with home building and revitalization.  Further, these areas were comparatively more affordable than areas closer to the heartbeat of Denver.  Even little country towns such as Firestone, Erie, Dacono and Lafayette were put on the map as desirable places to live during this boom. And larger places such as Broomfield decide to become their own incorporated city.  Superior and Louisville became the hot destination for tech employees to live and even Longmont has made the list these days as an alternative to living “in town”.

Building continues and desirability for the area will remain thanks to the area’s great accessibility not only to the airport, downtown and mountains but also the schools and colleges that call the North home such as the Adams 12 school district and colleges such as Colorado University of Boulder and Colorado State University of Fort Collins.  Location, location, location will continue to bring residents to the area.