Brighton
Brighton is a vibrant home-rule city and the county seat of Adams County, partly extending into Weld County. Situated northeast of Denver along the Front Range, it features a blend of newer residential subdivisions and historic downtown charm. With approximately 40,000 residents as of the 2020 census, Brighton offers a growing, community-oriented lifestyle.
real estate
Median sale price (June 2025): ~$512,450, a 2.4% decline year-over-year.
Zillow average home value: ~$508,374 (down ~2.1% YoY), typically pending in about 23 days.
Zip code 80601: Median price ~$525K, up ~0.8% YoY; homes average 38 days on market.
NeighborhoodScout data: Median home value ~$504,907; strong cumulative appreciation (~116.6% over 10 years), though recent appreciation has slowed (−0.72% in latest quarter).
recent market trends
Movoto (July 2025): Median sale price ~$545,000. Homes sell in ~59 days on average, slower than last year. Sales increased to 511 from 472 year-over-year.
Overall: A moderately competitive market with stable price adjustments and slightly longer selling times.
OUTDOOR & INDOOR
Barr Lake State Park: A major highlight—2,715-acre park with 12 miles of trails, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and a nature center. Over 350 bird species observed, including wintering bald eagles.
Community events: The City sponsors family-friendly activities like "Art in the Park," “Camp Out” at Barr Lake, and “Touch-a-Truck” at City Hall
Amenities: The Prairie Center offers a pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining environment.
Restaurants & Entertainment
Local favorites:
Copper Rail Bar & Grill: A popular sports bar, pizzeria, and family restaurant in Brighton since 2010.
Lauer-Krauts: Well-loved German-style restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
La Estrellita, Kikos Authentic Mexican Food: Highly rated local Mexican eateries.
More options listed via Brighton Chamber of Commerce include Olive Garden, Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli, The Essential Bean, and others.
Schools
27J School District: Unified P-12 district serving Brighton, Commerce City, Thornton and surrounding areas; serves 23,139 students with 33 schools, 19:1 student–teacher ratio.
Brighton itself includes around five elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, plus charters and an alternative high school.
Brighton High School: Public high school with 1,773 students (2023–24), strong athletics and academics.
