Thornton
Thornton is a dynamic home-rule city spanning Adams and Weld counties, and as of 2020 had grown to nearly 142,000 residents—making it one of Colorado’s most populous communities. Located just 10 miles north of the state capitol, Thornton combines suburban ease with easy access to Denver and the broader Front Range metro area.
real estate
Real estate in Thornton remains fiercely competitive. As of July 2025, Redfin records a median home sale price of $535,000, an unchanging figure year-over-year, with homes typically going pending after about 36 days, up from 22 days the year before. Zillow offers a slightly different view, listing the average home value at $523,923, down 2.2% in the past year, while homes reach pending status in approximately 22 days.
recent market trends
Realtor.com reports a median listing price of $525,000, which has dipped by roughly 4.5% year-over-year. Movoto’s data indicates a July median sale price near $550,000, with average days on market increasing to 46 days, and rising active inventory and sales volume.
OUTDOOR & INDOOR
Carpenter Park Fields & Lake – paddle boating, fishing, trails, playgrounds, and events.
Trail Winds Park & Open Space – sports fields, playground, skate park, and trails.
Riverdale Golf Courses – two scenic golf courses.
Eastlake Nature Preserve – wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and peaceful trails.
Springvale Park Disc Golf Course – free disc golf and trails.
Thornton Veterans Memorial – outdoor memorial site.
Carpenter Recreation Center – swimming, gym, fitness classes, and kids’ activities.
Summit Thornton – bowling, arcade, laser tag, and billiards.
Main Event Thornton – bowling, arcade, virtual reality, and games.
Cinebarre Thornton – dine-in movie theater.
Escape Room Breckenridge – Thornton Location – puzzle and escape challenges.
Boondocks Food & Fun Northglenn/Thornton – arcade, bowling, and laser tag (also outdoor attractions).
Restaurants & Entertainment
Thornton has a diverse dining and entertainment scene. Popular spots include Texas Roadhouse for steaks, Cinzzetti’s Italian Market Restaurant with its all-you-can-eat Italian buffet, and Saigon Basil for Vietnamese cuisine. For drinks and casual nights out, Satire Brewing Company offers craft beers in a laid-back atmosphere. Entertainment seekers can also enjoy family-friendly fun at Main Event Thornton, which combines dining with bowling, laser tag, and games.
Schools
Education is well supported through the Adams 12 Five Star Schools district, which serves tens of thousands of students across Thornton and surrounding suburbs. Thornton has multiple high schools, including Thornton High (built in 1975, serving roughly 1,400–1,600 students), and Horizon High (opened in 1988, with nearly 2,000 students and robust athletics and academics)
