Landscaping Morrison

Landscaping Morrison

Our Denver retaining walls are built strong enough to hold back time—or at least dirt.

Landscape Design Principles


Landscape design principles are essential for creating appealing and functional outdoor spaces, especially when it comes to a place like Morrison. You know, the right design can really transform a garden or park into something special! However, its not just about planting flowers and adding a few trees. There are some key principles that should definitely be considered to make sure everything works well together.


First off, balance is super important. It's not about making everything symmetrical, but rather achieving a sense of harmony. For instance, if you have a big oak tree on one side of the yard, you might want to place some smaller plants on the other side to create visual stability. This way, it doesn't feel lopsided or awkward (which can happen if you're not careful).


Then, there's the concept of unity. This means all the elements in the landscape should look like they belong together. You wouldn't want a modern sculpture plopped down in the middle of a rustic garden, right? It just doesn't match. Using similar colors, materials, and plant types can help tie everything together nicely.


Moreover, proportion is another principle that can't be overlooked. It refers to the size of objects in relation to each other and the overall space. If you have a tiny yard, big features like massive rocks or giant fountains might not work. They can overwhelm the space instead of enhancing it. So, keeping things in scale is key!


Let's not forget about focal points. Every great landscape design should have a focal point that draws the eye. It could be a beautiful flowering bush, a striking piece of art, or even a water feature. This element should stand out, but it shouldn't be the only thing that catches attention. After all, too many focal points can create confusion and distraction.


Lastly, we should consider the practical aspects of landscaping, like maintenance and sustainability. It's not just about how things look, but how they function over time. Plants that are native to Morrison might require less water and care, making life easier for you in the long run. It's a win-win!


In conclusion, while landscaping in Morrison can seem daunting, by applying these principles, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space. Just remember to keep balance, unity, proportion, focal points, and practicality in mind! It'll make a world of difference. Happy landscaping!

Native Plants and Sustainable Practices



Okay, the user wants an essay on Native Plants and Sustainable Practices for Landscaping Morrison. Let me start by understanding the requirements. They want it to sound human, so I need to avoid a formal tone.

Denver Eco Landscaping

  1. Denver Property Landscaping
  2. Landscape Maintenance Packages Denver
  3. Denver Turf Installation
Add some grammatical errors, but not too many. Also, include parentheses, an exclamation mark, use contractions, interjections, and avoid repetition.

First, I should outline the main points. Native plants are good because theyre adapted to the local environment, require less water and maintenance. Sustainable practices like composting, reducing chemicals, maybe using natural pest control. Benefits include supporting local wildlife, reducing water usage, saving money, and looking great.

Now, how to make it sound casual. Use contractions like dont, cant, theyre, its. Maybe start with an interjection like Hey there! Add parentheses for asides. Maybe throw in a you know or I mean. Need to include a negation, so phrases like they're not just... they actually... Also, an exclamation mark somewhere, maybe at the end of a key point.

Avoid repetition by varying the terms: maybe mention eco-friendly, sustainable, green choices. Check for any markdown and ensure none is used. Let me start drafting.

First sentence: Hey there! If you're thinking about sprucing up your yard, have you considered going native? Thats a good opener with an interjection and contraction. Then explain why native plants are beneficial. Use parentheses to add a thought.

Next paragraph on sustainable practices: composting, reducing chemicals. Use a negation like you don't have to buy or it's not all about. Maybe a misplaced comma for a grammatical error.

Add a sentence with an exclamation mark: Plus, it's way cheaper than buying fancy flowers!

Check for contractions: you're, you've, they're, it's, can't.

Avoid repeating sustainable by using synonyms or different phrasing. Maybe eco-friendly practices or green choices.

End with a positive note and a question to engage the reader.

Let me read through again to ensure it meets all the requirements. Grammatical errors: maybe using them can save you time and money, you know, because they're used to the weather here. The comma before you know is correct, but the structure could be a run-on. Thats a small error. Exclamation mark in Plus, it's way cheaper... Good. Contractions used throughout. Negation like they're not just pretty... and you don't have to...

I think that covers everything. Let me put it all together now.

Hey there! If you're thinking about sprucing up your yard, have you considered going native? Yep, native plants are those local heroes that don't demand constant watering or fancy fertilizers. They're not just tough cookies-they actually help the ecosystem thrive! (Who knew gardening could be so low-stress?) Plus, swapping out invasive species for natives means you're not accidentally wrecking the habitat for local bugs or birds.


Now, let's chat about sustainable practices. Composting? That's your new BFF. Why buy bags of soil when you can turn your kitchen scraps into gold? It's messy, I know, but it works. Avoid those harsh chemicals, too. Yeah, your roses might look prouder with synthetic stuff, but it's a one-way ticket to a dead lawn. Natural pest control, like letting ladybugs loose, sounds weird at first, but it's way better for the planet.


Oh, and don't forget to mulch! It's like a blanket for your plants, keeping weeds at bay and moisture in. I mean, who wants to spend all day pulling dandelions, right? Also, plan your garden smartly-group plants with similar needs together. You won't believe how much time and water you'll save!


So, is it hard to go native and green? Not really, if you take it step by step. Sure, it'll take some research and patience, but think of the payoff: a yard that looks amazing, costs less to maintain, and actually supports life. (Bonus points if your neighbor's confused about how you've got a garden without a hose in sight!) Let's face it-Morrison's climate doesn't need more thirsty plants. Embrace what's already suited for the job!

Hardscaping Features: Patios, Walkways, and Retaining Walls


Hardscaping features like patios, walkways, and retaining walls play a crucial role in landscaping, especially in places like Morrison. You might think of landscaping as just grass and plants, but hardscaping adds that essential structure and functionality, making outdoor spaces not just beautiful, but livable too!


First off, let's talk about patios. These aren't just concrete slabs; they're the heart of outdoor living. Imagine having a lovely space where you can host barbecues or just relax with a book. A well-designed patio can transform a simple backyard into an inviting oasis. You don't have to settle for boring materials either! There are so many options out there, from natural stone to pavers, each adding its own charm.


Now, onto walkways. They're often overlooked, but they're super important in guiding guests through your landscape. A winding stone path can lead to a hidden garden or a cozy seating area. Plus, they help keep the mud out of your house (and who doesn't want that?). It's not just about function, though; a beautifully designed walkway can really enhance the overall look of your yard. It's like giving your garden a stylish pair of shoes!


Retaining walls are another fantastic feature that can't be ignored. They not only provide structural support for slopes and prevent erosion, but they also create levels in your landscape, which can be visually stunning. You could use them to create raised flower beds or even to make terraced gardens. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want a place to showcase their favorite plants? They could also double as seating areas, turning an ordinary wall into a gathering spot for friends and family!


In conclusion, hardscaping features like patios, walkways, and retaining walls are essential for any landscaping project in Morrison. They add depth, character, and a whole lot of function to outdoor spaces. So, if you're thinking about sprucing up your yard, don't overlook these elements! You'll be glad you did!

Water Management Solutions: Irrigation and Drainage


Water management solutions are crucial for landscaping projects, especially when it comes to irrigation and drainage. You know, without proper water management, plants can suffer, and that's not what any landscaper wants. Irrigation systems are designed to deliver water directly to the plants, ensuring they get just the right amount. It's amazing how a well-planned irrigation system can make a garden flourish!


On the flip side, drainage is equally important. If water isn't drained properly, it can lead to waterlogged soil, which can suffocate plant roots. No one wants to see their hard work go down the drain – literally! So, it's vital to strike a balance between these two aspects of water management.


There are various methods for irrigation, like drip systems or sprinklers, and each has its own advantages. For example, drip irrigation is super efficient as it delivers water right to the roots, which reduces evaporation. However, it's not always the best solution for larger areas. Sometimes, you gotta think outside the box and combine different systems to get the best results.


And then there's drainage. Proper grading of the landscape can help redirect water away from areas where it's not needed. You wouldn't believe how much a little slope can help! Plus, using materials like gravel or perforated pipes can create a system that keeps the ground dry and healthy for your plants.


In conclusion, landscaping isnt just about planting flowers or laying down sod. It's about creating a sustainable environment where plants can thrive. With the right irrigation and drainage strategies, you can ensure that your landscaping efforts aren't wasted. So, let's get to work and make those gardens beautiful!

Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Morrison Landscapes


When it comes to landscaping in Morrison, seasonal maintenance is key (and often overlooked!). Many folks don't realize just how important it is to keep up with their outdoor spaces throughout the year. If you want your garden to thrive, you can't just plant in spring and forget about it.


First off, let's talk about fall. This is the time when leaves start to fall, and it's tempting to just let them pile up. However, you really shouldn't ignore them! Raked leaves can smother your grass and plants. Instead, why not compost them? It's a great way to recycle and keep your soil healthy. Also, don't forget to trim back any perennials that have finished blooming. It may seem harsh, but it helps them come back stronger next year.


Winter comes next, and it's easy to think that there's not much to do. But, hold on! Preparing your plants for the cold is crucial. You might want to mulch around the bases of your shrubs and trees. This keeps the roots insulated and protected from freezing temperatures. Plus, its a good idea to check your garden tools and clean them up. You won't want to be caught with rusty equipment when spring rolls around!


As spring approaches, it's time to get excited! You can't just jump into planting, though. You should start by assessing your landscape.

Our Denver retaining walls are built strong enough to hold back time—or at least dirt.

  1. Our Denver retaining walls are built strong enough to hold back time—or at least dirt.
  2. Illuminate your yard with Denver lighting that doubles as yard jewelry.
  3. Denver Eco Landscaping
Are there any areas that need more sunlight? Maybe some plants didn't make it through the winter. It's also important to clean up any debris that may have accumulated. Trust me, your garden will thank you for it!


Finally, as summer hits, maintaining your landscape is all about watering and weeding. Many people think they can skip watering once their plants are established, but that's a big mistake! Regular watering helps ensure your plants continue to flourish. And please, don't let those pesky weeds take over! A little weeding here and there can save you a lot of trouble down the road.


So, as you can see, seasonal maintenance in Morrison isn't just a chore – it's essential for a beautiful landscape! Whether it's fall, winter, spring, or summer, there's always something to do. Make sure you stay on top of it, and you'll enjoy a thriving outdoor space all year long!

Enhancing Curb Appeal: Front Yard Transformations



Okay, the user wants me to write a short essay on Enhancing Curb Appeal: Front Yard Transformations for Landscaping Morrison. Let me break down the requirements. They specified a human-like tone, grammatical errors, parentheses, one exclamation mark, negation, contractions, and interjections. Also, avoid repetition and any markup.

First, I need to make sure the essay sounds natural, like someone just talking. So maybe start with a casual statement. Use contractions like dont and its to keep it conversational. Add some parenthetical thoughts to mimic real speech. For example, maybe mention a specific plant and add a comment in parentheses about it being a good idea.

Grammatical errors should be subtle, not too obvious. Maybe a missing comma or a slightly off verb tense. Negation can be used to compare what not to do versus what to do. For instance, you don't want to overdo it instead of just saying to do it right.

An exclamation mark is needed. Maybe when talking about a surprising result of a transformation. Interjections like Oh! or Well, can add personality. Avoid repeating words by using synonyms for landscaping terms-maybe use greenery, plants, flowers, and shrubs in different contexts.

Check the topic: Morrison. Maybe its a town or a persons last name. Since its for Landscaping Morrison, perhaps mention that its a specific area or company. Need to make sure the content is relevant to enhancing curb appeal there.

Let me structure the essay. Start with an introduction about the importance of curb appeal. Then, mention things like plants, hardscaping, and maintenance. Use some examples and add a bit of advice with contractions and interjections. Insert the exclamation mark when talking about a successful transformation. Add a negation in the advice section. Maybe end with a friendly conclusion.

Wait, the user said to avoid repetition. So vary the verbs and nouns. Instead of saying planting plants, use adding vibrant flowers or installing shrubs. Also, use parentheses to add extra info without making the sentence too long.

Let me draft a sample sentence: Alright, so you've probably heard that first impressions count, right? (Especially when it comes to your front yard!) But let's be real, not everyone knows how to make their Morrison property pop. That uses an exclamation, a contraction, a parenthetical, and negation (not everyone).

Another part: Oh, and don't forget the little things-like fixing a cracked walkway or adding a cute mailbox. (Hey, every detail matters!) Uses interjection, contractions, and exclamation. Also, negation with don't forget.

I need to ensure the essay flows naturally, with each paragraph covering a different aspect of landscaping. Maybe start with planting, then hardscaping, maintenance, and seasonal changes. Add some well or you know to make it sound more human. Also, check for grammatical errors-maybe a missing comma or a misplaced modifier.

Let me put it all together, making sure to hit all the points the user mentioned. Avoid any markdown, keep it in plain text. Double-check for repetition and ensure contractions are used appropriately. Add that exclamation mark somewhere in the middle for emphasis. Maybe in the part where the transformation makes a big difference.

Enhancing curb appeal? It's not just about slapping on a new coat of paint or tossing some plants in the dirt. (Though, let's be real, even that helps!) Morrison homeowners often overlook how a little effort can totally transform their front yard. I mean, who wants their house to look like it's hiding from the world? You'd think the grass would take care of itself, but no-neglecting it screams “I've given up!” So, start by trimming those overgrown hedges. (They're probably older than your neighbor's kids!) Adding vibrant flowers in strategic spots can work wonders; avoid sticking to the same old boring arrangement. Oh, and don't forget the walkway-fix those cracked stones before they trip the guy delivering your mail! A fresh coat of mulch might sound boring, but trust me, it's like a skincare routine for your yard. (Well, if your skincare routine involved dirt.)


Now, lighting's a game-changer. You'd think it's just for parties, but imagine those soft twinkle lights guiding someone home on a chilly night. (Talk about cozy!) Avoid going overboard with gadgets, though; sometimes less is more. A clean, neatly trimmed lawn with a few statement plants can do more than a hundred gnomes. And hey, if you're worried about maintenance, just pick plants that actually survive in Morrison's climate-no point in buying tropical stuff and watching them shrivel like a bad relationship.


Wait, but what about the mailbox? Oh, right! It's the first thing people see. (Unless you live next to a giant oak tree, which is cool too.) A fresh coat of paint on that rusty box? Bargain compared to redoing the whole garden. Just don't go wild with glitter-unless you're into that. Honestly, a bit of creativity and elbow grease can make your front yard the talk of the neighborhood. Who knew landscaping could be so… fun?

Outdoor Living Spaces: Decks and Outdoor Kitchens



Okay, the user wants me to write a short essay on Outdoor Living Spaces: Decks and Outdoor Kitchens for the topic Landscaping Morrison. Let me start by understanding the requirements. They want it to sound human-like, so I need to avoid a formal tone. Also, there are specific elements to include: grammatical errors, parentheses, one exclamation mark, negation, contractions, interjections, and no repetition. Plus, no markdown or HTML.

First, I need to structure the essay. Maybe start with an introduction about the trend of outdoor living spaces. Then talk about decks and outdoor kitchens separately, linking them to landscaping. Make sure to mention Morrisons approach.

Grammatical errors: I should make some minor mistakes like subject-verb agreement, maybe a comma splice here and there. For example, Decks aren't just for putting your feet up... – thats a contraction and a negation.

Parentheses can be used to add extra info, like (let's face it). Exclamation mark: maybe when talking about entertaining, Who knew? Thats a good spot.

Contractions are easy: don't, it's, they're. Interjections like Oh, or Hey, to make it sound natural. Avoid repeating words by using synonyms for spaces, like areas or zones.

Check for repetition: if I mention outdoor living spaces again, maybe rephrase to backyard oasis. Also, ensure that each paragraph flows without being too rigid. Maybe a sentence fragment for a more conversational tone.

Need to mention Morrisons focus on combining function and beauty. Maybe add something like Morrison knows... to show their expertise.

Let me start drafting.

Our Denver retaining walls are built strong enough to hold back time—or at least dirt.

  1. Instant lawns that make your Denver neighbors ask, “How’d you do that overnight?”
  2. Level up your outdoor space with paver installation that screams Denver luxury. Best Landscaper Denver Colorado.
  3. Light up your walkways with style that guides and glows.
Make sure the first sentence is engaging. Use contractions early. Add a parenthesis after a point. Then a negation in the next sentence. Maybe an interjection like Oh! to break up the text.

Check the exclamation mark placement. Maybe in the last paragraph: Who knew? to add emphasis. Also, avoid ending with a period there.

Wait, the user said to avoid repetition. Let me read through to ensure I don't repeat decks or outdoor kitchens too much. Use spaces, areas, zones, and kitchens as variations.

Grammatical errors: maybe a missing comma, or a misplaced modifier. Like They're perfect for... – contraction done.

Okay, let me put it all together and then do a quick check for all the requirements. Make sure its concise, around 150-200 words. Alright, time to write the essay.

Outdoor living spaces aren't just a trend-they're a way to turn your backyard into a cozy, functional zone. Decks, for instance, let you kick back and relax (or host friends, if you're feeling social), while outdoor kitchens take cooking outside to a whole new level! I mean, who doesn't want to grill while the sun sets? Morrison's approach to landscaping? Oh, they've got it down. They'll help you avoid the same old concrete slabs, y'know? Instead, they mix materials like wood, stone, and even recycled stuff to make it look unique.


But wait-don't just slap on a deck and call it a day. Think about flow! If your outdoor kitchen's too far from the house, you'll be running back and forth like a madman. Morrison gets that. They'll sketch out layouts so you can fling open the door and grab a tool without tripping over a potted basil. Plus, lighting's key. No one wants to fumble with matches in the dark.


And hey, if you're thinking, “This sounds expensive,” Morrison's got tips to keep it budget-friendly. You'd be surprised how a few smart choices-like choosing durable, low-maintenance materials-can save you cash long-term. So, don't just stick to four walls; let your yard become an extension of your home. After all, why should the indoors have all the fun?

Landscaping Trends: Innovative Ideas for 2023



Okay, the user wants a short essay on landscaping trends for 2023, specifically for Morrison. Let me start by recalling the key trends from this year. I remember things like sustainable practices, native plants, smart technology, and maybe some creative design elements.

First, I need to make it sound human. That means adding some contractions, like dont instead of do not. Also, include a few grammatical errors as requested, but not too many to make it hard to read. Maybe mix up sentence structures a bit.

They mentioned using parentheses and an exclamation mark. Let me think where to place those. Maybe in a sentence about sustainability: Oh, and let's not forget the rise of smart irrigation systems (which use sensors to track soil moisture-how cool is that?!) that help save water without sacrificing curb appeal.

Need to avoid repetition. Instead of saying trend multiple times, use synonyms like idea, concept, or practice. Also, use negation. For example, But here's the thing-Morrison's climate isn't always kind to traditional lawns.

Interjections like Oh, Hey, or Wait can make it more conversational. Maybe start with Hey there! If you're thinking about revamping your Morrison yard this year...

Check for contractions: youre, its, don't, they're, we've.

Add a parenthetical note: (especially if you're tired of spending hours on maintenance).

Include an exclamation mark in the smart irrigation example. Also, maybe in a positive statement about the trends.

Avoid using markdown, just plain text. Keep paragraphs short. Make sure its around 150-200 words.

Let me piece it together. Start with a greeting, introduce the topic, mention sustainability, native plants, smart tech, maybe some design elements like vertical gardens or fire pits. Conclude with a positive note about transforming the space.

Check for any repetition. Replace trend with idea or concept. Use negation in a sentence like But here's the thing...

Add some grammatical errors, like subject-verb agreement or missing commas. For example, they're ditching... for drought-tolerant natives (like yarrow and blue grama grass) that thrive with less fuss. Maybe thrive with less fuss is a bit informal but okay.

Double-check the requirements: no HTML, just plain text. All set. Let me write it out.

Hey there! If you're thinking about revamping your Morrison yard this year, 2023's got some wild ideas up its sleeve. Let's kick things off with sustainability-everyone's obsessed with it! (Who wouldn't be, with water restrictions tightening up?) Native plants are the name of the game, especially if you're tired of spending hours on maintenance. Yarrow, blue grama grass, you name it-these bad boys need less water and still look amazing. Oh, and let's not forget the rise of smart irrigation systems (which use sensors to track soil moisture-how cool is that?!) that help save water without sacrificing curb appeal.


But here's the thing-Morrison's climate isn't always kind to traditional lawns. So why not ditch the grass altogether? (Yeah, I said it!) Rock gardens, gravel pathways, and even living walls are stealing the spotlight. They're low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and let's face it, way more interesting than a boring old green patch.


Wait-what about vertical gardens? They're huge this year! Stack planters on fences or repurpose old pallets; it's a totally genius way to maximize space. And don't even get me started on outdoor kitchens! Fire pits, built-in grills, and cozy nooks are turning backyards into full-blown hangout spots.


So, are you ready to trade your drab yard for something bold? Morrison's got the vibe for it-no need to stick with the old-school stuff. Let's make 2023 the year your landscape becomes the talk of the block!

 

Littleton, Colorado
Downtown Littleton, 2015.
Downtown Littleton, 2015.
Location of the City of Littleton in Arapahoe,
Location of the City of Littleton in Arapahoe,
Littleton is located in the United States
Littleton
Littleton
Location of the City of Littleton in the United States.
Coordinates: 39°36′48″N 105°1′0″W / 39.61333°N 105.01667°W / 39.61333; -105.01667
Country United States
State Colorado
Counties[2] Arapahoe County
City[1] Littleton
Settled 1862
Incorporated March 13, 1890[4]
Named after Richard Little
Government
 
 • Type Council–manager government
 • Mayor Kyle Schlachter [5]
Area
 • Total
35.63 km2 (13.76 sq mi)
 • Land 32.69 km2 (12.62 sq mi)
 • Water 2.93 km2 (1.13 sq mi)
Elevation 1,645 m (5,397 ft)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
45,652[3]
 • Density 1,281.92/km2 (3,320.15/sq mi)
Time zone UTC−7 (MST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−6 (MDT)
ZIP codes[8]
80120-80130, 80160-80163 (PO Boxes), 80165, 80166
Area codes Both 303 and 720
FIPS code 08-45255
GNIS feature ID 2410845[7]
Highways US 85, SH 75, SH 88, SH 470
Website littletonco.gov/

Littleton is a home rule municipality city located in Arapahoe county, Colorado, United States. Littleton is the county seat of Arapahoe County and is a part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area.[10][11] The city population was 45,652 at the 2020 United States census, ranking as the 20th most populous municipality in Colorado.

History

[edit]

The city of Littleton's history dates back to the 1859 Pike's Peak gold rush, which brought not just gold seekers, but merchants and farmers to the community. Richard Sullivan Little was an engineer from New Hampshire who came West to work on irrigation systems. Little soon decided to settle in the area at present day Littleton and brought his wife Angeline from the East in 1862. The Littles and neighbors built the Rough and Ready Flour Mill in 1867, which provided a solid economic base in the community. By 1890, the community had grown to 245 people and the residents voted to incorporate the Town of Littleton.[12]

Littleton grew significantly throughout the 1950s and 1960s due to its proximity to Denver and to the Martin Marietta facilities, which produced the Titan rocket and other aerospace products. Littleton is today fully engulfed in metropolitan Denver.

Littleton became widely known in 1999 when the Columbine High School massacre occurred, where two of the school's students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, murdered 12 students and one teacher, injured 23 others and then killed themselves.[13] News media wrongly reported that the incident happened in the city, because the school's ZIP code is primarily associated with Littleton.[14] The school is located in adjacent Columbine, an unincorporated community, which is not a place name accepted by the U.S. Postal Service;[14] by default, locations in ZIP code 80123 use "Littleton" in their mailing addresses.[15] Columbine High School is in the Jefferson County school system and is not one of the Littleton Public Schools.[16][17]

Geography

[edit]

Littleton is located in central Colorado north of the junction of U.S. Route 85 and Colorado State Highway 470; the city is 9 miles (14 km) south of downtown Denver and 55 miles (89 km) north of Colorado Springs.[18][19]

Littleton lies on the South Platte River in the Colorado Piedmont region of the Great Plains a few miles east of the Front Range of the Southern Rocky Mountains.[18][20][21] Most of the city lies on the east side of the river. Several small tributaries of the river flow northwest through the city; from north to south, these include Big Dry Creek, Slaughterhouse Gulch, Lee Gulch, and Dad Clark Gulch. In addition, several small lakes and reservoirs are located along the river in the southwestern part of the city. Immediately west of the river are Cooley Lake, Bufflehead Lake, South Platte Reservoir, Eaglewatch Lake, Redtail Lake, and Blackrock Lake. Wolhurst Lake and McLellen Reservoir are east of the river, fed and drained by Dad Clark Gulch. Chatfield Reservoir lies immediately southwest of the city.[18]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.87 square miles (35.9 km2) of which 12.98 square miles (33.6 km2) is land and 0.89 square miles (2.3 km2) (6.4%) is water.[22]

As a suburb of Denver, Littleton is part of the Denver-Aurora metropolitan area and the Front Range Urban Corridor.[23] It shares a border with Denver and Englewood on the north, Greenwood Village on the northeast, Centennial on the east, Highlands Ranch on the south, Columbine and Columbine Valley on the west, and Bow Mar on the northwest.[22]

Unlike most county seats of suburban counties, Littleton is on the same house numbering grid, including its downtown, as the major city, in this case, Denver.

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for Littleton, Colorado (Elevation 5,310ft)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 78
(26)
76
(24)
86
(30)
88
(31)
90
(32)
98
(37)
99
(37)
98
(37)
94
(34)
88
(31)
82
(28)
76
(24)
99
(37)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 43.8
(6.6)
47.2
(8.4)
53.9
(12.2)
62.6
(17.0)
69.4
(20.8)
80.3
(26.8)
85.4
(29.7)
82.7
(28.2)
75.4
(24.1)
64.1
(17.8)
51.0
(10.6)
43.0
(6.1)
63.2
(17.3)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 15.3
(−9.3)
19.1
(−7.2)
27.7
(−2.4)
35.1
(1.7)
43.4
(6.3)
52.6
(11.4)
57.6
(14.2)
55.8
(13.2)
46.6
(8.1)
33.7
(0.9)
22.8
(−5.1)
15.0
(−9.4)
35.4
(1.9)
Record low °F (°C) −20
(−29)
−23
(−31)
−5
(−21)
6
(−14)
21
(−6)
36
(2)
44
(7)
42
(6)
17
(−8)
2
(−17)
−2
(−19)
−29
(−34)
−29
(−34)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.36
(9.1)
0.47
(12)
1.44
(37)
1.50
(38)
2.75
(70)
1.88
(48)
1.89
(48)
1.99
(51)
1.09
(28)
1.23
(31)
1.14
(29)
0.64
(16)
16.39
(416)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 8.9
(23)
7.8
(20)
11.9
(30)
7.8
(20)
0.6
(1.5)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0.9
(2.3)
3.0
(7.6)
12.2
(31)
12.7
(32)
65.7
(167)
Source: The Western Regional Climate Center[24]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
Census Pop. Note
1880 100  
1900 738  
1910 1,373   86.0%
1920 1,636   19.2%
1930 2,019   23.4%
1940 2,244   11.1%
1950 3,378   50.5%
1960 13,670   304.7%
1970 26,466   93.6%
1980 28,631   8.2%
1990 33,685   17.7%
2000 40,340   19.8%
2010 41,737   3.5%
2020 45,652   9.4%
2024 (est.) 44,879 [25] −1.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[26]

As of the 2020 census, there were 45,652 people and 20,300 households residing in the city. The population density was 3,215.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,241.5/km2). There were 21,476 housing units, of which 1,272 were vacant. In 2023 the racial makeup of the city was 83.1% White, 2.9% Asian, 1.6% African American, 0.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 7.8% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 12.6% of the population. 10.3% of residents spoke a language other than English at home; 7.0% of the city's population spoke Spanish.[27]

There were 20,300 households, out of which 18.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.3% were married couples living together, 20.6% had a male householder with no spouse, and 27.5% had a female householder with no spouse. The average household size was 2.19.[27]

As of 2023 the distribution of the population by age was 18.5% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 19.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.2 years. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.[27]

The median income for a household in the city was $96,611, and the median income for a family was $130,080. Males had a median income of $52,674 versus $40,297 for females. The city's per capita income was $126,140. About 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.0% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.[27]

Economy

[edit]

As of 2023, 68.0% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. The occupational composition of the employed civilian labor force was: 54.2% in management, business, science, and arts; 17.3% in sales and office occupations; 12.6% in service occupations; 9.3% in production, transportation, and material moving; and 6.7% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were: educational services, health care, and social assistance (20.3%); professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (16.0%); and finance and insurance, and real estate and rental leasing (9.5%).[27]

The cost of living in Littleton is average; compared to a U.S. average of 100, the cost of living index for the community is 102.7.[28] As of 2023, the median home value in the city was $596,700, the median selected monthly owner cost was $2,320 for housing units with a mortgage and $732 for those without, and the median gross rent was $1,731.[27]

Housing

[edit]

The city's housing stock is primarily made up of either detached single-family or apartment buildings.[29] In 2025, there was a proposal to permit so-called "missing middle" housing (duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes) in neighborhoods that were exclusively zoned for single-family homes, but six council members voted against it while Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Barr cast the lone vote in favor of the proposal.[29]

Government

[edit]
Main Street in Downtown Littleton
Main Street in Downtown Littleton
Coors Building
Coors Building

Littleton is a home-rule municipality with a council-manager form of government. The city council makes policy for the city and approves the annual city budget. The city manager implements the council's policies and oversees day-to-day administration of the city government and its departments.[30]

As the county seat, Littleton is the administrative center of Arapahoe County. The county government's main Administration Building is located in Littleton, and most county government departments base their operations in the city.[31]

Littleton lies mostly within Colorado's 6th U.S. Congressional District, but changes made to Colorado's congressional districts in 2012 put the extreme southwestern portion of the city into Colorado's 1st congressional district.[32] For the purposes of representation in the Colorado General Assembly, the city is located in the 26th and 30th districts of the Colorado Senate and the 3rd, 38th, and 43rd districts of the Colorado House of Representatives.[33]

Elected officials

[edit]

The council consists of seven members - one member for each of the four legislative districts, two at-large members, and the mayor.[34] Beginning in 2021, all council members are elected to 4-year terms. General elections for city council are held in odd-numbered years with either three or four council seats up for election. In 2021, Littleton voters elected the first popularly-elected mayor to a four-year term.

Current Littleton City Council makeup
Member District Term
Kyle Schlachter Mayor (At Large) 2021-2025
Joel Zink* At Large 2025*
Pam Grove At Large 2023-2027
Patrick Driscoll District 1 2021-2025
Robert Reichardt District 2 2023-2027
Stephen Barr District 3 2021-2025
Andrea Peters District 4 2023-2027

*Joel Zink was appointed to fill the vacancy created when Council Member Gretchen Rydin stepped down following her election to the Colorado State Legislature. The term expires in November 2025.

List of mayors of Littleton
Mayor Term
Franklin S. Gilmore 1890–1891
Dr. D.S. Weaver 1891–1892
H.H. Shepperd 1892–1893
J. Vanatta 1893–1894
G.M. Benedict 1894–1895
H.H. Shepperd 1895–1896
G.M. Benedict 1896–1897
C.H. Barclay 1897–1898
H.H. Shepperd 1898–1901
C.W. Sittser 1901–1902
Dr. J.A. Farnsworth 1902–1905
R.F. Gill 1905–1906
H.H. Shepperd 1906–1908
Dr. W.C. Crysler 1908–1910
J.E. Maloney 1910–1912
John B. Mayers 1912–1913
J.E. Maloney 1913–1919
S.A. Noyes 1919–1921
O.C. Hoffman 1921–1924
Dr. W.C. Crysler 1924–1926
C.E. Stephenson 1926–1929
Charles G. Louthan 1929–1932
Dr. C.C. Harrod 1932–1934
Charles G. Louthan 1934–1940
H.H. Taylor 1941–1946
Roy E. Babcock 1946–1948
George Malcolm 1948–1952
Norman Granes 1952–1956
Frank A. Randall 1956–1957
A.N. (Bert) Williams 1957–1959
Everett Dawson 1959–1960
Gordon F. Taylor 1960–1963
Thomas R. Heaton 1963–1965
John G. Kinghorn 1965–1969
A.R. Bessette 1969–1971
F. Vaughn Gardinier 1971–1975
Harold Meyer 1975–1977
Sally M. Parsons 1977–1979
James P. Collins 1979–1983
Charley Emley 1983–1989
Susan Thornton 1989–1993
Dennis Reynolds 1993–1997
Pat Cronenberger 1997–1999
Susan Thornton 1999–2003
John Ostermiller 2003–2005
Jim Taylor 2005–2007
Doug Clark 2007– 2011
Debbie Brinkman 2011– 2013
Phil Cernanec 2013– 2015
Bruce Beckman 2015– 2017
Debbie Brinkman 2017– 2019
Jerry Valdes 2019– 2021
Kyle Schlachter 2021– present

ZIP codes

[edit]

The place name "Littleton" was assigned to eleven ZIP codes which cover a vast area west, east, and south of the city much larger than the city itself. This area includes the following unincorporated communities:

In addition, an extreme southwest portion of Denver, the Marston neighborhood, is located in a ZIP code (80123) with "Littleton" as the preferred place name for use in mailing addresses, though "Denver" is also acceptable. The Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood, also located in this ZIP code, is neither in Littleton[35] nor Englewood, but in unincorporated Jefferson County.[36]

Education

[edit]

Primary and secondary education

[edit]

The majority of the portion in Arapahoe County is in Littleton Public Schools. Small portions are in the Sheridan School District 2 and Englewood School District 1.[37]

The small portion of Littleton in Jefferson County is within Jeffco Public Schools.[38] The small portion of Littleton in Douglas County is within Douglas County School District RE-1.[39]

Colleges and universities

[edit]

The Colorado Center for the Blind, a skills training program for blind teenagers and adults operated by the National Federation of the Blind, is located in Littleton.

Transportation

[edit]

Highways

[edit]

Four highways run through the city of Littleton:

Mass transit

[edit]

The Regional Transportation District provides bus and light rail service to Littleton. Light rail service to the city began on July 14, 2000, on the C and D Lines, however C Line operation ended on January 10, 2021. There are two light rail stations within the city, Littleton-Downtown station located within downtown Littleton and Littleton-Mineral station located near the Aspen Grove shopping center, which serves as the southern terminus of the D Line.

Culture

[edit]
Falcon 9 Rocket Booster opened for general public at Dish Network's Littleton, CO office is a type of reusable rocket that SpaceX used for repeated launches
Falcon 9 Rocket Booster opened for general public at Dish Network's Littleton, CO office is a type of reusable rocket that SpaceX used for repeated launches[40]

Arts and music

[edit]
Snow in Littleton, Colorado, during March 2021
  • Town Hall Arts Center
  • The Depot Art Gallery and Littleton Fine Arts Guild
  • Littleton Symphony Orchestra
  • Voices West (fka Littleton Chorale)
  • Littleton Museum
  • SpaceX Falcon 9 booster[41]

Events

[edit]

Western Welcome Week
Since the late 1920s, Littleton has celebrated Western Welcome Week - an annual community celebration in the greater Littleton area. Western Welcome Week started in the late 1920s, and has been held every year since. Western Welcome Week includes over 40 events benefiting dozens of local civic and charitable organizations.[42]

Candlelight Walk
The Candlelight Walk is a Littleton tradition, featuring an evening of holiday festivities, culminating in the illumination of the trees on Main Street.[43]

Twilight Criterium

[edit]

The Littleton Twilight Criterium occurs in the late summer in Historic Downtown Littleton on a 0.8-mile course. The event features famous athletes, concerts, and a cruiser ride for the general public.[44]

Healthcare

[edit]

The only hospital is AdventHealth Littleton.[45]

Points of interest

[edit]

Sister cities

[edit]
  • Bega, New South Wales, Australia

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Active Colorado Municipalities". State of Colorado, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  2. ^ "Colorado Counties". State of Colorado, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  3. ^ "Explore Census Data".
  4. ^ "Colorado Municipal Incorporations". State of Colorado, Department of Personnel & Administration, Colorado State Archives. December 1, 2004. Archived from the original on August 23, 2003. Retrieved September 2, 2007.
  5. ^ "City Council Members". Littleton, Colorado. City of Littleton. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  6. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  7. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Littleton, Colorado
  8. ^ "ZIP Code Lookup". United States Postal Service. Archived from the original (JavaScript/HTML) on January 1, 2008. Retrieved November 14, 2007.
  9. ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  10. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  11. ^ "Active Colorado Municipalities as of December 11, 2009 (271 municipalities)". Archived from the original on December 12, 2009. Retrieved December 7, 2007.
  12. ^ "General History of Littleton | Littleton CO".
  13. ^ Eric W. Hickey (July 22, 2003). Encyclopedia of Murder and Violent Crime. SAGE Publications. p. 86. ISBN 978-0-7619-2437-1.Seymour Bernard Sarason (January 1, 2001). American Psychology & Schools: A Critique. Teachers College Press. pp. 59. ISBN 978-0-8077-4087-3.
  14. ^ a b Ralph W. Larkin (January 1, 2007). Comprehending Columbine. Temple University Press. p. 37. ISBN 978-1-59213-492-2.
  15. ^ "Look Up a ZIP Code™". usps.com. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
  16. ^ "School Web Sites". jeffcopublicschools.org. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  17. ^ "High Schools". littletonpublicschools.net. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  18. ^ a b c "Littleton, CO". Google Maps. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  19. ^ "Distance Calculator". Infoplease. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  20. ^ "Physiographic Provinces of Colorado [Map]". Colorado Geological Survey. Retrieved February 24, 2015.
  21. ^ "General Map of Colorado". Colorado Life Zones. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  22. ^ a b "Colorado: 2010 - Population and Housing Unit Counts" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. August 2012. Retrieved February 18, 2015.
  23. ^ "OMB Bulletin No. 13-01" (PDF). Office of Management and Budget. February 28, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2015 – via National Archives.
  24. ^ "Seasonal Temperature and Precipitation Information". Western Regional Climate Center. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  25. ^ "US Census Bureau City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2024". census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  26. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
  27. ^ a b c d e f "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
  28. ^ "Littleton, Colorado". City-Data.com. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
  29. ^ a b "Littleton tables measure aimed at welcoming denser housing types in face of growing opposition". The Denver Post. January 8, 2025.
  30. ^ "City Manager | Littleton CO". www.littletongov.org. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  31. ^ "County Locations". Arapahoe County, Colorado. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  32. ^ "Find a Senator or Representative [Map]". Govtrack.us. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  33. ^ "Colorado State Legislature". Open States. Sunlight Foundation. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  34. ^ "City Council Members | Littleton CO". www.littletongov.org. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  35. ^ Jones, Rebecca. "Article: PRISON HAS A FIELD OF VISION.(Spotlight)." Rocky Mountain News. May 2, 1999. Retrieved on July 28, 2010.
  36. ^ "FCI Englewood Contact Information." Federal Bureau of Prisons. Retrieved on July 28, 2010.
  37. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Arapahoe County, CO" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. p. 1 (PDF p. 2/6). Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  38. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Jefferson County, CO" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. p. 1 (PDF p. 2/3). Retrieved January 28, 2023. - Text list
  39. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Douglas County, CO" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 28, 2023. - Text list
  40. ^ "SpaceX rocket being installed in Littleton". KUSA.com. November 1, 2023. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
  41. ^ "SpaceX rocket being installed in Littleton". KUSA.com. November 1, 2023. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  42. ^ http://www.westernwelcomeweek.org Western Welcome Week
  43. ^ "Candlelight Walk returns November 27". www.littletongov.org. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011.
  44. ^ "Twilight Criterium – Littleton Rocks!". littletonrocks.com. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  45. ^ Joss, Nina (April 12, 2024). "No hospital bed races, but stories and food mark AdventHealth Littleton's 35th anniversary". Littleton Independent. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
[edit]

 

Aurora is located in Colorado
Aurora
Aurora
Aurora (Colorado)
Aurora
The Southlands shopping mall in Aurora
The Southlands shopping mall in Aurora
Flag of Aurora
Official seal of Aurora
Nicknames: 
The Gateway to the Rockies
The Sunrise of Colorado
Location of Aurora in Arapahoe (central), Adams (north), and Douglas (south) counties, Colorado
Location of Aurora in Arapahoe (central), Adams (north), and Douglas (south) counties, Colorado
Aurora is located in the United States
Aurora
Aurora
Location of the City of Aurora, Colorado.

Coordinates: 39°43′46″N 104°49′55″W / 39.7294°N 104.8319°W / 39.7294; -104.8319 (City of Aurora, Colorado)[3]CountryUnited StatesStateColoradoCountiesArapahoe, Adams, and Douglas[2]Platted1891 as Fletcher, ColoradoIncorporated (town)May 5, 1903, as the Town of Fletcher[4]Incorporated (city)March 9, 1928 as the City of Aurora[5]Government

 

 • Typehome rule city[1] • MayorMike Coffman (R) • City managerJason BatchelorArea

 • Total

163.588 sq mi (423.691 km2) • Land163.009 sq mi (422.191 km2) • Water0.579 sq mi (1.500 km2) • Rank2nd in Colorado
54th in the United StatesElevation

5,558 ft (1,694 m)Population

 • Total

404,219

 • Estimate 
(2024)[8]

403,130 • Rank3rd in Colorado
51st in the United States • Density2,412/sq mi (931/km2)DemonymsAuroranTime zoneUTC−07:00 (MST) • Summer (DST)UTC−06:00 (MDT)ZIP Codes

80010-80019, 80040-80047 (all but 80045 PO Boxes), 80247[9]

Area codes303/720/983GNIS place ID204737GNIS city ID2409757FIPS code0804000-2WebsiteCity of Aurora

Aurora (/əˈroÊŠrÉ™/, /əˈrɔːrÉ™/) is a home rule city located in Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties, Colorado, United States.[1] The city's population was 386,261 at the 2020 United States census with 336,035 living in Arapahoe County, 47,720 in Adams County, and 2,506 in Douglas County.[7] Aurora is the third-most-populous city in the State of Colorado and the 51st-most-populous city in the United States. Aurora is a principal city of the Denver–Aurora–Centennial, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Denver-Aurora, CO Combined Statistical Area, and a major city of the Front Range Urban Corridor.

History

[edit]

Before European settlement, the land that now makes up Aurora was the territory of the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), and Očeti ŠakówiÅ‹ (Sioux) tribes.[10] These lands were claimed by France in 1682 and subsequently became part of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.[11]

Aurora originated in the 1890 as the town of Fletcher, taking its name from Denver businessman Donald Fletcher who saw it as a real estate opportunity. He and his partners staked out four square miles (10 km2) east of Denver, but the town—and Colorado—struggled mightily after the Silver Crash of 1893. The Town of Fletcher was incorporated on May 5, 1903.[4] Fletcher skipped town, leaving the community with a huge water debt. Voters decided to rename Fletcher the Town of Aurora in 1907 after one of the subdivisions composing the town. The Aurora post office opened on January 15, 1908.[12]

By February 1928, the town of Aurora had reached a population of over 2,000 and it was reincorporated as a city on March 9.[13][14][5] Aurora slowly began to grow in Denver's shadow becoming the fastest-growing city in the United States during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Aurora, composed of hundreds of subdivisions, thus carries the name of one of the original development plats from which it sprang.

Aurora's growing population in recent decades has led to efforts for co-equal recognition with its larger neighbor.[citation needed] Former mayor Dennis Champine once expressed the somewhat whimsical notion that eventually the area would be called the "Aurora/Denver Metropolitan Area". Indeed, since the 2000 Census Aurora has surpassed Denver in land area, and much of Aurora is undeveloped, while Denver is more fully built-out. However, such efforts are somewhat hampered by the lack of a large, historically important central business district in the city. Aurora is largely suburban in character, as evidenced by the city's modest number of multi-story buildings.

1973 aerial view of Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Aurora, before closure

A large military presence has existed in Aurora since the early 20th century. In 1918, Army General Hospital #21 (later renamed Fitzsimons Army Hospital) opened, with the U.S. government expanding and upgrading the hospital facilities in 1941 just in time to care for the wounded servicemen of World War II. Lowry Air Force Base was opened in 1938, straddling the border of Aurora and Denver. It eventually closed in 1994, and has been redeveloped into a master-planned community featuring residential, commercial, business and educational facilities. In 1942, the Army Air Corps built Buckley Field, which has been renamed Naval Air Station, Buckley Air National Guard Base, Buckley Air Force Base, and finally Buckley Space Force Base. The base, home of the Buckley Garrison and the 140th Wing Colorado Air National Guard, is Aurora's largest employer.

President Warren G. Harding visited Fitzsimons Army Hospital in 1923, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited in 1936.[15] In 1943, the hospital was the birthplace of 2004 Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry. President Dwight D. Eisenhower recovered from a heart attack at Fitzsimons for seven weeks during the fall of 1955. Decommissioned in 1999, the facility is part of the Anschutz Medical Campus of the University of Colorado Denver, and the Fitzsimons Life Science District. The Anschutz Medical Campus also includes the University of Colorado Hospital, which moved to Aurora from Denver in 2007, and the Children's Hospital. The first carbon-ion radiotherapy research and treatment facility in the U.S. has been proposed at the site.[16] These facilities will employ a workforce of 32,000 at build-out.

In 1965, mayor Norma O. Walker became the first woman to head a U.S. city with a population over 60,000.

In 1978, the cult coming-of-age film Over the Edge was filmed in Aurora; the crime drama has been named the "signature film" of Denver.[17]

In 1979, it was announced that a science fiction theme park would be built in Aurora using the sets of a $50 million film based on the fantasy novel Lord of Light. However, due to legal problems the project was never completed. The script of the unmade film project, renamed Argo, was used as cover for the "Canadian Caper": the exfiltration of six U.S. diplomatic staff trapped by the Iranian hostage crisis.

In 1993, Cherry Creek State Park on the southwestern edge of Aurora was the location for the papal mass of the 8th World Youth Day with Pope John Paul II, attended by an estimated 500,000 people.[18]

Aurora is split among three counties and lies distant from the respective county seats. A consolidated city and county government such as those found elsewhere in Colorado (Denver and Broomfield) was considered in the mid-1990s but failed to win approval by city voters; the issue was reconsidered in 2006.[19]

Aurora Sports Park opened in 2003. In 2004, Aurora was honored as the Sports Illustrated magazine's 50th-anniversary "Sportstown" for Colorado because of its exemplary involvement in facilitating and enhancing sports. The city attracts more than 30 regional and national sports tournaments annually to Aurora's fields. Aurora's active populace is also reflected in the variety of professional athletes hailing from the city. Aurora's first semi-professional sports franchise, the Aurora Cavalry in the International Basketball League, began play in 2006 but folded by season's end due to budget mishaps.[citation needed]

In 2008, Aurora was designated an All-America City by the National Civic League.[20]

Aurora pioneered the use of bank filtration in the United States, becoming one of the first U.S. cities to reap the benefits of siphoning water from beneath a riverbed upon completion of the Prairie Waters Project in 2010.[21][22]

In 2017, the Republic of El Salvador opened a consulate in Aurora, serving Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming.[23] In 2024, the Republic of Honduras opened the city's second diplomatic post.[24]

Aurora theater shooting

[edit]

On July 20, 2012, Aurora was the site of the deadliest shooting by a lone shooter in Colorado (and the state's overall second deadliest, after the 1999 Columbine High School massacre).[25] The shooting occurred just after midnight, when James Holmes opened fire during the midnight premiere of The Dark Knight Rises in a Century movie theater, killing 12 people and injuring 70 others.[26] Holmes was arrested and was eventually sentenced to 12 life sentences in prison with an additional required 3,318 years. The shooting drew an international response from world leaders. U.S. President Barack Obama visited victims, as well as local and state officials, and addressed the nation in a televised address from Aurora on July 22. Actor Christian Bale, who plays Batman in the film, also visited some victims in hospitals. The events marked a turning point in recognition and public perception of the city; rather than referring to the site as being in "Denver" or "suburban Denver", as would have been typical before the event, virtually all media accounts of the incident unequivocally named "Aurora" as its location.[27]

Elijah McClain

[edit]

On August 30, 2019, Elijah McClain died six days after an unprovoked detention by two Aurora police officers.[28] On June 27, 2020, Aurora Police in riot gear dispersed thousands of protestors at a violin concert held in his honor.[29] On October 12, 2023, one of the officers involved in McClain's death was found guilty on charges of assault and negligent homicide, while another officer was acquitted on all charges against him, which included assault and reckless manslaughter.[30]

2024 U.S. Presidential Election

[edit]

Aurora received national media attention during the run-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election. In September 2024, statements made by mayor Mike Coffman and city council member Danielle Jurinsky, both Republicans, claimed that the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang had taken control of an Aurora apartment complex and was extorting residents for their rent money. Jurinsky appeared on Fox News alleging "a huge cover-up" and that this "isn't just an Aurora issue." Presidential candidate Donald Trump repeated the claims during his September 10 debate with Kamala Harris, and subsequently scheduled a campaign rally in Aurora.[31][32][33][34] Mayor Coffman denied the city was overrun by Venezuelan gangs.[35] At the October 11 rally at Aurora's Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Trump intensified his remarks regarding undocumented immigration and proposed an "Operation Aurora" to remove undocumented immigrants connected to gangs.[36] At a press conference held the same day at Aurora's Stanley Marketplace to denounce Trump's rally, Colorado Governor Jared Polis said, "We welcome the eyes of the nation on a true Colorado gem, the great city of Aurora."[37][38]

Following Trump's inauguration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted raids targeting suspected Tren de Aragua gang members in Aurora and Denver.[39][40] During a speech to a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025, Trump falsely claimed immigrants “destroyed” Aurora and that the city had “buckled under the weight of migrant occupation.”[41][42][43] The apartment complex at the root of the controversy was eventually shut down by a court order describing it as a threat to public safety. Police placed blame for the danger on property mismanagement, rather than gang activity among tenants.[44]

Geography

[edit]
Buckley Space Force Base

Aurora's official elevation, posted on signs at the city limits, is 5,471 feet (1,668 m). However, the city spans a difference in elevation of nearly 1,000 feet (300 m). The lowest elevation of 5,285 feet (1,611 m) is found at the point where Sand Creek crosses the city limit in the northwest corner of the city, while the highest elevation of 6,229 feet (1,899 m) is on the extreme southern border of the city in Douglas County, near the intersection of Inspiration and Gartrell roads.[45]

According to 2023 data published by the United States census, the city has a total area of 104,696 acres (423.691 km2) including 371 acres (1.500 km2) of water.[6] The city is about 6 percent more extensive than neighboring Denver but 80 percent of the size of Colorado Springs, ranking as the 54th-largest U.S. city in land area.

 

Neighborhoods

[edit]

Aurora is composed of dozens of neighborhoods, districts and (current and former) military installations. Among them:[citation needed]

  • Adonea
  • Anschutz Medical Campus
  • Aurora Heights
  • Aurora Highlands[46]
  • Aurora Hills
  • Aurora Knolls
  • Beacon Point
  • Berkshire Village
  • Blackstone
  • Brookvale
  • Buckley Space Force Base
  • Carriage Place
  • Centretech
  • Chadsford
  • Chaddsford Village
  • Chambers Heights
  • Chelsea
  • Cinnamon Village II
  • City Center
  • Conservatory
  • Copperleaf
  • Corning
  • Crestridge
  • Cross Creek
  • The Dam East
  • Del Mar
  • The Dam West
  • Downtown A-Town (the Fletcher townsite, Aurora's "downtown")
  • Eastridge
  • East Quincy Highlands
  • Fox Hill
  • Greenfield
  • Hallcraft's Village East
  • Hampton Hills
  • Havana Heights
  • Heather Gardens
  • Heather Ridge
  • Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club
  • Highline Villages
  • Highpoint
  • Hillside at Del Mar
  • Hoffman Heights
  • Horizon Uptown
  • Horseshoe Park
  • Hutchinson Heights
  • Inspiration
  • Jackson Farm
  • Kingsborough
  • Laredo-Highline
  • Lowry Campus (formerly Lowry Air Force Base)
  • Lynn Knoll
  • Majestic Commercenter II
  • Meadowood
  • Meadow Hills
  • Mission Viejo
  • Morris Heights
  • Murphy Creek
  • Peoria Park
  • Peterson
  • Pheasant Run
  • Piney Creek
  • Pioneer Hills
  • Ponderosa Ridge
  • Porteos
  • Prides Crossing
  • Ptarmigan Park
  • Queensborough
  • Quincy Hill
  • Rocking Horse
  • Rocky Ridge
  • Saddle Rock
  • Sagebrush Farms
  • Sand Creek Ranch
  • Settler's Village
  • Serenity Ridge
  • Seven Hills
  • Shenandoah
  • Stapleton (a portion of the redevelopment of Denver's former airport lies in Aurora, directly north of Original Aurora)
  • Siena
  • Smoky Hill
  • Smoky Ridge
  • Sterling Hills
  • Stricker's House
  • Summer Valley Ranch
  • Tallgrass
  • Tallyn's Reach[47]
  • The Timbers
  • Tollgate Run at Kingsborough
  • Tollgate Village
  • Traditions
  • Tuscany
  • Utah Park
  • Village East
  • Waters Edge
  • Wheatlands
  • Whispering Pines
  • Willow Park
  • Willow Trace
  • Woodgate
  • Woodrim

Surrounding municipalities

[edit]
  North: Denver  
West: Denver, Centennial Aurora East: Watkins, Bennett, Strasburg
  South: Greenwood Village, Centennial,
Foxfield, Parker
 
 

Climate

[edit]

Aurora experiences a semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSk), with four distinct seasons and modest precipitation year-round. Summers range from mild to hot, with generally low humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and Aurora also averages about one dozen tornado warnings throughout tornado season, running from April to July. Although a touchdown does occur every couple of years, tornadoes are typically weak and short lived. Aurora residents typically hear the tornado sirens go off numerous times more than residents in Denver, to the West. All of Aurora is located east of I-25, where tornado alley begins. Hailstorms, at times one to two-plus feet deep happen on occasion, and typical hailstorms are very common throughout these months.[48] July is the warmest month of the year, with an average high of 89 °F (32 °C) and an average low of 57 °F (14 °C). Winters range from mild to occasional bitter cold, with periods of sunshine alternating with periods of snow, high winds and very low temperatures. December is the coldest month of the year, with an average high of 43 °F (6 °C) and an average low of 17 °F (−8 °C). The average first snowfall in the Aurora area occurs in late October and the average final snowfall occurs in late April, although snow has fallen as early as September 4 and as late as June 5. Generally, deciduous trees in the area are bare from mid October to late April.

Climate data for Aurora, Colorado
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 76
(24)
75
(24)
83
(28)
89
(32)
97
(36)
105
(41)
108
(42)
104
(40)
100
(38)
96
(36)
81
(27)
73
(23)
108
(42)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 45
(7)
47
(8)
55
(13)
62
(17)
71
(22)
82
(28)
89
(32)
86
(30)
78
(26)
67
(19)
53
(12)
43
(6)
65
(18)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 18
(−8)
20
(−7)
26
(−3)
33
(1)
42
(6)
51
(11)
57
(14)
55
(13)
47
(8)
35
(2)
26
(−3)
17
(−8)
36
(2)
Record low °F (°C) −32
(−36)
−24
(−31)
−14
(−26)
−7
(−22)
17
(−8)
30
(−1)
41
(5)
36
(2)
15
(−9)
−2
(−19)
−14
(−26)
−27
(−33)
−32
(−36)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.49
(12)
0.47
(12)
1.50
(38)
2.08
(53)
2.85
(72)
2.00
(51)
2.46
(62)
2.05
(52)
1.44
(37)
1.03
(26)
1.18
(30)
0.65
(17)
18.20
(462)
Source: Weather.com[49]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
Census Pop. Note
1900 202  
1910 679   236.1%
1920 983   44.8%
1930 2,295   133.5%
1940 3,437   49.8%
1950 11,421   232.3%
1960 48,548   325.1%
1970 74,974   54.4%
1980 158,588   111.5%
1990 222,103   40.1%
2000 276,393   24.4%
2010 325,078   17.6%
2020 386,261   18.8%
2024 (est.) 403,130 [8] 4.4%
U.S. Decennial census

2020 census

[edit]
Aurora, Colorado – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[50] Pop 2010[51] Pop 2020[52] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 163,599 153,715 160,950 59.19% 47.29% 41.67%
Black or African American alone (NH) 36,008 49,003 59,232 13.03% 15.07% 15.33%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 1,511 1,487 1,679 0.55% 0.46% 0.43%
Asian alone (NH) 11,892 15,735 24,480 4.30% 4.84% 6.34%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 458 919 1,549 0.17% 0.28% 0.40%
Some Other Race alone (NH) 495 677 2,213 0.18% 0.21% 0.57%
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) 7,666 10,279 19,256 2.77% 3.16% 4.99%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 54,764 93,263 116,902 19.81% 28.69% 30.27%
Total 276,393 325,078 386,261 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

As of the 2010 census, there were 325,078 people, 121,191 households, and 73,036 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,939.6 inhabitants per square mile (748.9/km2). There were 131,040 housing units at an average density of 766.7 units per square mile (296.0 units/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 61.1% White, 15.7% African American, 4.9% Asian (1.1% Korean, 0.8% Vietnamese, 0.5% Filipino, 0.5% Chinese, 0.5% Indian, 0.2% Japanese, 0.1% Thai, 0.1% Cambodian, 0.1% Burmese, 0.1% Nepalese, 0.1% Pakistani, 0.1% Indonesian), 1.0% Native American, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 11.6% from other races, and 5.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 28.7% of the population; 21.9% of Aurora's population is of Mexican heritage, 1.0% Salvadoran, 0.7% Puerto Rican, 0.4% Guatemalan, 0.3% Honduran, 0.3% Peruvian, 0.2% Cuban, 0.2% Colombian and 0.1% Nicaraguan.[53] Non-Hispanic Whites were 47.3% of the population in 2010,[54] compared to 85.1% in 1980.[55]

Aurora is a center of Colorado's refugee population. There are about 30,000 Ethiopians and Eritreans living in the Denver–Aurora area. There is also a sizable population of Nepalese refugees.[56][57]

There were 121,191 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% were non-families. 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.6 and the average family size was 3.2.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 37.6% from 25 to 44, 16.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $46,507, and the median income for a family was $52,551. Males had a median income of $35,963 versus $30,080 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,095. About 6.8% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.0% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

 

Economy

[edit]

According to the Aurora Economic Development Council,[58] the largest public employers in the city are:

# Employer Employees
1 Buckley Space Force Base 12,100
2 Anschutz Medical Campus 6,360
3 University of Colorado Hospital 4,050
4 Aurora Public Schools 4,020
5 Cherry Creek Schools 3,820
6 City of Aurora 3,740
7 Community College of Aurora 510

According to the Aurora Economic Development Council,[59] the largest private employers in the city of Aurora are:

 
# Employer Employees
1 Children's Hospital Colorado 5,670
2 Raytheon Technologies 2,430
3 Kaiser Permanente 1,940
4 The Medical Center of Aurora 1,710
5 Amazon 1,500
6 24-7 Intouch 1,350
7 SROriginals 870
8 Tyco Integrated Security 850
9 Northrop Grumman 750
10 ADT Inc. 700

Other notable employers in the city include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Staples Inc., United Natural Foods, Aurora Mental Health Center, G45 Secure Solutions, Graebel Relocation, Core-Mark, and Nelnet, Inc.

Attractions

[edit]

The city of Aurora manages more than 100 parks,[60] more than 6,000 acres (24 km2) of open space and natural areas,[60] and six award-winning municipal golf courses (Aurora Hills, Meadow Hills, Murphy Creek, Saddle Rock, Springhill and Fitzsimons).[61] Aurora also is home to several privately owned golf courses including CommonGround Golf Course, Heather Ridge Country Club, Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club and Valley Country Club. Hogan Park at Highlands Creek in the Aurora Highlands features world-class public art installations,[62] including Liberty,[63] among the 20 tallest statues in the United States.

Star K Ranch, home to Aurora's Morrison Nature Center, provides important habitat for wildlife. It has several trails for nature exploration, including access to the Sand Creek Greenway Trail. Jewell Wetland, a 50-acre (200,000 m2) wooded wetland, features trails, boardwalk/deck access into the wetland and a butterfly garden. Aurora Reservoir and Quincy Reservoir offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor water pursuits.[60]

Sod house at the Plains Conservation Center

DeLaney Farm, site of Aurora's famous historic round barn, has 130 acres (0.53 km2) of open space, trails with access to the High Line Canal, an organic garden managed by Denver Urban Gardens, and two structures on the National Register of Historic Places. The Plains Conservation Center, with 1,100 acres (4.5 km2) of native shortgrass prairie, hosts a variety of educational programs.[60]

Twenty-seven historic sites and landmarks are managed by the city of Aurora, including the Gully Homestead of 1870, the Victorian-style Centennial House of 1890, the privately owned American War Mothers National Memorial Home, the Art Deco-style KOA Building of 1934, the DeLaney Round Barn of 1902, Lowry Building 800, the interim headquarters for the U.S. Air Force Academy from 1955 to 1958, and Stanley Marketplace, which opened at the former site of Stanley Aviation in 2016.[64]

The Aurora Fox Theatre & Arts Center, another historic landmark, is a 245-seat performing arts facility in the Aurora Cultural Arts District, along East Colfax Avenue. In that same area, The People's Building is a performing arts venue with flexible space, including 191 retractable seats and a gallery.[65]

The Aurora History Museum is a community-based cultural center featuring a permanent exhibit on Aurora history and two changing exhibit galleries touching on topics related to history and decorative arts.[66] Additionally, some of their collections can be accessed online here. Aurora is home to the Colorado Freedom Memorial[67] and a memorial garden for the victims of the 2012 theater shooting is located adjacent to City Hall.[68]

The Aurora Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra established in 1978, offers a full season of full orchestra concerts annually as well as smaller chamber ensemble performances.[69]

The Aurora Public Library provides four main branches and a variety of events throughout the year.[70]

Town Center at Aurora is the city's centrally located indoor shopping mall. Other major retail centers in Aurora include the outdoor The Gardens on Havana (formerly Buckingham Square) and Southlands Town Center, which is the metro area's largest.[71] Stanley Marketplace is a non-traditional retail and entertainment venue occupying the former Stanley Aviation plant.

Government

[edit]

The city of Aurora operates under a council-manager form of government, where the city manager runs the city's day-to-day operations with general guidance from the city council. The Aurora City Council is composed of a mayor and ten council members. Six members are elected from districts, while the other four are elected at large. The mayor is elected by the entire city. Aurora's mayor role is largely ceremonial, but the mayor does have direct impact on policy issues as the head of city council.[72] The council is nonpartisan; however, parties of members have been listed below for reference.

Aurora City Council members[73]
District Officeholder Political party
Mayor Mike Coffman Republican
At-Large Amsalu Kassaw (Stub-Term for Dustin Zvonek as of December 16, 2024) Republican
Danielle Jurinsky Republican
Alison Coombs Democratic
Curtis Gardner Republican
Ward I Crystal Murillo Democratic
Ward II Steve Sundberg Republican
Ward III Ruben Medina Democratic
Ward IV Stephanie Hancock

Republican

Ward V Angela Lawson Nonpartisan
Ward VI Francoise Bergan Republican

This full-service city is protected by the Aurora Police Department,[74] one of only 10 law enforcement agencies in Colorado to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies; the Aurora Fire Department,[75] which is accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International; and a Public Safety Communications dispatch call center.[76] The Aurora Municipal Courts handles a wide variety of offense violations, and the Aurora Detention Center is a 72-hour adult holding facility.[77]

Politics

[edit]

In national elections, Aurora leans to the left and the Democratic Party, though not as much as neighboring Denver but more than other suburbs in the Denver metro area. Northern and Central Aurora, due to an extremely racially and culturally diverse voter base and high density for a suburban city, are some of the most Democratic areas in Colorado and vote similarly to Denver and Boulder; southern Aurora, similar to neighboring Centennial, used to lean Republican but has swung Democratic entering the 2020s.[78][79]

Aurora anchors Colorado's 6th congressional district and is represented in Congress by Jason Crow (D-Centennial). State representation is listed in the tables below (areas implied to be in Arapahoe County unless noted: not all districts are fully in Aurora).

Colorado State Representatives

[edit]
District Name Party Area Represented
  District 30 Dafna Michaelson Jenet Democratic North Aurora (Adams County)
  District 36 Michael Carter Democratic Eastern Aurora
  District 37 Tom Sullivan Democratic Southeastern Aurora
  District 39 Mark Baisley Republican Southern Aurora (Douglas County)
  District 40 Naquetta Ricks Democratic South-central Aurora
  District 41 Iman Jodeh Democratic Central Aurora
  District 42 Mandy Lindsay Democratic North-central Aurora
  District 44 Kim Ransom Republican Southern Aurora (Douglas County)
  District 56 Rod Bockenfeld Republican Eastern Aurora (Adams and Arapahoe Counties)

Colorado State Senators

[edit]
District Name Party Area represented
  District 4 Jim Smallwood Republican Southern Aurora (Douglas County)
  District 25 Kevin Priola Democratic[a] Northern Aurora (Adams County)
  District 26 Jeff Bridges Democratic South-central Aurora
  District 27 Chris Kolker Democratic Southeastern Aurora
  District 28 Janet Buckner Democratic South-central Aurora
  District 29 Rhonda Fields Democratic North-central Aurora

List of mayors

[edit]
List of mayors of Fletcher and Aurora[81]
Name Period served Notes
H. M. Miliken May 27, 1891 – May 1, 1894  
A. L. B. Davies May 2, 1894 – April 2, 1895  
P. H. Chambers April 3, 1895 – April 15, 1898  
W. A. Clundy April 16, 1898 – April 8, 1899  
W. H. Murphy April 9, 1899 – April 12, 1901  
Jonas Washburn April 13, 1901 – April 6, 1903  
Harry S. Class April 7, 1903 – April 14, 1904  
Louis M. Strauss April 15, 1904 – April 2, 1905  
Wilmer J. Parker April 13, 1905 – April 10, 1906 Resigned
Andrew Thompson April 16, 1906 – April 14, 1907 Last mayor of Fletcher
Edwin G. Smith April 15, 1907 – April 12, 1908 First mayor of Aurora
A. H. Kramer April 13, 1908 – April 13, 1910  
V. T. O'Donald April 14, 1910 – April 17, 1911  
Gershom Jones April 18, 1911 – April 13, 1914  
H. B. Thompson April 14, 1914 – April 12, 1917  
George E. Smith April 13, 1917 – December 7, 1917 Resigned
Harry Katherman December 8, 1917 – July 1, 1918 Mayor pro tem
John McMillan July 1, 1918 – May 4, 1919  
J. N. Trompen May 5, 1919 – April 21, 1920  
Jasper Parrish April 22, 1920 – April 14, 1921  
John McMillan April 15, 1921 – April 11, 1926  
F. A. Harrison April 12, 1926 – April 10, 1927  
E S. Murphy April 11, 1927 – April 24, 1929  
B. B. Nevius April 25, 1929 – April 12, 1931  
Charles F. Holzer April 13, 1931 – April 6, 1937  
W. J. Parrish April 7, 1937 – April 6, 1941  
J. E. McWhorter April 7, 1941 – January 11, 1943 Resigned
A. O. Hill January 13, 1943 – April 8, 1945 Appointed January 13, 1943, elected April 12, 1943
B. T. Howard April 9, 1945 – January 11, 1948  
C. E. Tupps January 12, 1948 – November 8, 1953  
William B. Mansfield November 9, 1953 – November 6, 1955  
Allen C. Bradly November 7, 1955 – November 8, 1959  
Harry W. Allard November 9, 1959 – November 11, 1963  
Robert W. Fennig November 12, 1963 – November 7, 1965  
Norma O. Walker November 8, 1965 – November 12, 1967 First female mayor[82]
Paul C. Beck November 13, 1967 – December 8, 1974  
William R. Dominguez December 9, 1974 – November 9, 1975  
Fred H. Hood November 10, 1975 – November 5, 1979  
Dennis Champine November 6, 1979 – November 3, 1987  
Paul Tauer November 4, 1987 – November 4, 2003  
Edward J. Tauer November 5, 2003 – November 13, 2011  
Steve Hogan November 14, 2011 – May 13, 2018  
Bob LeGare June 25, 2018 – December 1, 2019  
Mike Coffman December 2, 2019 – present  

Education

[edit]

Primary and secondary education school districts:[83][84][85]

Charter schools:

Private schools:

Post-secondary and career education:[88]

Media

[edit]

Transportation

[edit]
Florida Station pedestrian bridge over Interstate 225

Aurora straddles I-70, I-225 and the E-470 beltway. The Regional Transportation District's light rail transit system was extended to serve the southwestern edge of Aurora on November 17, 2006. The H Line stops at Aurora's Dayton and Nine Mile Stations; a comprehensive network of feeder buses in southern Aurora serve the latter. On February 24, 2017, the line was extended as the R Line to Peoria Station in the city's northwest, where riders may transfer to the A Line providing service between Union Station in Downtown Denver and Denver Airport. Much of Aurora is more convenient to Denver International Airport than Denver itself, and the city is planning an Aerotropolis along the airport's southern flank.[89] This proximity is a factor in the expected growth of the E-470 corridor directly south of Denver International Airport, projected to eventually accommodate 250,000 additional Aurora residents.[citation needed] The easternmost portions of Aurora adjoin the Colorado Air and Space Port.

In 2017, Aurora became the first city in Colorado to host a dockless bike sharing program, but operations have been suspended since August 2022.[90]

Sports

[edit]

In 2014 the U.S.A. Powerlifting Raw Nationals and the IPF Open Powerlifting World Championships were both held in Aurora. The WC was the 35th Women's and 44th Men's Open Powerlifting Championships, and it was held on the Radisson Hotel Denver Southeast.[91]

Notable people

[edit]

Sister cities

[edit]

Aurora's sister cities are:[92]

Friendship cities

[edit]

Aurora also has two friendship cities:[92]

See also

[edit]
 

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Kevin Priola was elected as a Republican, and crossed the floor to the Democratic Party in 2022.[80]
  2. ^ After Aurora Sister Cities International was resurrected in 2013.

References

[edit]
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  2. ^ "Colorado Counties". Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
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  61. ^ "Golf @ AuroraGov.Org". Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
  62. ^ "Art in the Park". The Aurora Highlands. Retrieved 2025-04-26.
  63. ^ milehighcre (2025-04-23). "Massive 58-Foot Sculpture "Liberty" to be Installed in Aurora". Mile High CRE. Retrieved 2025-04-26.
  64. ^ "Explore the Sites @ AuroraGov.Org". Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
  65. ^ The People's Building. "Aurora Cultural Arts District". AuroraGov.org. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
  66. ^ "Aurora History Museum @ AuroraGov.Org". Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
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  85. ^ a b "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Douglas County, CO" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2024-11-01. - Text list.
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Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]

 

The City of Westminster is a home regulation municipality located in Adams and Jefferson areas, Colorado, United States. The city population was 116,317 at the 2020 USA demographics with 71,240 residing in Adams Region and 45,077 staying in Jefferson Area. Westminster is the eighth most heavily populated city in Colorado. The city belongs of the Denver–-- Aurora–-- Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Front Array Urban Passage. The Westminster Municipal Facility lies 9 miles (14 kilometres) north-northwest of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.

.

 

Westminster is located in the United States
Westminster
Westminster
Westminster (the United States)
Westminster, Colorado
Houses in Westminster with the Front Range in the background.
Houses in Westminster with the Front Range in the background.
Flag of Westminster, Colorado
Location of the City of Westminster in Adams and Jefferson counties, Colorado.
Location of the City of Westminster in Adams and Jefferson counties, Colorado.
Westminster is located in Colorado
Westminster
Westminster
Location of Westminster in the United States

Coordinates: 39°53′01″N 105°03′45″W / 39.88361°N 105.06250°W / 39.88361; -105.06250Country United StatesState ColoradoCounties[2]Jefferson County
Adams CountyCity[1]WestminsterSettled1859Platted1885 as DeSpain Junction, later HarrisIncorporatedApril 4, 1911, as the Town of WestminsterGovernment

 

 • TypeHome rule municipality[1] • MayorNancy McNally • City ManagerJody AndrewsArea

 • Total

33.898 sq mi (87.796 km2) • Land31.585 sq mi (81.806 km2) • Water2.313 sq mi (5.990 km2)Elevation

5,325 ft (1,623 m)Population

 • Total

116,317 • Rank8th in Colorado
250th in the United States • Density3,683/sq mi (1,422/km2) • Metro

 

2,963,821 (19th) • CSA

 

3,623,560 (17th) • Front Range

 

5,055,344Time zoneUTC−07:00 (MST) • Summer (DST)UTC−06:00 (MDT)ZIP codes[5]

80003, 80005, 80020-80021, 80023, 80030-80031, 80035-80036, 80221, 80234, 80241, 80260

Area codesBoth 303 and 720FIPS code08-83835GNIS feature ID2412237[4]Websitewww.cityofwestminster.us

The City of Westminster is a home rule municipality located in Adams and Jefferson counties, Colorado, United States.[1] The city population was 116,317 at the 2020 United States census with 71,240 residing in Adams County and 45,077 residing in Jefferson County.[3] Westminster is the eighth most populous city in Colorado. The city is a part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Front Range Urban Corridor. The Westminster Municipal Center is located 9 miles (14 km) north-northwest of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.

History

[edit]
Westminster University, also known as Westminster Castle, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and overlooks the city of Denver.

Gold discovered in the South Platte River Valley in 1858 brought national attention to the area that would become Westminster, Colorado. The promise of fortune and The Homestead Act of 1862 encouraged many pioneers from the east to settle in Colorado rather than continue on to California.[6] Before the settlements came, wildlife like antelope and buffalo made their homes in the area. There is also evidence of Arapaho Indians near the Crown Point (Gregory Hill) area.[7] Westminsters' first permanent settler was Kentucky farmer Pleasant DeSpain, who built his home in 1870 on 160 acres (near what is now West 76th Avenue and Lowell Street).[8] The area became known as DeSpain Junction and attracted other settlers including Edward Bruce Bowles, who in 1881 constructed a brick Italianate house now known as the Bowles House. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The village of DeSpain Junction grew into a small farming community and continued to attract new settlers despite the difficulty of farming in Colorado's arid climate.[6] Connecticut real estate developer C.J. Harris arrived in DeSpain Junction in 1885 and purchased the DeSpain farm, among others. Harris combined the separate homesteads and divided it into smaller tracts of land, which he sold to fruit farmers. Harris renamed DeSpain Junction with his own name and the area was referred to as Harris, Colorado.[6] In 1890, New Yorker Henry T. Mayham convinced the Denver Presbytery to build a university on land that he owned in Harris. After delays caused by the depression of 1893, the school was built from red sandstone quarried in Colorado's Red Rocks region. The curriculum was patterned after Princeton University and was referred to as the "Princeton of the West". The school was incorporated as Westminster University of Colorado, and classes began in 1908 with one year's tuition costing $50 ($1,411 in 2018).[9] The school ceased operating in 1917, when all students in attendance left to fight in World War I.[10] In the following decade it operated as a church and school. In 1911, Harris voted to incorporate as a city and changed its name to Westminster, in honor of the university which is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

In July 2006, it was ranked as the 24th best place to live in the US by Money magazine.[11]

Bell Tower

[edit]

Westminster City Hall features a 14-story bell tower topped by a pyramid shaped steel mesh structure. The 130-foot spire, which is widely known and referenced as a community landmark, was first conceptualized as a symbolic tie and tribute to the clock tower of Westminster Palace in England known as Big Ben.[12] The unveiling of the Bell Tower in 1986 was attended by the then mayor of Westminster, England. An English Oak can be seen on the City Hall property today- a gift to Westminster, Colorado, from Westminster, England.

Geography

[edit]

Westminster is located in western Adams County and northeastern Jefferson County. It is bordered to the north by Broomfield, to the northeast by Thornton, to the east by Northglenn and Federal Heights, to the southeast by Sherrelwood, Twin Lakes and Berkley, and to the south by Arvada.

At the 2020 United States census, the town had a total area of 21,695 acres (87.796 km2) including 1,480 acres (5.990 km2) of water.[3]

 

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
Census Pop. Note
1920 235  
1930 436   85.5%
1940 534   22.5%
1950 1,686   215.7%
1960 13,850   721.5%
1970 19,512   40.9%
1980 50,211   157.3%
1990 74,625   48.6%
2000 100,940   35.3%
2010 106,114   5.1%
2020 116,317   9.6%
2024 (est.) 115,302 [13] −0.9%
U.S. Decennial Census

2020 census

[edit]
Westminster, Colorado – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[14] Pop 2010[15] Pop 2020[16] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 76,637 74,447 74,502 75.92% 70.16% 64.05%
Black or African American alone (NH) 1,149 1,360 1,805 1.14% 1.28% 1.55%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 466 470 576 0.46% 0.44% 0.50%
Asian alone (NH) 5,479 5,650 6,372 5.43% 5.32% 5.48%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 53 82 80 0.05% 0.08% 0.07%
Some Other Race alone (NH) 71 175 503 0.07% 0.16% 0.43%
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) 1,716 1,924 5,241 1.70% 1.81% 4.51%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 15,369 22,006 27,238 15.23% 20.74% 23.42%
Total 100,940 106,114 116,317 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

As of the census[17] of 2000, there were 100,940 people, 38,343 households, and 26,034 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,203.9 inhabitants per square mile (1,237.0/km2). There were 39,318 housing units at an average density of 1,248.0 units per square mile (481.9 units/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 84.19% White, 1.23% African American, 0.74% Native American, 5.48% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 5.52% from other races, and 2.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 15.23% of the population.

There were 38,343 households, out of which 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.1% were non-families. 23.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 36.0% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 6.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $56,323, and the median income for a family was $63,776. Males had a median income of $41,539 versus $31,568 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,482. About 3.1% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

 

Transportation

[edit]

Westminster is intersected by several state highways: I-25, US 36, US 287, SH 95, SH 121, and SH 128.

The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) provides bus service to Westminster connecting it to Boulder and Denver via Flatiron Flyer, a bus rapid transit service that travels in the US 36 express lanes.[18]

The Westminster Center park-n-Ride operated by the RTD is located on both sides of U.S. 36 and is immediately across Sheridan Boulevard from the site. Approximately 1,546 people per weekday board at this facility, with approximately 498 buses per day serving this park-n-Ride.[19]

RTD opened the B Line to the public in 2016 which brings commuter rail service between downtown Denver and Westminster Station. The 6 miles of commuter rail transports riders from the historic center of Westminster to the dynamic Union Station Transit Center where they can connect to the C/D, E, and W light rail lines, the A Line to Denver International Airport, as well as Local and Regional buses, and the FreeMallRide and FreeMetroRide downtown shuttles.[20]

Westminster is served by Denver International Airport and nearby Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport.

Economy

[edit]

Companies based in Westminster include DigitalGlobe, Ball and the Western Fuels Association.

Top employers

[edit]

Westminsters' top employers represent leading companies in high-tech, medical, energy, and other expanding fields. In 2019 the top ten primary employers in Westminster, ranked by number of employees included:

  Employer # of Employees
1 Ball Corporation 1252
2 Maxar 1071
3 St. Anthony's North Hospital 1015
4 Trimble Navigation 733
5 Alliance Data Systems 677
6 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association 541
7 MTech Mechanical Technologies Group 600
8 ReedGroup 496
9 Epsilon 454
10 CACI International 407

[21]

Education

[edit]

High schools in or near Westminster include the Academy of Charter Schools, Hidden Lake High School, Jefferson Academy High School, Legacy High School, Mountain Range High School, Northglenn High School, Pomona High School, Standley Lake High School, and Westminster High School.[22] In 2010 Adams County School District 50 opened a new Westminster High School replacing both the existing Westminster High School and Ranum High School, which graduated its last class that year.[23]

Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran School is a pre-k3 through 8th grade Christian school of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Westminster.[24]

Open space

[edit]

Westminster has an extensive trail network and open space system. The highlight of the trail system is the Big Dry Creek Trail which extends approximately 12 miles (19 km) from the eastern boundary of the city to Standley Lake. Other trails parallel the Farmers' High Line Canal, Walnut Creek, and Little Dry Creek.

Westminster began preserving open spaces in 1985 when voters first approved a sales tax specifically earmarked to acquire and maintain open space. The city now owns more than 3,000 acres in all parts of Westminster.[25] The city has preserved large expanses of land in the Standley Lake Regional Park Archived February 28, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, and the Westminster Hills area, among others. Westminster City Park, City Park Recreation Center Archived February 5, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, and many other neighborhood and community parks provide various recreation facilities.[26] Westminster has several golf courses, including Legacy Ridge Golf Course, The Heritage Golf Course at Westmoor, Walnut Creek Golf Course and the Hyland Hills golf course.

Downtown Westminster intersects directly with the new U.S. 36 Bikeway linking the largest trail system in the Front Range with over 145 miles.[27]

Retail

[edit]

Westminster is home to The Orchard Town Center, an outdoor mall featuring over 90 speciality retailers, dining and entertainment located at the intersection of I-25 and 144th Avenue.

The city's major mall had previously been the Westminster Mall, demolished in 2012 to make way for the Downtown Westminster development.[28]

Downtown Westminster

[edit]

Downtown Westminster is a 105-acre site almost equidistant between downtown Denver and Boulder.[27] The new downtown will feature 18 acres of parks and public space. It integrates Smart City functionality to reduce consumption of water and energy and will have smart streetlights, parking garages, and meters.[28] Development began with the completion of over 300 housing units, including 118 affordable housing units.[29][30] Downtown Westminster features an Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and a 125-room boutique hotel, the Origin Hotel.

Downtown Westminster is planned to house 300 hotel rooms, 2,300 multi-family, condo and townhouse residential units, 2 million square feet of collaborative and class A office space, and 750,000 square feet of retail space.[27]

Notable people

[edit]

Notable individuals who were born in or have lived in Westminster include figure skater Mariah Bell,[31] Texas newspaper publisher Frank Willis Mayborn,[32] silent film actor Pete Morrison.[33]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Active Colorado Municipalities". State of Colorado, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  2. ^ "Colorado Counties". State of Colorado, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d "Decennial Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data". United States Census Bureau, United States Department of Commerce. August 12, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  4. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Westminster, Colorado
  5. ^ "ZIP Code Lookup" (JavaScript/HTML). United States Postal Service. Retrieved January 8, 2008.
  6. ^ a b c "The Early Settlers". www.cityofwestminster.us. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  7. ^ "The Early Settlers". Historic Westminster, Colorado. City of Westminster. Archived from the original on November 15, 2012. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
  8. ^ "On History: Despain Junction was spot of early life in area". Broomfield Enterprise. December 24, 2011. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  9. ^ "The Inflation Calculator". westegg.com. Morgan Friedman. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
  10. ^ "The Princeton of the West". www.cityofwestminster.us. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  11. ^ "MONEY Magazine: Best places to live 2006: Top 100 1-25". CNN.
  12. ^ "Bell Tower". www.cityofwestminster.us. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  13. ^ "US Census Bureau City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2024". census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  14. ^ "P004 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Westminster city, Colorado". United States Census Bureau.
  15. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Westminster city, Colorado". United States Census Bureau.
  16. ^ "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Westminster city, Colorado". United States Census Bureau.
  17. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  18. ^ "Flatiron Flyer". RTD - Denver. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  19. ^ "Downtown Westminster - The Next Urban Center on Colorado's Front Range". Archived from the original on August 7, 2019. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  20. ^ "2015 Fact Sheet" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on July 12, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  21. ^ "Leading Employers". City of Westminster Economic Development. Archived from the original on August 7, 2019. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  22. ^ "City of Westminster > Explore Westminster > Schools". Archived from the original on February 5, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  23. ^ Whaley, Monte. "New Westminster High set to open with new teaching approach". Denver Post.
  24. ^ "WELCOME TO SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY". Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  25. ^ "Downtown Westminster breaks ground on 1.2-acre Central Plaza". City of Westminster Economic Development. August 26, 2017. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  26. ^ "Open Space - City of Westminster, Colorado". Archived from the original on July 28, 2006. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  27. ^ a b c "DOWNTOWN WESTMINSTER" (PDF). Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  28. ^ a b "Downtown Westminster - City of Westminster Economic Development". Archived from the original on May 27, 2019. Retrieved August 7, 2019.
  29. ^ "First Affordable Component at Westminster Mall Redevelopment Complete". Mile High CRE. July 22, 2019. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  30. ^ "Downtown Westminster - A Hub of Activity".
  31. ^ "Mariah Bell". Ice Network. Archived from the original on July 1, 2018. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  32. ^ "Mayborn, Frank Willis". The Handbook of Texas. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  33. ^ "Morrison, George D." Golden History Museums. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
[edit]

 

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