Originally founded as a small farming community in the 1870s, Brighton has become an expansive city in Adams County with a population of over 43,800 people. Only 23 miles north of Denver, Brighton combines modern suburbia with industry opportunity, all while preserving its agricultural background. “Brighton may be old, but it’s young. The city is just starting to get bigger, and it’s still got a ton of growth left,” says Real Estate Broker Tony Thurman with Resident Realty, who has 25 years of experience.
As a leader in the energy and automation industries, Brighton has an 8-mile corridor dedicated to Vestas Wind Systems, one of its largest employers. Other top employers include Adams County Government, School District 27J and Platte Valley Medical Center.
Brighton was founded as a small farming community in the 1870s.
Vestas is one of Brighton's largest employers.
Adams County Government hires exceptional employees in the city of Brighton.
Platte Valley Medical Center has award winning care and a beautiful medical campus.
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Older homes in city center, new homes in Brighton Crossings
As a bedroom community, Brighton is divided into several subdivisions. The average sales price for a house in 2024 was roughly $615,700. “You’ve got some pretty old late 1900s homes in the city center towards its beginnings, but as you push out, you’ll get to the newer homes,” Thurman says. Historic Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods such as Walnut Grove and Brighton Terrace feature traditional single-story homes and bungalows. Neighborhoods farther east or south have higher home values. Brighton Crossings is filled with multi-story Craftsman homes and Craftsman bungalows – most of which are new builds. Listing prices range from $450,000 to $725,000. “There are some farms east and north of Brighton too,” Thurman continues.
Bungalow style houses line South 4th Avenue in Brighton.
Historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods feature traditional single-story bungalows.
Neighborhoods farther east or south in Brighton have higher home values.
Homes in Brighton have an average sales price of about 615 thousand dollars.
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Brighton’s city parks and natural areas
Brighton has roughly 350 acres of protected farmland and 740 acres of open space, including wetlands, greenways and grassy plains. The South Platte River winds through the landscape west of Brighton, with several ponds and reservoirs surrounding it. Farther southeast about 7 miles, Barr Lake State Park allows fishing and boating. Visitors can also go hiking, biking and horseback riding on the trails.
Additionally, Brighton maintains over 1,096 acres of public parks, with about 48 miles of walking trails. Within these are 27 playgrounds, 20 athletic fields, two pools, a disc golf course, a dog park and a skate park. The Brighton Recreation Center provides indoor facilities for multiple youth and adult sports programs. There’s also the Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Center.
The updated playground at Daniel Carmichael Park is a favorite amongst kids in Brighton.
Brighton Oasis Family Aquatic Park is a seasonal water park has slides and lazy river.
The South Platte River flows just west of the city.
Barr Lake State Park is a photographers paradise, with it's abundance of wildlife.
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Retail and restaurants on Main and within centers
Multiple shopping and dining destinations are scattered throughout Brighton. Downtown’s Main Street has dozens of local retail options, ranging from clothing boutiques to gift shops and novelty stores. Restaurants include upscale bistros, brunch cafes and international cuisine. There are also multiple breweries and bars, creating a vibrant nightlife.
For more options, Brighton has several shopping centers. Brighton Pavilions has restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, service-oriented businesses and the AMC Brighton 12 movie theater. Prairie Center Shopping Center is farther southeast, right by Barr Lake, with a lineup of chain restaurants, national retailers and big-box stores. “It’s where all the new shopping is,” Thurman says. “It’s all the fast food you can imagine.”
Main Street Cafe in Brighton offers standard American fare for breakfast and lunch.
There is a number of breweries and bars in Brighton, creating a vibrant nightlife.
Watch a movie in the luxurious reclining seats at AMC Brighton 12 movie theater.
Prairie Center Shopping Center boasts a a lineup of chain restaurants, and retailers.
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Exploring the city’s art and culture in Downtown Brighton
Downtown Brighton has a vibrant, artistic community. The Armory Performing Arts Center is a modern arts venue that was once used by the Colorado National Guard to store military equipment. Now, it hosts events and performances for theater, dance, music and visual arts. Additionally, the city has over 20 pieces of outdoor sculpture that are a part of its Art in Public Places initiative. Every September, Brighton hosts an Art in the Park festival, where local and regional artists can showcase their work. Other city events include Culturefest and The Festival of Lights Parade.
Downtown Brighton has a vibrant, artistic community.
Brighton is home to more than 20 pieces of outdoor art, including sculptures and murals.
Art galleries are scattered throughout the city of Brighton.
Every September, Brighton hosts an Art in the Park festival.
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Quality public schools in Adams County
School District 27J is the second largest public education system in Adams County, headquartered in and serving Brighton. The district earns a B-minus rating from Niche and educates over 22,700 students across 14 elementary, five middle and three high schools. Of these, there are seven charter schools. “As the community grows and the tax breaks grow, the schools bring in better teachers and instruction. And they’re building more. Back in ‘86 when I graduated, there was only one high school,” Thurman says.
Vikan Middle School is located in the heart of downtown Brighton.
The Brighton High School Bulldogs play at this athletic turf field on it's campus.
Innovations and Options in Brighton serves students in Grades 10-12.
The Brighton High School has a student body just shy of 2,000, offering grades 9-12.
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Navigating in and out of Brighton
Colorado’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) has multiple local bus lines that run through the city, with a park-and-ride station at U.S. 85 & Bridge Street. Brighton also completed a project in 2023 to build an expansive network of multi-use paths. Commuters who drive can access Interstate 76 east of the city, and U.S. Route 85 to the west – both travel north to south and lead into downtown Denver. Colorado state Highway 7 cuts across Brighton, going east to west. The Denver International Airport is about 21 miles away for commercial flights.
Brighton's weather extremes and crime rates
Brighton experiences all four seasons, though summers are hot and winters are snowy. The average annual snowfall for the city is 40 to 45 inches, which is less than Colorado’s average of 67 inches. During the dry season, Brighton may be at risk of potential wildfires. As such, the Brighton Fire Rescue District has five stations in the area.
Crime rates in Brighton are increasing. In December 2023, the Brighton Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 people, which is a significant increase compared to 2022's rate of 53. However, the rate of property crimes reported for the same time frame slightly decreased. Both rates were on par with the national average. Brighton has a community partnership program for neighborhood surveillance where homeowners with video cameras can assist with ongoing investigations.
Written By
Brittany Bell
Photography Contributed By
Alex Dickerson
Video By
Anne Sheridan
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Brighton, CO sell after 59 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Brighton, CO over the last 12 months is $529,900, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 4583 Crestone Peak St, a home that exudes modern elegance. The heart of the home, the kitchen, boasts a stunning island that serves as a focal point, complemented by an accent backsplash that adds a touch of sophistication. The kitchen is fully equipped with all stainless steel appliances, ensuring a sleek and contemporary aesthetic. The primary bathroom is a haven of luxury with
Welcome home to the Artisan 4 by Brookfield Residential at Brighton Crossings — a rare new-construction opportunity designed for the way you live today, with space for everyone and privacy for all.This beautiful two-story single-family home offers 4 spacious bedrooms, each with its own attached bathroom, plus a main-level powder room and an upstairs loft that’s perfect for a second living
Welcome to 424 Iron St, a home that exudes comfort and style. The living room is graced with a cozy fireplace, perfect for chilly evenings. The kitchen is a chef's dream, boasting all stainless steel appliances and a convenient kitchen island for meal prep. The primary bedroom is a true retreat, featuring a spacious walk-in closet. The primary bathroom is a sanctuary with a separate tub and
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home, perfectly situated in a family community full of amenities. Step inside to find vaulted ceilings and a flood of natural sunlight, creating a bright and airy feel throughout.The home features a combination of laminate and tile flooring, offering style and durability in every room. There's space for a cozy dining nook, perfect for
Come to your move-in-ready home in Brighton's cozy community in Platte River Ranch. This charming 3-bed, 2-bath residence is a comfortable 1,192 square feet of thoughtfully updated living space. The interior shines with modern lighting and durable laminate flooring throughout the main and upper levels, complemented by stylish tile in the bathrooms and cozy carpet on the stairs, updated white 6
Welcome to this brand-new 2-bedroom, 2-bath home in the heart of Brighton! This beautifully finished home offers modern comfort, stylish design, and move-in-ready convenience. Step inside to a bright, open layout featuring new flooring, fresh neutral finishes, and abundant natural light throughout. The spacious living area flows seamlessly into the stunning kitchen, complete with brand-new
A Hidden Gem in a Beloved Neighborhood — No HOA! Discover this beautifully maintained home nestled in a charming, established neighborhood with no HOA dues. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the warmth and care that’s gone into every corner of this property. Step into a spacious formal living room that sets the tone for comfort and style. The thoughtfully renovated eat-in kitchen features
Much work has been done, and this house is ready for a new owner to love it. The roof is high quality and installed 5 yearsago. The bathroom has recently been remodeled and is beautiful. Inside are 3 decent sized Bedrooms and a pleasant Living Room just off of the Kitchen. The washer/dryer, refrigerator, and portable dishwasher are all included. Imagine what you can do with the oversized 2
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath beauty perfectly located near I-76, making trips to the airport or downtown Denver quick and easy. You’re just minutes from the Prairie Center shops, where you’ll find great dining, shopping, and entertainment. Step outside to a spacious backyard that’s perfect for gatherings, pets, or simply relaxing after a long day. This home has it all:
Welcome to 571 Rio Rancho Way in Brighton, a well-cared-for 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offering space, comfort, and room to grow. The main level features an inviting open-concept layout with a bright living area and a functional kitchen perfect for everyday living or entertaining. Upstairs you’ll find a spacious primary suite with a private ensuite bath, two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, and
Experience refined living in this beautifully and spacious two-story home with a full walkout-finished basement, ideally situated inthe sought-after Kings Ranch neighborhood of Thornton. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, this amazing residenceseamlessly combines everyday comfort with high-end finishes, all within a thoughtfully curated layout ideal for both relaxation and
Discover this impressive 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom residence nestled on 1.58 acres in Brighton, offering over 5,870 sq ft of thoughtfully designed living space. This home combines modern comfort with open, flexible layouts ideal for family living, entertaining, or quiet relaxation.The main level features a bright, open-concept floor plan with elegant finishes and abundant natural light,
Welcome home to this well-maintained Bromley Park residence offering over 1,600 square feet of comfortable living space and a smart, functional layout. The main level features a spacious living area filled with natural light, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The kitchen opens seamlessly to the dining space, creating an easy flow for everyday living, and overlooks the private backyard—ideal
This thoughtfully maintained home features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a 3-car garage, and plenty of space for comfortable living. The bright, open floor plan is filled with natural light throughout. The kitchen is ready for its next chef, offering granite countertops and ample space for cooking and entertaining. An upstairs loft provides additional flex space, perfect for a home office, playroom,
Set on a generous 20,000 sq ft lot in Brighton, this beautifully maintained residence offers a rare balance of spacious, country-style living with easy access to in-town conveniences. With 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, modern finishes, and thoughtful upgrades throughout, this home delivers the kind of quality and comfort that truly stands apart paired with exceptional pride of ownership. Completed
Naturally bold with the sophisticated style and modern conveniences of an urban village, Thayne Apartments is a destination. Enjoy relaxing and exercising at Thayne's playground, expansive dog park, fitness center and property recreational paths.
Must see home in the outlook neighborhood. You don’t want to miss the daily mountain sunsets from the back deck. Fresh paint throughout welcomes you in this 3 bedroom home, featuring 2.5 baths. Enjoy lots of sunlight throughout, and large living areas. This home also features a hot tub and unfinished basement.
Welcome to The Villas at Ridgeline Vista, a brand-new townhome community offering a fresh take on suburban living in the heart of Brighton, Colorado. Choose from spacious 2, 3, and 4 bedroom floor plans, thoughtfully designed for comfort, flexibility, and modern lifestyles.Each home features open-concept layouts, luxury finishes, private entries, and attached garages — all nestled in a
This is a MUST Rental that is a Brand New build and just moved into. The owner is moving and this must rent so if you are looking to be in this Beautiful contemporary new home that has a walk out deck with views of the mountains... schedule a showing and lets get you in!!! There are some items that can be negotiated. this is a SMOKE FREE home and has to stay that way, smoke outside if you have
Kick back, relax and enjoy the good life at Spring Hollow Apartments. Our 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments in Brighton, Colorado, come in a variety of floor plans so you can choose your ideal living space. Our convenient location in Brighton places you moments away from popular dining, shopping, and outdoor recreation. The home you’ve been searching for is waiting for you at Spring Hollow Apartments.
Location, Location, Location and then add breath taking to it! Gorgeous updates throughout. Desirable 2 story layout with washer and Dryer in Cul-de-sac on the corner lot. Spacious, open kitchen features 42" cabinets for plenty of storage. Quality throughout including hardwood floors, Granite counter tops and stainless-steel appliances. Great outdoor spaces with large lower patio that is quiet,
Discover an elevated living experience with our one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Our spacious floor plans have contemporary, high-end finishes, and our private patios/balconies with Trex flooring beckon you to unwind year-round. With a prime location that places you in the heart of Brighton, enjoy leisurely afternoons picturesque parks, immerse yourself in performances at The Armory, or
Looking for your dream home? Through our seamless leasing process, this beautifully designed home is move-in ready. Our spacious layout is perfect for comfortable living that you can enjoy with your pets too; we’re proud to be pet friendly. Our homes are built using high-quality, eco-friendly materials with neutral paint colors, updated fixtures, and energy-efficient appliances. Enjoy the
Welcome to Canvas at Prairie Center, a brand-new leased home community offering spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom townhomes in beautiful Brighton, Colorado. Designed with your lifestyle in mind, our homes blend comfort, style, and functionality to create the perfect space to call home. Enjoy premium features like smart home technology, an attached garage, and a private patio, giving you the space and
Spacious three-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offering a well-designed open floor plan. The impressive kitchen features a large island, quartz countertops, gas range, stainless steel refrigerator, and a large pantry. The expansive primary suite includes a beautifully appointed bathroom and a walk-in closet. Upstairs, a versatile bonus room provides flexible space for a second living area, playroom, or
Elements at Prairie Center focuses on building a cohesive community around luxurious apartments and unique amenities. This Eco luxe community elevates the standard of apartment living by emphasizing a sustainable lifestyle as part of the regions largest geothermal system. Your new home comes equipped with energy-saving features, ranging from low-flow faucets to Energy Star-certified appliances.
Welcome to Bridge Square, a premier residential community offering beautifully designed one- and two-bedroom apartments in the heart of Brighton, CO. Experience the perfect blend of spacious layouts, modern amenities, and unparalleled customer service. Our ideal location puts you just steps away from vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment options, while also offering easy access to major
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