Local camaraderie in small-town Brush
Amid the open plains and farmlands of northeastern Colorado, Brush is a quaint, rural town with a laid-back atmosphere. Around 10 miles east of Fort Morgan, the community has quiet, walkable streets lined by mature oaks, pines and elms. Its small downtown district has family owned restaurants and other local businesses. “Brush has a close-knit community,” says Mary Walter, Managing Broker at Century 21 Cornerstone, who has lived in the area for over 20 years. “There’s a camaraderie among locals, and people are there for one another in times of need. Folks like to support the town’s network of local businesses, and you always see a familiar face at community events.”
20th-century home styles on lots with backyards
Brush's residential streets have bungalows, split-levels and ranch-style homes, most of which were built between the early 1900s and 1970s. Houses close to the town’s center are on small lots ranging from around 7,000 square feet to a quarter acre, with a handful of half- to full-acre lots on the outskirts of the community. Additionally, most properties have fenced-in backyards. Fixer-uppers can go for $75,000 to $100,000, while move-in-ready, single-family homes range from $170,000 to $460,000.
CTE at Brush High and public library programs
Thompson Primary School receives a B-minus grade from Niche and serves prekindergarten through second-grade students, while the C-plus-rated Beaver Valley Elementary School serves third through fifth grade. Also with a C-plus, Brush Middle School has a wide array of elective offerings, including video technology, athletic training and fiber arts. Brush High School earns a B-minus and has six career and technical education pathways, from construction science to agriculture, food and natural resources. The East Morgan County Library offers a variety of programming and events for all ages, including a children’s reading program, book clubs and yoga classes.
Historic storefronts and restaurants in downtown Brush
A small selection of businesses is near the intersection of Clayton and Edison streets, with some storefronts dating back to the early days of Brush, including the Sands Theater, which has been serving the area since 1916. Beet Street Coffee serves tea, espresso and baked goods, while Home Plate 2 offers brunch, burgers and Mexican fare. Drovers Restaurant is a country-style eatery serving traditional breakfast fare, steaks, sandwiches and soup, along with an assortment of homemade pies. “Drovers is a community staple,” Walter says. “It’s one of the most popular restaurants in town and is right next to the Brush Livestock Exchange.” Fresh Foods is the go-to local spot for groceries, and Walmart is around 8 miles west in Fort Morgan.
Annual events in Brush include parades and a rodeo
The Brush Area Chamber of Commerce hosts numerous community events throughout the year, including a Cinco de Mayo festival, an Independence Day parade and the annual Community Appreciation BBQ. The Morgan County Fairgrounds hosts the annual Brush Rodeo each July, complete with barrel racing, bull riding and the CASE Western Art Show. “The fairgrounds also play host to the Morgan County 4-H demonstration every year,” says Walter. “4-H is a popular youth program and gets kids involved in their community.”
Sports facilities and walking trails are nearby
Memorial Park is next to the fairgrounds and has picnic shelters, a playground, horseshoe pits and the Brush Swimming Pool, open from late May through early August. Across the street, Prairie Trails Park has shaded picnic tables and a walking trail that encircles Doty Pond, which is regularly stocked with bass, crappie, catfish and trout. Petteys Park is a short drive north and has tennis courts, a playground and a nine-hole golf course. On the west end of town, Watrous Park has open field space and a disc golf course.
Driving through Northern Colorado
Interstate 76 is north of Brush and can take drivers around 90 miles southwest to downtown Denver or roughly 35 miles northeast to Sterling. The Denver International Airport is about 85 miles away.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
