Broomfield, CO

Broomfield is a thriving, upscale city located less than 20 miles north of Denver. The city originally overlapped four different counties, so to simplify official and legal matters, the County of Broomfield was created in 2001. The city-county now provides its own services to residents, which makes life easier for everyone. Broomfield's population is approximately 45,000.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Broomfield is an affluent community. Many residents could be referred to as "urban sophisticates," as they are highly educated, wealthy executives. They tend to enjoy cultural events, art galleries, and operas. Almost 40 percent of Broomfield's residents hold at least a bachelor's degree. Only about 23 percent of residents rent their homes in Broomfield, a figure that is much lower than the national average. More than 70 percent of the homes here are detached single-family homes. The crime index in Broomfield is significantly lower than the national average, with violent crimes being almost nonexistent. Broomfield has several distinct neighborhoods within it:

• City Center: Much of this urban district is comprised of older single-family homes. The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly and rental rates in this area are average.
• Dillon Road/Sheridan Boulevard: There are several parks in this upscale suburban area. There are few renters here; most of the residents own medium-sized single-family homes. The median home value in this quiet, sophisticated district is high.
• Lowell Boulevard/144th Avenue: This area is home to many college students. The majority of the homes here are single-family residences and mobile homes. Rental rates are very high in this neighborhood, and home values are also somewhat high. The Broadlands Golf Club is located in this district.
• Sheridan Boulevard/14th Avenue: This upscale area is quiet and sophisticated, but it has a funky side to it. The majority of the residents here are highly educated, upper-middle-class executives with children.
• Sheridan Boulevard/120th Avenue: Located on the south side of the city, this suburban area mostly consists of families with school-age children. Many of these middle-class residents own their homes.
• Westlake Drive/Princess Circle: This urban district is located on the east side of town. Its residents are middle class with an average education; many work in manufacturing or blue-collar jobs. The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, and the median home value is relatively low.

There are more than 60 parks and recreation centers located around the city for residents to enjoy; one of these even has a climbing wall. There are also numerous city-sponsored events throughout the year, such as golf tournaments, parades, craft festivals, and races.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

There are several industries that provide jobs for the residents of Broomfield. The largest employment sectors in the city are manufacturing, retail, and professional and information services. The predominant employers in the area design and produce computer parts, peripherals, and software. There are several large employers in Broomfield, all of which are technology-related:

• Sun Microsystems
• Level 3 Communications
• Brocade Communications Systems
• VMWare
• RF Microdevices

Broomfield offers many resources for small-business owners. These include networking opportunities and entrepreneurial advisement. Some Broomfield residents commute to work in the larger cities in the surrounding areas. Denver and Boulder are both less than a half-hour drive away. Because there are no major health care facilities or education institutions in Broomfield, residents in these lines of work commute to the surrounding communities.

SHOPPING

Flatiron Crossing Mall: In addition to the standard department stores, boutiques, and restaurants that are available in most malls, this one has an outdoor play area for children, hangout spots for teenagers, and a 30-foot natural waterfall.

BEST BETS

• Rotors of the Rockies: Anyone who wants to get an aerial view of the surrounding mountains can book a sightseeing tour aboard a helicopter.
• Cultural Affairs: Broomfield's performance venues regularly schedule concerts, art exhibits, and cultural events, including piano concerts, garden fairs, orchestra performances, concert series from regional musicians, and exhibits from local artists.
• Broomfield Bay: This is a unique park with several water features, slides, picnic areas, and a concession area. There are several events offered at the Bay throughout the year, including a fishing day and a day when residents can bring their dogs.
• Broomfield Veteran's Memorial Museum: This museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of military campaigns from the Civil War on. Many of the exhibits and artifacts were contributed by members of the local community.

FUN FACTS

To enhance the residents' relationship with local law enforcement, police officers participate in "Coffee With a Cop" events. These are simply meetings with residents at local coffeehouses.

In Broomfield, the average high temperature in July is 88 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low in January is 16 degrees.

The city gets about 14 inches of rainfall and 43 inches of snow each year.