Significance
During the 1850s, a miner named Thomas L. Golden from Georgia discovered gold in Jefferson County city, giving Golden, Colorado its name. June 16th, 1859 is the official founding date. The town was called the "Golden City" and began flourishing.
At one point, it served as the capital of Colorado Territory, but in 1876, when Colorado went on to become a state, Denver took the title. The locals were not happy about Denver being the new capital, nevertheless; the city continued to grow.
The boosting industrial developments post-1860s in Golden contributed to its pioneering achievements in the industrial and science sectors. It was also called the "Lowell of the West", because of the rapid industrialization at that time. Industries such as paper milling began in 1867, holding the distinction of being the only paper mill west of Missouri.
The Coors Brewery celebrated as the single largest brewery in the world, began in 1873 by Adolph Coors. The Clear Creek mountain spring water was a big bonus to the brewing business. Originally operating out of an old tannery facility, today it remains an important part of Golden's history and landscape.
Golden also has many other businesses including those that make confections! First started by Bill and Dorothy Harmsen who owned a chocolate and ice cream shop in downtown Golden, everyone's favorite Jolly Rancher candies are made here.
Golden's growth did not stop at industrialization, it also hosts several higher learning institutions and the housing to go with them. In the 1870s, three higher learning institutions namely Colorado School of Mines (CSM), Jarvis Hall, and Matthews Hall were established. Although today of these three only CSM operates, it specializes in applied sciences, and engineering, and remains an important public teaching and research institute in Golden. CSM also has the home base of the National Earthquake Information Center.
Another famous organization located in Golden is The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) which today serves as the main research center for energy efficiency research and development including renewable energy research.
Why do People Love Golden, CO?
From Golden's earliest days, its people cherished the place because of its scenic beauty, rich culture, friendly people, booming industries, and abundance of opportunities for success. Plus the availability of gold as a useful resource was a big plus.
The community is united and deeply connected to its historic roots, making it a special place to live or visit. Other top reasons why people love Golden:
- Beer from Golden's very own Coors Brewery.
- The amazing views of the Front Range
- Fun events like Golden Fine Arts, Golden Buffalo Bill Days, and Cody's Wild West.
- Variety of dining options from local diners to fine dining.
- Recreational activities at parks like the Clear Creek White Water Park, or Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
What Draws People to Live in Golden, CO?
Being close to the mountains and all the outdoor activities is a big draw for Colordians, but there are several other reasons it ranks highly as a place to live.
High rankings for young professionals, public schools, and places to live.
As per Niche Ranks, which ranks placed based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and expert insights, in 2022, out of 71 suburbs in CO, Golden ranks:
- 19 of 71 - the best suburbs for young professionals.
- 32 of 71 - suburbs with the best public schools.
- 34 of 71 - the best suburbs to live in.
Good employment opportunities.
With the major employers being CoorsTek, MillerCoors, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory there are plenty of employment opportunities available for those seeking jobs in Golden.
Access to Good Schools
The city takes pride in providing its children with the best educational facilities be it elementary school education to four-year public college programs, there is a good choice of top educational organizations.
Great Food
The varieties depend on whether you want to fine dine or eat casually. Options vary from Thai, Mexican, and Middle Eastern to Italian, and American barbecue.
Relatively Good Weather
The climate is relatively dry because of its inland positioning. The weather year-round is partly cloudy with March being the cloudiest month of the year. Summers are usually sunny while winters are snowy. Average temperatures change as follows:
- June to September - average daily high of 77 °F and a low of 59 °F
- November to March - average daily highs of below 50 °F and lows between 30 °F and 23 °F
Centrally located
Golden's is close to many important places around CO:
- Downtown Denver - 16.2 miles (ca. 26 km), 24 minutes
- Denver International Airport - 34.7 miles (ca. 56 km), 34 minutes
- Colorado Springs - 81 miles (ca. 130 km), 1 hour 18 minutes
- Boulder - 20.3 miles (ca. 33 km), 28 minutes
- Rocky Mountain National Park - 59.9 miles (ca. 96 km), 1 hour 25 minutes
Some exciting things to do in Golden:
- Tour the Coors Brewery.
- Climb up Lookout Mountain for jaw-dropping views.
- Visit Clearview Whitewater Park to explore nature.
- Visit the Golden History Park to walk down the historical path.
- Volunteer or audition at Miners Alley Playhouse if you love theater.
- Check out nearby places, and pursue outdoor activities like camping, biking, hiking, trails, and so on.
Overall Golden is a well-located, flourishing city, listed among the top cities to live in CO. Most residents connect to the deep suburban feeling and own their homes in Golden. The area is less crowded and more connected to nature, history, and culture, which makes it a perfect place to call home!
Those who plan to rent or buy homes in Golden should consider contacting a realtor also called a real estate agent. An excellent option for housing in Golden is The Downing Street Group. Buying your home through a good realtor has numerous advantages including better access to the right homes and proven negotiation tactics. It also helps you save money, and get the right guidance and support all through the buying/renting process. For people looking to buy homes with all added amenities and luxury lifestyle living, The Downing Street Group can provide valuable guidance on selecting the best luxury real estate listings.
