The sculpted Rocky Mountains, tops dusted with snow, form a stark background on the Colorado landscape. Rugged explorers looking for adventure and fortune settled the area in the mid 1800s, drawn to the Colorado Territory by the promise of gold. Through rough weather, clashes with Native Americans, and a veto of statehood by President Andrew Jackson, the early residents of Colorado stood tough, and even came together to build the Denver Pacific Railroad, a move that showed the promise of this new territory, and Colorado was finally allowed to become a state in 1876.
Located east of Denver, Adams County is considered part of the Denver metro area. Outdoor recreation reigns supreme here, and pastimes of Adams County residents include activities such as hiking, boating, fishing, and skiing. The American Discovery Trail, a coast-to-coast hiking and biking trail, passes through Adams County. Another popular trail, the Highline Canal National Recreation Trail, follows the winding canal for 60 miles. It is popular for hiking, jogging, and biking. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is home to over 330 wildlife species, including coyotes, bald eagles, white pelicans, and owls. It currently covers over 12,000 acres and was established in 1992. Barr Lake State Park is popular for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
The county seat of Adams County is Brighton. Although considered a suburb of Denver, Brighton has a strong wind turbine manufacturing industry. The Denver International Airport is southeast of Brighton and also a major employer. Situated just 20 miles from downtown Denver, residents of Brighton enjoy several professional sports games – the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and the Colorado Rapids are all within reach.
If 20 miles is too far from downtown Denver for your Adams County apartment, travel 10 miles closer to the county’s largest city, Thornton. A bit more cosmopolitan than Brighton, Thornton is the sixth largest city in the state, based on population. But even with its numerous shopping centers and restaurants, Thornton celebrates the natural beauty surrounding it with 81 city parks and over 2,000 acres of green space. For walkers and joggers, there are more than 80 miles of trails in the city. Golf courses, recreation centers, and the Thornton Community Center are also popular destinations.
Data provided by GreatSchools.org 2025 © 2025. All rights reserved.
Submitting Request
Apartment Finder utilizes the industry's largest and most complete database of real-time rents and availabilities to help you find an amazing deal on your next rental.
Apartment communities change their rental rates often - sometimes multiple times a day. We track the changes and keep you up to date when a rental rate decreases.
"Best value" units are located in buildings rated three stars or higher. We label apartment rentals that are priced significantly less than similar high-quality units nearby.
Apartment communities regularly advertise deals for new residents. Whether it's a move-in special or a free tv, we locate the rentals that offer a little something extra when you sign your lease.
Note: Based on community-supplied data and independent market research. Subject to change without notice.