Golden is the Denver area’s western most city that is still situated on the plains. It is located right at the base of the foothills which can provide stunning views of downtown Denver. At an elevation of 5,675 feet above sea level it is only fifteen minutes from Denver. The Golden area is served by five major highways, including Interstate 70, Colorado C470 and U.S. Highway 6 which provide direct routes to Denver, Boulder and the mountains.

The city is rich in history and tradition of being progressive. Fame and fortune made Golden Colorado’s Territorial Capitol in 1862. Golden was crucial to the formation of the great state of Colorado and played a key role in opening the West to settlement, and help build this nation’s mineral industry and is home to the Colorado School of Mines, the world’s foremost mineral engineering school. Golden is also home to Coors Brewing Company and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory which has become the principal national center in search for limitless environmentally benign, domestically produced forms of energy and is known worldwide for its cutting edge research into solar power, wind power, alternative transportation fuels and many other forms of renewable energy. The town has a small town feeling with its broad main streets lined with historical buildings.

Golden holds some of Colorado’s best cultural and adventure attractions, shopping in locally owned stores, boutiques and some fine restaurants.

The city of Golden is committed to providing the highest quality of life. One resource to provide this quality of life is a healthy local economy. The city’s economic development programs are designed to bolster economic opportunity within Golden and the surrounding area for residents and businesses. The City of Golden believes that economic development is a process which promotes a self supporting local economy by creating jobs in a variety of employment opportunities, maintains and enhances the general business climate and increases business activity.

Golden is in the R-I School District of Jefferson county which is rated as one of the best school systems in the nation with student averages above the national norm in all study areas. Jefferson County schools rank in the top ten nationally on SAT scores.

People who live and work in the Golden area have an abundance of recreational opportunities year round. In winter, the Rockies offer skiing and snowboarding in its most challenging forms as well as snowmobiling. In less than 45 minutes to an hour and a half, you can be at world renowned downhill ski areas. In summer, the mountains offer fishing, backpacking, kayaking on Clear Creek, parasailing, and camping in scenery that rival any in the world. Biking and hiking paths are in abundance and play an important role in the proposed plans for park and pathway development.

Turning 148 in 2007, the city remains progressive, yet protective of its history and Western culture. It is a city that recognizes the importance of growth and the equal importance of preserving its small town charm. It is this blend of the old and the new, the value given to both the past and the future, which makes Golden truly unique in the Denver metropolitan area.