Greeley

In 1869, 59 ambitious individuals founded a joint stock company called “Union Colony” with the purpose of establishing a new, planned community. Led by Nathan C. Meeker, agricultural editor of the New York Tribune, they followed chief editor Horace Greeley’s advice to “Go West, young Man” and focused their search on the undeveloped west. Finding a river valley in northern Colorado, half way between Denver and Cheyenne and with rail access, they deemed the location and climate ideal to begin what was hoped to be a utopian, cooperative agricultural community. Thus Greeley was born.

Almost 140 years later, people still find this area’s location and climate ideal. With over 300 days of sunshine per year and comfortably low humidity, the weather permits a year around active lifestyle. Greeley is only one hour from Rocky Mountain National Park and one hour from downtown Denver; the best of both worlds. Yet with a population of about 85,000, Greeley retains the small town atmosphere so many people are looking for. Of course, you needn’t leave the local area for entertainment. Union Colony Civic Center hosts nationally renowned entertainment, which has included the likes of Ray Charles and Bob Newhart, and it is also the home of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra. There are dozens of City parks, two top-notch public golf courses and, of course, Greeley hosts the largest Fourth of July Rodeo in the country. Entertainment for the Greeley Independence Stampede includes acts like Kenny Chesney and Reba McEntire.

Education
Greeley is home to the University of Northern Colorado (UNC), an 11,000 student college that was founded with the town. UNC is touted for its great nursing and education departments, and its outstanding Monfort School of Business. Aims Community College is Colorado’s largest, and their main campus is in west Greeley. District 6 serves all of Greeley and Evans for public education.

Health Care
North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) is northern Colorado’s largest hospital, and is located in central Greeley. NCMC serves a broad geographic area, including Wyoming and southwest Nebraska and it boasts a Level II Trauma Center and an air-medical transport helicopter. NCMC is recognized for excellence in burn, trauma, heart and cancer treatment. Greeley also has numerous clinics spread throughout town.