Broomfield, once considered the ultimate “bedroom community” for Boulder and Denver has shed its sleepy status and has emerged as one of the fastest growing areas in the United States.

Broomfield is located northwest of Denver and became the newest county in Colorado (and the U.S.) in 2001. Prior to that time, Broomfield was part of Boulder County but parts of the city were also annexed from Adams, Jefferson and Weld Counties. Due to lingering political differences between Broomfield and Boulder, and having to deal with four different counties related to sales tax and other issues, Broomfield began to press for its “independence” in the 1990s and was finally granted autonomy.

Broomfield ranked third in Colorado for rate of growth between 2010-2015. The region grew 16 percent during that time and is projected to be among the fastest-growing areas in Colorado until 2030. Encompassing 34 square miles, Broomfield is expected to tally over 72,000 residents by 2020.

If you are looking for a new build home, Broomfield might be a good choice. The city is awash in residential projects which extend from 112th Avenue to County Rd. 8 and the Northwest Parkway, and Washington St. on the east to Indiana St. on the west.

The City and County of Broomfield is home to a number of large employers of diverse industries including Level 3, Oracle, Hunter Douglas Window Fashions, White Wave Foods, MWH, Coregenix, Ball Corp., Staples and Vail Resorts. JPMorgan Chase has purchased 106 acres of land on West 160th Ave. near Sheridan Parkway intending to build a data and storage facility.

Broomfield has wonderful parks and 258 miles of biking and walking trails. City officials are considering developing an area at 1st and Main to be a town square of sorts and establish a focal point in the community. A five-acre lake would be the centerpiece, surrounded by open space, townhomes, commercial storefronts and a new amphitheater. The proposed plan would enlarge Community Park Pond and include a pedestrian plaza, al fresco dining, entertainment areas and public art, and 50,000 square feet of retail and restaurants.

When visiting Broomfield, be sure to check out Scalzotto Italian Restuarant and the Rail’s End Brew Co.