Renowned as the Garden Spot of Colorado, the town of Berthoud is still a hidden gem in Northern Colorado. Along with its truly outstanding mountain views, Berthoud’s easy access to the Denver (46 mi), Boulder (27.3 mi), Loveland (7 mi), and Fort Collins (21 mi) areas are just the beginning of reasons why this community is booming.
With a 2020 population of 9,090, Berthoud has expanded 78% since the last census in 2010. Yet, despite this recent population explosion, Berthoud has maintained its agricultural roots and small-town community atmosphere, which is a key part to why many families and young professionals are calling the area home.
And Berthoud really is a Garden Spot. The name calls attention to its numerous Cottonwood-shaded parks, quiet tree-lined residential streets, and charming business districts which are nestled next to fragrant hay fields, all with the dramatic Rocky Mountains as a backdrop.
Recreation opportunities abound here, as well. To the west, the mountains call, with rock climbing, fishing, boating, hiking and camping popular near Carter Lake, and Pinewood and Flatiron Reservoirs, while Horsetooth Reservoir and Boyd Lake State Park are just north of town. There’s an archery range at the Lon Hagler recreation area. In 2018, Berthoud debuted TPC Colorado, a golf course built with the infrastructure to accommodate professional tournaments.
This close-knit community also enjoys an overall crime rate that is 57% lower than the national average. Berthoud’s violent crime rating is 7.5 (the US average is 22.7); its property crime is 17.5 (the US average is 35.4).
Berthoud’s public school district is Thompson School District R-2J, and it boasts one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Colorado. Berthoud, CO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the Colorado public school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 44% statewide average). Schools in Berthoud have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Colorado public schools. Multiple acclaimed colleges and universities are also easily accessed in the nearby Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins and Greeley areas.