Johnstown is considered a home rule municipality in Larimer and Weld counties. At the 2010 United States Census, the population of Johnstown was pegged at 9,887 people.
Johnstown sits at the confluence of the little Thomson River and the Big Thompson River. The town of Johnstown borders Greeley to the northeast and Loveland to the northwest. The total area of Johnstown was estimated to be 13.52 square miles in the 2010 United States Census, and the town sits at an elevation of 4,852ft.
History Of Johnstown
Johnstown, CO owes its beginnings to the vision of Harvey J. Parish. Parish recognized that the Great Western Railroad Company was in the process of building a railroad from Loveland through that area to secure sugar beets. Parish’s land happened to be the ideal location for establishing a town by the railroad. The city in its early days was only composed of a few streets where the town’s only stop is found today. The main street was named Parish Avenue, while the other lanes were Raymond and Ruthford. The city was named for the parish’s son, who was ill with appendicitis at St. Joseph’s hospital. Johnstone was incorporated in 1907.
Modern-day Johnstown
Modern Johnstown is a hub of economic activities and growth and is strategically located along I-25, Highway-60, and Highway-34, providing easy accessibility for retailers and other businesses. Johnstown boasts low living standards, good security, world-class recreational facilities, and a robust workforce that is the economic driver of the town.
Recreation Activities In Johnstown
Because of Johnstown’s relatively small size and rural nature, there are limited options for recreation activities. However, please do not despair, as the town is within easy reach of unique attractions in the towns and cities that neighbour it, with the West of Johnstown having an abundance of state and national parks. Some of the recreation activities in and around Johnstown are;
- B’s Coffee – For all of you who appreciate a good caffeine hit, this establishment in Johnstown Centre Drive promises to give you a wide variety of hot and cold coffee options to excite your taste buds. There is also a selection of fresh-baked products like pastries and lactose intolerant options to suit a variety of customers. It is a worthwhile stop before hitting the road to explore other attractions in the area.
- Mad Russian Golf Course – This course has been named a unique name category of American courses. In addition to its catchy name, this is an 18- hole course offering a gentle hill and thoughtfully placed water and sand hazards to provide a challenge to players.
- Devil’s Backbone Open Space – The state of Colorado is filled with aesthetic mountains that one can enjoy as they unwind. The Devil’s Backbone is a short commute from Johnstown. It is appealing especially to outdoor lovers who can engage in bird watching, nature watching, hiking, and biking across the 2000 acres of open space and trails.
- The Loveland Museum and Gallery – This museum offers art and historically relevant memorabilia and artefacts for history lovers. The Native American culture of the area is heavily featured in the exhibitions, and there are adult and child-oriented instructional programs to guide you through the different exhibits.
- Kress Cinema & Lounge – This establishment is located in Greeley and is an independent movie house. The cinema also has a full-service bar and restaurant known for its ever-flowing beer and wine selection.
- Gardens on Spring Creek – Consisting close to twenty acres in Fort Collins, this is a community resource available to visitors year-round. Though visitors often overlook it, the gardens host events such as art walks and holiday celebrations.
- Fort Collins Museum of Discovery – The winter months in Colorado can be brutal, and visitors need to have indoor options. The museum was established in 1941, and its main objective was to preserve the history of the Native American people.
Schools In Johnstown
The town of Johnstown is served by two school districts, namely the Weld County School District RE-5J, while the Thompson R2-J School District serves the northwest of the city. Schools within both districts are highly rated and offer high-quality education to their students.
Some of the schools in Johnstown are;
- Letford Elementary School – This school lies in the Weld County School District and is a pre-school going through to grade five. The school aims to bring up respectful and responsible learners.
- Roosevelt High School – Located in Weld County School District, this school is committed to offering quality education and nurturing talent.
- Knowledge Quest Academy
- Milliken Middle School
- Milliken Elementary School
Some of the nearby colleges and Universities include;
- University of Northern Colorado
- Aims Community College
- Colorado State University
- IBMC College
Working And Living In Johnstown
Johnstown is an excellent place to live due to its economic advantages and low costs of living and employment opportunities. The primary industries that offer employment opportunities in Johnstown are manufacturing, retail trade, arts, recreation, and educational services. Some of the largest employers are;
- Starbucks
- US Bank
- McDonald’s
- Eli Lilly manufacturing
- Verizon Wireless
- Archer Daniels Midland Company
- The home Depot
Living in Johnstown is convenient due to essential amenities, a good transport system, and a good education system that ticks all the boxes if you want to raise a family. The main residential areas in Johnstown are;
- Coyote Ridge
- Bodey Dave
- County road 17
- Derreraville
- Larimer Weld City Line
- Milliken
- Northmoor Acres