Everyone loves a good underdog story. So many of our heroes are inspiring not because they’re at the top but because of how they got there in the first place. We celebrate rags to riches and paupers who become princes—because they test the limits of what’s possible for us to achieve.
Ed Sheeran used to sleep in train stations and on top of heating vents. Now, he’s worth about $200 million.
Before he was considered one of the greatest minds in modern history, Steve Jobs was the child of two immigrant parents who struggled to make ends meet.
Oprah ran away from home when she was just 13 years old and was fired from her first job as a TV anchor after college—but look where she is now.
It’s stories like these that convince us that maybe our dreams are worth chasing. Most people aren’t born into extravagant wealth or a celebrity network. We are largely self-made, and honestly, I think that’s great news. When you’re building from the ground up, the possibilities are endless.
This was definitely true of Greeley. I’ve lived and worked here for almost 20 years, and I’ve had the pleasure of watching it go from being the underdog of Northern Colorado to a hub of activity and adventure. If you’re considering a move out here, keep reading; the city is drastically different than it was just a few years ago.
Greeley was recently ranked as one of the fastest-growing cities, not just in Colorado, but nationwide. As of 2023, we have a population of just over 110,000, demonstrating a substantial 12,000-person leap over the last decade. We’re brimming with new businesses, single-family homes, apartment complexes, and updated infrastructure to make this type of growth possible.
But just because we’re expanding doesn’t mean we’re forgetting our history. If you’re planning to live here, you should know that we take our roots in agriculture seriously. You’ll hear people talk about the Monforts, a family who owned 80 acres of land and thousands of cattle, moving their meat-packing plants out here in the early 20th century. Now, companies like JBS USA, Leprino Foods, Colorado Premium, and Nutrien are all located in Greeley. These businesses have played a vital role in our growth, attracting migrants and providing thousands of job opportunities. It’s for this reason that Greeley has an incredibly diverse community.
Now, if you want to arrive here and avoid looking like a tourist, you’ll have to read up on the Greeley Stampede. This is our biggest annual event, and it’s always a great time. The Stampede typically lasts about a week and a half, beginning in the third week of June and ending on Independence Day. There are so many events that you could probably attend every day and never get bored! We’re talking rides, concerts, a demolition derby, rodeos, a parade, and my personal favorite—carnival food.
People from all over the country come to see the Stampede. It’s perfect for families and friends to get together and have some summer fun. Locals look forward to it all year and are never disappointed.
Regardless of its past as Northern Colorado’s underdog, Greeley is rapidly evolving into something of an attraction. It’s our very own hero’s journey, and we’re totally here for it. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for “little ol’ Greeley.”
If you want to be part of this saga, pack up your sense of adventure and head for the mountains. The Garden Spot of the West is waiting for you.