Greeley, Colorado has the largest population in, Weld County and forms a part of the Front Range Urban Corridor.
Geographically, Greeley lies on a low plateau close to the Rocky Mountains. The Cache la Poudre River runs through the northern part of the city and the South Platte River is its southern border. Those moving to Greeley will discover that it has a semi arid climate, with very hot summers and cold winters.
Economy:
The cost of living Index for Greeley in January 2011 was reported as 99.8 points, close to the national average of 100 points. December 2010 unemployment figures were 11.5% for Greeley and 8.6% for the State of Colorado. The basis of the economy of Greeley is farming, with Weld County being ranked in the top ten of America's agricultural counties.
The largest employers in Greeley are Swift & Company, the North Colorado Medical Center and Weld County School District Six.
History:
The original name of Greeley was Union Colony. Nathan Meeker from New York came to the area now known as Greeley in 1869 to form an "experimental utopian community". Union Colony was renamed Greeley to honor Meeker's editor, Horace Greeley. The city was incorporated in 1885 and Meeker was killed in 1879 during the Ute Uprising.
Tourism:
The history of Greeley is documented at the Centennial Village Museum, where one can trace the beginnings of the city all the way to the beginning of the 20th Century. Various period buildings are on view at this 51/2 acre attraction. The Meeker Museum is also well worth a visit.