2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Thornton, CO vs Paonia, CO

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Highlights
Are people in Paonia older or younger than people in Thornton?
- The Median Age in Paonia is 3.2 years older than in Thornton.

Are housing costs cheaper in Paonia or Thornton?
- Paonia housing costs are 23.0% less expensive than Thornton housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Paonia or Thornton?
- The average commute for residents of Paonia is 2.2 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Thornton.

Things to do in Thornton?
Thornton, Colorado is a vibrant city located in the northern corner of the United States. Home to attractions such as Cattail Creek Park and The Double Header Little League Park, visitors can explore outdoor activities and sports when visiting Thornton. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as the Greasewood Flat Schoolhouse. For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Thornton has something for everyone!

Things to do in Paonia?
Living in Paonia, CO is like living in a picturesque postcard. The small town of just over 1,500 is nestled among the rolling hills of the North Fork Valley with breathtaking views of Mount Lamborn and the grandiose San Juan Mountains looming in the distance. The locals are friendly and welcoming, making it the perfect place to call home. Here you can find a thriving community with unique shops, restaurants and galleries dotting Main Street. There is never a shortage of outdoor activities to explore such as hiking, biking and fishing on the Gunnison River or simply enjoying nature at its finest at any one of several nearby parks and preserves. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway or an active lifestyle, Paonia has something for everyone.

 Thornton, COPaonia, COUnited States
 Population  Unlock1,542329,725,481
 Median Income$86,818  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.938.4
 Avg. Home Price$504,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.22  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Thornton    5 Reviews

Good place. Very suburbany (similar to the Springs). The houses are very small and old and yet still very expensive (albeit cheaper than southern Denver). Actually lots  More

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Over 5 years ago

I like Denver metro, but some cities aren’t too great. Thornton being one of them. Moved here because of highway access, and convenience to DIA for business travel. Am  More

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Over 10 years ago

The quality of life here in not good. The traffic is bad all the time. To try to get to the mountains takes forever! Also most lakes along the front range you can't even  More

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Reviews for Paonia    3 Reviews

Paonia is Colorado’s best kept secret... amazing food, climate and scenery. Close to ski resorts and big city amenities, but isolated and charming. The town is safe and  More

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I have lived just outside of Paonia for 35 years. The area is pretty, but jobs are scarce. Used to be mostly 'down to earth' farmers and ranchers and coal miners  More

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Over 16 years ago

"Mayberry in the Mountains" (Paonia and surrounding 8 mesas) population 6,600; median housing pricing is $164,207 (2007); average commute is less than 10 minutes;  More

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