The city’s namesake, Horace Greeley, editor and founder of the New York Tribune supported women’s rights and opposed slavery. It’s said he only ever visited the northern Colorado area once, in 1870. With agricultural roots that led it to being one of the first planned communities in the nation, the city acquired an early reputation for meat-packing; major industries today include health care and education. Nestled northeast of Denver by about 50 miles where the South Platte and Cache La Poudre rivers meet, the home of the University of Northern Colorado ranked #13 for Household Income (median $55,007), contributing to its #31 spot overall in our Prosperity category. It also performed well in our Place category, at #42 with a relatively low crime rate (#77) and dry climate (#17 for Weather). The master-planned City Center (a certified Colorado Creative District) is taking shape; a $43.2-million, 264-unit multi-housing structure called Ten West is due for completion in 2021 and touts access to more than 7,100 employers within a 20-minute drive.