Brush! Local signs and literature commonly portray this Colorado town's name with an exclamation point behind it. No, its not the work of an overly enthusiastic dentist with a penchant for graffiti. The City Council and local Chamber of Commerce added the punctuation mark to the city's name to reflect a "can do" attitude during an economic downturn in the late '70s. The enthusiasm carries over to the town motto, "Homegrown Happiness!"
Brush grew up in the early 1880s along the Texas-Montana Cattle Trail. More than 3,000 head of cattle enjoyed abundant prairie grass and water while cowboys resupplied in town. The town's name honors Jared L. Brush, a Colorado cattle pioneer who served as the state's lieutenant governor but never lived in the town. The fertile soil drives today's agriculture-driven economy, which produces crops of sugar beets, wheat, corn and soy. The modern city straddles Interstate 76 in the southeastern part of the state, 90 miles northeast of Denver.
Moving to Brush
As Brush has limited rental properties, begin planning your apartment search as early as possible. Call apartment complexes or property management companies to determine when they'll have units available that meet your needs. As units are first-come, first-served, ask if you can submit an application in advance so you won't miss out when the right unit comes available. Be prepared to provide proof of income, two forms of identification and positive rental references.
Good Weather, Bad Weather
Brush's 4,200-foot elevation is lower than average in Colorado with warmer winters. While the city gets up to 5 inches of snow each month from December through March, it rarely stays on the ground more than a few days. Daytime temperatures averaging 40 degrees melt the white stuff away, keeping shoveling to a minimum. The town's location on the wide-open prairie makes it prone to high winds during spring months, and summer tornadoes have crept as close as 13 miles from the city.
Country Living
The crime rate and cost of living are both below average for Colorado, making it affordable for those seeking quiet country living. Some homes on the outskirts have their own well, but those inside the town limits hook up to the city water system. The water flows from 10 city-owned wells tapping into the Beaver Creek aquifer.
Neighborhoods in Brush
The small city covers less than 2.5 square miles and consists of a single neighborhood.
Edison Street: Small apartment complexes lie along Edison Street, the town's main drag. Tabor Apartments lie just two blocks from both East Morgan County Hospital and the Banner General Surgery Clinic. Further east, Trav-O-Tel Apartments and Westside Storage and Apartments are convenient to grocery stores, discount stores and restaurants.
Everett Street: Centennial Manor Apartments is one of the newest and largest complexes in town, set back off the main drag along Everett Street. A smaller complex, Halls of Ivy, is found a few blocks east. Single family homes in this area are usually 2 to 3 bedrooms and less than 2,000 square feet in size. Enjoy walking to parks and schools along these quiet residential streets.
The Outskirts: If larger square footage and land area is what you're looking for, check the outskirts of town. Some homes in the north and west areas of the city have access to Wildcat and Badger Creeks, where you can fish for trout with a valid state fishing license.
Living in Brush
The town's rural setting offers wide open spaces with plenty to do right within the town boundaries. Head to one of four local parks to enjoy amenities that include sports courts and picnic areas. Hit a few balls at the municipal golf course or slip down a water slide into the community pool at VFW Memorial Park. A roller skating rink and nine hole disc golf course are a couple of other opportunities to get out and enjoy Brush's mild climate. Annual community events include a July 4th rodeo, prairie biker rally, 4H fair and hot air balloon festival. To enjoy nature, head for the outskirts of town, where you'll find wildlife areas open to fishing, hiking and hunting.
