Old Town Longmont: Getting better or getting worse (Boulder: transplants, for sale)

[Firefly01]

My husband just got a job in Longmont, and we're looking to move into the area. We like Old Town, but are somewhat concerned about crime/drugs in the area. Would you say the area is getting better or getting worse?

Also, what area of Longmont would you recommend for a young liberal couple (mid-20s) with no kids looking to meet similar people? Would Old Town be a good choice?

Thanks for any input!

[TropicanaRose]

I wanted to give you a link to the Longmont crime map, but it's doing strange things to my post. Just google "longmont crime map" and it will be your first result.

You need to click "show all" to get the dots to display. You can scroll down to click on the archive of crime maps to see prior months.

Have you considered Prospect? Some people might say it is a sanitized version of old town centers. My friends live there and love it. They are a liberal couple, now with children, and love it. There are a lot of younger people in the lofts and condos.

[DressageRider]

Hi Firefly -

Just saw your message and had to comment because I adore Old Town Longmont. I live in the historic eastside and I love it. We know people on the historic westside too. Our neighborhood is full of young people starting families and, at least where we are, it is quite liberal. It is, however, a city based on agriculture (founded on sugar production!) so there are your fair share of conservatives too. But that seems normal - unlike the one-sidedness of Boulder.
Old Town is great because you can walk to Main Street, the library, post office, several cafes, and restaurants. We live in a very old home which is what made us consider Longmont in the first place. I love old homes! We have mature trees, nice parks.
As for crime? Well, it is a city - small, but a city. Most of that crime map stuff will be graffiti or small stuff. I've lived in big cities before though. I'm not sure where you're coming from.
Anyway, if you want to ask any questions feel free to private message me. Good luck!

[Shuffler]

I live in Old Town. An extended family member was mugged by Mexican thugs outside of the gentile Red Zone/Pumphouse brewpub a few weeks ago...not once, but twice. Certainly an isolated incident and not the norm for Wrongmont, but it opened my eyes to the fact that as the city grows, so does the crime, and it doesn't matter who or where you are.

That being said, the 'historic' (should be re-labeled 'hysteric' based on home prices) area is very nice, very gentrified. I'm on the West Side, over near Roosevelt Park. With the exception of some white-trash renters behind me, I love my neighboorhood. It's getting better, not worse...although I will note that there are a lot of houses on the street which have been for sale since last year. Might be a great time to take advantage of a deal, if you can get financing.

As for late-night walks home from the downtown bars, I just found a reason to start carrying my pistol again, since I have a CCW permit. Never thought I'd have to do that in my hometown...it's a bummer.

[Comedy]

Originally Posted by Firefly01

My husband just got a job in Longmont, and we're looking to move into the area. We like Old Town, but are somewhat concerned about crime/drugs in the area. Would you say the area is getting better or getting worse?

Also, what area of Longmont would you recommend for a young liberal couple (mid-20s) with no kids looking to meet similar people? Would Old Town be a good choice?

Thanks for any input!

Old town is a bad idea to move too. Longmont is small so buy a home on the perimeter no further than Pace rd, or Airport rd. Pace is $50k cheaper than Airport. There is an abundance of crime near old town and meeting people there are not the best. There are multiple fights and alcoholics there. Now, the crime here is not like a major city, its more of an annoyance. If you want to meet people like you spend some time in prospect or what we affectionately call Toon Town. TT is off Pike and Main st. Main St used to be the longets cruising strip in America. People would come all over the country to cruise it. Now your no longer alloud. People usually eat at the Red Zone and cool off with a DQ treat.

[Joiedete]

Firefly -

As you can tell, there are a few folks here who may not be well equipped to answer your question. Here's my take - from a young 30s liberal living on Westside Old Town.

We are from Boston and moved to Old Town three years ago and now have two kids. The neighborhood is quickly becoming rediscovered being rediscovered, as much of the neighborhood is flipping from retirees - a major reason why properties sit on the market so long - they have time to get the price they want.

We have no concerns of safety in the neighborhood, including nighttime walks with kids to and from parks. We have had an incident on our street of a car getting broken into (but nothing apparently stolen), but our car was broken into in Boulder (we lived there for 3 months when we were moving out here) twice, and Boston twice (in 5 years). No big deal.

With the change in age, the neighborhood is becoming more liberal, much more so than most of the bedroom communities out to Airport and Pace. Because of its structure, people are much more open and talk more than the garage-houses in the new neighborhoods. Take a quick survey of the Obama signs here vs. there and you will see.

Overall, it is a great place to live. We hope you moved here or are still open to it.

I understand the message may come late, but I must correct this thread.

Thanks,

Scott

[Shuffler]

I've lived in Longmont all my life, and have lived in Old Town for the past 11yrs. It's a good area, close to schools and the 'forgotten' downtown area with tatoo parlors, pawn shops, and bars. As nice as Old Town is, the City Council knows the 'real money' is in the sprawling new subdivisions and the big box stores, so they focus their attention there. I do enjoy shooting squirrels out of the trees, right off my front and back porch!

Longmont is far from the Liberal haven that a lot of East/West coast transplants seem to think it is. If you want Liberal, live in Boulder.

[POhdNcrzy]

Shuffler said: "I do enjoy shooting squirrels out of the trees, right off my front and back porch!"



Jeez dude. Cut that out! Squirrels are people, too yah know! They didn't do anything to you, that are cute and furry.

[DressageRider]

Hi Scott! I also came to CO from Boston although I'm originally from NY. I'm glad you chimed in. My husband and I really love Old Town, and we've met many fabulous neighbors with young families.

I originally looked at Longmont because I wanted an older home (masochist that I am!) and there was a great number of them here in Old Town. I love my '25 craftsman and our old street with gorgeous mature trees.

Anyway, glad you are happy here, and I hope the OP gave Longmont a chance.