looking for info on longmont (Denver, Fort Collins: condos, townhomes, neighborhoods)

[brandilinn1117]

What is Longmont like? What kind of people? Does it have a downtown like Boulder/Fort Collins? Artsy/ Progressive? Liberal? Family friendly?
thanks

[McGowdog]

I like that is sits near the base of Longs peak. There is a road that takes you right into Boulder but sits outside of Boulder County. I haven't been there since 2002 but it had a nice little historic district of it's own. It is kind of similiar to Loveland and Ft Collins in that it sits about 5 or 6 miles west from I-25 in the right direction- west.

That whole area is getting too populated for me (Ft Collins to Castle Rock) but if you're young... it's probably the place to be.

[chilaili]

Longmont has a downtown that varies from a really nice Old Town to a bit rundown the further north you go on Main Street. BUT the side streets off Main, especially going West between 3rd and 9th, are lovely. It's the Historic District and it's very residential and there are a couple of parks to enjoy. Longmont seems to have two main thro-roads: Main and Hover. Main seems to house the city's older individual shops and offices - the Public Library is just a block away as is the courthouse, etc. Hover is where all the major commercial development is happening with a small mall, all the main fastfood chain restaurants, a Super Target, JC Penney, supermarkets, etc, etc. So very convenient for all your needs. There are golf courses in and around town, very easy access to Boulder, Denver, and the mountains. There are also some new developments going up all around town with townhomes and condos quite reasonably priced compared to say, Boulder. It has a pretty good public transport system tho not as good as Boulder's.

I don't know about family-oriented as I don't have one and I can't comment on the schools. I sometimes feel that, compared to Boulder or Lyons, Longmont's population isn't nearly as engaged in their community. It seems as tho with all the new development it's a rather fragmented city and there isn't much to connect people but that's just my impression. I've only lived there 10 months after all.

The local papers talk about the gang problem and there have been some incidents recently reported but I think it mainly occurs in one area of town to the East and I've never had any problems. I don't think it's as bad as other towns in Colorado.

I think it's a pretty good place to live if you're looking for lots of amenities, reasonably priced housing and easy access to the city, airport and mountains.

[MizzCaya]

ohhh...longmont. that's what i consider to be my home. i lived there for 3 years or so when i was younger and a lot has changed since then.

i was there last weekend visiting and i noticed it's growing a lot right now. I know that it atleast wasn't an exciting place to live, not much to do. The mall there doesn't have much but there's quite a few small stores all over the place.

it's really not bad at all. of course, i'd avoid the east side as much as you can. that's where i lived and it was a little scary sometimes.

[seeker21]

We're seriously considering choosing Longmont to move to because of how close it is to Boulder with its cultural amenities, and because it is a lot cheaper to live there than Boulder (for housing anyway). I'm guessing that there is some degree of spill-over into Longmont from folks like us and that would have some affect on Longmont itself--culturally, etc. Does anyone know if that is true, and to what extent?

[chilaili]

Originally Posted by seeker21

We're seriously considering choosing Longmont to move to because of how close it is to Boulder with its cultural amenities, and because it is a lot cheaper to live there than Boulder (for housing anyway). I'm guessing that there is some degree of spill-over into Longmont from folks like us and that would have some affect on Longmont itself--culturally, etc. Does anyone know if that is true, and to what extent?

From my limited experience, a lot of people who work in Boulder but can't afford to live there live in Longmont. (Some also live in Superior or Lafayette. But a lot of people living in Longmont also work in Loveland, Fort Collins, Denver, Broomfield and, of course, Longmont itself.) I don't know about the cultural impact other than the many new homes being built on the outskirts of town (see Airport Road or Pace Street) and I guess the increasing population led to the Super Target being built? Longmont does have a symphony orchestra (http://longmontsymphony.org/) (broken link)! and the city's website lists a LOT of activities for 2006 at least, including events at the Longmont Museum.

[brandilinn1117]

Does the downtown have a pedestrian feel wth outdoor dining areas, sidewalk cafes, bookstores?

what other areas are this way around that section?

I need good schools and neighborhoods the kids can play outside running around?

[chilaili]

I don't know anything about the schools I'm afraid. The downtown area along Main Street is pretty good between 3rd and, say, 6th streets. That's where the little stores and coffeshops are located. There is a pretty good brewpub/restaurant, a small theatre, the library is a block east off Main - but it can get very busy with traffic. West off Main between 3rd and 9th is the historic district with at least one nice park around 8th Street. That area is very residential and quiet. I think Longmont is family-friendly and down-to-earth. Best option is probably to come down here and have a good look around. Only not this weekend as, you may have seen on the news, we are totally socked in with 2ft of snow!

[Leonsadc]

We are a family trying to find a city or town we can call "hometown". There is a job offer for me in Longmont Hospital and just getting my feet wet in regards to people's opinion to it's surrounding neighborhoods. Is Longmont a longshot or is it an acceptable place to raise a family. Are there good neighborhoods which is n a 10 mile radius from the hospital which you guys can consider a family oriented neighborhoods. Also of course looking for good public schools, if there are other issues you might think are important, please let us know. Thank you guys for your kind consideration! Thanks again and good day!

[kat1804]

Hi all,

I've just been offered a placement in longmont, as a student nurse. My palcement is in colorado theraputic riding centre and would like to find a little bit about the area. I coming from England and have never been here before, i would very much appreciate it if any one could help me with this

Many thanks