Info on Longmont and St Vrain Schools? (Boulder, Lafayette: relocation, apartment)

[flowforth]

Hello. New to the site and relocating to the Boulder area in mid-June with my family of 4 (+ 2 dogs). Have done a lot of research and read many of the threads on this site pertaining to Boulder and the surrounding area. While looking for a rental, I have had quite a few people push me towards the Longmont area - siting better views, more autonomous community, town character, and slightly lower rental prices. Upon checking rental prices, I find that it is slighly cheaper than Louisville, Erie, Lafayette, Superior, etc. and you seem to get a bit more for your money (space, Bedrooms, yard, etc.). I have also read some negative comments such as there being some bad neighbourhoods in Longmont (mainly eastside), gang activity & meth-heads (but this is debated by other posters), and most importantly - an inferior school district to Boulder schools. So, do I pay more to live in a better school district for my kids - or are St. Vrain schools not that bad? Many threads have indicated that it goes school by school in this district - and it appears that the outlying schools (in Niwot, say) are ranked slightly higher than the more central schools in the city of Longmont. Can anyone confirm this? I know this thread might repeat much of what has been posted on this area - and I am aware of what each area has to offer. I am trying to figure out if it is better to pay extra and live in a place like Louisville - or if Longmont is really a solid cheaper option all the way around. Thanks for your imput.

[Micktooth]

We moved to Louisville last year and before we did, we researched the school districts a lot. I can only tell you about our experience so I hope it helps. We decided on the Boulder Valley schools and we couldn't be happier. Our 13yo son has made so many new friends and the kids are super nice. We have an 11yo daughter with special needs and we like the services she is receiving. Louisville is a great community, we have made so many friends. I would highly recommend it. All I can say is look at the big picture, and do what you think is best for your family in the long run. Welcome to Colorado!

[flowforth]

Thanks Micktooth. That is the way I'm leaning - any tips on finding rentals in Louisville? (I'm on Craigslist, Rentclicks, etc. constantly!). I'm told that there are really no bad neighbourhoods there - is that your experience???

[tfox]

St. Vrain Valley does have some good schools. For High Schools, Niwot HS is excellent, comparable to anything in BVSD -- despite the location in Niwot, it covers much of southern and southwestern Longmont. However, St Vrain is a big district covering a wide area,extending into Weld county and not everything in the district is of high quality. I think it's unfair to SVVSD to say that they're inferior to Boulder schools, as some of the schools are quite good, but BVSD might be more consistently good district-wide

Longmont and Louisville are very different towns. It's probably true to say that Longmont has somewhat more crime than Louisville -- but it also has 4-5 times the population plus a wide diversity of incomes, so that's really an apples-to-oranges comparison.

I'd say both are good choices -- I think it really depends on your preferences and what vibe you like in the towns. As I said, the vibe is very different between the two.

[Micktooth]

Flow, we initially moved into an apartment at the Horizons at Rock Creek. It is a very nice complex and allows pets. It is in Superior, across the hwy from Louisville. We found this allowed us time to find a house that we liked without rushing into a decision. The Horizons are within the Boulder Valley School District. I don't know how old your children are, but the high school in this area is Monarch, as well as the middle school. I noticed that some kids at the Horizons also went to Eldorado k-8 in Superior. We chose Monarch and we (including our son) love it. Eldorado is also a nice new school that feeds into Monarch HS. Are you looking to rent a house? This might be more difficult but not impossible. Let me know and I will try to help.

[flowforth]

I think I remember reading about Horizons on another thread - perhaps yours! I would consider an apartment or town-house complex - but my dogs would probably need a fenced in yard. I have 2 mutts (20-30lbs) - a border collie/ Aussie shepherd mix and a Retreiver mix. Regarding schools, I have 4th & 6th graders - so principally looking at Elementary and Middle schools right now. Both kids are heavy into music/arts - so schools that are strong in these areas would be ideal too. Depending on jobs and how we settle, our plan is to buy a house in 1-2 years - so the rental situation is just temporary. I've heard great things about the area - and have also been warned about 'culture shock' - but coming originally from the UK, I'm used to that. Actually, I experienced less culture shock going from Britain to Southern California - that I did going from CA to southern Ohio. Having been cooped up there a while, I welcome it!

[Micktooth]

If in culture shock you mean moving somewhere, friendly,clean and vibrant, then so be it. I've lived in NY,MI,TX and LA and CO is by far the best place I've ever lived. I love the genuine friendliness of the people and the mostly upbeat and positive attitudes. If you want the name of the realtor that I used, let me know and I will send you a private message. She is great. I think you will be happy with the schools mentioned above.

[flowforth]

That would be a big help Micktooth. I think we are intent on finding a house rental - and the more contacts, the better.

I appreciate all the feedback!

[jkcoop]

We live in southwest Longmont and love it very much. My husband works in Boulder so it is quite convenient. My son is in middle school - Sunset Middle school and we love the school. He will be going to high school at Niwot High. The district lines are drawn strangely.
Admittedly we don't spend much time on the north or east side of Longmont because we have no need to. Longmont is a great community and we are very glad we chose to live here.
Sunset Middle school has a fantastic music program. It also provides the kids with a lot of opportunities. The 7th grade class just got back from a 3 day stay at the YMCA up in Estes Park doing an outdoor lab. It was a great experience for my son.
My son went to Indian Peak Elementary. I believe it is the oldest elementary in Longmont. We loved the diversity, my son got a great education.
I'll be happy to answer any specific Longmont questions you might have. Good luck with your relocation!

[flowforth]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going back and forth on this one. Although I like what I hear about BVSD, there is just so much more available, rental wise, in Longmont. I'm looking at a place on rentclicks that is South of Longmont, closer to Niwot. From what I can tell by the St Vrain Schools website, it might be the same schools that you mentioned. I'm having to do most research from a distance, which makes it harder.

Thanks again.