Community Guide
Colorado
Affordable mountain living with a creative spirit. Longmont offers a lower cost of entry to the Boulder County market with a thriving arts scene, craft breweries, and stunning views of Longs Peak.
Last updated: September 2026
Overview
Longmont was founded in 1871 by the Chicago-Colorado Colony, a group of settlers from Chicago, making it the first planned community in Boulder County. Named after Longs Peak, the 14,259-foot mountain visible to the west, the city was originally established as an agricultural settlement. Today, Longmont is the second-largest city in Boulder County with a population of over 100,000, blending agricultural heritage with high-tech innovation.
Longmont has been recognized as one of America's top boomtowns and is often called "Colorado's best-kept secret." The city is home to NextLight, a municipally-owned gigabit fiber-optic internet service frequently cited as one of the fastest municipal broadband networks in the country. Major employers include Seagate Technology, IBM, Amgen, and Ball Corporation.
The historic downtown's Main Street Creative District features the Dickens Opera House, the Firehouse Art Center, public art murals, restaurants, and unique shops. The city offers extensive parks and trails, including the St. Vrain Greenway, Rabbit Mountain Open Space, and St. Vrain State Park. Annual events include Second Friday art walks, ArtWalk on Main, the Longmont Lights Festival, Rhythm on the River, and the Halloween Parade.
AJ's Take
"Longmont offers the most affordable entry into Boulder County while delivering an incredible quality of life. The downtown revitalization has been remarkable, the craft brewery scene is fantastic, and the views of Longs Peak never get old. I have helped many buyers find great value here, from historic homes in Old Town to newer construction in the southwest part of the city."
AJ Chamberlin, Professional Broker, Colorado Legacy
Housing
Market snapshot (September 2026): Longmont's median sale price was about $559,000 (Redfin, mid-2026), down roughly 2% year over year, with homes averaging about 41 days on market and a year-to-date single-family median near $616,000. The downtown pipeline is strong: the 85-room boutique hotel near 3rd and Kimbark targeted a November 2025 opening, and the city won a $4 million state grant toward a downtown 1st and Main transit hub that could include up to 300 housing units. New apartments keep coming online, including Alta Longmont (252 units) and the 324-unit Heritage on Hover, and the Winchell's Donut House sign is back on Main Street after the shop reopened in late 2025. For buyers, Longmont remains the most affordable way into the Boulder County market with real upside.
Median Sale Price
~$559K
Redfin, mid-2026, -2% year over year
Typical Home Value
~$555K
Zillow, -2% year over year
New Construction
Available
Growing southwest area
Education
Longmont is served by the St. Vrain Valley School District, one of Colorado's top-rated districts.
Grades K-5 | St. Vrain
Grades 6-8 | St. Vrain
Grades 9-12 | St. Vrain | GreatSchools: 7/10
At a Glance
With the best value in Boulder County, a vibrant arts scene, and fast municipal internet, Longmont is an increasingly popular choice for buyers.