Self-contained brewery city with its own fiber internet and a revitalized Main Street
Longmont's median home price of $530K–$580K as of 2026 makes it the most affordable large city in Boulder County — approximately $200K below Louisville and nearly $400K below Boulder. Served by St. Vrain Valley School District (A− by Niche), the city's three high schools are part of a district recognized as Colorado's first K-12 robotics and coding integrator. Commutes to Downtown Denver run 45–50 minutes off-peak via I-25, with Boulder 20–25 minutes away. Nearly 99,000 residents get access to NextLight, the city-owned gigabit fiber network at $69.95/month; Union Reservoir's 700-acre swim beach; and 12+ breweries including Left Hand and Wibby Brewing.
Communities in the same region, same county, or a similar price tier as Longmont.
Longmont is served by St. Vrain Valley School District (RE-1J), rated A− by Niche. The district includes Longmont HS, Silver Creek HS, and Skyline HS. St. Vrain is known for its STEM focus, including K-12 robotics and coding integration and the Innovation Center for STEM/CTE programs. It is the same district that serves Erie and Frederick. Enrollment zones vary — always verify by address before purchasing.
Longmont’s median home price ranges from $530K to $580K as of 2026, making it the most affordable large city in Boulder County. New construction is available in Harvest Junction and 66 West developments. At roughly $200K less than Boulder, it offers Boulder County access at a significantly lower price point.
Longmont offers Union Reservoir with 700+ acres, a swimming beach, paddleboarding, and fishing — a rare lake lifestyle amenity on the Front Range. St. Vrain Greenway Trail runs 17+ miles through the city. Sandstone Ranch provides 300 acres of community park space, and Button Rock Preserve features Ralph Price Reservoir with hiking (permit required).
Longmont’s violent crime rate is 3.5 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate is 27.3 per 1,000 residents, per NeighborhoodScout and FBI UCR data. These rates are stable and considered typical for a city of approximately 100,000 residents, though higher than the national average.
Longmont’s cost of living index is 141, or 41% above the national average, driven primarily by housing. However, it is the most affordable large city in Boulder County at $530K–$580K median. The property tax rate is approximately 0.54% (city mill levy 13.42), and the combined sales tax rate is 8.715%. A major cost advantage is NextLight — city-owned gigabit fiber internet at $69.95/mo.
Longmont has 200+ restaurants and a thriving craft beer scene with 12+ breweries, 2 distilleries, and St. Vrain Cidery. Notable spots include: • Left Hand Brewing — nationally distributed, flagship Boston Ave taproom • Wibby Brewing — 2023 GABF Brewery of the Year, lager-focused • Oskar Blues — craft-beer-in-cans pioneer, Tasty Weasel taproom • 300 Suns Brewing — downtown community taproom The Longmont Farmers Market runs Saturdays in summer.
