Someday the rich coal beds under Louisville, Colorado may crystallize into diamonds. But today Louisville sparkles because it's people sparkle. Chosen the #1 City to Raise a Family in 2006 and #5 Best City to Live in the USA in 2005, Louisville's community of 19,000 must have some well-kept secrets.
The magnificent views along the Front Range are no secret. Neither are the beautiful horse estates in Louisville or the lovely fenced equestrian properties in Boulder County. And the stately homes for sale in Louisville, Louisville ranches and old farms in Boulder county for sale—these do all add value. The excellent location six miles from Boulder real estate and only 25 miles to the Great Denver metropolis does help. But the people, themselves, are the X-factor of the community's success.
Gleanings from history: In August 1877 the Welch Mine was opened here and Louis Nawatny turned his farmland into a town named after himself. The miners lived in town and walked to work in the mines. Known as a "safe" mining area, people came from all over the United States and Europe to work here. Interestingly, they worked together but lived with their own relatives and fellow countrymen in ethnically separated neighborhoods. Over 30 mines have operated in the area and the last one closed in 1952.
The modern townspeople, however, have taken advantage of their mining heritage and multicultural populace to move the city forward. Keeping the best of the deep values and traditions of their forefathers and entwining a progressive outlook with a lot of heart—the citizens have come up with a winning ticket.
Where else can you go for a Spaghetti Open Golf Tournament? A Parade of Lights with community musical entertainment, a living manger, a petting zoo and topped off with a parade of lighted floats? The downtown Street Faire in summer and the Winter Skate when it's cold? How about the Freedom Scramble at the Creek, Picnic in the Park, Wireworks at Coal Creek, festivals, an Annual Senior Dinner, the Coal Creek 5k Race, a dog show, a Labor Day Parade, a Pie Baking Contest, a Holiday Parade of Homes, a Business Showcase, horse shows, and 1700 acres of designated open space?
What about the very involved parents? And how about the excellent schools run by the Boulder Valley School District that includes community programs and lifelong learning with a goal of "challenging students to achieve their creative academic and physical potential in order to become responsible contributing citizens."
And, historic Main Street is lined with the charming and quaint. Look for excellent cuisine to please any palate, small shops and friendly shopkeepers, and a thriving modern economy. Where mining left off, manufacturing plants have opened, providing employment and attracting new residents. The growing technology corridor has boosted the efficiency of local businesses and there is room for growth in Centennial Valley and the Colorado Tech Center.
And all of this next door to endless miles of mountain wilderness, the diamond in the rough.
So, back to the diamonds...listen patiently for the change in the sound of the hoof beat. It may take 65,000 years. But you're bound to know when you are galloping on crystal ground!
