Dreams do come true. Ask the group of prominent Chicago men who in 1870 sold memberships to “The Chicago-Colorado Colony” on some barren land that they enriched with a vision. Yes, the unusual birth of the town of Longmont reflects the determination of the people who have settled here. The folks from Chicago built large irrigation ditches to divert river water, magically turning the dry, rich soil into a fertile crescent of sorts. The renowned agricultural area produced wheat, fruit trees, peas, then sugar beets, and in present day you will even see a happy field of sunflowers smiling back as you trot on through the back pastures.
Not all are horse pastures around here. But you will find horse property in Longmont and houses for sale in Longmont that will accommodate horses nearby. Thriving horse farms and horse ranches in Longmont and equestrian real estate in Longmont add the perfect touch of serenity to the landscape.
Located at an elevation of 4,979 feet, halfway between Boulder and Loveland in Boulder County, Longmont was awarded the 2006 All-American City Award. Judges must have counted the exquisite culinary options, an exciting art scene, extraordinary self-sufficiency in employment opportunities, verdant golf courses and swimming pools, recreation centers and exercise gyms, 1500 acres of parks and open space, plus proximity to the scenic Trail Ridge Road, the Mile High City, Boulder and Fort Collins.
Or maybe they noted the popular Farmer’s Market, the Festival on Main with music, rides and food, the Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Patch, the Oktoberfest showcasing local and nationally recognized performers and thousands of concert goers, the Art walks, the Halloween Parade, the Veterans Day Parade, the Hometown Holiday Parade with beautifully lit Christmas floats. Oh, but the clincher was probably the annual Colorado State Junior Chili Championship and the Mountain States Chili Cook off!
Well-developed services for people of all ages along with a myriad of churches and religions reflect the influx of people from around the globe who migrated here to help tend the fields. The Cheyenne, Dakota, Arapaho and Comanche have all traveled through, but the Swedes, Germans, Mexicans and Japanese have been mainstays for a century. (And way back 10,000-12,000 years ago, the Clovis people, the Folsom people and the Plano people also tried to make it in these parts but needed more water.)
Actually, in modern times, according to the Software & Information Industry Association, the Boulder/Longmont area has the highest concentration of software-related jobs in the nation. Major employers such as Seagate Technologies, Longmont United Hospital, ConAgra Foods (turkey), Maxtor Corporation (computer disk drives), Intrado (software), Amgen Biotech, and McLane Western (groceries) do add stability to the area. But small business adds interest and a hometown feel that people love. Must have all started with JC Penney who started his first store in this town!
The St. Vrain Valley School District serves children and adults. The district strives to be an exemplary school district guided by a clear vision and supported by a strategic plan that focuses on student achievement, well-being and partnerships. But you may have to look a bit further for equine education. There are youth horse bowls; 4-H shows; hippo logy contests that allow contestants to demonstrate horse knowledge in the four phases of examination, stations, a team problem and horse judging; horse rescue; and an enticing list of equestrian skills to master and showcase. These do help the child’s character bloom in the process!
