Longmont, CO 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Longmont is located an hour away from Denver in northeastern Boulder County, Colorado. Its ideal location and all four seasons have made it a desirable option for retirees. Besides that, the city is home to a quaint downtown and a close-knit community. From forest preserves to mountains, Longmont is a hub for exploration. 

Climate and Geography

Longmont is a small city located in the northern half of Colorado. Summers are sunny and hot, and winters can be very cold and windy. Residents can expect to see more rain than the national average and over 200 sunny days each year. 

Longmont is built mostly on rural land where residents can find plenty of forest preserves, state parks, and reservoir parks. The city is also home to Longs Peak, a prominent mountain in Colorado. 

Recreation, Culture, and Entertainment

Longmont is known for having many outdoor activities and greenspaces. St. Vrain State Park, Rabbit Mountain, and Ron Stewart Preserve are all popular locations where residents take tours and go hiking, sightseeing, and camping. The city has other agricultural areas and centers as well, including Sunflower Farm and Sandstone Park, which offer camps and trainings where visitors can learn farming skills, take a tour, or interact with different animals.

Longmont is also home to many historic museums. Throughout the city, residents can find plenty of breweries, restaurants, and local markets. Those looking for more amenities can visit Denver, which is only an hour's drive outside the city.

Cost of Living 

The cost of living in Longmont is higher than the national average. This is mainly because of high housing and transportation costs. Other categories, including groceries and utilities, are below the national average.

While Colorado does tax Social Security benefits and other retirement income, they are largely deductible. For retirees 55 to 64, the deduction is $20,000, and for retirees 65 and older, the deduction is $24,000. Longmont's sales tax rate of 3.53 percent is much lower than the national average. Property taxes are also low, and the state offers a relief program aimed at retirees. 

Health Care 

The Denver metro area scores very well on Gallup's Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 15 communities across the country.

There are two hospitals and medical centers in Longmont. They are Longmont United Hospital and Boulder Community Health, the latter of which is rated high performing by U.S. News in two procedures. Just an hour outside Longmont in Denver are two other high performing hospitals: National Jewish Health-Denver and SCL Health Saint Joseph Hospital.